A Week In Tuscany

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

1 | 2

• 

  Wendy Fittock

  TUSCAN DELIGHTS

  

  Written August 2012

  After a week experiencing "Tuscan Delights" I felt totally immersed in all that wonderful Italy has to offer.  From its culture, hills, mountains and coast to the food and wine!  Braccicorti is an idyllic traditional base - not forgetting Mamma's exquisite home cooking - second helpings a pre-requisite for me!   Plus meeting such a lovely group of people to share the experiences with was wonderful. 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The sheer beauty of Tuscany's countryside, including the breath-taking Appenine and Alpi Apuanes - all of which we explored extensively and myself being an enthusiastic amateur photographer, there are inspirational shots in every corner of Lucca and I fell in love with the perhaps less obvious Barga - the architecture, terracotta tiled roofs and sunlight on all of the earthy colour-washed buildings meant I couldn't put my camera away for a moment.  

  What did you think of your group leader?

  From the warm greeting of our group at the airport upon arrival through to seeing us off at the departure gate at the end of our holiday; Liz Proctor proved to be a first class leader.  Her knowledge, organisational and brilliant driving skills (around those windy mountain roads) made our trip run seamless. Her fun, friendly and easy-going nature makes no moment seem like a chore ... you truly feel that it is indeed your holiday to do as much of the itinerary as you want to; but none of us wanted to miss a single bit of it. 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  If you love experiencing culture, countryside and meeting new people who all share these interests in a relaxed week - you simply must do this trip.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Many people seem to travel on their own on these trips and so if you are too and are hesitant at taking the plunge in booking - there's no need to be - you'll be well looked after and the life experiences you'll have are amazing.

   
• 

  Alison Shepherd

  TUSCAN DELIGHTS

  

  Written August 2012

  This was my first visit to Tuscany... and won't be my last!  Garfagnana is a  wonderful part of Italy, a little off the beaten track and I loved that it didn't feel I was in a touristy area (other than at Cinque Terre). This trip hits the spot... a good blend of walking, visiting local towns and our day trip to the coast , plus fab home-cooked Tuscan food from Mama!! Vegetarians well-catered for :-) 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Beautiful scenery at every turn, with Bracciorti situated between the Appenines and the Alpi Apuanes... some lovely walks, much more enjoyable when we went that bit higher to slightly cooler climes!  Lucca was a favourite - a town oozing character - make sure you go up one of the towers for 360 degrees of great views, across the red roofs to the surrounding hillsides.  And not forgetting Elvis, the resident dog who accompanied us on most walks, and his playful littermate Dora.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Liz was a great group leader... she ensured that every aspect of the trip ran smoothly.  She was very organised, professional, friendly, approachable and I wish I had even a quarter of her energy!

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  If you go in August, be prepared for hot, hot hot!!  There is no fan / air-conditioning in the rooms, so I was very relieved to have brought a handheld fan...phew!  If you're concerned about going alone, don't be... it is a group holiday and everyone I've met on this and previous trips are there to enjoy the trip, mix with some lovely people and a good time is had by all.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  This tour is described as "leisurely" and you although there are outings planned every day, you can make it as energetic or leisurely as you want... plenty opportunities for coffee stops or the obligatory gelateries!  Some opt for a lazy day lounging at the pool... it's your holiday, do as you wish.  I found the first day's walk to be anything but leisurely, but that was because of the high temperatures.

   
• 

  Stephen Page

  TUSCAN DELIGHTS

  

  Written April 2012

  A great holiday - lovely farmhouse, great leader in Sara Bull, fascinating walks and cultural visits in Tuscany. 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Peaceful walks in great countryside

  Great company and food!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Sara Bull was fantastic - professional, caring and dynamic!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Go - its a great trip!

   
• 

  Mark Learmonth

  TUSCAN DELIGHTS

  

  Written April 2012

  What a wonderful part of Tuscany.  Beautiful mountains (well almost mountains) surrounded us - we were in great walking country including easier gently valley walks.   "Mama" our cook and host was really welcoming and gave us true Italian hospitality - including Italian food - while Sara our group leader was friendly, very knowledgeable about the local area and about outdoors activities generally.  I would really recommend the trip for people who want to combine countryside walks with sight seeing and Italian culture.  

  Read full review

   
• 

  William McKim

  TUSCAN DELIGHTS

  

  Written April 2012

  I expected more trail walking 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The views from the middle Cinqueterra trail

  What did you think of your group leader?

  While good with clients, seemed overly defensive of the owners of Braccicorti. Has very good knowledge of the local area. Restaurant suggestions for free day were very good. Very efficient.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be aware that you are not supposed to do any laundry at Braccicorti.

   
• 

  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. 

  Read full review

  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 

  Read full review

  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.

   

1 | 2