Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The two day overnight walk into the mountains. The views of the mountains and the clouds below you were awesome.All the walks to the peaks were well worth the effort 

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had the slightly unusual situation that the leader was swapped part way through the trip. Both Ale and Sarah were excellent.Ale's easy going approach worked well on the longer walks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take snacks or buy them in the local supermarket. The breakfasts were basic and I was hungry early on in the trek each day. This is especially important for the overnighter. Whilst the evening meal was great, breakfast was toast and jam.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking above the clouds in the morning after spending a night in Rifugio Battisti, on our way to Monte Cusna, the second highest mountain in Emilia Romagna, the peaks of distant hills seeming like islands above the sea of clouds...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara and Ale (Aleandro) were both excellent leaders. Sara was very organised and knows the area very well. Ale led most of the walks, and has a great sense of humour. He even carried a heavy bottle of Prosecco (as well as hundreds of biscuits) all the way up the mountain to Rifugio Battisti, to share with us to celebrate his birthday!

Advice for Potential Travellers

There a few slightly awkward sections of the trails that have wires/cables that you have to hold on to for extra security, but they're only short sections (perhaps 10-20 metres) and not at all technical. The walking is no more difficult than most Munro walks in Scotland.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several moments where I thought a particular part of a walk were too extreem for my ability but I quickly learnt that Sara had the measure of us all and only suggested the walks she knew we could manage. Therefore, I felt thrilled to have climbed some scary ridges and difficult tracks rather than just walking 'safe' stuff.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Professional and generous.From the outset we knew we were in safe hands. Sara, our guide for the week, created an atmosphere of fun and confidence in everyone, hitting the right balance of hard work whilst not fogetting that we were on holiday too.Her knowledge, love of Tuscany and deep fondness of Bracciocoti and the family running it overspilled and touched us all which added to our wonderful experience. Sara is probably one of the most generous people I have ever met - and not just because she fed us sweeties and biscuits every few hours!!! I mean generous in her giving of everything she could to ensure every person on her trip got the most they could from it. She would be genuinely dissappointed if she thought anyone went home not having the opportunity to have the holiday they dreamt of.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read all you can and ask for any advice you can while deciding which Exodus holiday is right for you. By taking time to plan at the beginning you increase your chance of picking the right holiday for you.

Most Inspirational Moment

Undoubtedly getting to the top of Tuscany's highest mountain, the Monte Prado, in the Apennines on the last day. At 2054 metres, this was the highest mountain I'd ever climbed and, despite the aching legs and knees, the sense of achievement and breathtaking views, ensured it was truly magical. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz was the most efficient group leader we've ever had. Her attention to detail, particularly regarding our collective health and safety, was excellent. She was incredibly fit herself but did not let this in anyway intimidate those of us who weren't quite up to her Triathlon standards! And she gave us absolutely the right advice in recommending we use our hiking boots rather than our walking trainers - the footpaths are slippy at times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You do need a reasonable level of fitness for this trip. Walking poles are really useful, particularly when it comes to descents and not putting too much strain on those knees and leg muscles. Although excellent lunches were provided, I wished I'd taken some cereal bars or trailmix, to give me some extra energy at critical moments and I would definitely have bought one of those portable water bladders so that I could sip continuously - it was very hot!

Most Inspirational Moment

General landscape of Tuscany

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent very friendly, helpful, organised and extremely informative in all aspects of holiday

Advice for Potential Travellers

I felt that some of the walkers were not prepared for walking in Tuscany in terms of footwear it was far more than just rolling hills, the trip notes and advice are spot on

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing (walking up hill) for 4-5 hours and then getting to the top of the mountains where you can remember how far up it looked when you got out of the minibus at the bottom but that you had made it! Then sitting down and eating a lovely fresh packed lunch!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz was amazing - she was enthusiastic, friendly and patient. Great guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In my opinon this is a great holiday for people who have walked the Lake District, Welsh or Scottish fells/hills. Walks are long and although not they are difficult, or technical, you still need to have a decent level of fitness as you are on your feet walking all day. Take mosquito spray with you.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views and scenery on all of the walks. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz was a first rate tour leader - friendly but not 'in your face', well-organised and really cared about making sure the group had a good week. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do remember your waterproof - I forgot mine but fortunately someone else in the group had two. Even in the height of summer, it can rain up in the moutains!

Most Inspirational Moment

The amazing views - stunning. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ale was great, kept everything well organised without making us feel too organised. I would happily do another trip with him as the guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be warned if you are gluten and dairy intolerant the food won't quite match up to the rave reviews from most people who have been on this trip. I would suggest bringing a decent breakfast cereal with you - I was most fed up of the gluten free cornflakes by the end of the week which I think were a bit stale.I would also suggest asking the kitchen to make you a salad for packed lunch - I was given some inedible gluten free rolls to go with picnic lunches and sandwiches made with rice cakes which weren't much better. When I hike in the UK the company I travel with just make a big salad rather than trying to give me the same meal as other hikers and that works much better.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views on the tops looking out towards the coast on the second days walk. Relaxing at the agriturismo with the gorgeous hounds Elvis and Dora. Seeing fireflies and cicadas at night. The kindness and generosity of Lucia, Mama and the rest of the family at Braccicorti.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz was a great group leader with excellent organisational skills. She did everything possible to make everyone's holiday a memorable, safe and enjoyable experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views from the summits were fantastic well worth the climb. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara Bull the group leader was brilliant she made sure all of us made it up & down the mountains and looked after us very well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Check before the walk if you would be better wearing longs trousers rather than shorts just in case the path is a bit overgrown.