Walking Northern Tuscany

Traveler Reviews

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  Ian

  October 10th, 2019
  Walks were really good, and Sara an excellent guide. Weather was not all you could hope for, but that is out of...
  Walks were really good, and Sara an excellent guide. Weather was not all you could hope for, but that is out of anybody's controlShow more
  Traveled in September 2019
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  Heather

  April 29th, 2019
  Wonderful tour. Tracks were varied in condition and terrain, so lots of interesting walking. Sarah was very friendly,...
  Wonderful tour. Tracks were varied in condition and terrain, so lots of interesting walking. Sarah was very friendly, supportive and encouraging. She varied the itinerary when the weather conditions dictated a change. The alternatives were excellent and appreciated by all our group. Our accommodation was very comfortable. The food was great local dishes and the family very friendly. I am keen to join another Exodus walking tour because l loved this tour. WeShow more
  Traveled in April 2019
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  Patricia

  November 5th, 2013
  A fantastic walking holiday, with excellent leadership, amazing views, comfortable accommodation and friendly...
  A fantastic walking holiday, with excellent leadership, amazing views, comfortable accommodation and friendly companions. Would love to visit the area again. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Reaching the summit of Monte Prado, with views for miles, and the summit of Pania Della Croce following an interesting walk uphill through beech woods then up through a field of boulders to the summit with views to Corsica and Sardinia standing above the cloud level in the sunshine. What did you think of your group leader? Sara was an excellent leader. Considerate of the individual ability of each of us, friendly, knowledgable regarding the area and with limitless energy. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? A must if you love walking at more than a leisurely pace and viewing beautiful scenery. Walking poles are very helpful if you are not used to walking up and down rocky surfaces and don't forget your camera. Avoid this one if you are allergic to dogs as Dora and Elvis walk with the group daily, but are very friendly. Is there anything else you would like to add? If you have never travelled solo, go for it. I have never regretted my first or this my second trip!Show more
  Traveled in October 2013
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  Debra

  November 4th, 2013
  My partner and I found the Walking in Tuscany trip fabulous. It was our first with Exodous and it wont be our last....
  My partner and I found the Walking in Tuscany trip fabulous. It was our first with Exodous and it wont be our last. We joined the group in Pisa where we met up with our leader who was happy to accomodate our needs on the trip with pick up and a drop off in Lucca on the way back to Pisa airport. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? We had no idea we would be climbing mountains and to find that we could and did on most of the days was ( although challanging, a satisfying and inspiring experience. What did you think of your group leader? Patient and encouraging. quitely confident and very experienced and respected by the local community with whom she had a great working relationship. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Despite discussions with local agent I was not prepared for the level of difficulty of the walks. if I had been more prepared I would have taken different boots, trained more prior to the trip and taken my own walking poles ( my leader however was happy to loan me some spares) Is there anything else you would like to add? Great company and comfortable and friendly accomodation at the Braccicorti farm house. Competant and experienced guide who gently encouraged the group to achieve their goals while ensuring a safe trecking environment and accomodating the diversity of trecking experience , skills and fitness levels in the group.Thanks SarahShow more
  Traveled in October 2013
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  Morgan

  October 28th, 2013
  An absolutely fabulous week! Gorgeous countryside, fabulous accommodation, great food (and wine), and lovely people....
  An absolutely fabulous week! Gorgeous countryside, fabulous accommodation, great food (and wine), and lovely people. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? So many to name one... The views, the lack of views (when reaching the top of Monte Prado and all we could see was cloud, got to just love what life throws at you hehe!), overcoming my total dislike of the rain and realising I am officially a walker of all seasons, observing the sense of achievement on people's faces after a long day of walking, and the personal sense of achievement! What did you think of your group leader? Sara was amazing! So professional, knowledgeable and patient.  She went the extra mile in every way possible.  She was a lovely person who really ensured that everyone on the group was happy.  I found her to be very inspirational and interesting, and loved chatting to her. She has an amazing knowledge of the local area. Been spoiled, great representative for Exodus. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Book it! If you are relatively fit this will be well within your capabilities.  Be prepared for rain (if your going in October).  I opted for the positive attitude to not let this impact on my experiences.  I just embraced the big green plastic poncho and plodded on.  P.s... take a poncho, felt a bit daft at first but it was fab, saved my waterproofs getting wet, bonus!!Plus it makes photos even funnier. Is there anything else you would like to add? Don't let dietary requirements put you off.  I was so looked after and catered for.  I am lactose and gluten intolerant, Mama and Sara never once made this seem like an obstacle.  I ate the most delicious variety of food.  55 miles walking in total, 4 pounds on... can you tell I had a very happy tummy!! So impressed with Exodus, already planning next years trip! They took care of everything, was nice having a week of not having to plan, think etc. Show more
  Traveled in September 2013
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  Janet

  October 23rd, 2013
  Beautiful scenary! Each hike was very different. Food at the farmhouse was lovely and the dogs Elvis and Dora are...
  Beautiful scenary! Each hike was very different. Food at the farmhouse was lovely and the dogs Elvis and Dora are great company on the walks. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Making it to the top of the mountain! Beautiful views and very fresh air. The trails that Sara takes you on are definitely not filled with tourists. What did you think of your group leader? Sara Bull is an amazing guide! She encourages the entire group along and always has some sweets and biscuits in her backpack to keep you going up the mountain. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? It is hilly! Bring waterproofs and layers as there can be all types of weather and a comfortable pair of hiking boots with good treads.Show more
  Traveled in September 2013
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  Rebecca

  October 23rd, 2013
  A wonderful week walking in Tuscany. Beautiful scenery and fantastic hospitality. What did you think of your group...
  A wonderful week walking in Tuscany. Beautiful scenery and fantastic hospitality. What did you think of your group leader? Sara is a fantastic tour leader. She is passionate about the outdoors and was considerate of the needs of every individual in the group. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? No advice needed as every need is catered for. Is there anything else you would like to add? Having been on two Exodus trips to this area I would definitely return for a third!Show more
  Traveled in September 2013
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  Catherine

  October 22nd, 2013
  A truly wonderful week, exceeding all my expectations. Beautiful walks up through beech forests in all their autumn...
  A truly wonderful week, exceeding all my expectations. Beautiful walks up through beech forests in all their autumn glory, to reach high mountain ridges and summits with some absolutely stunning views. Superb guiding by Sara Bull and, for the valley walk, Pierre Luigi. Braccicorti is a lovely place to stay - in an idyllic location, perfectly comfortable and offering delicious home-cooked food from the wonderful Mamma and her family. Lucca is a lovely place to visit on the free day. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The incredible view that greeted us at the top of Pania Della Croce - stunning mountain peaks swathed in fluffy clouds stretching off towards the horizon and views out across the sea to Sardinia and Corsica. Breathtaking. The Monte Prado walk. The whole day was inspirational - emerging from golden and russet beech forests, with a deep blue sky overhead, to walk along the undulating Apennine ridge, dressed in shades of red, orange, yellow and green from the bilberry bushes, still covered in ripe berries. Views as far as the Alps, glistening in fresh snow cover. What did you think of your group leader? Fantastic. Sara is so passionate about these mountains and about nature and her passion is contagious! She is fully committed to her clients, working hard for us, both on and off the hill. Sara has vast experience of guiding in this area and worldwide, and I would trust her judgement 100%. She doesn't herd the group, but allows people to walk at their own pace much of the time, with plenty of opportunities to rest and regroup. However, in trickier sections of a walk, or if there is poor visibility, she keeps the group together and supports people appropriately. Sara will quickly assess the abilities and fitness levels of her clients and adjust the walks and her approach accordingly. The ascents and terrain took a few people out of their comfort zone, but it was worth it and Sara provided as much or as little support as was needed. She is also a mine of useful information about places to visit on the free day, local produce, medical ailments and herbal remedies! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? This trip involves proper mountain walking above the treeline on most days. Don't underestimate the terrain - it is not the rolling hills that people associate with typical Tuscan countryside. It is more like walking to the tops of mountains in the Lake District or in Scotland. Paths are generally not exposed and there was only one tiny section of rocky ground to negotiate (which everyone managed fine), so you are not in any danger. However, the terrain did surprise some of our group and quite a few people found it more challenging than they expected. Don't let that put you off though - the mountains and the views are absolutely wonderful. Sara is also adept at choosing walks 'with options' - e.g. some of our group opted to lie in the sun on a beautiful ridge while others continued a little further on to a summit. The weather is very unpredictable in this area and at this time of year (October). We were lucky, with mostly warm and sunny weather, but it did rain for one whole day and was cold on some of the mountain tops, so it's worth being prepared. I would recommend taking waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, hat and gloves. Wear proper walking boots with ankle support. Although approach shoes might be suitable for some walks, most of the paths are rough and some of the terrain is rocky, so proper walking boots are more suitable. Walking poles are very helpful on this trip.   Sara will give you lots of tips and advice for the free day - they are worth listening too. The restaurant she recommended in Lucca was excellent. (Lucca is also a great place to buy leather handbags!!) If you're travelling from Scotland, consider flying Ryanair from Edinburgh to Pisa. This worked out best for me on price, timings and convenience.  The Braccicorti dogs, Dora and Elvis, walked with us every day. I am not usually that keen on dogs, but these two won me over, so don't be put off! They look out for the group too.  Is there anything else you would like to add? This was a perfect way to spend my October half-term. Thank you Sara, Braccicorti and Exodus.Show more
  Traveled in September 2013
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  Frances

  October 22nd, 2013
  Really great walking (and climbing!) through beautiful woodland and hillsides, led by a brilliant guide, giving...
  Really great walking (and climbing!) through beautiful woodland and hillsides, led by a brilliant guide, giving detailed info of the area and its flora and fauna. Slight disappointment with the food but accommodation was very comfortable and welcoming. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Reaching the top of each small summit to see a whole new beautiful world, each seemingly more breath-taking than the last What did you think of your group leader? I have been on about 10 Exodus trips and I rate Sara as the best so far.  She was informative, fully competent in every way, knew the area like the back of her hand, gave us every detail needed to make our free day a great experience, great sense of humour, and incredibly supportive of anyone lacking confidence.  Quickly got to know all our abilities.  Good safe driver. She always went the extra mile to make sure we were having a good time.She also never stopped once we were back each day - serving and helping with the supper and the breakfast.  Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Go for it, use poles and be aware there are some challenging climbs. Is there anything else you would like to add? There was a great spirit amongst our group and we had great fun as well as a few stiff muscles.Felt a real low on returning home so looking forward to the next one.Only slight disappointment was the food which was just ok and adequate. Show more
  Traveled in September 2013
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  Megan

  November 10th, 2011
  Braccicorti was a lovely place to stay with a warm welcome from the family; Sara, our leader, was fantastically...
  Braccicorti was a lovely place to stay with a warm welcome from the family; Sara, our leader, was fantastically supportive, encouraging and full of information about the area, the locals and the way of life; fantastic walking in wonderful mountain and hill country and a great group who gelled well together. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Working together so that one of the older members of our group was able to make it all the way to the top of Monte Sumbra.Our specially drawn map for our 'day off' walk - navigating by the number of dogs at each house!Enjoying our last evening together barn dancing to the Eagles! What did you think of your group leader? Sara looked after us from start to finish - taking care that we got the meals we wanted including going out and buying soya milk for us; making sure that we had the right equipment and those new to walking poles knew how to use them; keeping us topped up with biscuits, sweets and encouragement; letting us walk at our own pace but giving us clear instructions on routes and where to regroup; looking after the slower and less confident members of the group; giving us information about the area and the local way of life; making sure that our itinerary fitted best with the weather; ensuring that we were all sorted out for different activies and venues on our day off; making sure we got back safely from our evening out; selecting great walks within all our capabilities; making sure we had a good time.Thank you, Sara - you are a great leader. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? These walks are well within the capabilities of any one who is moderately fit. However, if you live more or less at sealevel, as we do you, may find the first walk up into the mountains takes your breathe away - physically as well as the stunning views! Is there anything else you would like to add? Go and enjoy yourself in safe and caring hands.Show more
  Traveled in October 2011