Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Looking up at the descent I thought I could never do and feeling an immense sense of achievement.Gaining more and more confidence on each day, I can't believe how much I am now happy to tackle as a result of Sara's support and enouragement.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara is an wonderful experinced leader and with extensive knowedge of the local area.  Anyone who has walked with Sara will have been fortunate enough to experience her immense commitment to her job.  She never ever sits still..... Sara is always on the go, checking everyone is ok and generally ensuring you have a fantastic holiday.  Every detail is considered from ice cream stops, orgainising train tickets for the free day to detailed hand drawn maps of local walks.  She carefully assesses the capability of her group and tailors each trip to suit all involved.  I have never been looked after better.Sara is truly inspirational and Exodus are extremely lucky to have her!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book now, this is a great trip!Don't forget to get check the grade of the week you are doing before confirming your booking as there are both grade B and C weeks from this base.

Most Inspirational Moment

Italy means insistant relaxation for me and this holiday was no exception. You can't help but smile at the farm's dog's, Elvis, energy and we walked in places where we hardly saw anyone else.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was great and always checking to make sure that everyone was okay, helping where necessary as I needed on several occasions. I decided to have a rest day and she gave me a good recommendation for a local walk - the hand drawn map complete with the location of friendly dogs was very accurate.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is more than a stroll in the park and I wished I'd been a little better prepared and fitter before I went! But as this is a centre based holiday you can take a rest day if you want. Make sure you stop off in Castelnuovo for the best ice cream.

Suggestions

Nothing gets past Mama at Braccicorti so make sure you eat all your dinner!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of Monte Prado, the highest peak in Tuscany.

Thoughts on Group Leader

There will be one or two people in your life, who will have a huge impact on you, and Sara Bull had that impact on all of us.  She is a very experienced leader, and has a fountain of knowledge, which she shares with you of the local area from the history, to the villages and towns, flora and fauna etc. She kept us going with treats of biscuits and sweeties, and she led from the front and from the back, to ensure that those who were a bit slower reached the tops of the mountains along with the rest of us.  She is the kindest and most thoughtful person I have ever met, and if you come on this holiday you will have a very memorable time, and you will feel extremely privileged to have met her.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking poles are essential, as they are a great help both on the climbs up the montains, and on your way back down.  If you are thinking of coming, just book it, you will have a wonderful time.

Suggestions

We were very lucky to go to Castiglioni a couple of times, once on a walk, and the last time being on the morning of our departure, to see the chestnut festival which happens at the beginning of october.  The people were so friendly and welcoming, and at the festival we witnessed a great sense of community, something which is quite rare these days in England.  The whole town were out enjoying themselves, and it was quite a spectacle.  If you come here, you will experience the warmth and hospitality of the people of this region, especially at Braccicorti.  I have great memories especially of the picnics on top of the mountains, and in particular Mamma's delicious homemade sundried tomatoes and the Grappa that she made, which we were treated to one evening.

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing on the summit of Monte Prado, 2054 metres, on the last day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Group leader, Sara Bull, was extremely professional, capable and considerate although it was a shame that she did not eat with the group for evening meals.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure a fitness level capable of walking 7 to 10 miles a day with some fairly steep inclines and descents!!

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz was a really great leader, calm, professional, friendly, helpful and encouraging.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking poles are essential.

Suggestions

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on 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 

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.

Suggestions

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views from many of the walks were stunning.The visit to Lucca on the day off is to be recommended-it is a beautiful city.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz, the group leader was fantastic. She was helpful, interesting and seemed to have a genuine passion for her job and love of the Tuscan way of life.

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on 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.   

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. 

Suggestions

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. 

Most Inspirational Moment

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

Thoughts on Group Leader

very knowledgeable and extremely active ladyShe was careful to ensure everyone stayed pretty close on walks and made the right decisions on changing the itinerary when needed

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

Suggestions

Would have liked more fruit at breakfast and varietySometimes 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 drySome 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.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching those high peaks giving such rewarding viewsThe charming villages with geraniums spilling from every window boxWaking in the morning and just listening to the birds singing, distant church bells and the hum of the combine harvester somewhere in the valley.

Thoughts on 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.

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.

Suggestions

Go on a diet before you spend a week eating Mamma's delicous food.