Testimonials

  We are a group of nine friends who like to walk, play bridge, eat good food and enjoy good weather in beautiful surroundings, and our holiday with Tuscany Walking met... read more our requirements to perfection. All arrangements worked like clockwork and Jan was attentive, flexible and helpful throughout, whether it was organising a rather complicated double pick-up, or guiding us personally to a restaurant in Barga for our 'day off' meal, or being available as a translator. We stayed in an 'agriturismo' run by Franca and her son Luca, in large, characterful rooms, and ate her delicious and generous Italian home cooking, sitting on benches at a long table under the trees in the courtyard. We felt we were living the dream of Italian family life! Luca was also most helpful and attentive in meeting our needs, and good company. After a hot day of walking it was a delight to return to Franca's and to swim in the pool, with views of the valley and mountains beyond. The walks were led by Tony, a lovely and interesting man who has lived in Italy for 20 years or more and knows the area inside out. He took us on a very enjoyable and varied programme which he adapted with much thoughtfulness to the temperature and the needs of our group, and it was wonderful to explore this beautiful part of Tuscany, ignored by most foreign visitors. On our last morning Tony turned up with a hat lost earlier in the week by one of our number, which he had been out specially to find - typical of him, and of the kind attention we received throughout this very successful and enjoyable holiday.

  Walk through the cobbled streets (preferably in comfortable shoes). Lucca is primarily pedestrianised (the locals walk or travel by bicycle). The place oozes history on every street corner.... read more />
Also plenty of expensive shops to absorb yourself in if you wish. Great gelato ice cream!

  This is a great city about 45 minutes outside of Florence. The city is full of history, churches, towers and shopping. Point of interest is that Puccini was born... read more in this city. Our guide did an excellent job of explai8ng the history of this lovely city.

  I had not visited this part of Tuscany before, and I will definitely be going back. The mountain scenery is stunning, and the towns of Barga and Lucca represent Italy... read more at its best. We have lovely memories of cobbled streets, piazzas and gelateria. Our idyllic walks through the countryside were filled with birdsong, bees and the scent of jasmine. Our hosts bent over backwards to tailor the holiday to suit our needs and interests. Their knowledge of the local area enabled us to gain a real taste of Italy. The food was so delicious that we needed to walk to burn off all the calories. I can understand why people who visit this area never want to leave...

  I like to call Barga, Italy, Brigadoon, after the magical city of the film. Barga is one of those gems you can't help returning to. Tucked into the Tuscan hills,... read more 45 minutes by car from Lucca, this medieval city has a plethora of restaurants and B&B's, villas and apts. to rent, a vibrant summer Jazz festival, a stunning Cathedral within the medieval walled old city, English speakers for those who tread the language waters with trepidation and views galore. You can take walking paths (sentieri) through the hills and ravines, expecting gnomes to pop out any moment or walk or jog paved roads that wind into the beautiful hills. One such is where the photo posted was taken from. There is even a beautiful resort nearby, IL Ciocco, currently run by Marriott Renaissance Resorts, where you can be pampered, swim, ride horses or enjoy the restaurant, bar and other amenities. It is absolutely worth the trip!

  For my first solo trip abroad this couldn't have been better. Picked up at Pisa Airport, taken to our lovely farmhouse accommodation, given fantastic food all week (thank you... read more to the amazing Franca and the local restaurants!) some brilliant walking with the lovely David and Anne and returned to the airport in plenty of time for my flight home. No worries, no stress. Even my gluten free requirement was not a problem. Thank you all.

  Having just returned to Australia from our visit to Italy, I have to say of all the places we went and all the things we did, the highlight was definitely... read more our week or so in Barga, as guests of Tuscany Walking. Our accommodation was at the most hospitable Franka's Agriturismo, run by Franka herself and her son Lucca who were both delightful and sooo incredibly warm and welcoming that before long we felt like extended family - despite the obvious language barries! Franka's evening meals were the best we tasted in Italy too by the way.... and for a gluten free, dairy free fuss-pot like myself that's saying something! The weather was perfect for our stay which enhanced the walking experience by providing us with the most gorgeous and spectacular vistas. The word "wow" kept slipping from our lips - truly breathtaking scenery. Our guides Anne and David were lovely - easy going, lots of fun and totally flexible and in terms of what we wanted to get out of our walking experience. Our group was small - just four of us and as we all got on terrifically well, making any associated decisions really easy. As the week went by the walks just got better and better (not giving away any secrets here - you need to see for yourself!); suffice to say that over the duration we covered various terrains from wooded valleys, meandering river valleys, hilltop villages and high Apuan Alpine country. The pace wasn't too hard going despite the heat - worth considering if what you're after is a major hard-core workout - but for us it was perfect (it was a holiday after all!) and each incorporated about 5 or so hours walking with a delicious and leisurely packed lunch along the way (provided courtesy of Jan - thank you!). Every afternoon on returning from a walk we had a few hours to wind down, kick back and cool off in the sparkling pool at the agriturismo before heading either into Barga for some traditional Italian fayre (be warned there can be just too much food on offer!) or even better as provided by Franka with her wonderful culinary skills and knowledge. Northern Tuscany doesn't fit the archetypal vision that most people think of as Tuscany; it is far more dramatic and we felt breathtaking and less touristy than other areas. Jan is running a fantastic business here and we hope it goes from strength to strength - and I for one would be back for more tomorrow if I could be!

  9 of us stayed at a very attractive farm property just outside Barga, Agriturismo "ll Musaccio. on a bed, breakfast, evening meal and packed lunch basis. All prepared by Franca,... read more the mother of the property manager Lucca. The food was as they would normally prepare on a day to day basis and was both delicious and varied. Both Franca and Lucca looked after us with warmth and attention. Their friendliness was real and addictive. Tuscany Walking through the owner Jan had identified this property for us and also arranged a guide, a local artist, Tony. The 6 walks arranged and guided by Tony were very well managed through some of the most beautiful countryside in this part of Tuscany. Jan and her daughter was very attentive and ensured that we were being looked after and resolved any queries we had. Jan also arranged for local transport both taxis and trains to ferry us to and from the various starts of our walks as required, in addition to the airport. My friends played bridge prior to dinner but I practised the ukulele apart from the "free" day when Lucca arranged to take me fly fishing with him on the Serchio river. Unfortunately the trout weren't taking but the beauty of the river valley and exploring the river by wading with sandals was incredible parenthesised by a typical breakfast in a village bar and a very nice two course working mens lunch in a local village for 10 euros which was delicious.

  A group of nine descended on Jan and were immediately given a Liverpudlian/Italian welcome that continued to impress throughout the week. Marvellous walks, fantastic food, sunshine and local wines all... read more combined to make the perfect walking/Bridge holiday. But it is the warmth and generosity Franca, son Lucca and ever patient walking guide Tony that was so very much appreciated. All in all a wonderful week! Thank you to all.

  This is a very different holiday. Great base, small groups, guided walks and flexible itinerary with amazing hospitality. Do as much or as little as you like!

  We just loved this whole experience. The walks, with friendly and knowledgeable walking guides, were outstanding and were well chosen for our level of fitness - a little challenging but... read more with enormous rewards. The accommodation was delightful and we were made to feel so welcome by Luca; we thoroughly enjoyed the local food and wine, all cooked in the traditional way with fresh ingredients by Luca's mother, Franca. We can't imagine there are better walking experiences on offer in Tuscany.