About Us

Your guides: Jackie and Mick Parsons

We met and fell in love in, and with, Italy in the 1990s. Together we created Hedonistic Hiking back in 2007 and since then the company has gone from strength to strength. Our small group walking holidays are designed by us, researched by us and guided by us. Our hiking tours on both sides of the world combine our three great passions in life: outstanding walking, delicious food and fine wine. 

 

 

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, along with that of European settlement in Australia. I have worked in the hospitality and tourism business since 1985 and have led tours in Australia and Europe. For the past 15 years I have guided tours throughout Italy and feel fortunate to call both Italy and Australia home.

 

Our Partners

In order to maintain high standards of personal service, either Jackie or Mick will be one of the guides on each and every tour. On occasions we work on tours together. The following people work with us on our tours or offer services or holidays which are complimentary to our own.

Annabel Purling: Marketing Manager & UK office

I grew up and was educated in England but was lucky enough to spend a month every summer with my family in Tuscany, which sparked my passion for travel and in particular the Italian landscape, its food and its people.   Having graduated from University in French and Philosophy, I went on to work in Corporate Communications and Event Management in London.  After what might be described as an Epiphany moment in 2003 I left the big city behind to start working as a tour guide, which I've loved doing ever since not least because it has taken me to some of the most beautiful and interesting parts of both Italy and France. 

My work with Hedonistic Hiking brings together all aspects of my previous experience and, happily, allows me to eat my way around my favourite country in Europe!  Anyone in the UK with questions about Hedonistic Hiking can reach me on 01858 565148.  Find out more about Annabel in our recent Blog.

Tansy Bjorklund:  Hedonistic Hiking Tour Manager

I was born in Scotland but having studied French and Spanish I was keen to use my languages and work in Europe. A travel company I was working with sent me to Italy and there started a life-long love affair with this amazing country: the food, the people, the history and the landscape are all so special. 

Meanwhile another love affair started in France with a young Swedish man! Eighteen years later we still live in the French Alps and we have two children. Winters are busy teaching skiing in Val d'Isère and then, in the summer, I look forward to escaping from the mountains for a little while to get my "fix" of Italy!  Find out more about Tansy in our recent Blog.

 

Cinzia Long:  Hedonistic Hiking Tour Manager

I was born in the tiny village of Valtournenche in Italy's Aosta Valley and studied Forestry and Environmental Science at the University of Turin. However, I almost immediately found myself working in the world of tourism and hospitality and have stayed there ever since. I am now married to an Englishman, James, and we lived in Heathfield on the South Coast of England running a small Deli specialising in cheese, wine and chocolate!  More recently we have moved back to Italy and our son Carlo, who was born in 2012, keeps us pretty busy when we are not working. 

I first met Jackie and Mick back in 2004 when I was working near where they live in Siena and we have been friends ever since! My tours with Hedonistic Hiking give me the chance to travel around Italy and taste the foods from other regions! Find out more about Cinzia in our recent Blog.

Will Binder: Hedonistic Hiking Tour Manager

Jackie is my aunt and I think our first Italian adventure was when I was about 11 or 12!  Since then I have travelled many times with Jackie and Mick, both in Europe and Australia, and I participated in a number of tours before starting life as a fully-fledged Tour Manager for Hedonistic Hiking.

I've always been a keen humanities student, having studied history and geography at A Level and then going on to study geography at university. My interest has always been more to do with human geography rather than physical geography but both tie in quite neatly with my new involvement in the tourism industry. Since leaving university I have been working as a keyholder at BrewDog bar in Sheffield in the UK, where we sell high quality beers and pizzas.  I have always found the Italian people I've met incredibly friendly and I love the amazing contrasts in the Italian scenery and landscapes. And of course I have to mention the unbelievably delicious food - that goes without saying!

Bogdans Gorvats: Hedonistic Hiking Tour Manager

I was born and grew up in Latvia and later studied in the UK.  I graduated from university with a degree in the Film Industry, but hiking has always been and will forever remain my top priority, with films coming second.  I've hiked in countries such as France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Albania, Greece, Turkey, Montenegro, and Cyprus — ranging from 2-day trips to 10-week expeditions, both in groups and solo, autonomous hiking with the equipment . My longest solo hike lasted 4 weeks.

A personal piece of advice for novice hikers: To all those who have long dreamed of hiking but are unsure if they can — don't be afraid. All the beginners I've ever met later couldn't understand why they were worried.  It's true that hiking isn't always easy, but it's always something that makes you feel truly alive.

Marta Bonaventura: Hedonistic Hiking Tour Manager

I was born in a beautiful town along the river Brenta between Padua and Venice. During my studies in languages and tourism I lived in Canada and the UK, where I found my passion for travel, history, culture and people! It was only after my studies that I decided to move for four years to Melbourne, Australia. I had the opportunity to travel and work in this beautiful country. Those years are my best memories!  Now I live in Tuscany in an ancient house in the countryside with my family: my husband and my special three kids.

I met Jackie and Mick in 2019 during one of their tours while travelling in Tuscany. Since then we have started a very special friendship, surrounded by our passion for travel. Thanks to Hedonistic Hiking I can keep my dreams alive: travelling and meeting new people from around the world, with different cultures and different stories to tell!

Taylor Dal Ponte: Hedonistic Hiking Tour Manager

Having grown up in North Queensland being exposed to adventure travel from a young age, my love for the outdoors and travel were established relatively early on. After high school I completed a BA in Languages and Applied Linguistics, majoring in Italian Language, and later going on to complete a postgraduate degree in Secondary Education: English and Italian. As an Italian teacher, I valued the opportunity to be able to explore not just the linguistic and cultural elements of the language, but discuss and examine all of the micro details of what makes Italy such a fascinating country. When I wasn’t in the classroom, I would fill my days to get out of the city and explore the many surrounding National Parks and reserves.

In 2021 I made the decision to take a break from the profession and a series of unexpected and exciting events landed me in the world of tourism, working as a hiking guide in Central Australia, Tasmania, and now Italy!

Anthony Papalia: Hedonistic Hiking Tour Manager

I was born and raised in Pavia, a picturesque Roman city in the heart of the northern plains of Italy, famous for its historic churches, Roman towers and mosquitoes in summer! My parents being from Calabria, I was lucky enough to spend my vacations down south with my Nonni. One of the things I treasure most about these times is the lunch table being covered with traditional homemade food. For the past ten years I have lived in Australia, in Melbourne mainly. I studied a Diploma in Outdoor Guiding, which changed my life forever. Since then I have guided groups of students and adults on hiking, sea kayaking and rock climbing expeditions across different landscapes in Victoria, Central Australia, and Tasmania.

I am excited to be back in Italy and have the opportunity to share my passion for the country’s beauty, culture, and food with Hedonistic Hiking guests.

 

Our recommended City Guides

Freya Middleton: Florence Tour Guide

Freya Middleton - Hedonistic HikingBorn in Sydney, I have a Bachelor's degree with a double major in French and Art History from Sydney University. I first discovered Europe as a Rotary Youth exchange student in Belgium the year after high school and my passion for art, romance languages, European culture and history was born. During my degree I studied Art history and French language at the Sorbonne in Paris.

I arrived in Florence on a postgrauduate research grant in 2000 and I have never really left. I worked at the Peggy Guggenheim Museum in Venice followed by the Venice Arts Biennale before returning to Florence permanently where I have been conducting tours of the city and its museums for seven years. I cater to all ages and I enjoy bringing the history alive weaving in stories and anecdotes in order to recreate the atmosphere of Renaissance Florence. I am a licensed tour guide for the city and Province of Florence and all its museums.     www.freyasflorence.com    Contact Freya

Rachel Potts: Rome Tour Guide

Rachel Potts - Hedonistic Hiking

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.   Rachel Potts Tours    Contact Rachel.

Alice Salvagnin: Milan Tour Guide

Alice Salvagnin runs private guided tours in Milan and is an experienced guide in the city who comes highly recommended.  She completed a degree in Tourism (IULM University of Communication of Milan) in 2005 and went on to gain a Specialist Degree in the Management of Heritage and Culture (Cattolica University of Milan) in 2008. She collaborates every 6 months with Poleschi Auction House managing relations with foreign customers in the art world and speaks English and French fluently.

Alice will lead our visit to the hidden artistic gems of Milan on our Italian Lakes tour but could be contacted by anyone with time in Milan looking for a private guide to the city. See her email details or visit the website: http://www.milanprivatetours.com/

Fulvia Olivieri: Turin Tour Guide

Fulvia is 100% “torinese” and has been working as a freelancer in incoming tourism for more than 12 years. She studied foreign languages (German, English and French) and in 2002 became a licensed tourist guide for Turin and then in 2011 for Cuneo and the Langhe district as well.

Both cities are located in the Piedmont region in northen Italy,  surrounded by the the beautiful landscape of the western Alps, and they are rich in history, culture, wine and food traditions. Fulvia is passionate about her region and wants to show the very best of it to visitors. She can design bespoke itineraries depending on individual requirements. You can contact Fulvia by email.

Alessandra Antonelli: Pisa Tour Guide

Alessandra was born in Pisa and graduated from the University of Pisa in Foreign Languages, with a thesis on Methodology in Art Criticism. Since 1998 she has been working as a tour leader, and since 2002  has been a licensed tour guide for the City and Province of Pisa. Her tours offer an authentic appreciation of the artistic and cultural background of the area she knows so well, and she is delighted to tailor her tours to suit adults, groups, students or families.

You can contact Alessandra via her email: alessandraantonelli@yahoo.it 

 

Debora Bresciani: Arezzo Tour Guide

I was born and raised and I live in the city of Arezzo.  Driven by curiosity and interest in my city, I became a licensed tourist guide in Italian, English and German. It makes me happy to share my city with those who do not know Arezzo and to see when they appreciate “with the amazement of surprise” the art, history, monuments, wine and food traditions, and the folklore that is on offer.  I like traveling, meeting new people, and spending time with family and friends sharing good food and good wine. What else? I hope to see you soon and do not hesitate to contact me to create a personalized itinerary according to your interests and needs.  www.travelwithdebora.it/en/

 

 

Other tour companies, services and travel websites we recommend:

Dining in Tuscany: Private Chef Services
Orietta Siviero - Hedonistic Hiking

Orietta Siviero is a talented, charismatic and delightful chef based near Siena in Tuscany. She offers a private chef service to guests staying in self-catering villas and apartments in Tuscany, choose from a selection of inspiring menus which showcase the fabulous Tuscan cuisine. Menus can be matched to quality local wines if desired. Orietta is a qualified sommelier and also offers guided wine tastings.

For those interested in a hands-on experience Orietta can provide cookery classes either in-house or in a traditional country kitchen.  She has her own website.   Contact Orietta.

 

Raffaella Forno - Cooking Piemonte

Cooking is my great passion since I was a child and through this project I've thought to share it with you, who love good food and wine.  I've travelled a lot and I've learnt something...flavours, traditions, emotions...I hope to make you live few hours in a cosy and enjoyable atmosphere, here in my own home in the heart of Piedmont. Our cooking classes cover starters, pastas, main courses and desserts: with my help and your work, in 3 hours you will learn how to prepare a menu with 4/5 delicious dishes. Enjoy your course!

Raffaella has her own website.

 

Alpine Valley Getaways

Alpine Valley Getaways offers a wide range of ideas for accommodation in the areas in and around Bright.  They have an excellent website promoting many small businesses offering experiences and activities in the region and you can create your own PLAYLIST, planning your getaway from the comfort of home.  From their site it is easy to contact the providers you are interested in.  If you are interested in joining any of our High Country hikes and are looking for accommodation in north east Victoria then this is definitely the best place to start.

 

Anthony Di Nola's Tours

Having met while travelling in Asia, a job offer to lead trips meant spending 7 years in India, 3 in the Himalayas. More recently, with teenage sons, our base has been in the UK. We specialise mainly in Long Haul trips and offer all-inclusive itineraries to many regions of India, to Nepal, Oman, China, Morocco and Southern Italy (Anthony was born in Naples).  Susannah runs our office and is let out on occasions, while Anthony leads all trips. After university, serving as a British Army Officer in Nepal, and qualifying as an Expedition Leader and Mountain Guide, started a lifelong passion for the Himalayas and the Indian Subcontinent. Our itineraries are not a tick-list of sites and destinations, we cherry pick the best and avoid repetition, provide variety and stay away from the crowds. In order to truly experience what a region has to offer we do not rush, often staying 2 or more nights somewhere, usually in the unashamed comfort of Heritage properties that share our passion for food and delivering a unique experience. Other than scheduled group departures we also operate itineraries tailored to individuals, groups or families.

For more details please see www.anthonydinolastours.com or contact adinola@aol.com.

Soulfit Adventures
Virginia Slevin - Hedonistic Hiking

Cycling tours and fitness retreats in Laos, Bali, Australia Italy and Spain. SoulFit adventures incorporates holistic, wellness and fitness elements with a touch of pampering into adventures on the road less travelled and sometimes frequently travelled, while at the same time travelling responsibly and supporting local communities. 

Our trips are designed for people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels.  All you need is a sense of adventure!