Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.
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197 Reviews
4.8 out of
5
Reviews
Sue Melling
Reviewed July 2017
Walking in Tuscany
I highly recommend this walking holiday staying at the agrotouristic family-run home of Braccicorti in the beautiful Garfagnana valley. Each of the five walks are unique and the scenery magnificent though the view from Pania di Corfino was a little obscured due to the weather. However, this was more than compensated for by the stunning views from the walks in the Apuane National Park to Monte Sumbra, along part of the Appenine ridge to Monte Prado and the walk to Campocatino and San Viviano’s Hermitage. The walk in the valley led by a local guide, Pierre Luigi, was great too as Pierre informed us of the history and farming of the area. But what made this trip truly fantastic and extraordinary was the sensitive and thoughtful leadership of our guide, Sara, accompanied by Elvis her dog. Sara is extremely knowledgable, informative, experienced, inspirational and has a way of communicating that is enthralling and humourous. She worked tirelessly to ensure all in the group were well catered for and throughly enjoyed their experience. Thanks to Sara I had a truly wonderful time with plenty of laughs and new friendships made. Thank you Sara and Elvis! and all the family at Braccicorti.
Most Inspirational Moment
Apart from meeting and spending time with Sara and Elvis and the group members, I absolutely loved the walk in the Appenino Tosco-Emiliano National Park along the Crinali ridge to Monte Prado. The flowers, the scents, the views, the wildlife - all were sensational and all enjoyed in great company.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Amazing! Sara is a real asset to Exodus Travels and if I had any say in it I would definitely vote her 'Guide of the Year'.
Advice for Potential Travellers
My advice to potential travellers is to book now!
Yuko Welch
Reviewed May 2017
Walking in Tuscany
Wonderful trip. It was very well organised and planed. We are looked after by the leader and accommodation’s team very well.Wonderful location and great walks.
Most Inspirational Moment
It was a very clear day. Fantastic view from the top of Monte Prado. We could see the line of mountain range all the way.
Thoughts on Group Leader
She is very efficient, informative, and good communicator as well as funny and humourous.
Her information for the rest day is excellent, too.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you learn a few Italian words, your trip would be more fun. Because you are going to the real Tuscany mountain village, not a big tourist place.
Steve Braysher
Reviewed May 2017
Tuscany: The trip of high points
What a fantastic week! Stunning scenery, a great variety of walks, a lovely place to stay, good food and tremendous company. Oh, and the weather put on a big smile for us too (apart from the last day) and possibly the best guide in the business. It really would be difficult to think of a way of beating it.
Monte Prado and Monte Sumbra were good to ‘bag’ but walking some of the ridges and through the beautiful forests added a different dimension as did exploring some of the local settlements on the valley day. The Golden Eagles on the first day, Alpine Choughs on the second and the Fire Salamander later in the week were pretty good too.
What brought it all together was the way the group gelled, good banter, a few ‘wind ups’, people looking out for each other and a very relaxed atmosphere, a perfect combination for a great trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
No one thing. The overall experience of the mountains, the group and our guide made the whole package an inspirational experience - that sounds a bit over the top but it is how it was on this trip.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Exceptional and brilliant. Sara Bull is undoubtedly the best guide I have met. Her huge experience of and passion for mountains, adventure, the local area and people together with her enthusiastic sharing of these with the group added considerably to what was provided by the natural environment of the Garfagnana region, and the team at Braccicorti. She made time for everybody and did far more for us than could or should be reasonably expected of any group leader. Her assistant, Elvis the dog, was also a star. Whilst on the hill she adjusted things to cater for the needs of both the group as a whole and individuals at the same time. When faced with decisions forced by changing weather conditions she was decisive but also took time to explain her decisions. Knowing that Sara was guiding would be a significant factor in deciding on the next trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Our group was great and everybody was more than capable of completing the walks but do look carefully at the trip notes about distances and terrain.
Katherine Evans
Reviewed May 2017
Hill Walking in Tuscany
I had never been on an organised holiday before and I really enjoyed myself. The other people on the trip were great fun and we really gelled as a group. I got to see some fabulous scenery and villages around Tuscany, which I would I have missed had I travelled under my own steam. The food and the accommodation were also first class. I thoroughly recommend this trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
I have quite a severe fear of heights but with the robust good sense of Sarah the guide, and the warmth and good humour of other people on the trip, I managed to scramble to the top of one of the highest peaks in the Garfagnana, and it felt really empowering.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sarah Bull the guide (and her canine assistant, the inimitable Elvis) were amazing. Sarah is so knowledgeable about the Garfagnana and an extremely experienced walker/climber/international adventuress. I felt privileged to have met her.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just book something with Exodus. I would be astonished if you did not enjoy it.
Lavinia Mainds
Reviewed May 2017
Walking in Tuscany
This is our 3rd walking & trekking trip with Exodus and what a fabulous trip it was. Staying in the beautiful family run Braccicorti Lodge, drinking their home made Grappa and chatting and laughing together as a group. We were 4 couples and 3 singles and everyone enjoyed each other’s company. Some were faster than others but our guide ensured we operated as a group. My husband would have liked another week sitting by the swimming pool.
Most Inspirational Moment
It is hard to pick out one inspirational moment but getting to the top of the hills each day felt great every time.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sara Bull was absolutely fabulous. Her knowledge and passion for the local area was a joy to behold. She looked after us quite beautifully, making sure the walks were carefully paced, that we were properly equipped and topping up our energy levels with biscuits and sweeties she carried in her Mary Poppins bag. We would definitely look to be guided by her again and another couple were on their 3rd trip guided by Sara. I'm sure it was Sara that ensured the English passion for cups of tea was catered for in Braccicorti.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Read the trip notes carefully - this is Northern Tuscany and hilly.
Gillian Ansell
Reviewed May 2017
Walking in Tuscany
Fantastic trip, walking up Tuscan mountains in the foothills and higher of the Apennine and Apuane ranges that surround the Garfgnana Valley, north of Lucca. Staying in simple but attractive accommodation and going off in the van to the beginning of each day’s splendid and demanding walk in great weather, then returning to shower/dinner/wine was the perfect combination of exercise/being outdoors and civilisation.
Most Inspirational Moment
So many fabulous views -- not one more than any other. Loved both the long views across the valley from the mountains tops but also the sun shining through the trees on the nice mountain paths and the charming old villages and towns we passed through.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sara Bull was simply excellent in all ways -- superbly fit, professional, knowledgeable but also going totally above and beyond as well. Kind, fun, patient, generous and incredibly devoted and hardworking. A very special person. We all loved her.
Aileen Wheadon
Reviewed November 2016
Walking in Tuscany
A lovely place, with a great group of people which all combined to make for a wonderful trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
Each day was its own enjoyable challenge
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sara was terrific.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Enjoy.
Jacqueline Phillips
Reviewed October 2016
Walking in Tuscany
An excellent week walking in the mountains of Tuscany. The autumn colours were beautiful. I was lucky to have a fantastic group, who all bonded and shared the same sense of humour. Even more fortunate to have such a fantastic leader. The two dogs, Elvis and Dora were an added bonus.
Most Inspirational Moment
No one moment, just Sara.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sara was an inspirational leader. I have never met anyone like her before. Her strength (both physical and mental) was awe-inspiring. Despite being in pain and recovering from recent concussion, she never let her personal feelings show and was always full of good humour and information to enhance our trip. She was an excellent walking guide and ensured that we all knew the route, the terrain and where to stop and wait for others if walking at a slower pace. Even on our day off, she provided maps, purchased train tickets and organised taxis and a restaurant for the evening. She provided a lot of things at her own cost, to ensure people had everything they needed
Advice for Potential Travellers
Sara introduced me to Magnesium supplements (which she kindly provided to us at her own cost each day) which help muscles recover from the strenuous activity. They definitely helped, so maybe worth taking some with you. Make sure your boots are comfortable and well worn in. The terrain is rocky and some of the descents tricky in wet conditions. Take clothing layers, we went from T shirts to full winter gear including hat and gloves. Take 2 walking poles.
Gareth Evans
Reviewed October 2016
walking in tuscany
Combining the stunning beauty of Tuscany with the comfort and hospitality offered at Braccicorti would be enough, but we then added the pleasure of the company of a wonderful group of people, and the amazing skills of Sara our leader whose sensitivity, awareness and knowledge of the area and people acted as such a positive influence and the catalyst for it all.
Most Inspirational Moment
Being part of a group that helped each other to meet the moderate challenges.
Thoughts on Group Leader
She was an inspiration.
She continually displayed such respect for the area that it heightened our awareness and understanding so that we could get the most out it.
She skillfully recognised when to lead walks from the front and when to drop back so that the pace could suit everyone.
She made our walking and evening sessions so enjoyable.
Julia Fraser
Reviewed October 2016
Walking in Tuscany
I really enjoyed this, my second Exodus trip. Despite my misgivings about my fitness I came away confident that I would come back and do more. We were lucky with the weather but even without this it would have been great.
Most Inspirational Moment
Getting up to the summit of Monte Sumba
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sara was an inspiration and an exemplary leader, taking into account everyone's abilities and fears - taking care of safety and at the same time encouraging everyone to achieve their potential.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go on this trip - and read the A-Z notes (I didn't do this, so missed out on learning about the room thermostat,....!)
