Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Some of the views across the Tuscany hills and valleys are amazing. A patchwork of vineyards, hill top towns and a spattering of red poppies. In the background a cuckoo. In Siena we had The Baptistry chapel to ourselves and could see Donatello's font panels at close hand. Amazing after learning about them years ago in A level Art.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ale pitched the level very well. He was always happy to chat with anyone and everyone at breakfast, on the walks or at dinner. He had excellent local knowledge and guided us towards some hidden bars and restaurants. He managed to keep the trip seeming fresh and new which is a rare skill. Any problems were solved quickly and amicably.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a great starter trip if you unsure whether Exodus is for you. The group got on well right from the pick up at the airport. No one minded who they sat with on the minibus or at meals. Singles and couples were all happy to get on without feeling space or privacy had been invaded. There was always a good atmosphere when we were out together. The walks were a good distance for a casual walker 10-12k without too many steep hills. The guide made sure we took sensible breaks and waited for stragglers.

Most Inspirational Moment

having breakfast as the mist cleared revealing the tuscan view - beautiful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

took great care of us, very clear in her directions, made sure we had nothong to worry about, and went the extra mile.

Advice for Potential Travellers

be prepared for it to be wamer than the UK, possibly humid too.

Most Inspirational Moment

The wealth of knowledge of our leader was apparent from day one and hearing of all of his experiences both in Italy and around the rest of the globe was fantastic. The food was incredible - all of it - the meals at the Fattoria were delicious and varied, the ice cream was superb as you would expect, and the meals out were superb too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very knoweldgeable and charismatic. He knew at least a little bit about everything, even the wild flowers, fauna and of course the luscious fruits. Ale always made sure we had the right footwear for the type of day we would be having and checked weather forecasts for us too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go and enjoy! The food is superb and your guide may offer you the option for a picnic lunch on one of the days. Take it - it was great! We lounged under olive trees eating bread, meat, cheese, olives, sundried tomatoes and fruit. The walks are not hard at all, of course lots of up and down but Ale let us take things at whatever pace we wanted to so that didn't hinder things at all.

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing on the balcony at Fattoria Voltrona looking at the incredible scenery.  I love Australia but this took my breathe away.The villages that we passed through on our walks. Old and beautiful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Karl was fabulous. This was my first trip with a group leader and a group of people that I didn't know.From the first meeting at the airport Karl made me feel very welcome.Karl was always very happy, helpful and also interesting to listen to.Karl appeared to take time to make sure everyone was included in all group activities and that no one was left out unless they wanted to be. I would recommend this tour and Karl to anyone that was interested in this sort of trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Good walking shoe and be prepare for a lot of hills and steps.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Karl and Ale were both excellent guides. They took really good care of the group and were fun people to hang out with.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through the beautiful, peaceful countryside to Greve on a bright sunny autumn day , with the vine  leaves just turning and the wonderful light   . Just as I imagined Tuscany to be .The 'local' market was something of a disapointment but watching the post -market clear- up (which revealed a very pretty square) was revelatory (you had to be there!). Apparently the wine- tasting in Greve was quite an experience (we stuck to a very long lunch......).San Gimignano was also truly lovely .Local guide gave us a good sense of its history and importance . Also had three great meals there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He had apparently not done this trip before . Our visits to Siena and Volterra would have been much enhanced by having a local/experienced guide. We had one in San Gimignano on our first day, as he was indisposed, and it really made a difference.  Any group really interested in the history/culture (as well as the wine/walking) might be advised to club together to engage a local guide in these circumstances .

Advice for Potential Travellers

If travelling in mid- Oct be prepared for the mornings and evenings to be quite cold . The wind at (hill- top) Volterra was also cutting . I had taken a fleece but  I could have done with more long trousers. No problem with mosquitos or other insects, to my relief.