Following on from last month's interview with a Hedonistic Hiker with 20 tours under his belt, this month we talked to Cathy Samson who completed her first tour in September 2023.

Every town in Italy has a patron saint and each one has a day in the year dedicated to its celebration, known locally as the "Festa del Santo Patrono."  Festivities may also include live music, dancing, fireworks, historical costumes and food showcasing local specialities. All the...

We are lucky to work in Italy when it comes to rustling up picnic lunches because the selection of ingredients is extensive, high quality and delicious. Anyone who has hiked with us will remember the joy of coming to a pretty spot along the trail to find a table laden with lunchtime goodies...

May and June in Europe are two of the best months to see gardens in full bloom.  Many tours include visits to gardens, and others offer time to visit under your own steam.  Here are three of our favourites.

In 2023 Chris Bell completed an impressive 20 tours with Hedonistic Hiking. First joining us in 2008, he has been a regular visitor to Italy ever since and many of our guests will remember hiking with him across the peninsula. And he's not stopping at 20!  We are looking forward to seeing...

Autumn is the season when we start to see pumpkins appearing in Italy's shops and markets. They are loved here for being a fabulously versatile ingredient which can be used in both savoury and sweet dishes.

One of the highlights of our Etruscan Trails in Central Italy tour is our hotel stay immersed in the Tuscan landscape that surrounds Montepulciano. But the town’s midway location right in the heart of Italy makes it an ideal top or tail to any central Italy tour, an opportunity to explore...

Portoferraio is the capital city of the island of Elba, in the Tuscan archipelago. The third largest island in Italy, it has rich mineral deposits and has been mined for hundreds of years for its iron ore - hence the name Portoferraio - meaning Iron Port.  We visit this attractive city...

2024 will see us returning to the border area between France and Italy, hiking in two stunning National Parks which are home to a unique cultural and natural heritage. On the French side is the Mercantour National Park and on the Italian side the Maritime Alps National Park....

Orvieto is one of Umbria's most striking towns.  It's gothic cathedral is a must-see for visitors but the town is also famous for its white wines, which have been cultivated in the region since the time of the Etruscans.