In a country as steeped in history and culture as Italy, it would be impossible to overlook the importance of Volterra, one of the lesser known hilltop towns in Tuscany. Its rich Etruscan heritage and extensive collection of medieval and Renaissance art, sees this tiny Tuscan gem as a destination in its own right; and its close proximity to Siena, San Gimignano and Pisa makes it an ideal base from which to explore the rest of the region. Walking in Italy is practically a national pastime and the area around Volterra also offers some of the most beautiful hiking in the country.
Santorini offers visitors with one of the most distinctive images of Greece, that of the white-washed buildings and their blue-domed roofs. The island is known for its spectacular sunsets, which feature on many tourist postcards of the island. If its beauty encourages those to book holidays walking in Greece's most serene isle, it is perhaps this beauty that lent to it the legend that Santorini was the original Atlantis.
Shrouded in mystery and intrigue, the history of Lycia is not as clear or well-documented as that of many other cultures. However what is known is that the fierce independence of the Lycians, which was much admired by their Greek neighbours, led them to form the world's first free government. While other city-states fought amongst themselves, the Lycian Federation kept the cities of Lycia in a peaceful unity that was envied by many other cultures. Today, if you are visiting Turkey, walks in the National Parks along the Lycian Way allow you to follow in the footsteps of these political founders and wander the ruins of their cities enjoying the same sense of peace that the Lycians cherished.
Ever read a book that's moved you enough to want to peel back the pages and step through an imaginary door into the world of the characters, and that's described the place to you in such vivid mouth-watering detail that you felt you could almost reach out and touch the landscape through the paper in your hands? You know you have. The massive, magnificent continent of South America has been the inspiration for many authors of some classic novels which have become the tomes of our times.
Few can deny the beauty of South Africa, nor can it be denied that the best way to discover this beauty is on foot. South Africa hiking will lead you along winding coastal paths where waves crash below, up mountain peaks overlooking oceans and metropolitan centres, through areas of low bushveld, and through lush green forests. With so much variety in one country, you can pick and choose your favourite areas for hiking, with each corner of South Africa offering something different.
With a climate dictated on two sides by Spain and on the other two by the warm North Atlantic region, Portugal is a destination blessed with enviable weather practically year-round. With over three hundred days of sunshine annually, planning walking holidays in Portugal is simply a matter of where, not when! Depending on the region, weather can be as varied as the wonderfully diverse terrain you will encounter in Portugal. In the mountainous north and the central region winters are far chillier than in the coastal Algarve, but each region, and each season, has its own special highlights.
On the island nation of New Zealand, tramping isn't just a word but rather it is a national pastime enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. The word 'tramping' may be unknown to most people outside of the country, but the recreational activity is simply known elsewhere as hiking or bushwalking. To be more precise, tramping usually involves walking New Zealand's rugged terrain, carrying all the equipment needed for your trip. A night stay is usually a part of tramping and this can take the form of an overnight campout in one of New Zealand's National Parks. With fourteen national parks in total there are so many beautiful areas for you to explore on a New Zealand walking holiday.
With its majestic mountains, raging rivers and breathtaking scenery, when it comes to walking holidays, New Zealand is certainly the destination of choice. And no South Island adventure is complete without a stop in the spirited town of Queenstown. But if the thrills of bungee jumps and canyon swings are a little too adventurous or would leave you a little weak at the knees to say the least, you may prefer to explore the quaint towns surrounding Queenstown.
Crete is known as the most beautiful of the Greek Islands, with a captivating mountainous landscape rich in scenic vegetation. While Crete is beautiful all year round, it is in springtime that this island becomes truly magical, when it is covered in spring flowers. Walking in Crete in springtime gives you the opportunity to experience the phenomenal views and budding vegetation.
The Lake District in the north west of England is one of the most beautiful places to visit when on a UK hiking holiday. With its unique wildlife, beautiful lakes and tall fells, it is a popular hiking destination. Learn about the sites worth seeing, the local wildlife and the literary greats who have been inspired by the region.
Being a particularly beautiful Greek Island, hiking in Samos is a popular activity. With ancient ruins, hilltop monasteries, rocky mountains and stretching beaches, walking in Samos offers something for everyone. Here are 5 of best the sights to see and places to visit.
Expert Author: Tony Maniscalco | Category: Religion Being a country steeped in a rich religious history, an English walking break can provide insight into the path Christianity took in the UK. Walking holidays make for pleasant ways in which to discover the lives of saints gone by, while enjoying the beauty the scenery provides.
Expert Author: Tony Maniscalco | Category: Vacations If you’re fortunate enough to be going walking in Greece through a cool pleasant spring or a warm balmy summer, you’ll need to remember a few absolute essentials. Here’s a list of 5 unforgettable items that you’ll need to take with you to make the most of your holiday in the land of golden light, classical myths and a warm people.
Expert Author: Tony Maniscalco | Category: Vacations There’s plenty in Tuscany both for the connoisseur and for those who want to spend their holidays walking in Italy. Imagine a day of seeing the sites, sampling some wine and then taking an after-dinner walk. Italy is the perfect place to do it. Tuscany in particular is full of good food, wine, city culture, and countryside scenery perfect for walking holidays.
The Da Vinci Code created a lot of controversy when it was first released in 2006 and its prequel ‘Angels and Demons’ looks set to do the same in May 2009. The film was already snubbed by the Vatican during filming, but with many tour companies already offering themed holidays around Rome, one thing it’s certain to do is introduce more tourists to the ancient city.
Expert Author: Tony Maniscalco | Category: Vacations Greece, an ancient Hellenic country is steeped in myth and legend and hiking through Greece gives you a chance to explore some of the lesser known ancient sites that may have once been revered in history but now remain overshadowed by their grander neighbours.
Some of the greatest figures in history have been wanderers and travellers, content only when on journeys of discovery. In tribute to some of these iconic figures, and to provide something to muse upon on your next trekking holiday, the following is a guide to five of these outstanding individuals.
Interested in taking a walking holiday in France but don’t know where to go? From the high mountains of the Alps to the lush inland countryside of the Loire Valley and Burgundy, here are six of the best destinations for a French walking holiday.
With worldwide trekking growing ever more popular, it’s easy to forget that some of the world’s finest walking country and most beautiful peaks are located just on your doorstep. The mountains of the UK may not be able to match the Alps or the Himalaya for size and sheer spectacle, but they provide breathtaking vistas and enjoyable routes for walkers of all levels of experience.
From the Dolomites to the Dordogne, the Lycian Way to the Tour du Mont Blanc, Europe is home to some of the best mountain ranges and famous walking routes in the world. Learn more about six of the best routes and destinations for a European walking holiday.
