Hello Tine, you gave us an unforgettable three days. Everything was perfectly organized by you. Thanks again for always letting us leave from Guado al sole.
Hello Tinne,
Thank you for the very nice vacation; we had a wonderful experience. Everything went right; Camelia was cooperative; she became best friend with Benoit for whom it was difficult to eat lunch without company (there was often a big nose up his shoulder). I told you in my previous mail that Camelia is cleaver. Well, its because she manages to open her gate at La Landuccia (sliding it on the side with her nose). Jonathan had to solidified the gate. Fortunately, she went just a few meters away and were able to put her «in safety» right away.
Finally, you might have other visitor from Quebec, Canada: our good experience will probably interest some of our friends and family (my sister is actually very jealous of my Altratoscana vacation...).
Thank you again, we might meet again in the future,
Fanny, Benoit, Jean et Lucie xxxx
We had chosen this trek near Pomarance because it seemed interesting and beautiful to us, but also because it seemed quite easy, with daily distances of 12-15 kilometers: adapted to our age (80+)
Instead, the hike in the Monterufoli Natural Park was very adventurous: We waded a river four times, we walked on steep paths and rocks. We got by with hiking poles and Garmin (GPS), without which we would undoubtedly have lost the right path.
But we forgot all that fatigue because of the breathtaking nature and landscapes! We felt like walking around in a deserted Italian jungle, where we didn't meet anyone for days. A miracle! Instead, we saw deer, mouflon, countless tracks of wild boar and wolf droppings. And a very rich and very different flora! As for our efforts, we did it! That gives us great satisfaction.
Another reward for our efforts gave us the owners of the farms! Everyone was very hospitable and friendly, we were spoiled with delicious dinners. They gave us the opportunity to practice our Italian with very interesting conversations. Also the accommodation was always impeccable.
Conclusion: We consider the trekking near Pomarance, organized by "Altratoscana" by Tinne Terneven, one of the best we have ever made!
Thank you so much for this unforgettable trek in every way! And for the support along the way!
Very warm greetings,
Chris and Age
WHAT we enjoyed the six days of 'Il Giro'. Varied in every way. No pigs seen, but we did eat and cooked deliciously. We liked the variety in the accommodations. From basic to luxury. Romance and grandeur. Always very hospitable, original and everything with attention. Every day was special in every way. We enjoyed the food and the wine. The walks were excellent, the pools were a wonderful reward and bathing at the waterfall was a heavenly experience.
Tuscany added a new dimension for us.
An experience we will not soon forget. Thanks Tinne, also for your extra effort and thanks also to all the Italians, hosts and hostesses who crossed our path.
And Dutch style: we got value for money and more than that.
We walked the seven-day 'Il Giro' in May. Sun, rain and thunderstorms kept us company. The trails were sometimes pretty rough, but that couldn't spoil the fun. The GPS guided us through everything with ease. The landscape with its countless varieties of spring flowers stole our hearts. Add to that an encounter with wild boars and their offspring and the trip couldn't fail. The villages are picturesque, the accommodations all have their own charm. We were welcomed enthusiastically everywhere. Thank you, Tinne, for mapping out this beautiful tour in an unknown part of Tuscany and as you said, on the paths you won't meet any other hikers. Highly recommended for peace seekers!
Wonderfully enjoyed the beautiful walks through a beautiful part of Tuscany. We hiked for 6 days and each day was different. Lots of beautiful flowers this time of year. Nice passages through rivers, beautiful views and lovely old towns. The reception in the agriturismi was very hospitable. We had delicious food all week. Along the way and at the agriturismi it was very quiet. Often we were the only guests. A beautiful experience!
We had a great trip with donkey Otto! Nice to be able to take care of him and take him on the road. It was a very nice route with stops at nice agriturismos. The food we got there was delicious (a lot haha). Highly recommended, even without kids. It does seem spicy in over 30 degrees (we were there in April). It is also quite doable when you are five/six months pregnant, as long as you are fit and take it easy.
We liked the hiking vacation very much. Nice food, beautiful tours, nice people. The walks were varied and very quiet, indeed we did not encounter any hikers. Well once a deer and a green snake. Also the autumn weather was beautiful. Only blue skies and it was still so warm that we were regularly sweating in our T-shirts.
The GPS did a good job it was very clear. But sometimes the route was gone or the whole screen was blue. Just reload the route and it was good again. Maybe sometimes a button was pressed in my pocket.
Maybe we'll do it again in the spring.
Best of luck, and all the best.
And maybe see you soon.
What a week, What an adventure! 6 days with our 2 donkeys Selvaggia and Carolina on the road, of which 5 days with about 30-35 degrees about 12-15 km per day walked through forests, along and through (dry) rivers and the Tuscan hills ... our family with 4 children (7,8,10,11) imagined themselves alone in the world ... what a peace and quiet, but also what a top sport we had at times. Hikes especially day 1, 3 and 5 were very challenging and therefore sooo memorable! We did it!
And oh how we deserved to splash in the pool in the afternoon!
So every night we fell into a deep sleep soon after the sumptuous dinner, tired and very fulfilled!
Every day we had a different reason to start fresh again, of course the sweet little donkeys first and foremost (although at times they also drove us to madness...?), easy route predicted, oh almost rest day, oh today short route... egg, where would we sleep tonight...how is the pool..., we are almost there!
The places where we slept were also a surprise every time and worth the walk, where would we sleep? what will we eat? is there a pool? are there many other animals? where do our donkeys sleep? were questions that occupied our minds every day.
What we didn't expect is that we became even closer as a family, we really did it together!
Satisfied, proud and with super-empty heads, after the last hugs with the donkeys we got back in the car, on to the next destination....
In short: highly recommended and a week never to forget!
Already a few days home after 2 weeks in Italy and how I miss the beautiful surroundings, the friendly people, the peace, the hiking, the sweet donkey Camelia and the sunshine. Together with the children (5, 9 and 11 years old) walking for six whole days was quite tough at times, but what a distraction. A little dog walking with us, a little turtle crossing the road, the view after our climb up, the people in the villages.... Thank you Tinne for these beautiful memories and new experiences.