Our take on ‘all-inclusive’ tours
Many companies offer “all-inclusive” holidays but we believe that ours genuinely fall into this category and would like to be clear about exactly what we offer:
Experienced and knowledgeable guides
It is our policy for one of the company owners, Jackie and Mick, to accompany each tour to guarantee and maintain consistent quality on all the trips. We research the tours ourselves and have an intimate knowledge of and passion for each area. There are always two team members on all tours – we are ably assisted by a delightful group of like-minded, experienced people who enjoy what they do as much as we do – so there is always someone on hand to look after your every need.
Beautiful accommodation
The hotels we stay in are locally owned and often family-run. We hand pick hotels which offer quality, comfort, a friendly welcome and a touch of luxury. The hoteliers we work with fully understand and support our aims to share to best of their regions with our guests and we think of them as part of the Hedonistic Hiking family. We do have a small single supplement but the rooms allocated for single occupancy are always equal to rooms occupied by two.
All meals including wine
We take great care to select delicious menus each evening and dine in a variety of outstanding restaurants. Menus, celebrating the best local cuisine, are matched to a range of excellent local wines. We always serve at least two different wines with dinner, and often more, to ensure guests experience the very best of the area. The consumption of wine is never measured or portion controlled.
Gourmet picnic lunches and snacks en route
Lunches are usually alfresco picnics. The Tour Manager shops daily for local specialities with which to prepare a fresh and tasty spread for hungry hikers. We endeavour to support local producers and will also serve an easy-drinking local wine with lunch – just as the locals do!
Museum visits and food/wine tastings
We want our guests to experience everything the region has to offer so we include visits to museums, churches, gardens, wineries, chocolatiers and cheese producers. Entrance fees for all such visits are included. We also like to treat our guests every now and then: whether it be a stop whilst hiking in a local bar for a cappuccino mid-morning or a cold beer at the end of a hike.
Support vehicle, enabling you to walk as little or as much as you please
Guests are transported throughout the duration of the tour in two nine-seater air-conditioned minibuses. We aim to make the itineraries flexible so one can walk as little or as much of the trail as desired. Luggage is transported for you so all you need to carry is a small backpack with water, layers, camera and so on. There are a few high mountain days with no road access, but on these days both guides hike with the group and carry the picnic lunch.
Comprehensive pre-trip information
In addition to standard pre-tour information we are always available to offer advice on pre or post tour activities. Moreover our website is full of extra information which is constantly updated to help you plan your holiday.
Although tipping in Italy is not expected, as it might be in the US for example, it is nevertheless appreciated for good service. During our tours we take care of tipping on behalf of the group for all staff in the hotels and restaurants we use, and for individuals such as city guides. It is entirely at the group’s discretion if they wish to give a token of their appreciation to the Tour Manager.
So, you can see that we have thought of everything and everything is genuinely included. The only things you might have to buy are presents for friends and family back home or the odd refreshment if you are out and about exploring on your own.
One of the recurring themes in the feedback which we receive from guests is that they consider the tours to be great value for money. See comments on our Testimonials page for more.
