Hidden Italy walking tours - Chippendale, NSW

Lisa B.

I wish to provide feedback on the self-guided Dolomites, Lake Como, Alba, and Tuscany hiking packages I recently completed. Subsequently Hidden Italy have requested I revise or remove my review. After careful consideration, I have decided to decline.

​First, I want to commend the quality of the accommodations and the seamless car transfers. As with all my walks, these logistical elements were excellent and a highlight of the experience. However, I must express significant concern regarding the navigation material provided by Hidden Italy.

In the Dolomites I found the hiking descriptions and maps to be challenging to interpret. On the first day, the lack of clarity in these materials caused me to get lost. I had to rely on following trail signage and other hikers to reach my destination. While subsequent days went more smoothly, this was largely due to my own research and the creation of personal maps based on trail numbers, as the information provided was not sufficient for confident navigation.

My feedback and comments, were consistently communicated throughout my trip via email, text, and phone calls, along with supporting examples.

In the self-guided Lake Como I found the information provided was often conflicting and unreliable.

​My experience on the Alba hiking tour, while scenic, was less than ideal due to the timing of the hikes. Every day started after a 8am breakfast, and the hottest part of the day. I was not told about the timing of the breakfasts until on the hike. My request for a packed breakfast to hike earlier was denied or restricted to a minimal offering. An earlier start ultimately was not an option, noting often food outlets weren't open or offered enroute. I encountered no other hikers and was even cautioned by locals, who considered the conditions to be too extreme. Moving forward, providing participants with a more detailed itinerary that includes specific start times and expected weather conditions would be highly beneficial, as this information would have prevented me from booking the tour.

The same could be said for my final hike. With temperatures forecasted to reach around 40°C in Tuscany, I decided it was unsafe to continue. I reached out via email for guidance on my options, but the response was unhelpful and seemed to indicate that it was not the company's responsibility. The lack of support from the head office was disappointing. Ultimately, the local contact was able to resolve the issue by assisting with my transfer. For future clients, a clear process for handling such situations would be beneficial. It's essential that the company's commitment to providing assistance is reflected in all communications, especially when safety is a concern.

​In conclusion, the core value of a "self-guided" package is reliable navigation, and in this regard, the package fell short. I greatly enjoyed the hikes themselves. I'm no novice to solo international self-guided hikes, however the poor quality of the navigational materials was a significant drawback and did not justify the cost.

​My two-star rating directly reflects the inadequacy of the navigation and support. I also noticed that after the hike was completed, I was removed from access to the provided information, so I am unsure if the real-time feedback I provided has been incorporated. I trust my feedback will be taken into account to improve the quality of your packages for future clients.

Casey C.

Back in early March of this year (2021) we had brief period of freedom to travel outside of Sydney in between lockdowns. We previously had a holiday with Hidden Italy booked to the Italian Alps but that was unfortunately still out of the question due to COVID. Simon from Hidden Italy emailed us about a trip he was planning to Central Tilba on the NSW South Coast and not having travelled much down that way we leapt at the chance.

Simon had put together an itinerary that was equal parts engaging, interesting and decadent. While walking through the hills in the beautiful mild weather of the South Coast one would suddenly encounter a wonderfully catered lunch in a rustic setting showcasing local produce. It seemed like an excerpt from the diary of the rich and famous but we grew used to it very quickly. All of the walks are quite accessible and there is a mix of walking tracks, quiet dirt roads and fire trails.

It was not just walking and eating as Simon also included trips to Montague Island out from Narooma to visit the lighthouse and (for the brave of heart) swim with the seals (which I highly recommend).

If we weren't eating food we were learning how to cook it (then eating it) at Eastwoods in Bermagui! Again focussing on local produce it was a great experience that rekindled some of the joy of cooking for me.

The tour also leveraged local guides who's abundance of regional knowledge really elevated every outing, we almost felt like locals! In summary we loved the tour and while it wasn't the Italian Alps there is nothing quite like checking out your own backyard every once in a while.

Carol C.

I thoroughly enjoyed our five walks which, because of the moderate lengths of each, gave us ample time to enjoy the good food and wine that South Australia has to offer! Each walk was unique: Morialta Conservation Park is very close to Adelaide and was possibly the most physically challenging; Sundews Trails in Onkaparinga Gorge was the shortest but gave us time to enjoy a delicious wine tasting and degustation lunch at 'The Cube', The Shiraz Trail to Willunga makes use of a disused railway line; Fleurieu Peninsula was by far my favourite as the views were spectacular and walking easy; Finally, after walking to Mt Lofty Summit we were rewarded with an overnight stay at Mt Lofty House. Simon (and Lisa from Big Heart Adventures) were fabulous in ensuring our holiday met all our requirements!

Lori R.

We’ve been on two Hidden Italy self-guided trips and really enjoyed both, including to La Tuscia last week. The walking trails were spectacular and varied, the hotels simple and lovely, and the dinners were local and excellent. We will certainly go on another trip to Italy in the Spring with Hidden Italy, and do not hesitate to recommend their trips!

Margaret F.

We have been part of the Hidden Italy 'family' since 2010, having done 3 guided tours with Simon, and at least 6 self-guided walks in Italy. Our guided tours include The Dolomites, the more challenging Trails to Freedom, and the lovely Wollombi Aussie COVID opportunity. We loved doing the self-guided Italian walks including Sicily, Amalfi, Puglia, Peidmonte, and Tuscany. The walk notes/maps, accommodation, tour support and the lovely Anna to check in with, are all very professional and excellent value. You learn a lot about the regions and their history with the pre-reading and walk notes provided by Simon. We have met some extraordinary people along the way as well, via accommodation hosts, local guides and drivers. Doing guided walks with Simon himself were fabulous experiences too. Especially in a very small group. We have made long term friends from these tours and have been delighted to share a self-guided walk with other friends and introduce them to multi day walks. So looking forward to doing other HI self-guided walks in Italy, Spain and Provence when we can. It has become our favourite way to holiday. Thanks Simon!

Janet W.

We enjoyed our Hidden Italy trip to Wollombi very much. Simon is a charming, friendly guide and arranged many interesting outings in the area. Walking, food and wine are a great combination. Special mention must go to the wonderful accommodation at Capers, with Jane and Mike proving to be outstanding hosts. We were so impressed with the whole deal that we have booked two more tours next year.

Andrew M.

We have completed 2 self guided walking tours with Hidden Italy and both were fantastic experiences. On each occasion we included the dinner package, enjoying a 3 course meal each night at authentic local restaurants. Prior to travelling we received booklets with loads of detail about the local area you were travelling to and it contained very extensive directions to support you during the walk. These walks are well organised and hassle free, allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere and views whilst setting your own walking pace. The best endorsement I can give Hidden Italy is we booked another walk with them due to our past experiences and value for money

Ross H.

Our 10-day Hidden Italy walking tour of Sardinia in 2020, became a 7-day walking tour around Wollombi, NSW, thanks to COVID. A few hours up the road instead of an overseas trip? The the car instead of a plane? How could it be as good ...?

Without reservations, we had one of the most entertaining, educative and enjoyable experiences (all of the E's) my wife and I have had in our thirty years together.

Simon is more than a host: he is a expert organiser, participant, entertainer, raconteur and now, our friend. He arranged dinners, wine tours, clever bus trips, unexpected surprises (seeing plants thought to be extinct), really diverse walks (challenging days followed by more restful sojourns), historic interest and an excellent day of First Nations education.

At night, we came home to Capers Guesthouse where Michael and Jane treated us like family. None of the 8 of us in the party worried about our feet when our tummies were so regularly treated to top shelf food, wine and hospitality. Even our packed lunches and water were ready for us each morning after a five-star breakfast.

Hidden Italy - and especially Simon - think of everything and make the tour so easy for you. (Even the weather treated us well ... how did Simon know?) You are well and truly looked after and will definitely have a great time. We are now looking forward to a NZ trip with Simon, again, as soon as COVID allows.