Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably the ascent of out summit on the first day, with fabulous views of mountains, chestnut forests, marble quarries and the coast. But every day was different and they were all good in their own ways.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant. Sara is very experienced, very knowledgeable, and very keen that we were all looked after, all having a good time, and being given any information we asked for about anything at all. Our weather wasn't always great but she was always prepared with a variety of suggestions and ideas as to what we could do, while giving us as much choice as she reasonably could. I can't imagine how anyone could know an area, it's people and wildlife better than she does, or put more time and energy into looking after both us and the environment. She also went out if her way to make sure that being gluten- free was never a problem for me.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes - read the trip notes and consider the weather! We took waterproofs and good walking boots while not particularly expecting to need them, and very much did! The walks we did were varied and some fairly low-level, but in a mountainous area the weather is always a factor ( though Sara was well- equipped with alternate and enjoyable bad- weather plans). Also some of the terrain is fairly steep and uneven underfoot. I found walking poles absolutely invaluable, though some of our party really didn't, so my advice would be to go with what generally works for you. Oh, and the free day ( which in my case was very much needed) - all of our group went to Lucca, ( for which we were given maps, train times etc by Sara) and I think it was a good decision - not too far to travel and a really attractive and surprisingly quiet town.

Most Inspirational Moment

I avoid the use of the word inspirational. There was no part of the holiday that stood out. It was all excellent, what else is there to say?

Thoughts on Group Leader

The guide was extremely physically fit and capable, we went to some places where considerable care was needed but none of us ever had any concerns about our safety. In the case of one person needing some minor medication the guide was able to deal with that as a matter of course. Having the guide’s dogs along was also good fun including the extra one that joined us and accompanied us to the summit one day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In detail; this is very much a walking holiday and is not for the faint hearted or unfit. Although my wife plays tennis several times a week and I walk every day we both found ourselves at our limit for a 66 and 64 year old. Consequently this will probably be our last at this level i.e. non-challenging grade 3. What Exodus regard as moderate fitness means being able to walk from say 10 am until 5pm with as many breaks as you need.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the summit and seeing the views across the mountains and valleys of Tuscany was inspirational, the walk through the beach trees on the way up was stunning too, such an array of colours. We also enjoyed taking the train into Lucca and Florence, respectively and cycling around the walls in Lucca, visiting the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio in Florence and of course enjoying a leisurely Tuscan lunch with wine.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Amazing, nothing was too much trouble. Very knowledgeable about the mountains, health, local agri tourismo, environment etc. Very good driver, we felt very safe with her at all times and that we were in capable hands. She was also very caring and creative too, speciality in local jams and cake. Also loved the dogs Dora and Elvis too, really made my trip going out all together.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walks to Monte Prado and Monte Sumbra, do not have any toilet stops, so if you dont like going "au naturelle" this could cause you a problem as there aren't any facilities along the way.

Most Inspirational Moment

When Sara got the whole group safely up to the natural arch at the summit - quite a climb, and the best views of the week!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara Bull is a great leader. Her knowledge of the history and geography of the area really help get the most out of the trip, and she is sensitive to the abilities and aspirations of each individual in the group, so that everyone has a rewarding experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Choose carefully between the standard itinerary and the more challenging weeks - the latter include some longer days, steeper terrain and an occasional scramble, but well worth the effort.

Most Inspirational Moment

I really enjoyed the rock arch of Monte Forato - the walk up through the beech trees and back through meadows on a beautiful day was really relaxing and allowed me to quietly dream about the world go by before the fog came in from the sea.. The other walk I really enjoyed was the one to Monte Tambura ending in the shepherds village of Campocatino a small shepherd's village which is being beautifully restored in local style. It will be super once they are finished. All the walks led us through beautiful areas on well marked routes.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara had superb knowledge of the area and found beautiful walks every day -that was especially useful when the Föhn weather required change of plan for some days. She also tried her best to help group members who were really worried about some aspects of the walks ( height especially). To have Marmite for breakfast for the english group members was the icing on the cake!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Please read the walk descriptions carefully .Remember to bring a long-arm layer and gloves! Sara will safely bring you back down safely no matter what the weather so no worries ,

Most Inspirational Moment

The views when we reached the summits of our climbs

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was great very informative but she always had our safety in minds

Most Inspirational Moment

The views were amazing from forrest to coastline all were spectacular.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent leader with walking tips and general info.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing the Monte Prudo peak on the last day. The weather had been a bit varied in the week (ranging from thunder and lightning to hot sunshine) but on the day of the hike the weather was beautiful and clear so the views from the top were absolutely stunning. Great fun navigating the strong winds, lunch at the top of the peak, breath-taking scenery, beautiful woodland, home-cooked food to return to - a perfect day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Awesome - Sara was enthusiastic, energetic, caring, skilled, steady, reliable and organised throughout the trip. She was encouraging of everybody in the group, and took a strongly positive and inclusive approach to everyone, whatever their abilities or needs. Her extensive knowledge of the region and it's community meant that she could arrange the week's activities flexibly to cater for changes in the weather and the group's preferences. I learned so many new things about hiking and outdoors activities in just one week, from Sara's experience and knowledge. And her sense of humour added to the fun!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for variable weather conditions, and changes in the itinerary because of it. The outdoor swimming pool is lovely, but it's not heated so was chilly to swim in in September - brace yourself!

Most Inspirational Moment

Glorious mountain walks to Monte Prado and Pania de Croce

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz surpassed my expectations of a group leader and made the trip unforgettable

Most Inspirational Moment

Each day brought different memories which were all very good, there was no individual moment that exceeded any other but the trip as a whole was inspirational.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was a professional and interesting guide who had a vast amount of knowledge about the area, her planning skills were second to none and she made the trip into a holiday that I would recommend to anyone. Sara also went above and beyond in arranging a 60th birthday party which was not part of her normal role which added to the overall enjoyment we had during the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be well prepared for walking in hot weather with temperatures reaching 35+ degrees.