Blog
Academic travel articles, written by our expert tour leaders.
The Academy Journal
Written by our specialist tour leaders, these articles explore hidden gems, historical events and artistic masterpieces, enriching your upcoming travels with their unique perspectives.
Sort by Topic and Tour Leader below.
VIEW BY TOUR LEADER
- Academy Travel 13
- Ben Churcher 1
- Bernadette Drabsch 2
- Chris Carter 3
- Christopher Bradley 1
- Deborah Trentham 1
- Eireann Marshall 2
- Garth Gilmour 1
- Jeni Ryde 2
- John Tidmarsh 1
- Kate Bolton-Porciatti 1
- Lauren Mackay 2
- Matthew Dal Santo 1
- Michael Adcock 1
- Mike Turner 2
- Mindy MacLeod 1
- Neil Moore 2
- Peter McNeil 2
- Richard Bell 1
- Robert Veel 1
- Sophie Oosterwijk 1
- Stephen Wilkinson 1
- Stuart Barrie 2
Brescia & its Astonishing Museum of Santa Giulia
Few people would put Brescia, the 2nd largest city in Lombardy, near the top of their list of places to visit in Italy – perhaps because it is such an industrial city and associated with steel and arms manufacturing. Walking along the historical streets of the city, sipping the famous bubbly Franciacorta made in the province and, above all, visiting its historical heart
Abruzzo
In an era of mass tourism with Italy amongst the world’s most popular destinations, it can come as a surprise to find that there are still entire regions in the country which are virtually unknown to the international traveller. But such is the case with the region of Abruzzo, nestling in the centre of the peninsular to the east of Rome. I first came to Italy in 1980 with the usual expectations of a place
Unveiling the Enigma
Nestled in the heart of Italy, the Etruscans created Italy’s most fascinating and enigmatic culture prior to the emergence of Rome. Flourishing from the 9th down to the 3rd century BCE, they played a pivotal role in mediating the arrival of Greek and Eastern Mediterranean influence in the Italian peninsular and it was, above all, to them that the Romans looked in the early stages of their emergence as a
Highlights of Chianti
Stretching between Florence and Siena, nestled in the heart of Tuscany, is the romantic Chianti region – well known for its rolling green hills dotted with vineyards, terra-cotta-roofed towns and wine-soaked dinners. And while the copious amounts of red wine are well worth the visit, there is plenty more on offer for the cultural traveller amid Chianti’s winding roads and rolling hills.
La Foce
The estate of La Foce, located in the heart of Tuscany, is a beautiful testament to the creativity and passion of its creator, the British-born writer and historian, Iris Origo. Iris created La Foce as a refuge from the pressures of her busy life, and today it remains a tranquil oasis in the heart of Tuscany, where visitors can experience what is now considered one of Italy’s most beautiful private gardens.
Beyond Botticelli - 10 things to also do in Florence
You’ve waited in line to see Michelangelo’s David and you’ve sighed over Botticelli’s Birth of Venus – so what else shouldn’t you miss in Florence, the cradle of the Italian Renaissance? Here’s 10 things to add to your to-list next time you’re in Florence