Internationale groepsreis Chianti Walking & Wine

CHIANTI: WALKING & WINE - SEPT 2010

This was our first Exodus trip and it didn't disappoint. We went in September so the number of tourists at key places would be less and it was a good decision! The group was varied so there was always someone different to talk to, the walking was not strenuous, the range of activities on offer was excellent and there was no pressure to do anything we didn't want to do - we even took a day off to laze by the pool at the lovely Agri-tourisme farmhouse Fattoria Voltrona, surrounded by nothing but rolling hills, olive groves and vineyards. Bliss!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Just being able to see for miles around when on the walks in beautiful Tuscan countryside. The wine tasting was pretty inspirational too! The ancient town of Colle Val D'Elsa was my favourite historical place to visit as it was peaceful and unspoiled (maybe also something to do with the beautiful crystal shops and the glass of Prosecco in the fabulous bar in the old town square!). We were also lucky enough to visit Greve when the wine tasting festival was taking place and have kept our special wine glasses as momentos for years to come!

What did you think of your group leader?

Liz was excellent, really knew her stuff. She dealt with the usual holiday ups and downs in the group with great humour and patience. She had maps and info books ready, and lots of stories to tell and advice to give! Even the bus breaking down at the end of the trip didn't phase her and she sorted it all out calmly despite Italian garages causing many problems for her. Luckily we were fine - we weren't far from the next wine-tasting venue!!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Try and do a bit of walking before you go or raise your fitness level a little, so that you can fully appreciate the beautiful surroundings as you walk without suffering too much! Early September is a great time to go as it's not too hot to walk (yet still lovely and warm) but don't leave it any later than mid-September as the thunder clouds started to roll into the hilly regions by the end of our stay.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This holiday is perfect for those who want to see lovely scenery, enjoy a bit of walking with some hills, experience some key cities (Siena, Florence) and medieval towns (San Gimignano, Greve, Volterra, Colle Val D'Elsa) and really immerse themselves in the delicious wine and food that Tuscany has to offer! Thank you Liz and Exodus!

A perfect mix of walking, wine tasting and sight-seeing

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What did you think of your group leader?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Chianti Wine and Walking

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What did you think of your group leader?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Right First Time!

This was our first actual trip with Exodus and it was all that we hoped for, and more. The balance of walking, wine tasting and culture was spot on! Villa Casalta accommodation was great - simple in a traditional way, owner and Marguerite warmly welcoming and helpful, beautiful swimming pool (used by several of us even though it was end of Sept), entertaining dog (Stella) and cat, with only a slow off-road 20 minute walk to pretty town of Castellina.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The local tour guide on the day of walking around Castellina. Sarah was a gem - very knowledgeable, passionate about Chianti and the Etruscans, she brought the history to life as she shared the experiences of her own family in the locale - and she was delightful.

What did you think of your group leader?

Liz was excellent - very organised, managed the accident of one of the team members calmly and professionally, worked hard to organize special requests, rearranged some activities to better utilise time and energy

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We're looking forward to planning our next trip with Exodus!

Perfect Holiday

Great holiday with a fantastic leader. A good starter walking holiday for us, with the right balance of walking and sight seeing providing an excellent introduction to Tuscany.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Wine festival in the local town and the leader changed the itinerary so that we could attend.

What did you think of your group leader?

Knowledgeable and Charismatic. Went out of his way to make all the group feel included.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Has encouraged us to look at other similar trips.

Chianti June 2014

This was our first Exodus trip, it was well organised, everything was as per the trip notes & I would certainly look at other Exodus holidays.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I loved the beautiful tiny villages & hamlets that we walked through, one even had an unscheduled stop for a taste of the local wine & a chance to buy jams & olive oil. Siena & the Tuscan Wine School were superb, as was Florence & San Gimingnano.

What did you think of your group leader?

Liz was a great guide. I was also impressed with the English representative of the San Gimingnano winery, she was lovely & really explained a lot about the wine making processes.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Roberta at Villa Casalta is a great lady & nothing is too much trouble. We were actually a party of 3 & really wanted to room together, when we booked we were told it wasn't possible but after a day or so Roberta moved us all into a family room, so it's always worth asking her if you need anything arranging. The food at the Villa was fairly basic but there was often enough if you wanted seconds, I was a bit disappointed with the breakfasts, especially the bread - not much of it (1 roll each is a bit stingy) and tough stuff too! There's an 'honesty bar' fridge with bottles beers, wine & water (though we had plenty of wine included with the meal). The village is a good 20/25 minute walk away down (and up!) a little old road/track, so we tended to stay at the Villa all evening when we ate there. We also took handy little Graze Boxes with us for nibbles out on the walking trips too.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

CHIANTI: WALKING & WINE

Good location. Good walking & wine. Great Leader.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent. Very helpful and his enthusiasm and knowledge made the trip.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

CHIANTI: WALKING & WINE

Fantastic leader (Morton). He worked really hard to ensure that the trip was great.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What did you think of your group leader?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

CHIANTI: WALKING & WINE

Wine, walking, wonderful weather!  The beautiful scenary of Tuscany, the wealth of architecture in the towns and buildings we visited, the views from the top of the towers and the company of the other members of the group made this holiday one of the best I have had.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Too difficult to pick out one single episode - it was all inspirational.

What did you think of your group leader?

Liz was our group leader and she tailored the walks to suit all levels of walkers - no-one was left behind!  Liz also added a few other visits not included in the itinerary, which made the holiday more fulfilling.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure you eat a good meal on the day you leave for the holiday, as you arrive too late to have a meal.  There are a few steep gradients to climb, but it's well worth it. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The food and hospitality at Fattoria Voltrona was excellent and we even had a visit by a fox at dinner!  If I ever repeated a holiday (which I don't tend to, as there are so many more places I want to visit) this would be one and I wouldn't have changed a thing.

CHIANTI: WALKING & WINE

A good and undemanding mix of walking, wine, sight-seeing and shopping in a lovely location.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

One day gave us a ridge walk and picnic followed by a relaxed wine tasting in beautiful surroundings.  I loved it - even if we subsequently ruined our "serious walker" image by weaving our way home carrying clunking bags of the produce we'd been trying.  And the "wine petrol station" at another winery; probably my ideal job.  If you're curious - go on the trip!

What did you think of your group leader?

Loved him.  Rudi should be cloned and made available on the NHS so that every home has one.  He was knowledgeable, kind, friendly and gave us a varied programme.  He was always looking for ways to improve our experience - often going out of his way to do so - and he didn't show any irritation with our varied walking abilities or shopping and food demands.  Add his super-efficiency (must be the Swiss) and it's a great package.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Just relax.   

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I was disappointed with the agritourismo.  Perhaps I'd been spoilt with a previous Tuscan holiday, but I thought that there were flaws. There were hot water problems which were quickly solved.  They cater for quite large numbers and so there was one dinner sitting with one menu.  I didn't think that the food was good.  It takes a special kind of skill to make Italian food unappetising and sadly the chef had it.  And we ate in an unheated annex to the main dining area which didn't enhance the experience.  There was nowhere to chill out on a downtime day; no comfy chairs to relax in and read or chat, only hard benches inside and hard chairs outside.  It's probably fine in summer when the pool's open and you can laze around in the grounds, but on drizzly autumn mornings it's not so appealing.   

CHIANTI: WALKING & WINE

I had a really good time on this trip back in May - all was good - leader, accommodation, food, company and most importantly the wine and walking

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Crossing the "stream" in barefeet, getting drenched, unexpected wine tasting long lunch at Montefiorelle

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent, looked after us really well

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

take earplugs

Is there anything else you would like to add?

a fab trip and the right mix of activities

Fantastic walking, wine and great food

As a frequent Exodus traveller I was yet to try a walking holiday. The Chianti Walking and Wine seemed to be a good mix of walks, wine tasting and sightseeing and I was not disappointed with my choice. Having only had a few days in Rome before I really enjoyed getting to know this part of Tuscany.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The walk to San Gimignano was one of our longest walks. It was very hot that day and it seemed to be a long way in the distance with more ups and downs. But it was a real sense of achievement to arrive at this famous medieval town and enter through the gateway as the pilgrims would have done. Much better than simply being driven there. After a few hours of free time we enjoyed a delicious wine tasting with a platter of pecorino cheeses, bruschetta, bread and olive oil. Liz organised a picnic on the first day of walking which was a real treat

What did you think of your group leader?

Liz was excellent. She was extremely well-organised, had fantastic local knowledge and went over backwards to support members of our group even on her time off! A real inspiration.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

I am pretty fit and enjoyed the walking but would recommend a few practice walks before hand to cope with the up and downhill terrain. I was pleased that I had taken my walking boots as I was grateful for the ankle support on the downhill sections which were very rocky in places. The dinners in the Farmhouse were lovely but be prepared for 4 course meals!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Other people in the group had added on an extra night or two at the beginning or end of the holiday. I wish I had done this as I would have loved more time in Florence or perhaps some time in Pisa. I will just have to return to Italy one day.

CHIANTI: WALKING & WINE

An absolutely gorgeous part of Italy, and great for the novice wine taster. The three walks were fairly easy and we had plenty of time to discover Siena, as well as Florence on our day off. Our guide, Merv, was extremely chilled and great company, and really accomodating (took me out for an extra walk one afternoon). He even took as back to Pisa a little early so we could swing by the leaning tower! Not much private time due to sharing a room, but I didn't mind!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What did you think of your group leader?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

CHIANTI: WALKING & WINE

As on a previous Exodus holiday,the very disparate group 'bonded' well  and quickly  and we had a lot of fun . 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Walking through the beautiful, peaceful countryside to Greve on a bright sunny autumn day , with the vine  leaves just turning and the wonderful light   . Just as I imagined Tuscany to be .The 'local' market was something of a disapointment but watching the post -market clear- up (which revealed a very pretty square) was revelatory (you had to be there!). Apparently the wine- tasting in Greve was quite an experience (we stuck to a very long lunch......). San Gimignano was also truly lovely .Local guide gave us a good sense of its history and importance . Also had three great meals there.

What did you think of your group leader?

He had apparently not done this trip before . Our visits to Siena and Volterra would have been much enhanced by having a local/experienced guide. We had one in San Gimignano on our first day, as he was indisposed, and it really made a difference.  Any group really interested in the history/culture (as well as the wine/walking) might be advised to club together to engage a local guide in these circumstances .

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If travelling in mid- Oct be prepared for the mornings and evenings to be quite cold . The wind at (hill- top) Volterra was also cutting . I had taken a fleece but  I could have done with more long trousers.  No problem with mosquitos or other insects, to my relief.  

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Fatorria Voltrona was really nice.Plenty of hot water, powerful shower and the heating came on at night .Big, very simple rooms,with tiled floors. We were lucky enough to be at the front with a fabulous view over the countryside. Food was variable  but plentiful-4 courses- and the wine supply was more than  generous . Staff were very helpful and pleasant .

Chianti April 2015

It was my first trip with Exodus and it more than lived up to expectations. The itinerary was varied; a great mixture of walking, culture and wine-tasting - a wonderful way to visit this fascinating area of Italy. The accommodation was lovely, food delicious and our tour leader was fantastic - she was very knowledgeable about the local area and always went the extra mile for the group. It was a very well organised and interesting trip, I would definitely recommend it.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

It was wonderful to walk through the Italian vine yards and learn about the local history - we were very lucky with the weather as well which made for gorgeous views across the countryside.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader was fantastic - she shared a lot of knowledge about the local area and places we visited, she was organised, very sociable and always worked hard to accommodate everyone.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Tuscany Walking and Wine

A really enjoyable and varied week in Tuscany. Three lovely walks through forests and vineyards. Stunning hilltop villages and market towns. Excellent wine tastings and winery visits, each a little different, and we certainly drank a lot of local Chianti. Liz, our guide, was efficient, knowledgeable, capable and so friendly. We had plenty of time to explore the cities of Siena and Florence at our own pace, and on our free day most of us opted for a cookery class at a local restaurant. Enormous fun and the lunch we helped produce, was amazing. The family run farmhouse where we stayed was full of character, and they made us so welcome. The evening meals were generous and based on local produce and served with their own estate wines.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The scenery was stunning. A beautiful part of Italy. So many wild flowers around the vineyards. And looking down on the rooftops of Florence from the Plaza Michaelangelo was just fabulous.

What did you think of your group leader?

Liz Proctor was so efficient, capable, energetic and friendly. She was always adding extra touches and local specialities for us to enjoy.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This was the first trip of the season. It was very cold in the farmhouse, we had some rain and dense cloud, so be prepared with extra clothing and wet weather gear.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

It was the first Exodus walking holiday I had been on. I really enjoyed it, and the mix of walking, local history, culture and wine was just right for me.

Great trip

This was a really enjoyable trip with lots of interesting facets.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Walking into San Gimignano.

What did you think of your group leader?

Liz was fantastic. An example of good-natured, hard-working dedication.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A memorable holiday

A really good balance between sightseeing, walking and wine tasting from an excellently located villa

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Numerous stunning views across the Tuscan countryside

What did you think of your group leader?

Liz, our group leader, was extremely helpful and committed to ensure that everyone experienced the delights of Tuscany to the full

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Chianti: walking and wine

An excellent and relaxing holiday.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Walking through beautiful countryside to arrive at San Gimignano on foot as opposed to being "bussed in" like many of the other visitors.

What did you think of your group leader?

Liz was really excellent. She has comprehensive local knowledge. She went out of her way to help members of the group. Very professional and friendly. Thank you Liz!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do not expect to do anymore than get a brief overview of Florence in one day. If you want more you will have to go back!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Trip was an excellent mixture of city breaks/ easy walking. On the last day, Liz took the members of the group with an evening return flight to Lucca which was great.

Autumnal delight

A fantastic week of walking in golden hued countryside, sampling local wines and enjoying local food. The group was great, the guide (Mark) top notch, the hotel and staff lovely, the organisation seamless - who could ask for more.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Sitting with the whole group outside a restaurant in Siena overlooking the city as the sun went down - throwing the most beautiful golden colours onto the red brick and ochre paintwork of the buildings. Idyllic.

What did you think of your group leader?

Mark organised us without making us feel at all "organised" and clearly knew the area well.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take a extra fleece if travelling in October!

Is there anything else you would like to add?