Activity Holiday In Tuscany

On arrival in Pisa we drive on to our accommodation in Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, where we spend the next seven nights. Set in the beautiful and lush Serchio River Valley, we’ll be staying in a converted agriturismo, surrounded by the magnificent scenery of the Apennines and the Alpi Apuane. We can expect to try some delicious local fare during our stay here and this evening we enjoy a traditional dinner, sampling for ourselves some of the food and wine for which this region is justifiably famous.

Overnight Standard Farmstay Included meals: Dinner

Much of the Garfagnana Valley is national parkland, a region of unspoilt wilderness that is one of Tuscany’s most visually impressive and staunchly traditional areas. Today we explore a little of it by bike and kayak; first heading north, to take in the medieval villages and the views across the mountains of the Alpi Apuane, before crossing the Serchio River to cycle up to the lake at Vagli, one of the largest in the region. Here we have a few hours to take to the waters in kayaks, before cycling back to the agriturismo later this afternoon.

Overnight Standard Farmstay Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Driving down to the Val di Torrite after breakfast, we spend this morning discovering the canyons of Garfagnana with local expert guides. Kitted out in wet suits, we’ll walk, scramble, swim and abseil through the canyon, taking in waterfalls and swimming holes before stopping for lunch. This afternoon we then move on to a fixed climbing wall in nearby Levigliese Park, where we have a chance to try our hand at some natural rock climbing. Full briefing and equipment will be provided for both these activities and the day caters to all levels of expertise.

Overnight Standard Farmstay Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After driving to Ponte a Moriano this morning we then continue by bike, following the banks of the Serchio River towards the old Roman city of Lucca. The route takes us through part of the Parco Fluviale and the first section towards Lucca covers some 15 kilometres, taking us into the city and around its famous walls. For those that wish, there is the chance to stay in Lucca to soak up its Renaissance architecture and enjoy its charming piazzas. Alternatively, you can continue on towards Pisa and its famous tower (another 17 kilometres), from where we return to Castelnuovo di Garfagnana by private bus.

Overnight Standard Farmstay Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travelling by train this morning, we head to the stunning World Heritage coastline of the Cinque Terre region, where five tiny villages nestle amongst sheer cliffs to create one of the Riviera ‘s most scenic delights. A coastal trail takes us through the villages of Manarola, Corniglia and Vernazza, where we will stop for lunch. There are options here to relax, perhaps take a walk through the olive groves, or even take the 40-minute boat ride to nearby Monterosso, our next port of call. Finishing our walk in Monterosso we then travel back to Garfagnana on the train.

Overnight Standard Farmstay Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast we drive up into the Apennines to the Orecchiella National Park, where we begin the cycle ride up to the summit of Pania del Corfino (1,609 metres). Ascending from the start point at Foce di Terrarossa (1,000 metres) we begin by following a meandering track up Campaiana and then on to Bastardino (1,500 metres). On a good day the views from the peak stretch out across the entire Garfagnana Valley, whilst the scenic descent back down to our accommodation takes us through groves of chestnut forests.
Total distance 42 kilometres, approximately six hours.

Overnight Standard Farmstay Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Weather permitting, the plan today is for us to walk from the ski station at Casone di Profecchia (1,300 metres), up along the main ridge of the Appenines to the summit of Monte Prado (2,054 metres), the highest peak in Tuscany. Set in the heart of the Appenines and the Tuscan Emiliano Park, this beautiful landscape provides us with beach forests and wonderful alpine views as we follow a circuitous route along the ridge and back down to Casone. Walking time will be approximately six hours (depending on stops).

Overnight Standard Farmstay Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we depart Castelnuovo di Garfagnana and drive back to Pisa airport for the return flight.

Included meals: Breakfast