Meet our team

Jackie

Born and raised in England, I studied languages from an early age and developed a passion for Latin cultures. I speak French, Spanish and fluent Italian. I have led tours in Europe since 1992, specialising in walking tours in Italy since 2000. My first degree in Spanish took me to the mountains of Mexico and to the South American Andes, where I took part in a Raleigh International expedition to Chile. My enthusiasm for Italy developed alongside my love of its art, history, culture, food, wine and people. I have studied Italian art and culture with the Open University. As a Teacher of Modern Languages in the UK, I was a fully qualified expedition leader for the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Mick

Born in Victoria, Australia, I grew up with the outdoors at my doorstep so my love of nature and knowledge of the Australian bush developed from an early age. I trained as a chef and subsequently worked throughout Australia before travelling to Europe where I was inspired by the flavours of the Mediterranean. My love of Italy motivated me to learn the language and study its history, and that of European settlement in Australia. I have worked in the hospitality and tourism business for twenty-three years and have led tours in Australia and Europe. For the past 7 years I have led walking and gourmet trips throughout Italy, including a 240km walk along the pilgrim route from Siena to Rome and a 2-week gourmet trip in the south of Italy.

Us

We have combined our experience, expertise and enthusiasm to create Hedonistic Hiking. As the name suggests, at Hedonistic Hiking we ensure your walking experience is pure pleasure. Our graded walks are designed for those with a desire to experience the great outdoors in style. We pride ourselves on the excellent relationships we have developed with all our suppliers and we endeavour to support local businesses as much as possible. We offer longer continuous walks for those who want a challenge plus more leisurely trips for the less energetic. Fabulous itineraries - from half-day walks to longer adventures - combined with wonderful food, wine and accommodation. We offer an exclusive selection of fully-inclusive guided walks in Australia and Italy. No hidden costs - the trip price represents the true cost of your trip. In addition, we have the expertise to design your perfect trip, tailor-made to your every desire. We have both successfully completed the acclaimed Leaders' Wilderness Advanced First Aid course with the Wilderness Medical Institute of Australia. You will be in good hands with Mick and Jackie at the helm, and are guaranteed to have a fabulous holiday.

"Always cheerful and gave excellent information on food and wine with such enthusiasm. Nothing was too much trouble."   C.S - Liverpool

"Good in history, very patient with slower walkers, easygoing and very friendly."   T.C - Norwich

Our Partners
The following people work with us on our tours or offer services or tours which are complimentary to our own.

Cinny Andrews: Italian Tour Guide
I was born in Spain and raised all round the world in countries as far flung as Colombia and South Korea whilst studying in the UK where I got a degree in Spanish and Portuguese. Over the years I have done all sorts of odd jobs from looking after saturation divers in the North Sea to working as a ski rep to cooking on super yachts in the Med, finally becoming the Regional Director in Mexico for Global Vision International, a UK company running conservation and community expeditions with volunteers. Over this past year I took time out to study art and photography and to sail across the Atlantic which was a dream come true. I have grown up fascinated by different cultures, cuisine, the natural world and conservation issues, believing that education and sustainable tourism is the way forward to protecting beautiful parts of our world such as these areas of Italy and Australia.

Cinzia Long: Italian Tour Guide


I graduated in Forestry and Environmental Science and enjoyed a spell as chef in Europe's highest manned refuge. I was born in Piedmont and raised in the Valle d'Aosta, the Alpine region in the north west of Italy. My love of food and cooking began in my mother's kitchen and developed during a period later in life when I became the manager of a small, exclusive hotel in central Tuscany. Working as a walking guided in Italy's most beautiful corners has allowed me to explore my love of nature and walking. Nowadays I am based in the UK where I am a director of Rare & Organic, an independent merchant of quality wine and speciality food direct from the source.





Freya Middleton: Florence Tour Guide

Contact Freya




Sue Humphrey: Food and Wine Events in East Anglia (UK)
Born and educated in London, Sue has lived in Norfolk for thirty years. From an early age Sue's father encouraged her interest in food, and many a happy Sunday afternoon was spent perfecting the art of the Victoria Sponge cake! Occasionally wine was served at the dinner table and Sue was allowed a very small glass, but not without first savouring its aromas and flavours. From such beginnings, passions develop ... After many years in catering and the retail wine trade, Sue decided it was time to start her own business. She conducts wine tastings, for groups and organisationswhich are informal and informative in style and with the emphasis on the enjoyment of food and wine matching. Sue also offers private catering - celebrations being a speciality.
Contact Sue
Tel. 01953 452296
Mob. 07932 617038

Rachel Potts: Rome Tour Guide
Born in England but raised in a lakeside village just north of Rome I was convinced I was English until I went to the UK to complete a BA in Philosophy and French. After graduating from Manchester University and taking a course in Garden Design, my love for Italy brought me back to the area near Rome where I became a botanical guide at the Gardens of Ninfa. This seasonal role I combined with leading groups, firstly tours for students "racing" across Europe, but then more in depth walking tours through rural Tuscany, Umbria, Sicily, Liguria and Basilicata. After a number of years living out of a suitcase I chose to focus entirely on Rome, 9 years ago I took the public exams to be a local guide and have been showing people round the Eternal City ever since. I am still fascinated by Rome's seemingly endless depth and influence and most of all I feel lucky that I have a chance to share this interest with others. Contact Rachel.

Karen Platzer: Wanderlust Holidays New Zealand
An independent New Zealand company that has been specialising in active small group holidays since 1988. Karen and her friendly experienced guides take care of the hassles of travel, ensuring clients have a stress-free, relaxing holiday. Our holidays are small and personalised with a maximum of 14 participants per group. We travel at a more leisurely pace, meet the local people and really get the feel of a country. We believe that after a great day exploring, a comfy bed in a small family-run hotel and a delicious meal are essential. Flexibility is also important - our clients have the freedom to spend a day at the beach or visiting a museum instead of the planned walk, or to share a romantic meal with a loved one rather than join the group for dinner. Fabulous itineraries in New Zealand and beyond.

Carmellina Ricciardello: Sicilian Experience
Sicilian Experience advocates sustainable tourism in the island of Sicily. Based near Cefalù, the company supports local community projects and encourages the local population to adopt sustainable tourism policies. Sicilian Experience has a range of properties to let and Carmellina also organizes walking tours and tailor made holidays which can include cooking classes, cheese-making with shepherds and visits to places of interest.


PLUS: For holidays worldwide and a plethora of Travel Tips. 

Contact Us
info@hedonistichiking.com.au	(Australia) +61 (03) 5755 2307