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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.

Hilltop Towns of Northern & Central Italy
History Dr Jeni Ryde History Dr Jeni Ryde

Hilltop Towns of Northern & Central Italy

Across northern and central Italy, a chain of fortified hilltop towns rises above plains, valleys and river crossings – small urban worlds shaped by rivalries, pilgrim routes and the need for protection. Their walls, towers and compact residential quarters offer some of the clearest surviving evidence of Italy’s medieval past. For travellers following the historic routes from Aosta and Ivrea through Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany

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Unveiling the Enigma
History, Archaeology Neil Moore History, Archaeology Neil Moore

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

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