Walking In Tuscany, Italy

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...

Average Review Rating: from 87 reviews.

Jill Maclean

WALKING IN TUSCANY

Written August 2011
A truly wonderful week of great company and spectacular views - I'd highly recommend it to other travellers. A beautiful part of Tuscany to explore through the trees and up on the mountains all guided magnificently by our Exodus guide Liz.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I am very proud to say I have climbed the highest peak in Tuscany and managed the ridge walk on Pania Della Croce which was a fantastic experience.
What did you think of your group leader?
Liz was wonderful - really clear on setting our expectations, setting the scene for each exciting walk, encouraging to the group when we were tired, always knew where to get a beer when we came off the mountain and flexible to manage around the different requests of the group. A real credit to this trip and to Exodus.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The walking is quite strenuous but the views are definitely worth it and we had a wide age range on our trip, all of whom managed the walks at their own pace. The trip notes are very accurate.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We took a trip to Lucca on our day off and I'd recommend that to travellers too as it's a lovely city to stroll around in and if you can stand more climbing by that stage there's a tower with a tree on the top which is worth seeing.
Mark Kettle

WALKING IN TUSCANY

Written August 2011
The 5 days walking were awesome a good variety of walks. The farm house was great, especially the pasta and the pool. Liz was a great guide. The only disappointment was that we didn't spend longer by the pool or on the mini golf course at the end of the afternoons, our schedule regularly overran, on the first day by over 4 hours! Given this was no fault of Exodus I haven't knocked down the star score although it definitely did impact on my overall enjoyment of the holiday.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Bob and Alan we inspirational, both are just under double my age at somewhere around 60. Both were amongst the fittest people in our group. When I was told Bob had run 5 miles and swum 100 laps of the pool before breakfast before the upcoming 6 hours walk I thought they were pulling my leg, they weren’t. I aspire to being as fit as they are when I am nearing retirement.
As one of 4 mild vertigo sufferers, still being alive having walked across the ridge was pretty inspirational (challenging departures only). Having muttered a raft of expletives on first sight, with Liz’s and the group’s encouragement we all got to the other side, this was very gratifying.
On the later walks looking back at the mountain one you had already been up was very cool.
What did you think of your group leader?
Liz was awesome and dealt fantastically with everything that was thrown at her. She is almost certainly never going to have so many people keel over exhausted or injured on her again.
4 vertigo suffers, myself included, on an exposed ridge would test the patience of a saint. Although Liz clearly doesn't get why some bits are particularly terrifying, she never ran out of encouragement.
Very good driver, which helps in the mountains
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Some departures are moderate and some are challenging. Pick your departure carefully being realistic about your own level of fitness. If you can't walk at a brisk pace for 5 hours don't book a challenging departure! The exodus web site describes the grading system in massive detail http://www.exodus.co.uk/walkinggrades?
Just like in any sport, get fit to play don't play to get fit.
That said if you are fit, the challenging departure was awesome.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This has already been stated in other reviews, but more choice of cereals and more fruit at breakfast would be easy to achieve and make a big difference. Personally, I think a breakfast without bacon is an opportunity missed, but that would be much harder to provide.
Kathy Macey

WALKING IN TUSCANY

Written July 2011
Arrive at Braccicorti, get out of the mini-bus and just stand and admire THAT view. It's truly stunning. Then be greated by the genuine warmth of "Mamma" - her smile delights - and her cooking's not bad either!!Trek high in the mountains, enjoy picnic lunches looking at the terracotta villages with their church towers way below and enjoy that cold beer on the descent.A rather special place.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Reaching those high peaks giving such rewarding views
The charming villages with geraniums spilling from every window box
Waking in the morning and just listening to the birds singing, distant church bells and the hum of the combine harvester somewhere in the valley.
What did you think of your group leader?
Liz was a gem. A real star. Fit as a fiddle, practical, an excellent driver and her love of the job and location showed. She looked after us so well, ensuring we all had adequate water and clothing as necessary. We enjoyed her company very much and admired her stamina as she really does work hard.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The walking can be quite tough in parts - take poles if you have them they certainly help. Good trail shoes or lightweight boots are a must as some of the paths are uneven. Don't think about wearing walking sandals - your toes will be cut to ribbons!
It's all very casual at Braccicorti so travel light. A torch is necessary for the trot along to "Il Grotto" on the free evenings.. and do try their ravioli with ricotta in a walnut sauce.
Plenty of lovely local produce to try, buy and bring home so don't overpack going out.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Go on a diet before you spend a week eating Mamma's delicous food.
Alex Collett

WALKING IN TUSCANY

Written July 2011
Great scenery, beautiful setting for accommodation and fantastic that we were served produce grown on the land.Really enjoyed the group - a great mix and the walks were pretty varied
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Getting to the top of the highest mountain in Tuscany (and on our first completely sunny day!)
Laughing a lot. both with the locals and several members of the group
What did you think of your group leader?
very knowledgeable and extremely active lady
She was careful to ensure everyone stayed pretty close on walks and made the right decisions on changing the itinerary when needed
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
a relatively good level of fitness is required as there is some steep inclines on walks most days.
Good waterproof clothing and shoes is a must
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Would have liked more fruit at breakfast and variety
Sometimes easier to have individually prepared sandwiches than make your own depending on the conditions of the terrain and weather when we stopped for lunch
the outside table should have some kind of canopy (solid) above it so that it means you can sit out even if its raining and the furniture remains dry
Some kind of group check in at Pisa as BA was hugely understaffed and on the day of your departure when you don't want to leave you really want it to be as quick as possible.
thompson moya

WALKING IN TUSCANY

Written July 2011
A very enjoyable week in a beautiful area of Tuscany, with very friendly group of fellow travellers. The farmhouse is situated in a lovely location with great views across the valley. The walks are varied and challenging at times, especially in the heat of summer.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Reaching the summit of Pania del Croce with the wonderful views from the ridge. Braccorti itself, do not think I would ever tire of the view from the pool. Lucca is also well worth a visit on the free day.
What did you think of your group leader?
Liz was a really great leader, calm, professional, friendly, helpful and encouraging.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Walking poles are essential.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The farmhouse is lovely and local family extend a warm welcome, particularly Mama. However, I was slightly disappointed at times with food. It was generous and plentiful but more fresh fruit and salads would be welcome.
Bernard Quinn

WALKING IN TUSCANY

Written June 2011
A great week with a great group, lots of walking with some outstanding views.The farmhouse is superb with good food.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
getting to top of monte prdaoi and looking down on the remnants of the winter snow.
What did you think of your group leader?
We were so impressed with the leader , the group wrote a song which we delivered with gusto on the last night!

To the tune "my old man,s a dustman"
v1
OHHHHH
Sara bull is magic
She has a magic sack
She carries sweeties with her
And chocky bix to snack
She inspires us with stories
And keeps us on the go
And when shes taking photos
Its bums all in a row
v2
OHHHHHH
Sara bull is magic
She simply is the best
She galloped up the hillside
And sometimes let us rest
She leads us thru the mountains
And picks the berries too
And Sara, we,d just like to say
There,s no one quite like you!

then big finish.......
Sara Bull is magic
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Even in summer bring a fleece
Joanna Forrest

WALKING IN TUSCANY

Written June 2011
This was my first Exodus holiday so I didn't quite know what to expect, but I couldn't have enjoyed it more. The walking was varied and excellent, the guide was wonderful, the other guests friendly and fun, and Mamma's cooking delicious. I would also recommend Lucca where we had a great time on our free day.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Finding myself able to reach the summits of all our walks.
What did you think of your group leader?
Sarah was fantastic - she helped everyone in the group, entertained and educated us with her stories and her local knowledge, fed us with sweets and biscuits, and really went out of her way to make sure everyone had the best time possible. Magic in fact!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Give it a go - you will have an amazing time. Don't forget your walking poles- they really help.

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Walking In Tuscany

Our Clients’ Reviews

WALKING IN TUSCANY

WALKING IN TUSCANY

WALKING IN TUSCANY

WALKING IN TUSCANY

WALKING IN TUSCANY

WALKING IN TUSCANY

WALKING IN TUSCANY