Reviews

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.

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. 

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

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

Finding myself able to reach the summits of all our walks.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sarah was fantastic - she helped everyone in the group, entertained and educated us with her stories and her local knowledge, fed us with sweets and biscuits, and really went out of her way to make sure everyone had the best time possible. Magic in fact!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Give it  a go - you will have an amazing time. Don't forget your walking poles- they really help.

Most Inspirational Moment

getting to top of monte prdaoi and looking down on the remnants of the winter snow.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were so impressed with the leader , the group wrote a song which we delivered with gusto on the last night! To the tune  "my old man,s a dustman"v1OHHHHHSara bull is magicShe has a magic sackShe carries sweeties with herAnd chocky bix to snackShe inspires us with storiesAnd keeps us on the goAnd when shes taking photosIts bums all in a rowv2OHHHHHHSara bull is magicShe simply is the bestShe galloped up the hillsideAnd sometimes let us restShe leads us thru the mountainsAnd picks the berries tooAnd Sara, we,d just like to sayThere,s no one quite  like you!  then big finish.......Sara Bull is magic

Advice for Potential Travellers

Even in summer bring a fleece

Most Inspirational Moment

The veiws from the mountains were spectacular and the scenery outstanding. Our guide chose routes that gave a varied perspective of tuscany which included mountain ridges, steep hill walks and forest tracks.  It was good to be based in one place and the hospitality at Braccicorti was fantastic with true italian home cooking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Sara, was professional, experienced and very considerate to the capabilities of all of the group members we all felt very safe in her capable hands.  Personnaly she help me achieve far more than I ever thought possible she was a true inspiration. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want a true feeling for the countyside and people try Exodus.  Read the trip notes carefully as they do explain in detail what to expect and take the advice of the guide they will help you acheive your goals and it is worth it in the end.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sarah, so kind, so knowledgable, great fun. Fantastic . Thank you.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take this trip. Be clear whether you are going in a challenging or moderate walking week and do the one you want to do. Also be clear whether its a week primarily (but not exclusively) ffor single travellers.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking the high ridges and reaching the peaks.  I didn't manage to do the highest peak but did the second highest!  Not bad as I am new to all this and certainly wasn't the fittest in the group or the youngest!  Such marvellous views in such an unspoilt area of Tuscany.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara's the best!  She is a very experienced guide whose enthusiasm for nature, etc., is so evident plus her knowledge of the surrounding area is superb.  She has a lovely personality, a very caring person, and one always felt confident of her decisions, etc., be it for the capabilities of the group plus all aspects of safety during our walks as she always had our wellbeing forefront in her mind.  She had some very entertaining stories of her guiding experiences which we really enjoyed listening to, which she usually told us whilst we were relaxing on the side, or top, of a mountain during lunch breaks, etc.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You do need to be fit as there's a lot of walking up some very steep hills and ridges.  It was much tougher than I had imagined, but not beyond most fit people.  I would recommend doing some hill walking before you go.