TUSCAN DELIGHTS

8 days from GBP949 to GBP1,249 including flights
Tripcode: ADT

Countries Visited: Italy

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Our Clients’ Reviews

Average Review Rating: from 9 reviews.

Gillian Smith

TUSCAN DELIGHTS

Written October 2011
A lovely relaxing holiday. Beautiful weather. Peaceful atmosphere at the farmhouse and received a very warm welcome from the family. Very good evening meals.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Seeing the leaning tower of Pisa! Fantastic!
What did you think of your group leader?
Sara was excellent. As well as guiding she is a very competent driver. On a daily basis Sara bought us different foods to try and gave us sweets/biscuits on the minibus. She speaks fluent Italian which is obviously an asset and is well-loved by the family.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
It's a good holiday for variety-some walking/sight-seeing/time in the group/on own. We had a day on our own and a second day in Lucca on our own which was super.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I had a single room which very small, poorly lit and it was cold depite having a radiator. I would recommend better lighting be installed and more effective heating.
It would have been good to have had access to a hair-dryer. Perhaps the family would consider buying a couple for the use of their clients.
Brenda Smithwhite

TUSCAN DELIGHTS

Written October 2011
Meets the description - a leisurely trip to Tuscany, plenty of sightseeing and wholesome food
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I really enjoyed Lucca and could easily have spent a few days or even a week here, scenery was gorgeous, lovely farmhouse and we were well looked after in terms of accommodation and food and drink by the family there. Home made gGrappa :-)
What did you think of your group leader?
Sarah went out of her way to get me some soya milk and non-dairy desserts, which was much appreciated when having to say not to tiramisu all week. She also led the group well and gave out plenty of info and suggestions, especially for the free day
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
It is what is - a leisurely trip, shops in Lucca are great, recommend the cycle hire at the tourist information there. Make use of the down time when the weather is nice to sit by the pool and have a beer from the fridge. Walking was easy on this trip.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Another well planned trip to another lovely part of Tuscany with great hospitality.
Alex Young

TUSCAN DELIGHTS

Written October 2010
This was a great holiday - friendly welcome at Bracciorti, a good mix of walks, discovering the area and relaxation.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Walking around the Bracciorti area, led by Sara, the group leader. Wonderful autumnal chestnut woods, the mist hanging in the valleys and a relaxed pace, with Sabena/Spottie and Pitch (the family dogs). We really felt in touch with the landscape of the Garfagnana taking in the views, passing vineyards and villages, farms and woods. But so many highlights - vibrant Lucca, the chestnut festival at Castellina with all the towns people, market day at Castelnnuovo, excellent expressos/gelato and wine and the quiet walled city of Barga..plus Florence of course!
What did you think of your group leader?
Sara was excellent - rarely have I met such a dedicated and knowledgeable group leader. She really gave everything her all, not just in answering questions about Tuscany, but organising everything to pinpoint detail for our day off and serving at dinner (delicious hearty food from "Mamma"). Nothing was too much trouble for her.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Leave plenty of space in your luggage for presents to take home (particularly local produce). Despite quite short distances and relaxed pace, there was still so much to take in. Have an idea of what you'd like to do on your free day (Lucca, Pisa and Florence were the choices taken by our group). Train travel times are quite long given the location of Bracciorti.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would really recommend this trip, particularly if you want to combine some sightseeing of the "big" sights (such as Lucca and Florence) with smaller, friendly towns, and walking and relaxing in well known places such as busy Cinque Terre but also tranquail Garfagnana.
Claire Rose-innes

A WEEK IN TUSCANY

Written July 2008
A very enjoyable trip, great mix of tourist spots and places a little more off the beaten track. I loved the remote farmhouse and local food, only downside to this was the amount of travelling each day.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Loved the day trip to Lucca, a wonderful small walled city. It was very unspoilt and charming.
What did you think of your group leader?
Very good group leader, spoke good Italian and obviously knows and loves the country. He tried hard to make the trip as enjoyable and trouble free as possible.
Exodus Response
This review and all reviews below refer to the itinerary of 2008/9. The 2010 itinerary is slightly different (staying at the same accommodation) based on feedback from clients.
- Exodus Staff
Helen Griffin

A WEEK IN TUSCANY

Written June 2008
A great way to spend my first visit to Tuscany, getting to see lots of places. I really enjoyed everywhere we visited - particular highlights are Florence and Lucca. Recommended: In Florence, don't queue for the tower in the Cathedral, instead go up the 'campanile' (bell tower) just next to it. In Lucca, the gardens at Palazzo Pfanner are beautiful and a perfect place for a short break during the day. Tuscany is beautiful!
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Is there anything else you would like to add?
The only thing lacking in the farmhouse was a facility for playing music - fortunately one of the group had portable speakers, but otherwise it would be ideal to have a simple CD player and maybe a game or two - especially useful for the evenings and the day which is spent relaxing at the farmhouse.
Richard Kelly

Great food and better sights

Written September 2007
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The combination of culture and walking in remote places made this an enjoyable holiday - plus the delicious food!
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What did you think of your group leader?
He was well informed and needed to be more flexible.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go for it - the farmhouse is in a picturesque spot.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Perhaps confine the holiday to Tuscany and not include the Cinque Terra day
Julie Harper

perfect farmhouse in idyllic surroundings

Written September 2007
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Taking my first trip without knowing anyone else before I went was a big step for me and joining an Exodus group where everyone was so friendly made it easy.
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What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was very well organised and efficient with good local knowledge and language skills which meant we had no worries. All we had to was follow and be on time!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
This holiday suited me but I think you have to check carefully that the holday you choose is what you want; things like level and amount of walking involved. Exodus seems to have plenty choice so whether you are fit and able to hike up mountains without breaking sweat or you enjoy a more leisurely stroll round the local sights there will be something for you!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just that taking that Exodus holiday was an important part of new beginnings for me and I will be back!