- Enjoy five wonderful walking days through the idyllic mountains of Tuscany
- Stay in a beautifully situated Tuscan farmhouse with a swimming pool
- Opportunity to visit Lucca on the free day

Walking in Tuscany
- Home
- Europe
- Italy
- Walking & Trekking
- Walking in Tuscany
Share Your Photos...
#ExodusTravels
Reviews
Add your own reviewWalking in Tuscany
Accommodation was very good. Trip notes were accurate. Weather was unexpectedly cold and wet much of the time.
Most Inspirational Moment
Getting to the high point of Tuscany, Monte Prado, on one of the good weather days.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent. She was very knowledgeable about the area and juggled the itinerary to get the most of the good weather days. She also organised all the travel details for our day-off trip to Lucca, complete with tour suggestions when there.
Advice for Potential Travellers
It may not be as warm as you expect in May.
Suggestions
The staff in Braccicorti were very friendly. But, the food was disappointing. My wife and I do not eat meat and some of our main meals seemed to be just the veg that the meat-eaters were getting with nothing else. We did get fish one night, but so did everyone else!
Great Experience
A wonderful experience walking and sightseeing in the Garfognana area, Tuscany. Staying at a picturesque, comfortable family run Agricultural Farmhouse. Very friendly, hardworking staff providing us with homemade food and wine. A friendly group of 12 and a very experienced and personable walk leader.
Most Inspirational Moment
Arriving at the top of the mountains with spectacular views. Walking through Tuscany villages and experiencing village life.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Elvis was a joy to walk with having knowledge of all the vast area. Leading us up and down safe routes making sure the group stayed together and watching out for creditars. His assistant Sara is a very hard working, personable lady with a vast amount of knowledge having had years of experience in organising adventure trips. Sara is attentive, gives useful advice where required and quickly assesses individuals in her group so you felt reassured at all times during the walks. Her enjoyment at showing us the area, adapting to any changes needed due to weather conditions and ensuring we have everything to make our visit comfortable made our trip such a great experience. I will be using Exodus again for my next adventure.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This was my first group trip through Exodus. The customer service received has been excellent. The Accommodation and Itinerary spot on. Some walks were challenging but as a mixed group of 12 with different levels of walking experience our guide Sara was able to ensure we all enjoyed the walks and achieved our goal.
Suggestions
I will certainly be booking another trip through Exodus and would have no hesitation in joining a group on my own if I had to. I found the group I was with very friendly and supportive.
Walking Tuscany TDT
If you think of Tuscany you think of rolling hills. Stop. The Garfagnana Mountains are a relatively undiscovered part of Tuscany……..and they are indeed Mountains !!!! In fact they are superb mountains with beautiful climbs through gorgeous forests, onto green plateaus with alpine flowers and finally onto the rocky craggy peaks with 360 degree views far and wide. Where better to sit with your new group of friends and have a tasty picnic lunch. This is one of the best walking trips I have been on with Exodus……….made even better by the unique accommodation and the splendid food provided. I cannot fault it in any way.
Most Inspirational Moment
So many wonderful moments but I guess I enjoyed the achievement of getting to the peaks and seeing the far reaching views.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sarah is the best one yet !!!! (And they have all been good). She appears casual and laid back but in reality she is extremely well organised and anticipated our every need before we even knew we had one !!! Everything was well prepared and explained in a good manner........plus she didn't just expect us to remember it all...........she pre-prepared information for us to use. Even on our day off she took it upon herself to make sure we had everything we needed.........even buying our train tickets in advance, giving us an excellent timetable and booking taxis and evening meals. Nothing was forgotten. But above all of these things Sarah is a woman who's heart and soul is in these mountains and activities and she dearly wants to share it all with us and make sure we enjoy every moment. She is extremely professional and very careful. Indeed a lovely lady..........our Wonder Woman !!!!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take note of the Exodus grading for this trip. It is a Grade 3. Top end Grade 3 I would say, having done a few. As far as I know the grading system is not 1 - 10 as I believe a lot of people sometimes think (and sometimes get caught out). So, rather than 3 being below halfway on a 1 - 10 grading, I think, maybe, this trip should be thought of as a 3 between, say, 1 - 5. A good moderate trip. (Just my opinion). It's a great holiday to do. Go for it.
5*
I can’t summarise this trip any better than the excellent reviews already given on this page.
A great combination of some varied and challenging walking, comfortable and relaxing accommodation and a 1st class group leader.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent in all respects whether on the walks, at mealtimes, helping out on rest days and just generally being around. I've been on 7 Exodus trips, all with good leaders, but Sara stands out above them all. Her love of the place and the people is evident
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you're looking for a combination of good walking, good accommodation and food all delivered in a relaxed and unfussy (but totally professional) way whilst exploring some new and surprising parts of Italy then give this a go. Even in mid June as we experienced a heatwave we still had a short spell of wind and rain near the summit one day, so be prepared.
Wonderful Week in the Stunning Hills of Tuscany
After having to change the departure date several times due to Covid, this walking week in the Stunning Hills of North West Tuscany was truly worth waiting for.
The area is blessed with stunning scenery in every direction, and throughout the week you get a front row seat in experiencing it up close and personal. The trip notes accurately reflect the walks and the summit finishes will get the blood pumping and lungs working overtime, however the reward for this effort is plain to see. A good level of fitness is required, however our group leader, Sara Bull, looked after us all and made sure everyone felt comfortable. She is a truly amazing person, with such local knowledge and obvious passion for the history of the locality and family run business. She delivers the experience with such professionalism and attention to detail, which is to be applauded. From arranging evening outs at local restaurants, taxi’s, train tickets & information to Lucca for the day off excursion, she has everything covered.
The Agriturismo Braccicorti is charming, and is a typical restored Tuscan Farmhouse, complete with its own cast members strolling the grounds. Accommodation is simple but comfortable, the Italian homecooked food is lovely, as is the red wine, and dining alfresco each evening made for a great opportunity to mix in our small group of eight people, and re-live the experience of the days hiking.
My tip to anyone thinking of going on this trip (or any trip to Italy) is try to learn a few words of Italian, as I had done during lockdown. Whilst I’ve a long way to go to call myself an able Italian speaker, my efforts in using my limited vocabulary were met with wonderful enthusiasm and delight on every occasion.
I would therefore thoroughly recommend this trip to anyone considering it – just go for it and you wont be disappointed.
You're the Top
Excellent trip – had a really great time. The walking was varied and enjoyable with a mix of woods and mountain tops, rocks and even the odd patch of snow. I can’t praise our guide Sarah enough. We were able to spread out and enjoy the walking at a different pace if we wanted but to come together easily for stops and directions. The landscape is stunning with magnificent views. She went out of her way to make the holiday special and to include everyone.
Starting in the agristurismo made the holiday much more special. The sense that you are joining a family, the food is produced on site and cooked and prepare in a traditional style. The bedrooms are simple but functional and the site itself is a lovely place to stay with chickens wandering around and a golf course on site.
The day we spent with the local guide was also really enjoyable – walking at a lower level and learning all about the area through different environments.
We also had a lovely day in Lucca – we all decided to do the same day off, travelled together and although we split up to explore Lucca met up and travelled back and shared a meal out. The people on the trip are what make it and I couldn’t have had a nicer group. I enjoyed every minute of this holiday.
Most Inspirational Moment
I always find it inspirational to exert myself to climb a mountain and then take the time to take in the vast landscape below and to put any outside worries into perspective. There were many opportunities to do this on this trip but I think the day we climbed Monte Ferato was my favourite because the view was so panoramic. I took a moment to absorb it before others came up the mountain. I also hired a bike and rode it through the streets of Lucca out of the walled area and found myself at a level crossing and by the time the train arrived a group of Italian women all shopping on bikes had gathered one by one and struck up conversations with each other and me. An impromptu social gathering in response to an unwelcome delay..
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sarah was extraordinary - going out of her way for everyone to make the holiday work. Providing those with sore knees tape to provide support and teaching us about the area, the farm, the family history and the providing little snacks. Her fitness and lifestyle is inspirational. When we climbed the highest mountain I left my fleece on the very top. It was one that they don't make anymore and was a favourite. The next day was Sarah's day off and she climbed back up the mountain and got it back for me which was really above and beyond and I was very grateful. On the last night we all performed a few verses of a song I wrote to say thank you to her - which was great fun but probably quite painful to listen to.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't be fooled into thinking that Tuscany in April will be warm. At the top of the mountain I needed all my layers and I really bought clothing for strolling through rolling hills not climbing. As a result I had too many t shirts and not enough warm layers. You do however need both that work together. I think a down jacket would have been helpful and don't forget waterproof trousers. I didn't wear walking boots just walking shoes and its not as craggy walking as Iceland where I felt I did need my boots for ankle stability. I was happy to rely on the food from the farm which is fine for the packed lunch but others took snacks with them.
Suggestions
This trip went very smoothly and I didn't. have any issues.
Highly Recommended
This was not our first walking holiday in Italy but it was the first time that we had been with Exodus and our first experience of staying in an agiturismo. This type of accommodation adds to the experience in that there is more interaction with the local community and greater exposure to their way of life. Although not as popular as some other regions of Italy Garfagnana is well worth a visit and deserves to be better known.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Outstanding. Our previous trips with Exodus have been with leaders who are native to the country. This has many advantages. Although she is english, Sara has led this trip for over 15 years and is pretty much accepted as a native by the locals. Furthermore, her professionalism and dedication to making the trip safe and enjoyable for the group was beyond question. Shortcomings in equipment were overcome using spare kit that she has accumulated over the years, minor injuries werer attended to, advice on how to use walking poles was dispensed, rail tickets were acquired on our behalf etc etc - both the expected and unexpected were more than adequately addressed. She even baked buns to welcome us back from our walk on her day off
Advice for Potential Travellers
Make sure you have the appropriate clothing and equipment for a day out in the mountains.
A fantastic holiday in a relatively undiscovered corner of Italy
This was a trip that will live long in my memory. My first journey abroad since the start of the COVID pandemic, the holiday was everything I hoped it would be and more. Stunning scenery, fantastic food, awesome accommodation, great people and a wonderful leader all combined to ensure that Italy will be the destination I will visit in my next holiday – and I would love to return to the Garfagnana region.
Most Inspirational Moment
There are too many moments to choose from. The walk to the summit of Mount Sumbra was challenging and certainly tested my head for heights, but the view from the top was out of this world - we could see the snow-covered peaks of mountains in nearby Emilia-Romagna as well as the broad sweep of the Italian coastline. I also really enjoyed the free day in Lucca - it is a stunning city with a lovely walk around the city walls and some interesting attractions, including the Torre Guinigi which gives you excellent views across the whole city. And then, of course, there was the 'village walk' led by one of the members of the family that own the agriturismo we stayed at - it provided a fascinating insight into the culture of a region that is still relatively unexplored.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sara was absolutely awesome and the best leader I have encountered in all of my trips. She had a genuine interest in each and every member of the group and nothing was too much trouble for her. She also had a real passion for the area and her close connection with the family that runs the agriturismo meant that she was (and is) a well-integrated part of the local community. I really could not have hoped for a better person to lead our trip - she was wonderful.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for all weathers, particularly if travelling in April. The trip notes warned that snow was possible on the mountain slopes, but the snow cover we encountered was deep (apparently exceptionally so). It was easy to walk through and added to our overall experience, but I would definitely be prepared to take a thick waterproof coat, waterproof trousers and some decent hiking boots if travelling early in the season. Sara also loaned me some walking poles that were very useful when negotiating downhill sections covered in snow/rocky scree.
Suggestions
If the trip sounds appealing to you, don't hesitate to book. I have been on many Exodus trips and this was, for me, the stand-out one. I loved every aspect of this holiday and really wish that I could re-live the week again.
Well Delivered Challenging Walking in a Beautiful Area
We did the challenging week in early September. Having done many ‘challenging’ holidays with Exodus in the past, for the first time a very challenging weeks walking was actually delivered. This was our first time in Tuscany and from the moment we got off the plane at Pisa we were taken with the area. The accommodation was idyllic and the surrounding scenery stunning. The day trip by train to Lucca was well worth it and very interesting.
Most Inspirational Moment
This was a great area for some serious walking, summits, views and scenery. Even the vehicle transfers to and from the start of the walks were interesting. The demanding two day walk with an overnight stay at the comfortable refuge was a great experience along with the strenuous summit of Monte Cusana.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sara was a very good and knowledgeable guide who had a great passion for the area.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The weather was very kind to us in early September and we walked mainly in t-shirts, but we did have one wet afternoon when it absolutely poured, so take decent waterproofs and proper boots. There are problems with ticks in this area so it is important to check yourself at the end of each walk. We found a few! For the challenging departure you need to be fit otherwise you will hold the group back. Take good boots, poles and ideally a hydration system (Camelbak) as you get through plenty of water, and refills are not always available on the route. Although the overnight refuge was more 'posher' than some, you still need to take earplugs, eye shades, towel and a red bulb head torch. The food is excellent and plentiful and there is hot water, showers and proper toilets! All in all, a good experience and the thought of a refuge should not put you off booking this trip.
Suggestions
This trip has to be the best challenging walking week we have been on with Exodus. Do it, you won't regret it!
Magical mountains in Italy
This beautiful undiscovered corner of northern Tuscany was both a delight and a surprise, and especially gorgeous in all its autumn glory. If you love mountains and views come here. If you love trees, they make the walking even better. There are Medieval villages too and gorgeous local food and wine. Perhaps a little more strenuous than other grade 3 trips, but with a good pair of boots, walking poles, lovely Braccicorti cooking in your belly and the best guide ever, you will reach heights, literally, you hadn’t imagined. With two exceptions, all of our group were 60+ and it was all achievable and a good challenging mixture of climbs and descents (with a fine hostelry at the end in most cases!)
The walks were all interesting and varied in the amazing geography of Garfagnana with a brilliant day out to Lucca in the middle of the week. Don’t hesitate – just go there!
Most Inspirational Moment
Climbing to the top of Monte Prado in clear warm weather in late October. The autumn colours of the beech trees, which extend to the tree line, were just beautiful - and catching a glimpse of a golden eagle on the way down. Walking up through the dappled light of the beech woods, knowing there were wild boar, deer and even wolves (higher up) unseen, but there nonetheless.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sara is probably the best guide I have had the pleasure of walking with. Her love and knowledge of the area shines through as well as her vast skill and experience at getting the very best - plus a bit more - out of us motley crew. If I knew she was leading another trip (assuming the endurance levels were within my reach!) I would not hesitate to choose it. She went above and beyond to make two birthday celebrations on the final day most memorable - especially her home made cakes!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take good boots, definitely walking poles - and learn how to use them properly. Layers and rain protection. Late October was lovely and warm on most of the days, but a hat and fleece at the summit was welcome, even in bright sunshine. Leave your busy life behind and be ready to immerse yourself in the amazing peace of the mountains.
Suggestions
Be prepared to be amazed and delighted.
Start
Finish
Availability
Adult Price From
Saturday Saturday
09 Sep 2023 09 Sep 2023
Saturday Saturday
16 Sep 2023 16 Sep 2023
Availability Sold Out
Adult Price From AUD 2,679
Level 3 Walking Week
Level 3 Walking Week
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
16 Sep 2023 16 Sep 2023
Saturday Saturday
23 Sep 2023 23 Sep 2023
Availability Guaranteed (On Request) Only 3 spaces left!
Adult Price From AUD 2,679
Level 5 Walking Week
Level 5 Walking Week
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 3 spaces left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
23 Sep 2023 23 Sep 2023
Saturday Saturday
30 Sep 2023 30 Sep 2023
Availability Sold Out
Adult Price From AUD 2,779
Level 3 Walking Week
Level 3 Walking Week
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
30 Sep 2023 30 Sep 2023
Saturday Saturday
07 Oct 2023 07 Oct 2023
Availability Guaranteed (On Request)
Adult Price From AUD 2,679
Level 3 Walking Week
Level 3 Walking Week
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
07 Oct 2023 07 Oct 2023
Saturday Saturday
14 Oct 2023 14 Oct 2023
Availability Guaranteed (On Request)
Adult Price From AUD 2,579
Level 3 Walking Week
Level 3 Walking Week
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
14 Oct 2023 14 Oct 2023
Saturday Saturday
21 Oct 2023 21 Oct 2023
Availability Guaranteed (On Request)
Adult Price From AUD 2,579
Level 3 Walking Week
Level 3 Walking Week
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
30 Mar 2024 30 Mar 2024
Saturday Saturday
06 Apr 2024 06 Apr 2024
Availability On Request
Adult Price From AUD 2,779
Level 3 Walking Week
Level 3 Walking Week
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
13 Apr 2024 13 Apr 2024
Saturday Saturday
20 Apr 2024 20 Apr 2024
Availability On Request
Adult Price From AUD 2,779
Level 3 Walking Week
Level 3 Walking Week
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
20 Apr 2024 20 Apr 2024
Saturday Saturday
27 Apr 2024 27 Apr 2024
Availability On Request
Adult Price From AUD 2,779
Level 3 Walking Week
Level 3 Walking Week
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
27 Apr 2024 27 Apr 2024
Saturday Saturday
04 May 2024 04 May 2024
Availability On Request
Adult Price From AUD 2,779
Level 3 Walking Week
Level 3 Walking Week
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
04 May 2024 04 May 2024
Saturday Saturday
11 May 2024 11 May 2024
Availability On Request
Adult Price From AUD 2,779
Level 3 Walking Week
Level 3 Walking Week
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
11 May 2024 11 May 2024
Saturday Saturday
18 May 2024 18 May 2024
Availability On Request
Adult Price From AUD 2,779
Level 3 Walking Week
Level 3 Walking Week
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
18 May 2024 18 May 2024
Saturday Saturday
25 May 2024 25 May 2024
Availability On Request
Adult Price From AUD 2,779
Level 3 Walking Week
Level 3 Walking Week
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
25 May 2024 25 May 2024
Saturday Saturday
01 Jun 2024 01 Jun 2024
Availability On Request
Adult Price From AUD 2,779
Level 5 Walking Week
Level 5 Walking Week
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
07 Sep 2024 07 Sep 2024
Saturday Saturday
14 Sep 2024 14 Sep 2024
Availability On Request
Adult Price From AUD 2,879
Level 3 Walking Week
Level 3 Walking Week
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
14 Sep 2024 14 Sep 2024
Saturday Saturday
21 Sep 2024 21 Sep 2024
Availability On Request
Adult Price From AUD 2,879
Level 5 Walking Week
Level 5 Walking Week
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
21 Sep 2024 21 Sep 2024
Saturday Saturday
28 Sep 2024 28 Sep 2024
Availability On Request
Adult Price From AUD 2,879
Level 3 Walking Week
Level 3 Walking Week
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
28 Sep 2024 28 Sep 2024
Saturday Saturday
05 Oct 2024 05 Oct 2024
Availability On Request
Adult Price From AUD 2,879
Level 3 Walking Week
Level 3 Walking Week
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
05 Oct 2024 05 Oct 2024
Saturday Saturday
12 Oct 2024 12 Oct 2024
Availability On Request
Adult Price From AUD 2,879
Level 3 Walking Week
Level 3 Walking Week
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
12 Oct 2024 12 Oct 2024
Saturday Saturday
19 Oct 2024 19 Oct 2024
Availability On Request
Adult Price From AUD 2,879
Level 3 Walking Week
Level 3 Walking Week
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
19 Oct 2024 19 Oct 2024
Saturday Saturday
26 Oct 2024 26 Oct 2024
Availability On Request
Adult Price From AUD 2,879
Level 3 Walking Week
Level 3 Walking Week
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
You may also like
The Adventure Begins Here
Get regular inspiration straight to your inbox from Exodus' experts.