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 destination for hikers.

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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!

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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 have not planned well ahead....

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Matera

Matera is arguably the most remarkable town in Southern Italy. Its famous "sassi" are cave dwellings, which have been carved out of the rock ravine in tiers over centuries of human occupation. The caves were, unbelievably, home to over half the population of the town right up until the...

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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!  We take a look at three of Italy's best iced drinks and the stories behind these cooling treats.

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Celebrating ten tours!

British couple David and Rosanne Hughes have reached the fantastic milestone in 2024 of completing 10 tours with Hedonistic Hiking.  Annabel spoke to them about their experiences with us and what tours they might be eyeing up for the future.

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Italy's Greatest Palios

Dating back to medieval times, Italy’s Palios traditionally involved horses or other animals in a competitive racing challenge but, over the years, have adapted to include other elements that range from jousting to barrel rolling. Today, visiting a Palio, or being in town during the run-up...

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Ferrara - City of the Renaissance

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 city that has retained its historic centre intact’, culturally, Ferrara was one of Italy’s...

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Best Books on Walking

Following on from this month's Blog about Pilgrim Paths, we have focused on three female writers who found, through walking, resolution to issues in their lives which seemed at the outset insurmountable. The inspirational on-foot journey's documented in their books took each of them...

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Via Francigena

Italy's Pilgrim Paths

Italy's Pilgrim Paths still attract many walkers today, even if a religious motivation is no longer the reason for setting off.  The trails are peppered with architectural and artistic masterpieces and walking off the beaten tracks means fewer tourists and a more peaceful experience.

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