Maureen

We are planning a walking tour/vacation of Tuscany for 2003. Any experience with guided tour companies? Recommendations? Or what should we watch out for?

Julie

I've not done these but my in-laws have. Did the Cinque Terre with Country Walkers. Were very satisfied.

Sheila

Not done it myself, but two sets of friends have been with ATG (Alternative Travel Group). One went independent and one with a group. Both loved it

karen

We are going with Girosole in September. It is a small company that takes no more than 8 people and will take as few as 2. Prices decrease the more people there are on the tour. You can customize a tour so that you see what you want -- something my husband and I did. Can let you know when we get back how it was. We called some people that had traveled with them before we decided to go and everyone seemed pleased with them. They will also make hotel recommendations and assist you with pre and post walking tour plans. In our case we wanted to walk from 3-6 miles a day. One woman I talked with expected to walk more and when they told the guide that, they were walking 8-9 miles. It is very adjustable to you and the y focus on meeting local people.

karen

We are going with Girosole in September. It is a small company that takes no more than 8 people and will take as few as 2. Prices decrease the more people there are on the tour. You can customize a tour so that you see what you want -- something my husband and I did. Can let you know when we get back how it was. We called some people that had traveled with them before we decided to go and everyone seemed pleased with them. They will also make hotel recommendations and assist you with pre and post walking tour plans. In our case we wanted to walk from 3-6 miles a day. One woman I talked with expected to walk more and when they told the guide that, they were walking 8-9 miles. It is very adjustable to you and the y focus on meeting local people.<BR><BR>Their web site is www.girosole.com

Sheila

Thre's an article about ATG in today's Times.<BR><BR>http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article...333202,00.html

Annette

I haven't done a walking tour yet, but plan on it sometime. I know, not experienced recommendations, but I do have some websites for you. <BR><BR>ATG Oxford does look really good and would probably be my choice. They have: independent walking and cycling,Footloose; escorted along continuous routes, Week Away; very high quality escorted, Journeys&Walking. The website is www.atg-oxford.co.uk<BR><BR>Another reasonably price, well established English outfit for Tuscany is www.sherpa-walking-holidays.co.uk<BR><BR>Yet another is http://www.hfholidays.co.uk/hfholidays/ They have 2 one center based holidays in Tuscany(rahter than continous trail walking) <BR><BR>A little more expensive is Breakaway Adventures at www.headwater-breakaway.com

sandy

try with www.arbaspaa.com, they organize guided tours in Ct and Tuscany.