Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing the peaks on each walk and seeing the Garfagnana region streatch out below. Stunning vistas. The walks were invigorating and packed with interest.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was faultless. She worked hard to ensure that organised excurtions went smoothly, for example, scouring the local villages to get train tickets for the next day visits to Lucca. Sara had a wonderful sence of humour and was a mine of information on the walks and about the tales and experiences she had encountered. She made the trip a smoothly run operation. She's a treasure as are the family at the farm who worked behind the scenes.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you know what you are letting yourself in for if you take this trip with regard for walks- the Walking in Tuscany tour and in the Garfagnana would be akin to say doing some of the peaks of the Lake District or the highlands of Scotland. Certainly do-able if your walking ability is of that level. This is not a trip for gentle rambles around tuscan villages, although we had a few of those when circumstances necessitated.

Most Inspirational Moment

The feeling of achievement when i reached the top of a hill/mountain that i never thought i would make and the quiet , peaceful beauty that opened up in front of me.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Liz worked non stop in ensuring we were all catered for, all fit, all happy and enjoyed our holiday. Only one comment but it needs to be said.....MY GOD IS SHE FIT!!!!!! Thanks for everything Liz.

Advice for Potential Travellers

yep.Do go on the trip it is fantastic but be prepared for really challenging walks. I walk my dog daily over hills etc and often do around 10 miles at weekend but i found the climbing really hard going but enjoyable and the group were great ,no stragglers were left behind and encouragement was given to all whether first time or 14th time.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking...well, scrambling/clinging/concentrating along the ridge to the summit on the third day's walk, really dramatic views (before the mists closed in) and tough!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz was fantastic...patient, excellent at providing the challenge needed (for an apparently very fit group) without letting anyone feel they couldn't keep up with the demands of this C grade week.  She also went over and above what you would expect in terms of helpful information and advice on the day off and the last day, ensuring we got to see Lucca and Pisa before flying home.  I also very much appreciated the suprisingly prolific snacks she managed to fit into her rucksack each day!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are up to a challenging week...this isn't genteel strolling through Tuscan olive groves!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were no bad bits during the week, but the highlights included the 2 day walk with a night in the refuge. The walks covered the highest peak in Tuscany, plus an earlyish morning walk to the second highest peak in the neighbouring range. Seeing the sunset high up in the mountains was amazing and worth the walk alone.The food at the accommodation was perfect and plenty of it, always seconds available!There was plenty to challenge and enjoy on the walks, with chains, scrambling and ridges all done at some point, plus forest walks but always excellent views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz was our leader, and she was excellent, she was friendly and helpful and made sure that we all knew what we were doing every day and made sure we were comfortable on each walk, by allowing the faster walkers to go on ahead, but giving clear instructions of where to wait for the group. On the walks she made sure that we were all ok, and on our day off she ensured that we all knew what the options were for us to do. On the last day, as we had a late flight back to London, Liz ensured our day was full with a trip to Lucca and Pisa, thus meaning we had 7 full days.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are not fit, or do not walk regularly then this is not a week for you. However, if you are fit or walk regularly in the hills then this is a week for you.

Most Inspirational Moment

Making it to some of the big peaks to enjoy the amazing views. Mama's delicious food.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz was absolutely excellent. She is really knowledgeable and friendly. Always happy to help the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get ready to be surprised by the beauty of northern Tuscany!

Most Inspirational Moment

I really enjoyed the walks through some beautiful beach forest, then out on the more exposed slopes to the top of Monte Sumbra, say.   The stunning views from other peaks.  The village-village walk.  The time to relax in/by the pool at the end of each walk.  The tea and biscuits/beer from the fridge upon return from a day's trekking.  Pottering around in Lucca, soaking up the atmosphere (enjoying a nice long lunch) and on the last day in Pisa before the late evening flight home (we had 2 free days really).  And of course, Mamma.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alejandro is an excellent leader/guide. He is really well organised; he communicated information really efficently and was encouraging every step of the way.  He went out of his way to assist with options on the free day, (e.g. bought and fetched rail tickets for the group), and thus enabled me to manage both visits to Lucca and Pisa later in the week - without missing out any of the scheduled walks.  Always sociable and helpful I really enjoyed his company and wish him luck.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just book it and have a great week.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking up hill and seeing the amazing views. Making it up the mountains despite the heat and the aching legs.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was excellent. Approachable, knowledgable and dedicated.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I din't realise there is so much climbing and descending. I would recommend walking sticks.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking the ridges on the last couple of days was lovely, the sun had appeared and it was great having constant wonderful vistas and knowing that I could manage the terrain.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I couldn't fault Sara. She was thoughtful, competent, efficient and caring.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go.

Most Inspirational Moment

Just sitting at the top of a mountain and seeing nothing but more mountains in every direction!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader organised everything with great efficiency and nothing was too much trouble. She was friendly, helpful, very encouraging and her knowledge of the area was extremely good.

Most Inspirational Moment

Ice cream! Mamma's cooking, Sara's enthusiasm.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go walking in Tuscany. Challenging week was great......not horrendously difficult.