Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing (walking up hill) for 4-5 hours and then getting to the top of the mountains where you can remember how far up it looked when you got out of the minibus at the bottom but that you had made it! Then sitting down and eating a lovely fresh packed lunch!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz was amazing - she was enthusiastic, friendly and patient. Great guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In my opinon this is a great holiday for people who have walked the Lake District, Welsh or Scottish fells/hills. Walks are long and although not they are difficult, or technical, you still need to have a decent level of fitness as you are on your feet walking all day. Take mosquito spray with you.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views and scenery on all of the walks. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz was a first rate tour leader - friendly but not 'in your face', well-organised and really cared about making sure the group had a good week. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do remember your waterproof - I forgot mine but fortunately someone else in the group had two. Even in the height of summer, it can rain up in the moutains!

Most Inspirational Moment

The amazing views - stunning. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ale was great, kept everything well organised without making us feel too organised. I would happily do another trip with him as the guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be warned if you are gluten and dairy intolerant the food won't quite match up to the rave reviews from most people who have been on this trip. I would suggest bringing a decent breakfast cereal with you - I was most fed up of the gluten free cornflakes by the end of the week which I think were a bit stale.I would also suggest asking the kitchen to make you a salad for packed lunch - I was given some inedible gluten free rolls to go with picnic lunches and sandwiches made with rice cakes which weren't much better. When I hike in the UK the company I travel with just make a big salad rather than trying to give me the same meal as other hikers and that works much better.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views on the tops looking out towards the coast on the second days walk. Relaxing at the agriturismo with the gorgeous hounds Elvis and Dora. Seeing fireflies and cicadas at night. The kindness and generosity of Lucia, Mama and the rest of the family at Braccicorti.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz was a great group leader with excellent organisational skills. She did everything possible to make everyone's holiday a memorable, safe and enjoyable experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views from the summits were fantastic well worth the climb. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara Bull the group leader was brilliant she made sure all of us made it up & down the mountains and looked after us very well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Check before the walk if you would be better wearing longs trousers rather than shorts just in case the path is a bit overgrown.

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing on top of a mountain and realising that whichever way you looked, there were spectacular views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The word Excellent doesn't do her justice. Advice, support, negotiating the itinerary and helping out wherever needed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes - this holiday requires a good degree of personal fitness and you absolutely must take walking boots that you have already broken in.

Most Inspirational Moment

The cloud inversion on the first days walk. Disappointingly cloudy in the valley but we soon drove above the clouds and entered a different world.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic! Sara couldn't have been more helpful. Very group aware and encouraging in a very mixed ability group. She got us all to the top of the highest mountain in Tuscany and managed to lead us while giving us all the opportunity to go at our own pace. Her experience of the area was a great help especially on the free day when she was so helpful at helping people to plan their chosen day trips. Excellent driver as well!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The temperature in the hills is very different to Pisa so don't be fooled by googling the weather in Pisa!

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of Monte Prado.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We could not ask for a better leader.  Sara inspired and encouraged us with our walking and was very knowlegeable about the area.  Nothing was too much trouble for her, she made an enjoyable holiday exceptional.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go in spring time (last this year) for the wild flowers.

Most Inspirational Moment

On the final day, with thunder and black clouds threatening all around, the whole group made it to the top of the top of Monte Prado, crossing some patches of snow along the way.  This included Elvis the dog who had been very off colour all morning but then sprung to life as soon as he was fed sausages!  The rain held off and we got down in the dry.All week, we were treated to stunning views and wonderful displays of wild flowers.  It was definitely a good time of year to go and the temperature was ideal for hiking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was an excellent guide, attentive to everyone's differing needs within the group.  She allowed us all to go at our own pace and ensured plenty of stops to allow everyone to catch up.   She also had an endless supply of biscuits!She was ably assisted by Elvis and Dora, Braccicorte's two really gorgeous dogs, who led the way and ran about 4 times as far as everyone else.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you don't fancy flying from Gatwick, it's easy to arrange your own flight from other UK airports and the train service from Pisa to Castelnuovo di Garfagnana is excellent.  Some of them also stop at Villetta, which is closer to Braccicorte, though not really suitable to walk with luggage.  Either way, you just need to call Piero the local taxi man and he'll collect you from the station.  

Most Inspirational Moment

Being at the top of Tuscany with good weather and a 360 degree view. Being above the tree line. Walking through snow in May. Realising that the ledge paths are as wide as a pavement, thanks to Sarah.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sarah supported each of us, she was quickly aware of what we could do, even when I didn't think it was possible - those ledges again!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you remember your waterproofs, just in case, don't bother with walking sandals in May.