Most Inspirational Moment
The whole trip was fantastic.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sara was a great group leader. Very knowledgeable, always there help if needed. Thanks Sara for making this a great.holiday.
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
WALKING IN TUSCANY
What a lovely place. Great views, lovely people, mamma’s cooking was excellent.
WALKING IN TUSCANY
Simply one of the most enjoyable trips I have been on. A stunning part of the world see through well planned treks, fantastic accommodation with Italian home cooking at its best!
Most Inspirational Moment
Being on top of Mt Prado, with the most stunning views imaginable sharing a fantastic picnic lunch. But every day was different, each trek having its own personality. I wouldn't have wanted anything to have been done differently.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sara Bull is the best leader I have had on a trip. She knows the region very well and her enthusiasm for the Garfgnana is genuine and infectious. She was very attentive to all of the group members' needs and requests without being intrusive. She was also very good company.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just book it!
WALKING IN TUSCANY
A truly relaxing break in beautiful countryside with Italian home cooking.
Most Inspirational Moment
The fabulous views over the mountains, the meadows full of flowers and the nuthatches and redstarts chirruping in the vineyard outside the bedroom window.Sitting in small cafes overlooking Tuscan villages scoffing pistachio gelati.. (or chestnut beer).Rocky ascent to Monte Sumbro and picnic at the top looking down at the mountains poking through the clouds.Cycling the medieval walls of Lucca on a tandem. Propping up the cathedral belfry in Pisa (the leaning tower!)
Thoughts on Group Leader
Truly exceptional. Sara did a lot of little extras to make it easy and enjoyable for us--sorted laundry, wet boots, bought train tickets, provided individual annotated maps, catered for dietary likes and dislikes, provided a constant supply of chocolate biscuits. She was extremely well organized and very generous with her time and effort.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you like walking and good food, don't hesitate, book it. It is not rolling meadows though, be prepared for a little effort. Also, mountain weather is always unpredictable, so even in summer, waterproofs are a must.
WALKING IN TUSCANY
Hikes through stunning scenery, a tapestry of spring flowers and the best icecream in the world – a winning combination.
Most Inspirational Moment
Every day was an inspiration. Starting our first walk in pouring rain was a challenge but it brought the group together. Reaching the summit of the highest peak in Tuscany with everyone who had started the walk (including Elvis, but that is another story) gave a great sense of achievement. Coming across a moutainside covered with crocuses and another white with narcissus flowers was a reward for all the effort.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sara is everything you would want in a leader. She is highly experienced, has enormous local knowledge and makes you feel entirely safe with her overwhelming competence. Alongside all that professionalism, she is also great fun. The birthday celebrations she put on for one of our group are a fine example of how she goes that step further to ensure everyone has a good time.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I had not imagined the hills of Tuscany would be so high - don't be fooled by images of the south of the region - and some of them can be a little scary. Despite everything you might imagine it can and does rain in May (and possibly other months) and it can be very cold when you are up the mountain so do take your waterproofs and gloves. On the other hand, pack your swimming things as it can also be lovely and warm in the valley when you get back from your walk.
WALKING IN TUSCANY
An excellent week’s walking and touring a lovely part of Tuscany many tourists don’t see. The accommodation, walks, views, food and guide made for a brilliantly enjoyable week’s break.
Most Inspirational Moment
Each walk was terrifically enjoyable, led at a good pace so we had plenty of time to enjoy the fantastic scenary. We had a rich variety of walks from local villages, woods, mountains, gorges and valleys. All this with interesting wildlife and little shrines and churches appearing in the middle of nowhere.The view from the Great Arch on the last walk was something to behold....created by wind and rain we had a spectacular view of the mountains, valleys and tiny shepherd villages below.Walking on these tracks with no other tourists in sight....bliss. We had the fresh air and views to ourselves for 95% of the trip.The farmstay. Set in acres of land its great to see the comings and goings of a traditional Tuscan family rather than stay at a stale hotel. Mama's food is superb and plentiful, whilst the packed lunches were of a good variety as well. Accommodation very comfortable.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Superb. Sara led the walks at a brilliant pace to let everyone walk and enjoy the views in their own comfort zone. She had terrific knowledge of the local flora, fauna, local customs, history and gave accurate analysis of the challenges that each walk entailed. She has a great relationship with the family you stay with and the setting at the farmstay is terrific. With Sara's help we were fed like Kings for a week.Excellent recommendations for restuaranats in Lucca and the local town.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Other than GO, not really. Given the high summer temperatures in July and August you may want to make sure that you are reasonably fit.
WALKING IN TUSCANY
A thoroughly enjoyable trip despite less than ideal weather. Beautiful scenery, stunning views, excellent company.
Most Inspirational Moment
The view from the col on the way up to the arch was breathtaking.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sara is a fantastic leader. She clearly knew the area extensively (and seemed to know everybody) and controlled the pace of the walks very well. She is a very interesting, witty and caring person who made the holiday pretty special for me.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just go. The scenery and views are wonderful. The walks are challenging (7-10 miles and up to 1000m climbs) but not technically difficult (I went on the B grade). Lots of people say walking poles are essential but I think that's personal preference because I managed fine without. Sara will lend you a pair f you want to try them out. Weather was cold in April so take several layers and remember to bring gloves (I didn't !)
WALKING IN TUSCANY
Great walks, stunning scenery, an inspirational guide and Mama’s cooking.
Most Inspirational Moment
Finding myself scrambling over rocks and admiring the most incredible 360 degree views!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sara is an outstanding group leader. She has a love for this area of Italy and a real feeling for the Garfagnana, it's people, way of life and culture. I found myself on a trip that took me out of my comfort zone and Sara's calm, yet inspiring leadership enabled me to achieve the ascents and descents that we undertook. She did so much for us whilst we were in her care and I've come home feeling that if you put your mind to it anything is possible. Thank you Sara.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The moderate walking week is in parts quite challenging and I would recommend that some preparation is done before the trip, to ensure that you have the stamina to cope with the rocky and steep paths of the Alpi Apenine. Walking poles are essential!
WALKING IN TUSCANY
Had a lovely break walking in Tuscancy. The holiday was not what I expected. I had visions of rolling green hills and instead got big mountain climbs. The holiday should be renamed climbing on Tuscan hills. However, overall it was very enjoyable. But take note, this is not for people expecting a gentle stroll, this is quite challenging.
Most Inspirational Moment
Definetly the views. Some spectacular views of the region.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sara was a fantastic leader, very easy going but very well organised. A lovely lady with a wealth of climbing experience. She made the holiday very enjoyable despite the awful weather.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This is challenging climbing holiday. Be prepared with good walking shoes and lots of warm clothes. We had awful weather in April, very cold, snow, hail, rain therefore come well prepared for all weathers.
WALKING IN TUSCANY
A wonderful week in beautiful surroundings, lovely place to stay and good company
Most Inspirational Moment
Although it was a walking holiday, the day(s) I spent in Lucca really stand out, as such a lovely town within complete city walls around which you can cycle.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sarah could not be bettered. Knowledgeable, fun, encouraging, adventurous.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Spend time by the lovely pool in the grounds of the farmhouse.
WALKING IN TUSCANY
I have been walking with Exodus for more than 15 years. This Trip was fo me the best of all for many reasons.It should be said that all others were great, but this excelled because of the location, the accomodation,the home cooking, the hospitality, the quality and scenic beauty of the all the walks, and finally the best leadership and social enjoyment I have experienced. Sarah the leader had all the social and leadership skills to bring the group together in a very short space of time. In short it could not have been bettered. A trip I shall always remember. Well done again Exodus.
Most Inspirational Moment
Every day was a great day. Perhaps the constant changing views and scenery on every turn.Also visiting the old villages and sitting out side a cafe having and afternnon break.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader Sarah as I have already stated had a great part to play in making this particular trip a very memorable one for me.She was always there to lead us in her own style safely and with great confidence.she always went out of her way to give added value throughout the whole trip.At the end of the trip she put on a slid show of our trip and a talk of other trips aswell, the whole thing was so well done.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Yes! just go on this trip I hope you find it as good as I did.