Tuscany Walking Tour

Arriving in Pisa today we transfer to our accomodation, where we will check in for the next 7 nights. We will be based in the lovely setting of a family run farm, situated in the beautiful and lush Serchio River Valley. Retaining all the character of its Tuscan heritage, the farm is surrounded by the magnificent scenery of the Apennines and the Alpi Apuane and our accommodation will be either in small comfortable lodges within the grounds of the estate or in the main converted villa. With ready access to a swimming pool, this lovingly converted building provides a charming traditional family atmosphere that creates the perfect setting for our adventures amidst the superb Tuscan countryside. On arrival we will enjoy a traditional dinner and sample for ourselves some of the food and wine for which this region is justifiably famous. Indeed during the coming days ahead we can expect to sample a delicious array of local produce including freshly made breads and home made jams, delicious honey and excellent wine.

Overnight Standard Farmstay Included meals: Dinner

After breakfast this morning we drive up into the Apennines to the Orecchiella National Park, where we take a hike up to the summit of Pania Corfino (1,609 m). Ascending from the start point in Pruno (1,000 m) we head up to the summit via the Sella de Campaiana Pass (1,500 m), making our way through a beautiful landscape of beach forests to enjoy the views across the valley from the top. Stopping to enjoy a picnic lunch at the summit, we then retrace our steps back to the bus for the drive back to Castelnuovo di Garfagnana.

Approximate walking distance/time = approx 12km/6hrs

Overnight Standard Farmstay Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Much of the Garfagnana Valley is national parkland, a beautiful region of unspoilt wilderness that is home to deer, wild boar, martens and eagles. Today we take a walk along the lower reaches of the valley, hiking through the villages and lush landscapes that line the banks of the Serchio River. Sandwiched between the Alpi Apuane and the jagged spine of the Appenines, the Garfagnana is one of Tuscany’s most visually impressive and staunchly traditional regions, where local customs and a love of fine food remain an important part of everyday life.

Approximate walking distance/time = approx 14km/6hrs

Overnight Standard Farmstay Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today has been left free for us to enjoy more of the highlights of this beautiful region at our own pace. Options include mountain biking and horse riding, or perhaps a day of gentle relaxation around the villa. Another alternative is to take a train ride across the Lucchese Plains to the old Roman city of Lucca, to explore its Romanesque churches and Renaissance architecture. The city of Pisa is another possibility, with its famous leaning tower and beautiful Campo del Miracoli, stunning testaments to a time when the city was one of the Mediterranean’s major maritime powers.

Overnight Standard Farmstay Included meals: Breakfast

We drive south this morning, into the Torrite Valley, to begin our walk near the small village of Formolovasvo. Ascending to the Petrociana Pass we gain our first views of the coast and the surrounding marble quarries. After the pass there is a short 10 minute section that requires some easy scrambling, nothing technical or exposed just 'hands on' for a short section before continuing up towards the amazing natural rock arch of Monte Forato. We plan to have picnic lunch with fine coastal views and across to the Dead Man Formation and the Pania della Croce, before beginning our descent. There is also an option at the end of the walk to take a short tour of the Grotto del Vento (wind caves) before returning to the villa.

Overnight Standard Farmstay Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Approximate walking distance/time including all 5 villages = approx 7km/5hrs

Overnight Standard Farmstay Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

The plan today is for us to walk from the ski station at Casone, up along the main ridge of the Apennines to the summit of Monte Prado (2,054 m), the highest peak in Tuscany. Set in the heart of the Apennines and Tuscan Emiliano Park, this beautiful landscape provides us with beach forests and wonderful alpine views as we follow a circuitous route back to Casone. Should conditions prevent us from doing this walk today, then the alternative will be to hike to the summit of Pania della Croce in the Alpi Apuane nature reserve.

Approximate walking distance/time = approx 14km/6hrs

Overnight Standard Farmstay Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we depart the Garfagnana Valley and drive back to Pisa, a two hour journey that ends at the city’s airport, where our tour finishes.

Included meals: Breakfast