Reviews

Excellent

Despite poor weather conditions we did fabulous walks, with the leader taking the weather conditions into consideration, so we therefore had the best experiences.

Great holiday - despite some unkind weather

I decided not to downgrade the holiday because of two days of bad weather. Our guide could not have done more in the selection of walks, and they were still good – if soggy – while the scenery was all you’d expect when the clouds lifted.

Lovely holiday despite the weather!

The walking in this area is spectacular, through beech or chestnut forests up to amazing peaks. We did not have the best weather but the walking was still a joy. The accommodation is homely but with all the facilities that you require from a hotel with special touches such as being able to make you own hot drinks at any time. The food was locally sourced and well cooked. The pool is a welcome addition although unfortunately we weren’t able to make the most of it.

Wonderful experience

I would highly recommend this trip. It was my first trip to Italy. I enjoyed the opportunity to intimately experience the culture, food and people in a region that is off the normal tourist path, but extremely beautiful and historic. The Baccicorte agriturismo is lovely and comfortable. The entire Giavenetti family, especially our host Angela, was extremely warm and welcoming and did everything possible to be accommodating. If I travel to Italy again, I will definitely plan to stay at an agriturismo. I appreciate their use of local foods, personal attention and also concern for the environment.

Happy walkers

Wonderful week walking in the quite mountains of Garfagnana gave a real sense of getting back to nature. Sara, our guide, was excellent and helped make the trip truly memorable.

Amazing adventure even though the weather was unusually cold with a mixture of rain, sleet, and snow

Excellent trip with Exodus. This was my second adventure with Exodus and this one was all that the reviews say. Sara was excellent ! She was very patient, even taught some of us new hiking skills.
She kept us all motivated throughout the days despite the weather. Sara was brilliant with her switching up the routes to accommodate the unusual weather keeping us all safe and comfortable as possible. It was fun , challenging, and I would like to do it again with sunny weather. The group was awesome and were fun as everyone kept each other motivated and laughing. The food was wonderful and plentiful. Sara does such a great job of handling all the details and making it a true holiday! I loved not having to plan “where and what to trek and what & where to eat”…a real treat not to be “in charge”. My daughter a mother of two young children and I her mother really appreciated the true challenging “holiday” from our many responsibilities back at home.

Exceptional tour leader/guide

Despite the weather, which could have put a real damper on the trip (pun intended!), the trip was made exceptional by our guide, Sara Bull, and the fabulous people we had in our group. I would recommend (and do) any tour that Sara is leading.

The farmhouse and surrounds are stunning, too – quintessential Tuscany. And the food cooked by Angela and Flora, delicious.

Walking in Tuscany.

Great week despite the weather! Sarah was an excellent guide. She knew the area extremely well and was able to make adaptations to the walks depending on the weather and confidence of the group.
The farmhouse was comfortable with great food. The make you own packed lunches also worked well.
Would definitely recommend this trip, but if I was going again, I would probably go a bit later in the year when the weather is more likely to be settled.
A trip to Lucca on the free day would be my suggestion. A lovely little town, compact with plenty to see.

What a wonderful introduction to Walking Holidays and this region of Tuscany!

This was my first experience of an organised walking holiday and I can’t say I was disappointed.
Stunning scenery, delicious food and marvelous company. The weather left a little to be desired but didn’t really spoil the week at all.
When we weren’t walking we were looked after by Angela and her team at Braccicorti. Always a warm, welcoming smile and sometimes a chat over a cup of tea!
The accommodation in the farmhouse is simple but comfortable and warm, with plenty of communal areas to discuss the day’s activities or find a quiet corner to just relax.
I love my food and I loved the fare dished up during the week. Traditional, homely, delicious and plenty of it.
I have got to give a special mention to our Tuesday guide, Pierluigi, whose enthusiasm, in the face of lashing rain, knew no bounds.
And finally, our wonderful guide for the week, Sara, who had a wealth of knowledge about the area’s history and geography as well as its flora & fauna. Her leadership throughout the week made it for me.

Fabulous!

I would recommend this trip to anyone. A level of fitness is a must – certainly more than a few brisk walks around the block – it’s challenging but rewarding!
Sara – our guide – was absolutely amazing – calm, knowledgeable, patient, kind, tough. She looked after us as a group and individually – nothing was too much trouble.
The farmhouse is amazing and the family who prepared our meals were so welcoming, kind and fun! The meals by the way – beautiful simple, rustic, locally sourced food – every evening we ate at the farmhouse was a treat! The idea of being able to create your own lunch from the choices laid out was a brilliant idea and you were able to take as much or as little as you wanted. Breakfasts set you up for the day!
The accommodation is lovely with real charm and plenty of warmth, heating, drying room, roasting fire in the lounge when cold and a swimming pool with amazing views.