A holiday I will remember for years to come This was my first trip with this tour company and I have to admit my experience during the booking wasnt the best to start with. It was rather slow and inefficient, but I have sent some comments on this and I am sure the tour company will take them on board. Also I spoke to other members of the group that have done many trips with this company and they have not experienced any problems, so I am inclined to think this was just a one off. But thats all the bad over and truly the only niggling point. Other than that, I can honestly say it was one of the best holidays I have ever had. Ill try and break my feedback down but Ill start with the guide in case you get tired of reading: 1. The guide - before I went I was surprised and bit intrigued by how many people mentioned this lady called Sara and how lovely she was. I dont think any of us can make justice in writing to who she really is. She is a phenomenal professional, a bundle of enthusiasm and energy and a tremendous human being. One of the most inspiring people I have ever met. And her dog Elvis is a legend you have to meet! With all my respect to the tour company and whatever they do in the office, 90% of your trip experience is the guide. They have the ability to make or break a trip and I can only say, this lady made for all of us a memorable trip that I am sure we will remember for years to come. 2. Experience required - being new to this, I wasnt sure if the information was exaggerated in terms of fitness or not. Reading back, I think it was spot on, so read carefully the description. Yes there are some climbs that get you a bit out of breath, but all in all it is a manageable pace and Sara was awesome at managing the pace and breaks. Also pay attention to the equipment you need, it was also spot on. For example dont think trainers and jeans will do, because they will not. 3. Accommodation - not flashy or luxurious in the traditional sense, but really warm, cosy, welcoming. In all honestly, I wouldnt change a thing. To me this place is luxury, not fancy hotels with useless toiletries but thats personal opinion. The family is lovely, the setting is incredible and Id rather stay here than anywhere else. The food was great and plentiful. So, perfect really. 4. The area and walking a hidden gem of incredible beauty. Some of the views really take your breath away. Still not very developed in terms of tourism which makes it truly special. On the day off most of us went to Lucca and it really is worth a visit. The trip in general has a really good balance between seeing small villages/cities and different walks. All in all, if you have any doubts about this trip, book it. Go and I seriously doubt youll regret it. Sorry for the lengthy of the review, but hopefully it will help.
I had always wanted to visit the Garfagnana and it seemed the perfect trip for my first walking holiday and first group holiday (I was a little apprehensive, not having been on one - and going on my own as well). I was not disappointed; the group was friendly and supportive, the scenery was stunning, our tour guide could not have been more encouraging, and I enjoyed my exposure to Italian culture and to that of this less visited part of Tuscany in particular. I am planning my next Exodus trip, although this one will be tough to match!
A wonderful way to explore the mountains of Northern Tuscany and experience "agritourismo", the views at the top Monte Sumbra and Monte Prado and stunning and breathtaking. The colours as we walked up through the beach woods and the up to summit of Monte Prado and Monte Sumbra were amazing. It has really awakened my appetite for mountain walking in Tuscany.
Massimo GiannettoTravel Expert in Italy
Matteo PiccardiTravel Expert in Italy
Antonio MaurielloTravel Expert in Italy
