Reviews

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.

I would do it again!

An unknown region of Italy, mountainous and craggy, with peaks still covered in snow at the end of April. Although the weather was predominantly grey and wet, we made the most of it, and it was a wonderful week. In fact, the last walk was enhanced by the fog that gave the forest a mysterious and mystical atmosphere.

Delivered as advertised, enhanced by the weather and autumnal colours. Excellent.

A holiday that very much delivered as per the trip notes, with the varied hikes only being enhanced by the great weather and autumnal colours in the forests.
A well established trip with a very experienced group leader and a good bunch of fellow travellers.
For me, staying in one location is a plus, with only short minibus journeys required to reach the start point for each hike. And that one location was a lovely, relaxing one.
The hikes themselves were of the activity level expected and challenging enough for the group. The rewards were great – generally involving walking through colourful beech or chestnut forests before reaching ridges and peaks with stunning views. Few other hikers were seen throughout the week. The hikes on days 3 and 7 stood out for me.
All of the group visited Lucca on the “free day”, which was a good choice, with plenty to explore for a good few hours.
The trip also introduced me to the life of those living in the area, including exploring towns and villages. As would be expected, there are plenty of churches and other religious features.

Excellent trip

It was a fantastic trip with some relay amazing walks and views.

A Truly Fabulous Walking Holiday

This was a fabulous trip from start to finish. Beautiful and diverse scenery, great walking, great weather, and a great guide (Sara Bull). The grounds and views from the farmhouse at Braccicorti are stunning and it really is a great escape from the normality of everyday life. It was lovely to be able to relax in the pool after a day’s walking.

'Happiness from small things'

‘ ‘Happiness from small things’ is what we want to give our guests; peace and tranquillity from our countryside, and company with which to discover the secrets and beautiful areas of Garfagnana’ so says the Agriturismo Braccicorti website – and this trip provided just that.

I was a little apprehensive initially, never having done an Exodus trip before and because my own level of fitness wasn’t what it had been and should have been. Yet, those apprehensions dissipated when I met the group and discovered Tuscany.
Great company in my trekking companions and leader, and kind hospitality from the family – an enjoyable and memorable break overall (despite the pain in my knees!).

Great Holiday and Superb Walking

A great holiday with excellent walks which were enjoyable as well as being physically quite demanding. Liz, our guide for the week, made the holiday extra special as she was a superb leader who always went the ‘extra mile’ to please everyone.