Tuscany Walks & Chianti Wines
Experience Overview
The intoxicating beauty of Tuscany is there for all to see. But that’s just the start on this gentle small-group hiking adventure. Guided by an expert tour leader, we experience the Garden of Italy through the eyes of a local, staying in the small village of Pancole, where we’re treated to classic Italian hospitality by the Sabatini family. Our walks take us through beautiful vineyards and we explore the Renaissance cities of Siena and Florence with expert local guides. Of course, we also sample several varieties of the local chianti together, forging friendships that could last a lifetime.
Profile
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Hotel Le Renaie) — Five days of walking and sightseeing — Option to travel by train to your adventure — Option to book an extension package
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Hotel Le Renaie) — Five days of walking and sightseeing — Option to travel by train to your adventure — Option to book an extension package
Trip For You
This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Walking profile: This trip offers a good mix of city and countryside walks. The terrain and path type include paved tracks, forest trails and gravel. The walks are not technically difficult, although there are some ascents and descents, so a reasonable amount of fitness is required. Please be aware, the Radda walk on Day 3 can be challenging due to the length and hilliness of the route. The area is quite hilly and most drives, although short, follow twisty mountain roads through wooden areas.
Climate: Tuscany can be very hot in summer, especially from June to August but heatwaves can also happen in April and May. Temperatures can reach the high 30Cs (around 100F). We try to start our hikes earlier to avoid the hottest hours of the day but temperatures and humidity will be high. You should feel comfortable walking in the heat. The number of mosquitos may increase (significantly) in summer, so we recommend bringing repellent.
Group Description
The tour leader accompanies the group on all programmed activities, except for your free day and, on some departures, your walk on Day 4, which may be led by a local guide.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts, five dinners and three wine tastings are included.
Breakfast is usually a continental-style buffet.
The five included dinners are taken at Hotel Le Renaie. Four meals consist of three courses, dessert and a glass of wine. On Tuesday evening, when the restaurant is closed to the public, you will be treated to a special pizza feast.
All meals are homemade and prepared using locally sourced ingredients and following traditional Tuscan recipes. For this reason, the menu doesn’t include fish-based options.
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free choices are available – please advise us of dietary requirements on booking.
Transportation
We use a private minibus for airport transfers and most excursions plus the local train/bus services on certain days. Transfers are no longer than one hour at a time and road conditions are good.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel Le Renaie, Località Pancole, 53037 San Gimignano (SI)
Phone: +39 0577 1607452
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Pisa (PSA)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 1hr 20min drive from the airport. We provide one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
The usual meeting point for the group transfer is Pisa Airport, where the guide will be waiting for you. Occasionally, unpredictable parking restrictions at the airport mean the group transfer includes a five-minute journey on the Pisamover from the airport to the railway station. In this case, the guide will still meet you at the airport on arrival and accompany you on the Pisamover.
Make your own way
It’s possible to reach the start hotel by public transport, but the journey is complicated. We therefore recommend joining the group transfer where possible. If not, you can pre-order a taxi through Exodus. This will take you from Pisa Airport directly to Hotel Le Renaie. It will take approximately 1hr 20min to reach the accommodation and costs approximately €200, paid locally.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Note on the group flights
The inbound flight can sometimes be late in the evening, especially during summer. In this instance, you will have additional time to spend in Pisa. The tour leader will take care of all arrangements in terms of transport from/to the airport and the city centre and luggage storage. It may also happen that, for logistical reasons, we must be at the airport earlier than normally scheduled on return. This will mean a longer waiting time before checking in.
Weather Information
Expect warm days in April and May. Although rain is possible, it seldom lasts long. Nights may be cool. We strongly recommend a fleece-lined jacket or warm sweater in these months.
June sees the start of summer and July and August can become quite hot by mid-afternoon, so this time is kept free for lunch. Although rain is unusual, torrential cloudbursts are not unknown. September and October are cooler and wetter, yet visibility is often better. Swimming is usually still possible.
Spending Money
For the dinner not included, allow €35 for a good meal and extra for wine. Lunches are not included but there is always somewhere to buy lunch (a cafe lunch costs approximately €15) or provisions to make a picnic if this is preferred. You will also need to allow for tips at restaurants.
Local taxes: Many Italian cities have introduced a tourist tax for non-residents. The local administration oversees the tax, which will be collected by the accommodation provider at check-in or check-out. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, the season and number of days of stay. It is usually €2-€3 per person per night. For this trip, please allow €10-€15, depending on the season, for the week. In some cities, children and people aged 75 or over are exempt from this tax.
Optional activities and excursions
— Optional wine tasting: €5-€10 depending on the number of wines tested — The Boboli Gardens in Florence: €10 — Uffizi Gallery in Florence: €24 (including €4 booking fee) — Accademia Gallery in Florence: €18 (including €6.50 booking fee)
Tipping
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work. Most wish to tip their guides in appreciation of their help and friendliness. This, of course, is not compulsory and depends on the service received. For this trip, we recommend allowing approximately €15-€20 per leader per week.
Highlights
— Experience classic Tuscany on foot: rolling vineyards, Renaissance cities and medieval villages — Sip chianti and other local wines on three separate tasting experiences — See Siena through the eyes of local on a history and culture tour with a local guide — Discover magnificent Florence on a walking tour with a local guide — Feel like one of the family with a stay in the Tuscan hills at Hotel Le Renaie
Trip Details
Product Code: 4368
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: are good.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: TDC
Starts: Pancole, Italy
Finishes: Pancole, Italy
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— All breakfasts, five dinners, three wine tastings — All accommodation — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughoutAccommodation
Hotel Le Renaie, a family-run albergo in PancoleSurrounded by Tuscan hills, Le Renaie occupies a privileged spot in the little village of Pancole, just 4mi (6.5km) from San Gimignano. Here, the Sabatini family has created an intimate, friendly retreat with 25 air-conditioned rooms and plenty of places to mingle. Under the Italian summer sun, the swimming pool area (which has a separate hot tub) is the perfect place to cool down; alternatively, find a shady spot in the flower-filled gardens to sit, chat or read a book. Come evening, gather in the bar-restaurant for delicious Tuscan cuisine and a glass or two of local wine. It’s a popular stop for Pancole residents, so you know it’s good. There are also games tables to keep the entertainment going or you can take your drinks onto the bar terrace for views over the garden, which is filled with hydrangeas and citrus plants. Amenities Swimming pool (usually open May to mid-October)Restaurant serving traditional Tuscan mealsBar/cafeteria for light snacks and lunches (open every day)Games tables Worth knowing A limited number of rooms have a balcony (facing the pool or garden) and these are assigned by the hotelOur hotel is in a quiet area with just a couple of wineries and agriturismos nearby. If you did want to explore, San Gimignano is a short taxi ride awayPool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements; cooler months may not be suitable for swimming
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,515 ($439 /day)
Itinerary
Start at Hotel Le Renaie, our welcoming family-run hotel 4mi (6.5km) from San Gimignano. In the evening, our tour leader holds a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions. If you have extra days at hand and wish to extend your adventure, consider booking additional nights in Pisa or Florence. Speak to your sales representative for more information.
Get ready for a day full of history and nature as we explore one of the most popular sections of the Via Francigena, which links the villages of Gambassi Terme to San Gimignano. The Via Francigena is an ancient pilgrimage route that links Canterbury in the UK to Rome; the full trip takes well over 90 days, but our section is far gentler, cutting through olive groves and vineyards. Later in the afternoon, we head to Fattoria Le Caprine, a farm estate specialising in cheese making, just outside Gambassi. Here we enjoy three glasses of wine, a trio of cheeses and a tour around the farm. Dinner this evening is back at the hotel, where we have time to relax, perhaps with a game of billiards or another glass of local wine on the garden-view terrace.
This morning, we enjoy local history in the heart of the Chianti area, covering a scenic circular route. We cut through woodlands, where we can admire the emerald vineyard valleys. In the afternoon, you have some free time to wander around and maybe join an optional tasting of the much-acclaimed chianti classico at one of the many local wineries.
After breakfast, we head to Certaldo station and catch a train to Siena (approximately 45 minutes). This medieval city is dominated by impressive gothic monuments and is divided into 17 contrade (districts), each of which goes head-to-head in the twice-annual Palio, a thunderous horse race around the central square for which the whole city turns out. We join a local guide on a tailor-made tour of the city, stopping at the landmarks, plus captivating sites most tourists normally pass by. Our tour includes a visit to a contrada museum, which is typically closed to the public, and dips into botteghe (small, traditional shops) to sample traditional local sweets. You may also opt to visit the medieval Siena Cathedral. In the afternoon, learn about Tuscan wines during a one-hour lecture at the Tuscan Wine School. Unlike traditional wine tastings, this expert-led experience is more educational, offering in-depth insights into Tuscany’s most important wines.
Today is free to rest by the poolside. Alternatively, your tour leader can advise on local chianti wine-tasting tours, cooking classes, e-bike and vespa hire or offer assistance for unguided walks or daytrips.
Our destination today is Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. We reach Florence from Certaldo by train, approximately a one-hour journey. Most of the greats from the movement lived or passed through here: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Sandro Botticelli and more. Learn all about it by joining one of the free local tours, which typically take in the highlights. Join one of the morning tours and you’ll have time to visit the Uffizi, an art gallery housing works by Renaissance masters, including The Birth of Venus by Botticelli and the gruesome Medusa by Caravaggio. If you do wish to visit, we recommend prebooking your ticket online to avoid lengthy queues. An ideal time is around 2pm if you’re joining the morning walking tour. Tickets can be purchased at www.uffizi.it/en/tickets.
Take a short transfer to the medieval town of San Gimignano, which we explore, including visits to the Palazzo Comunale, a 13th-century stone palace that’s home to the Pinacoteca (Art Gallery) and 177ft (54m) tall medieval Torre Grossa. There’s free time to wander and soak up the atmosphere. Before your farewell dinner, we visit the family-run Cesani estate, which produces some of the finest wines in the region. Here we enjoy an expertly led tasting, sampling three glasses accompanied by bruschetta, extra-virgin olive oil and a selection of Tuscan cheeses and charcuterie.
The trip ends after breakfast. Bid Hotel Le Renaie a fond farewell and begin your return journey home.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Debbie Palmer - Traveled, April 2024
Tuscany Walks & Chianti Wines is set in a beautiful rural location. A very relaxed but full itinerary walking holiday. Challenging walks at times with lots to do but well balanced with down time to enjoy the surroundings and wine. Most Inspirational Moment It's hard to pick one moment as the scenery is beautiful. We were inspired by the views every day, the countryside, the villages, Siena and Florence. Not to mention the local wines! Thoughts on Group Leader Liz was amazing, it was all about the groups needs and keeping us safe, doing her utmost to ensure we had the best possible experiences. Liz's knowledge of the region was impeccable. Liz was friendly and a great part of the group. Advice for Potential Travellers The hotel is quite rural, be prepared for the lack of a convenient shop! Suggestions As with previous Exodus holidays, we have met a lovely group of people, group leader and staff.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/20/2024
Paul Jephcott - Traveled, September 2023
Excellent and interesting trip A good all round trip with a good balance between low key leisurely walking, wine tasting and exploring old medieval towns and cities. Most Inspirational Moment Local walk followed by lovely local wine tasting Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent. Friendly , professional, knowledgeable and a very good driver. Advice for Potential Travellers No Suggestions No
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/09/2023
Annabel Smith - Traveled, September 2023
Great trip Lovely wine and hill walking with excellent town/city tours. All very well organised. Most Inspirational Moment Lovely Florence. Thoughts on Group Leader Superb. Such a lovely person and so helpful. Advice for Potential Travellers Good walking shoes/boots are essential and poles are useful. Suggestions We couldn’t check in before getting to the airport as this was a group booking and checking in was not straightforward. Please Exodus change this if you can.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/22/2023
Geoff Broom - Traveled, September 2023
Super relaxing walking and wine in Chianti with brilliant tour leader Brilliant tour leader, lovely group of travellers, excellent hotel, and varied mix of activities. Most Inspirational Moment Relaxed dining with a lovely group of fellow travellers. Thoughts on Group Leader Roseanna was fantastic. She had a great personality and made sure everyone in the group feel relaxed. Nothing was too much trouble. She deserves 'Guide of the year' trophy if you award one. Advice for Potential Travellers Make sure you get Roseanna as your guide. I believe she will be running this trip next year and I might well book it again. Suggestions Nothing to add.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2023
Susan Ashton - Traveled, August 2023
Fantastico! Wow! Exodus … thank you …we had a fantastic week. The trip was truly amazing. It was a great combination of leisurely (but hot!) walking in the Tuscan countryside, cultural days in Siena and Florence and superb wine tastings. We were fortunate to share our experience with a wonderful group of people and enjoy a few evenings (and bottles!) dining on the lovely terrace of Hotel Le Renaie. The weather was superb and scenery absolutely spectacular. Most Inspirational Moment It was all memorable. Each day was different! Thoughts on Group Leader A big shout out to Ale Moreiras! Ale was a fantastic group leader. He was so knowledgeable, enthusiastic and good humoured (even when some of the group missed the train in Siena!) Ale made sure we all had a great time and looked after us! Thank you Ale! Advice for Potential Travellers Do this trip if you enjoy leisurely walking, some good wines and a little culture thrown in! Sadly, there were some negative reviews because the previous accommodation/meals were not so good. This has now been rectified and we loved Hotel Le Renaie and the chilled vibe. A great find Exodus! Suggestions Thanks to the hotel and the wonderful staff. The four course evening meals were a highlight on the terrace watching the sun go down. The Agriturismo Cesani wine tasting was the best wine tasting and the views incredible! We spent three days in Lucca at the end of our trip and would recommend a visit to this enchanting city.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2023
Vicky Reffin - Traveled, May 2023
Wine not....hehe This was my first solo trip, exodus came highly recommended and so I thought I’d try it! The agent Barry rang me at times I was free and was so so helpful, booking and organising different flight was made far easier with his help. Landed in pisa and was greeted by Rosanna- our tour guide for the holiday. Honestly, I was a tad nervous and she was just lovely, very calming, like sunshine in human form!! Rosanna was very helpful, chatty, bubbly, informative and amusing throughout the whole trip. It was such a happy time!! I’m still laughing at some of the moments we had one week on ! Most Inspirational Moment Apart from the hills, steps, steps and hills - because there were a few!! And i loved them....I'd say it's making the friends I did and the trust I found in them and the laughs we shared..... Thoughts on Group Leader LOVE Rosanna, the trip wouldn't of been what it was without her!! She is amazing, made sure we were all happy, fixed the glitches straight away- there's always one or two, kept smiling, tried so hard to give us information and treats!! She kept us up to date with times , trips, things to do on days off so we werent lost, rosanna put so much into making it the best -I just think she is brilliant, don't think there's anyone who could top her!!! Lovely soul! Advice for Potential Travellers Just book it and go do it!! Italy is amazing , the wine is so delicious and if you are lucky enough to have Rosanna you will have the best time ever!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/17/2023
Jerry Dawson - Traveled, September 2020
Fantastic trip - even more appreciated in these times of COVID restrictions! I travelled solo on this trip departing on 12 Sept 2020, having booked it quite late as Italy was one of the few venues Brits could travel to without any COVID-related quarantine requirements either end. I was not disappointed. It is a perfect blend of walking (3 days – with fantastic views) and city tours (2 days with a guided tour of each available). Villa Casalta is a quality hotel with rooms with a view and a fabulous terrace overlooking the vineyards and skyline where all meals are eaten. The pool is also very relaxing. Most Inspirational Moment The walk to San Gimignano on the last day; the guided walking tours of Siena and Florence; and the session at the Tuscan Wine School in Siena. I also loved my pre-breakfast swims in the pool and the sense of peace at Villa Casalta. Thoughts on Group Leader Teresa did a great job and was very personable. Advice for Potential Travellers There is a kettle in the room - and teabags - but bring some instant coffee if you are a coffee drinker! Suggestions I was very impressed how this trip ran so well despite the COVID restrictions.... but don't forget to bring a face mask.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/29/2020
Michele Wilson - Traveled, September 2019
I had a wonderful holiday with a fun group of people. Our leader Teresa & Mike the driver ( who also walked with us) organised everything brilliantly and were very patient walking at the perfect pace. The Tuscan countryside is breathtaking, as are the beautiful hilltop villages and towns. The only downside was the food at our accommodation, which was poor. On the plus side the food in the local restaurants chosen by Exodus was delicious. The wine tasting was great and very informative. Most Inspirational Moment The last day walking through the beautiful undulating hills and vineyards to San Gimignano. Thoughts on Group Leader Teresa was excellent and came up with very good suggestions for restaurants & where to get the best gelatos!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/24/2019
Ronda Fogel - Traveled, August 2019
It promised so much ... Unfortunately Exodus dropped the ball on this particular tour. A combination of a new inexperienced tour leader, dirty poorly maintained accommodation (Agriturismo is not an excuse for dirty or poorly maintained accommodation!) and inedible food. My expectation of the actual tour itself was different from the reality. No transport to and from town on days off. Most Inspirational Moment There was nothing inspirational about this trip. Thoughts on Group Leader It was our group leader's second tour in the area. He was inexperienced and lacked local knowledge, at times he seemed overwhelmed. Advice for Potential Travellers Don't go! There are far better tours on offer than this one. Suggestions Exodus needs to sort out the accommodation and food with the host. Give the tour leader more support.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/14/2019
Chris Nixon - Traveled, June 2019
Fabulous A fabulous combination of walking the Tuscan countryside, combined with wine tastings and city visits. Alejandro was a brilliant leader. Villa Castalta is a perfectly adequate base for a walking holiday. The meals at the Villa are basic but wholesome. The restaurant used in the village were all different and very good. The best being Il Re Gallo. The 3 main walks are all interesting, each finishing in an interesting town for lunch and gelato! Despite the high temperatures during our week (highs of upper 30s) all the walks were at a a relaxed pace with plenty of stops along the route. Most Inspirational Moment The trip to Siena was excellent, with a very good guide in Sara. It was great to find out about the history of the city and the different districts. During our visit, they were preparing for the Palio, which added to our interest. The visit to the Tuscan Wine School in the afternoon was very informative. This did not take anything away from the other city visit to Florence, where we had another excellent , but different type of guide, Elizabetta, who told us about the history of Florence with great charm and wit. Thoughts on Group Leader Alejandro was fantastic. The walks were well paced and we had sensible early starts, considering the heat. He was very informative about the flowers and trees along the route. And feed us cherries and white mulberries. His choice of restaurants in Castellina was excellent. Advice for Potential Travellers As others have remarked, good walking boots or shoes are advised for the hill walks. Plus you will need long trousers on the first part of the walk to Radda. (Read the trip notes!) A torch is useful for walking back from Castellina at night. Suggestions If you want a walking holiday combined with visits to Siena and Florence, this is the trip to go on.You also learn about Chianti and experience varying types of Italian food.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/11/2019
Martin Dennis - Traveled, June 2019
One of the best... For me, there are three criteria that make a great Exodus trip: the members of the group, the leader, and the location/activities. The members of the group on this trip were wonderful: great company, entertaining, and considerate. Mark was the perfect leader (see below). The location was stunning with beautiful Tuscan villages, towns and cities. How can the combination of wine and walking be beaten? (OK, maybe cycling and wine at a push…) Most Inspirational Moment So many: approaches to archetypal Tuscan villages; stunning views of Florence, San Gimignano and Siena. Hearing scops owls and nightingales (why are both so difficult to spot?!). Wonderful food and wine. Thoughts on Group Leader The perfect guide: helpful, knowledgeable, considerate, funny, flexible and an exemplary driver (reversing with trailer into a space at Pisa airport, first time and in front of an audience!). Advice for Potential Travellers Take a bigger case to accommodate the chianti, cheese, olive oil you'll want to bring back. I didn't buy dresses or handbags but some did! Suggestions Book now!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/18/2019
Carole Grimwood - Traveled, June 2019
Excellent trip - But a bit more than gentle walking We had a great of walking and wine tasting in the Chianti region with our excellent guide Alejandro. Our accommodation at Villa Castela was probably the best we have enjoyed with Exodus – great location, tranquil, lovely pool, big room, comfy bed and simple but delicious food. Most Inspirational Moment Sienna was fabulous. Thoughts on Group Leader Alejandro was an excellent hard working guide who went the extra mile Advice for Potential Travellers We were 'blessed' with very hot weather in early June (high 30s and 37 deg on our last day) which made some of the very undulating walking hard work for us and definitely not 'gentle'.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/23/2019
Jane Jewell - Traveled, May 2019
First trip with Exodus We had a thoroughly enjoyable varied trip though the walking was more challenging than we anticipated. The uphill and down dale rocky walking was harder for us as we are both in our 70s and these days we have not done so much of this type of walking. Nevertheless, we had an excellent guide in Liz Proctor who made sure that we paced our walking and with her knowledge of the countryside and terrain through woodland, olive groves and vineyards combined with a good humoured small group of 6 persons made our walking very enjoyable. The wine tasting and classes were very informative and fun. On the city days in Sienna and Florence we had excellent guided walks and an in-depth insight into the culture and history ofthese 2 beautiful cities both of which we have visited twice before. The weather was more chilly than expected and the farmhouse although welcoming was not warm enough in the morning or when we came home each evening.th Most Inspirational Moment The beautiful Tuscan countryside and the Agritourism which has enriched the Tuscan landscape and allowed the families to develop their hardworking but enriching way of life. The natural ecological way of living which is a model of living to aspire to. Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent, very personable, calm and extremely knowledgeable. As well as acting as a extremely competent driver as well as the guiding. We really appreciated the good planning and timing that went into everyday and we trust that Liz is remunerated fully for this double role and responsibility. Advice for Potential Travellers Read fully the excellent guidance notes sent by Exodus Suggestions A truly varied and enjoyable trip in a beautiful country with lovely warm people. We also thoroughly enjoyed the Cooking day we booked on our day off.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/28/2019
Helen Stevenson - Traveled, April 2019
Wonderful trip! The countryside walks were paced perfectly, with time at the end of each to visit beautiful hilltop towns for leisurely lunches and sightseeing . Visits to Siena and Florence provided a taster for these beautiful cities. The wine tasting, particularly the Siena Wine School, was enjoyable, as was the Chianti imbibing throughout the week. Everything at Villa Casalta was very relaxed, owner and her staff friendly and helpful. I appreciated the tea and coffee making facilities set up in the sitting room for Exodus customers. I loved having day off mid week when I spent a leisurely day in Castellina. Most Inspirational Moment No single moment as I enjoyed it all. Thoughts on Group Leader Liz Proctor is brilliant in every way - friendly, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, helpful, and more... Advice for Potential Travellers To book a time slot for Uffizi Gallery the trip notes suggest between 11.45 and 16.00. Liz has discovered a very good free walking tour of Florence 10.30 to 13.00, which I had to leave at noon. Also 4pm is too late as it's a minimum half hour walk back to the bus for 5pm. I suggest around 2pm would be ideal time slot. I was pleased I took walking poles and used them on all the country walks.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/20/2019
Louise Sampson - Traveled, April 2019
Excellent well balanced trip This trip is a good mix of walking, city culture, great wine tasting and good food. The walks are leisurely – undulating – through lovely county side and vineyards. Not too long but long enough to know you have done something. Local guided tours had been arranged in Siena and Florence which made it more focused since there is really only time for a taster! – definitely go back for a longer trip to see all they both have to offer. The arranged wine tastings were very informative especially the one at the Tuscany wine school in Siena – we will be on the look out for the wines we tasted. The local restaurants used all served excellent food as did the Vila Casalta where we stayed. We also took part in an italian cooking lesson run by Edith on our free day. Well worth going to – but she only takes cash. Our guide Liz – was very experienced, very informative and knowledgeable. All in all an excellent holiday. Most Inspirational Moment Really enjoyed it all. Thoughts on Group Leader Liz - Elizabeth Proctor was excellent
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2019
Janice Eastman - Traveled, September 2018
Wine and walking A well balanced holiday betwern sight seeing and walking. Excellent accommodation. Most Inspirational Moment The organisation and diversity Thoughts on Group Leader Knowledgable and professional Advice for Potential Travellers Take walking boots not trainers Suggestions Didnt think the cookery lesson (which was an additional extra) was worth 85 euros. Taking turns between 4 of us to knead dough was like being treated as a child. Still waiting for the receipes!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2018
Michelle Nogier - Traveled, October 2018
Italy October 2018 The Chianti Walking and Wine Tour was truly incredible. It was a vacation for my personal sensory system….to touch the ground that leads to…….the smell of the crisp Italian forest air, the taste of the locally sourced wine and fresh cheese, to see the vineyards, the cypress trees and the villas and to hear the sound of silence and peace, that can only be found walking the Tuscany Country. The tour was about being aware and in the moment, then taking those memories and sharing them with friends. Most Inspirational Moment The whole trip was inspirational. For me to comprehend we walked where only the local people walked. The only other tourists were the nine people within the group and our group leader. That's it....no crowds, no noise....how much more inspirational can that be... Thoughts on Group Leader Mark Middleton....super, great and loved his job. This made us enjoy the tour even more. Advice for Potential Travellers From personal experience....proper hikers or really supportive runners. The walks can be more adventurous than expected. Suggestions Villa Casalta is amazing - built in 1749!! Pictures and words cannot explain. Roberta and Margarita always made it feel like coming home. Absolutely loved it...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/27/2018
Gill & Don Yuile - Traveled, May 2019
Our first Exodus trip This trip met all our expectations and requirements and was a really good holiday for us. The daily organisation and all the experiences were excellent, we cannot praise Liz enough for her competence at making the week so good. The walks were amazing, just at the right level for us and we felt spot on with the leisurely/moderate rating. The hotel was beautifully situated, traditionally furnished, clean and homely, the staff were very nice, helpful and pleasant. Just a few quibbles that have prevented us awarding the top rating: the hotel breakfast was good, although a bit more variety would have been nice, but the evening meals taken in the hotel were fairly basic. The meals taken outside in local restaurants were fantastic. Our pre trip information supplied from Exodus gave us the wrong departure terminal at Heathrow, which we realised just two days before departure, however, this was dealt with efficiently and we appreciated how well it was handled. All in all an excellent week, we enjoyed it immensely and are looking at our next adventure! Most Inspirational Moment Probably the best thing about this trip was the ratio of walking, city visits and wine tasting. A perfect amount of each meant that it was all most enjoyable. Thoughts on Group Leader Liz was a fantastic guide in all ways: leader experience, local knowledge, language skills, driving, organisation, and making sure every member of the group was comfortable and any special requirements taken care of. She was nice with it! Advice for Potential Travellers We recomend taking walking boots rather than trainers for the walk days as many of the tracks have loose stones and rocks. Flat shoes recomended for the rest of the time, especially in towns and cities.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/18/2019
Debbie Henderson - Traveled, June 2019
Fantastic Holiday I’d wanted to go to Tuscany for years and this exactly fitted the bill. Wonderful walks, hilltop towns, visiting Siena, Florence and San Gimignano. Wine tastings were informative. Lovely group too. I can definitely recommend! Most Inspirational Moment Seeing the fabulous scenery at every turn! Thoughts on Group Leader Mark was a great leader: fun, courteous, always ready to help out and a very safe driver. Advice for Potential Travellers The walks can be a bit more of a challenge in the heat...but don't let that put you off.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/20/2019
Jan Strasser - Traveled, April 2019
A Great trip to celebrate a milestone birthday! We had a fantastic time with a great group of people walking along the beautiful hills of Tuscany – visiting quaint hilltop villages – viewing spectacular scenery and partaking in wonderful food and wine Most Inspirational Moment Hard to name just one! I loved the hilltop villages but I also love Florence - something incredible to see around every corner! Thoughts on Group Leader Liz Proctor was our group leader and she is amazing! She knew so much about every single place we visited. Advice for Potential Travellers If you enjoy walking and great food and wine I highly recommend this trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/11/2019
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