Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing the Monte Prudo peak on the last day. The weather had been a bit varied in the week (ranging from thunder and lightning to hot sunshine) but on the day of the hike the weather was beautiful and clear so the views from the top were absolutely stunning. Great fun navigating the strong winds, lunch at the top of the peak, breath-taking scenery, beautiful woodland, home-cooked food to return to - a perfect day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Awesome - Sara was enthusiastic, energetic, caring, skilled, steady, reliable and organised throughout the trip. She was encouraging of everybody in the group, and took a strongly positive and inclusive approach to everyone, whatever their abilities or needs. Her extensive knowledge of the region and it's community meant that she could arrange the week's activities flexibly to cater for changes in the weather and the group's preferences. I learned so many new things about hiking and outdoors activities in just one week, from Sara's experience and knowledge. And her sense of humour added to the fun!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for variable weather conditions, and changes in the itinerary because of it. The outdoor swimming pool is lovely, but it's not heated so was chilly to swim in in September - brace yourself!

Most Inspirational Moment

Glorious mountain walks to Monte Prado and Pania de Croce

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz surpassed my expectations of a group leader and made the trip unforgettable

Most Inspirational Moment

Each day brought different memories which were all very good, there was no individual moment that exceeded any other but the trip as a whole was inspirational.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was a professional and interesting guide who had a vast amount of knowledge about the area, her planning skills were second to none and she made the trip into a holiday that I would recommend to anyone. Sara also went above and beyond in arranging a 60th birthday party which was not part of her normal role which added to the overall enjoyment we had during the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be well prepared for walking in hot weather with temperatures reaching 35+ degrees.

Most Inspirational Moment

The peacefulness of the mountains and the ability to feel far away from the normality of life. Using the ropes to edge around the ridges. Exhilarating!

Thoughts on Group Leader

I have completed many tours over the last 8 years and Sara bull is by far the best tour leader. Always aiming to please and getting all the small details spot-on. Sara puts her clients at ease and I had a marvellous time. Sara has immense knowledge and the ability to inspire further travel.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is a must,for an all-round experience. Walking,food and hospitality. Take all the gear for various weather and enjoy a dip in the pool.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking in the beautiful beech forests

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent - so knowledgeable, encouraging, funny and helpful. She really looked after all of us & her love for the region was inspiring.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have gear for wet weather as well as dry and be prepared for plenty of home cooked Italian food!!

Most Inspirational Moment

The setting of the villa overlooking a fantastic Tuscany valley.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was quite exceptional.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take appropriate precautions to deal with ticks.

Most Inspirational Moment

Very difficult to isolate one moment but probably the 360 degree view from Monte Sumbra encompassing the Italian coast and the Appenines. The wild flowers were stunning in particular the wild peonies in the Orecchiella National Park.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was a brilliant leader - encouraging at the front or supporting at the back! Her knowledge of the area, flora and fauna were inspirational. Our free day in Lucca went without a hitch thanks to her help. She recommended shorter, low level walks, complete with maps and directions for anyone who needed a 'day off'.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would recommend boots, for ankle support, and trekking poles - particularly for the descents. Braccicorti is not in a village and walking along the roads is not recommended because of fast traffic. Opportunities occur at the end of some of the walks to find shops and ATM machines. If you need extra snacks for walking take them with you from home.

Most Inspirational Moment

On the fifth day we descended via a high meadow, contouring along a narrow trail through a swathe of beautiful Spring flowers. To our left was the view down valley; ahead was the Apennine range. People in the group were chatting about the highlights of the day: the climb through the beech woods, the scramble up the the summit, but for me the highlight was in the moment.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was an outstanding leader. She was always prepared, always informative, always ready to make an extra effort to ensure that every member of the group got the most from their week.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The week involves walking in mountain country for up to six hours a day, and the routes do in places require a head for heights. Sara will look after your safety at every point, but you should have a reasonable level of fitness. Also - do not be misled by the destination. It may be a Mediterranean holiday but you are in the mountains and it can and does rain. Admittedly not as often as it does in the UK.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many! Walking the snowy ridge up to Monte Prado; seeing Salamander in the forest; a sense of the area's self-sufficiency.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was inspirational in so many ways: whether mountain leading; adapting to terrain, weather and the group's capacity; regaling us with silly stories (really? a red thong?); driving the mini-bus on narrow mountain roads, or handing out the jelly-beans, Sara was always utterly reliable, professional and compassionate. What a star!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a range of clothing: four seasons in one week.

Most Inspirational Moment

Its difficult to pick out a single moment, but I lean towards standing still as a stone watching the wild mountain sheep herds. But coming across our first fire salamanders was close.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara is an absolute delight. She will go the extra mile to give you the best possible trip in any weather. She has a great enthusiasm which is infectious.

Advice for Potential Travellers

When you ask the locals for a Doppio Espresso, they will query you...it's against local customs to drink string coffee after lunch...Just say 'Forte' in response.