New St Francis Trail, a Scottish Glen for Sale and Crowd-Free Swaps

Skip the crowd anxiety. The useful news for Europe travellers this week is Italy's new 1,500km Saint Francis trail network, plus a crowd-free alternative list that includes swaps for Venice and Lake Como.

Italy: The Way of Francis

Italy has promoted “The Way of Francis, The Way of Light”, a 1,500km network of trails dedicated to Saint Francis, tied to the 800th anniversary of his death according to Euronews. For walkers this is a new long-distance option, not a single path. If you want to combine hiking with Assisi, expect extra crowds around the Papal visit mentioned in the same report, and book accommodation early. Trail details are still emerging, so check the official route before planning daily stages.

Scotland: Finnich Glen is for sale

The ravine used as the Devil’s Pulpit in Outlander season one has been put on the market, reports Euronews. Access rules could change under a new owner, so check the current opening status before driving there. The surrounding countryside still works as a day trip on its own.

Crowd-free dupes

Euronews has also run a list of “dupes” for crowded spots, naming alternatives to Venice, Lake Como and Kyoto (link). The practical takeaway: treat these as a planning filter, not a promise. A dupe can be a charming substitute, but expect differences in infrastructure, crowds and prices. For summer heat, the northern lake options and less-famous canal cities are worth comparing to the originals. If your main goal is fewer crowds and lower cost, the dupe list is a good starting point.