Reviews

Thoughts on 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.

Advice for Potential Travellers

No advice needed as every need is catered for.

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on 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!

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. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of each small summit to see a whole new beautiful world, each seemingly more breath-taking than the last

Thoughts on 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. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for it, use poles and be aware there are some challenging climbs.

Most Inspirational Moment

The two day overnight walk into the mountains. The views of the mountains and the clouds below you were awesome.All the walks to the peaks were well worth the effort 

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had the slightly unusual situation that the leader was swapped part way through the trip. Both Ale and Sarah were excellent.Ale's easy going approach worked well on the longer walks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take snacks or buy them in the local supermarket. The breakfasts were basic and I was hungry early on in the trek each day. This is especially important for the overnighter. Whilst the evening meal was great, breakfast was toast and jam.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking above the clouds in the morning after spending a night in Rifugio Battisti, on our way to Monte Cusna, the second highest mountain in Emilia Romagna, the peaks of distant hills seeming like islands above the sea of clouds...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara and Ale (Aleandro) were both excellent leaders. Sara was very organised and knows the area very well. Ale led most of the walks, and has a great sense of humour. He even carried a heavy bottle of Prosecco (as well as hundreds of biscuits) all the way up the mountain to Rifugio Battisti, to share with us to celebrate his birthday!

Advice for Potential Travellers

There a few slightly awkward sections of the trails that have wires/cables that you have to hold on to for extra security, but they're only short sections (perhaps 10-20 metres) and not at all technical. The walking is no more difficult than most Munro walks in Scotland.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several moments where I thought a particular part of a walk were too extreem for my ability but I quickly learnt that Sara had the measure of us all and only suggested the walks she knew we could manage. Therefore, I felt thrilled to have climbed some scary ridges and difficult tracks rather than just walking 'safe' stuff.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Professional and generous.From the outset we knew we were in safe hands. Sara, our guide for the week, created an atmosphere of fun and confidence in everyone, hitting the right balance of hard work whilst not fogetting that we were on holiday too.Her knowledge, love of Tuscany and deep fondness of Bracciocoti and the family running it overspilled and touched us all which added to our wonderful experience. Sara is probably one of the most generous people I have ever met - and not just because she fed us sweeties and biscuits every few hours!!! I mean generous in her giving of everything she could to ensure every person on her trip got the most they could from it. She would be genuinely dissappointed if she thought anyone went home not having the opportunity to have the holiday they dreamt of.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read all you can and ask for any advice you can while deciding which Exodus holiday is right for you. By taking time to plan at the beginning you increase your chance of picking the right holiday for you.

Most Inspirational Moment

Undoubtedly getting to the top of Tuscany's highest mountain, the Monte Prado, in the Apennines on the last day. At 2054 metres, this was the highest mountain I'd ever climbed and, despite the aching legs and knees, the sense of achievement and breathtaking views, ensured it was truly magical. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz was the most efficient group leader we've ever had. Her attention to detail, particularly regarding our collective health and safety, was excellent. She was incredibly fit herself but did not let this in anyway intimidate those of us who weren't quite up to her Triathlon standards! And she gave us absolutely the right advice in recommending we use our hiking boots rather than our walking trainers - the footpaths are slippy at times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You do need a reasonable level of fitness for this trip. Walking poles are really useful, particularly when it comes to descents and not putting too much strain on those knees and leg muscles. Although excellent lunches were provided, I wished I'd taken some cereal bars or trailmix, to give me some extra energy at critical moments and I would definitely have bought one of those portable water bladders so that I could sip continuously - it was very hot!

Most Inspirational Moment

General landscape of Tuscany

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent very friendly, helpful, organised and extremely informative in all aspects of holiday

Advice for Potential Travellers

I felt that some of the walkers were not prepared for walking in Tuscany in terms of footwear it was far more than just rolling hills, the trip notes and advice are spot on

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!