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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.
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Ikara Flinders Ranges
The Flinders Ranges, as they are today, are the mere stubs of once majestic mountains, which hundreds of millions of years ago would have rivalled the Andes or the Himalayas. The original sediments were laid down over half a billion years ago before uplift, folding and faulting formed a massive mountainous range, followed by the weathering that has left us with the current landform
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
The Alhambra of Granada
Granada is southern Spain’s precious jewel, and for much of the Middle Ages it dangled – like the glowing pomegranate for which it is named – temptingly before the eyes of the Christian conquistadors, who hoped to recapture it from the Muslim dynasties that ruled the city from 711. While the Almohads, who reigned until 1228, were known for their orthodoxy and sometimes repressive regime, the Nasrids
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.
Naples
Venice has its gondolas, Florence has Michelangelo’s David, Rome has the Colosseum and Naples…er, pizza? Despite 3,000 years of history, fine architecture, one of Europe’s greatest art museums, mouth-watering food and a vibrant local culture, many visitors to Italy are put off by Naples’ enigmatic reputation. But Naples is a nuanced and complex city that doesn’t give up its secrets easily
José Martí – Cuba’s Hero
Every visitor to Cuba who lands in Havana arrives at José Martí International Airport. If the visitor is observant, as they walk through the streets, they will notice that outside the entrance to every school stands a bust of a moustachioed slightly balding man. That, too, is José Martí, and when the visitor takes the tour to Revolution Square, where all the great rallies are held
Top 5 Cultural Experiences in Rome
The most extraordinary thing about Rome is its sheer longevity. More than any other city, it has been a centre of the world since it developed an empire, which ruled over a third of the world’s population. The vast range of historic sites, stretching from Etruscan pre-history to the 21st century, creates a destination of unique character, with an unrivalled sense of historical continuity between ancient and modern society.
The Treasures of Lake Mungo
It was Jim Bowler’s fascination with landscape formation that attracted him to the relict lake systems of south-western NSW. The semi-arid environment of this region contains evidence of hundreds of lake-beds – at times some still hold water while the majority are covered with vegetation and have been dry for thousands of years. Professor James Bowler is a geomorphologist whose main interest
The Hidden Treasures of Green Spain
Northern Spain, also known as "Green” Spain, is a region that boasts a distinct culture and history from the rest of Spain. Nestled along the pristine Bay of Biscay, this enchanting region spans the length of the French border to the Atlantic and is comprised of the autonomous regions of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country. With its oceanic climate and lush greenery, it feels like a country apart.