Chianti Tours in Spring

Stefania - George and I returned last night from our trip of a lifetime! I keep telling people that it felt like a dream. So with laundry and luggage on the floor, I wanted to stop and send you this message! That tells you just how much we enjoyed our trip. Every detail, every transfer, restaurant recommendation, etc. was spot on. We could not have asked for better insight or a better planned trip. The tours.... oh the tours... were fantastic. We learned so much and while we expected the guides to be nice, we were not prepared for just how thorough and nice they would be. Not to mention funny! We enjoyed them as much as we did the sights that they led us through. The hotels were amazing as well. The rooms were great, but their locations were exactly where we needed to be to have the trip we sought after. But I must say that when we stepped onto the property at Hotel Caruso, I felt like we had stepped into a postcard. The flowers and the views were breathtaking. We spent a lot of time just trying to take it all in. There are no words that I can type, and even with a minor dissertation I couldn't cover it all. I have uploaded over 700 pictures and came home 8 pounds heavier! And this morning I went to the Italian grocer/importer to get my fresh mozzarella. I can't even eat food the way I used to. You planned a trip and anniversary celebration that can never be topped. We thank you!!

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

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.

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.

From sign up to last day this trip was fabulous. Our guide worked tirelessly to insure that our group of 16 was always taken care of on the hike and at the villa. Liz Procter was a completely professional guide who made everyone feel comfortable!! The scenery in Tuscany was gorgeous, and Villa Casalta was a treat to have as a base for the entire week! Hope to use Exodus Travel again and soon!

A great holiday, Liz was fab. Be prepared for some serious walking if your not a regular walker up & down hills on rough ground. All in all a great time with a great group of people & lovely accommodation. Would definitely recommend.