Sardinia is known around Europe for its wonderful coastline and turquoise waters, but head inland and the island offers so much more than soaking up the sun on the nearest beach. Here are five of our favourite reasons to visit.
Autumn Hiking in Italy
Jackie's latest guest article for US online magazine Sixty & Me looks at reasons to visit Italy in its autumn season. First of all the colours of the changing trees are a big draw, along with the flavours of the seasonal ingredients which are being harvested and...
Best things to see and do in the Derbyshire Peak District
Derbyshire’s Peak District National Park was the UK’s very first national park, created in 1951, and now covers more than 555 square miles. Crisscrossed by miles of footpaths and cycle trails, and with moors, dales and spectacular views, it’s a wonderful...
Visit Victoria’s High Country
Victoria's High Country, located in the north east of the region, is a breathtaking destination with a mix of rugged landscapes, outdoor adventures, rich history and fantastic food & wine. Here are five reasons why you should be planning a visit soon!...
Exploring Italy without the crowds
Jackie's latest guest article for US online magazine Sixty & Me looks at how to enjoy travelling in Italy without the crowds. Cities like Venice are now charging day-trippers, and the popularity of sites in Florence and Rome can lead to long queues if you...
Matera
Matera is arguably the most remarkable town in Southern Italy. Its famous “sassi”, troglodyte cave dwellings, have been inhabited since the 8th century BC, and the caves were home to over half the town’s population right up until the 1950s. It is the final stop on our Southern Italy hike and is a true highlight of the tour.
3 of Italy’s Best Iced Drinks
Here in Italy we are at the height of summer and the hot temperatures have us reaching for something cold! The technique of preserving and using snow or ice to create refreshing drinks in summer months was known to ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and...
Celebrating ten tours!
British couple David and Rosanne Hughes have reached the fantastic milestone this year of completing 10 tours with Hedonistic Hiking. Annabel spoke to them about their experiences with us and what tours they have their eyes on for the future. How did you first...
Italy’s Greatest Palios
Jackie's latest guest article for US online magazine Sixty & Me looks at some of Italy's most spectacular festivals. Dating back to medieval times, Italy’s Palios traditionally involved horses or other animals in a competitive racing challenge but, over the...
Ferrara – City of the Renaissance
Sitting to the northeast of Bologna in the Emilia Romagna region, Ferrara is often overlooked by visitors to northern Italy, despite being one of its most charming small cities. Awarded UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status for being a ‘superb example of a Renaissance...
Italy’s Pilgrim Paths
Italy's most famous pilgrim trail is known as the Via Francigena. This ancient route connected Canterbury in the UK through France and on to Rome and was undertaken by pilgrims more or less from the 4th century onwards. Originally this epic journey would...
Best Books on Walking
Writers Who Walk Following on from this month's Blog about Pilgrim Paths, I started to think about writers who have found, through walking, resolution to issues in their lives which seemed at the outset insurmountable. The inspirational on-foot journey's...
Bologna: Italy’s culinary capital
Bologna may lag slightly behind Florence and Rome when it comes to art treasures, but when it comes to food, the city is in a class of its own, rapidly gaining ground as the country’s food capital. Let’s just say it’s not called ‘la grassa’ (‘the fat one’) for...
The Tour de France in Florence
For the first time in 2024 the prestigious Tour de France cycle race will start in Italy. The "Grand Départ" as it is known will happen in Florence on Saturday 29th June, from the historic centre of town. The first two stages will take place in the Apennines...
The Best Wines of Corsica
Historically, the wines of Corsica have not been widely known beyond its shores. The island is closer to Italy than it is to France in both geographical terms and in its language, as well as through many grape varieties which have Italian origins. Shining a light on...
Mountain lover or beachcomber?
Jackie's latest guest article for US online magazine Sixty & Me looks at the benefits of a mountain holiday over a beach break. If you're searching for inspirational views, silence and tranquillity and lots of fresh air, then you too might be an orophile...
Packing Tips for Hiking Trips
The key message for anyone joining a Hedonistic Hiking tour is "less is more"! If you have travelled with us before, you will be aware that we transport you in two 9-seater minivans with limited luggage space. We can happily accommodate medium-sized...
The Best Wines of Sardinia
Wine is an integral part of Sardinia’s history and economy, with archaeological discoveries pointing to a winemaking heritage dating back at least to Roman times and possibly even the Phoenicians before them. Grapes are grown all over the island and a good...
Venice enforces Entry Fee
Following the announcement of new tourist rules for Venice this year, the platform for day-trippers to purchase the €5 fee to enter the city launched on January 17th, allowing visitors to make their payment before arriving in the city. The fee does not apply...
Getting Fit for Hiking
We work on our fitness all year round in preparation for our seasons of hiking and we always encourage our guests to start getting fit well before the tours start. The benefits are manifold and lead to an increased level of enjoyment and a reduced risk of...