Family Activity Holiday In Tuscany

Arriving in Pisa today we transfer to our accommodation in Casine di Braccicorti, 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 lodge adjacent to our communal dining area. With ready access to a swimming pool, this lovingly converted 18th century barn and outbuildings 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 Hotel Included meals: Dinner Swimming available

This morning we head by bus to San Romano and Buffardello Park, to spend the afternoon climbing trees! Set amongst two and a half hectares of forest in the heart of the Garfagnana, this unique adventure park affords children and adults alike the opportunity to enjoy this woodland setting from the air, with a range of activities suitable for all ages, including swinging beams, suspension bridges, nets, ropes and obstacles. On arrival you will be kitted out with all the necessary safety equipment and instructed in its use by trained instructors who will be on hand to supervise your enjoyment. The park also has a number of walks and activities within the forest that do not require leaving the ground, so don’t worry if you would prefer to keep on terra firma. This afternoon we take a short bus ride to the beautiful Lake Vagli where we take to the water, in double seated kayaks, to explore the lovely setting. The lake is home to an abundance of blue herons and other birdlife and our kayaking adventure (2/3hrs) affords us an ideal opportunity to take in this serene setting from the unique perspective of its tranquil waters. Our day over we return back to the villa to enjoy some relaxing time around the pool.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch Swimming available

We leave the Garfagnana and, after a short transfer to the local station, join the train to the stunning coastline of the Cinque Terre region, where tiny villages nestle amongst sheer cliffs to create one of the Riviera ‘s most scenic delights. The area is a world heritage site and its 5 villages present the perfect picturesque setting for our day. Arriving in Rio Maggiore the rest of the day will be very much determined by the wishes of the group, with some self-guided options explained by clearly by the tour leader. Initially we will follow scenic paths, traversing a truly stunning landscape, with the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean glistening below us. Arriving in Manarola after an easy and rewarding half hour walk, we can enjoy a coffee and some focaccia, and jump on a passing train for a few minutes before reaching Corniglia from here we can walk (2hrs) or travel by boat (optional, sea conditions permitting), to Vernazza where we will stop for lunch. After lunch you can choose to stay in Vernazza where you can relax on the beach, swim in the warm, clear waters and enjoy the ambience of this small port or take a walk through the olive groves and lemon orchards of the surrounding area. Alternatively, you may opt to take a 40-minute boat ride to nearby Monterosso - the last of the 5 villages. Later in the afternoon we regroup on the return train ride back to Garfagnana that passes through Monterosso and Vernazza, followed by a short drive to our farm where we enjoy a traditional meal tonight such as pizza.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner Swimming available

We depart the villa after breakfast to explore some of the breathtaking views in the Apennine mountain range. We drive by bus up into Orecchiella National Park, an area characterised by beech woods, grasslands and sheer rock faces hanging over narrow gorges. It is a natural habitat for birds of prey, squirrels, wild boar, deer, moufflons and many other animals. We begin our walk to refuge Isera (1200m) from the visitors centre (1350m). Along the way we enjoy great views of the Pania del Corfino mountain. After a break we continue from Isera descending along a scenic trail to the small shepard's huts at Pruno (1000m) from here we walk around the side of the mountain to a viewpoint before descending to the town of Corfino (870m).  From here we return back to our Lodge where the fun and games can continue.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Swimming available

Today is free to spend as you wish. You may decide to explore something of the area’s cultural highlights, with a trip to the cities of Lucca and Pisa. Travelling by bus or train you can head to the old Roman colony of Lucca, set on the Lucchese Plain and today a fascinating mixture of terracotta roofs, Romanesque churches, ancient Roman ruins and Renaissance architecture. Enclosed within city walls it is a delightful mix of narrow lanes and easy charm and there is the opportunity to hire bikes this morning to explore its captivating environs on two wheels. Alternatively you may just wish to wander its streets and explore the local market, take to the city walls and relish something of the delightful ambience of this beautiful city. You may also decide to visit nearby Pisa, a city that is so much more than just its famous Leaning Tower. The Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Dreams), of which the Tower is but one part, also contains the Baptistry, Duomo and Camposanta, which between them make up a stunning collection of architectural delights. These, along with the churches and palazzi that make up the historic centre, belong to a period from the 11th to 13th centuries, when the city was one of the Mediterranean’s major maritime powers.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast Swimming available

This morning we jump in a bus and head south to the Turrite valley. This morning we will try our hands at canyoning, an exciting and adventurous activity. We will slip, slide and swim our way through waterfalls and rivers. After a break for lunch and a chance to get dry we then set our sights a little higher as we have an introduction to rock climbing. Using natural rock routes we will have the chance to try this fun and skilled activity. For those who would like an alternative to there are other options such as kayaking in a small lake or walking the trails in the park.  After such a busy day we return to the villa.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch Swimming available

Our final day sees us heading by bus up to San Pelllegrino where we stop to see the mummified bodies of two saints before driving further up to Alpe de San Pellegrino (1600m). We get great views over the Garfagnana valley and across the whole chain of mountains. After getting our equipment and a briefing we get on our bikes and undertake a thrilling and beautiful descent back into the Garfagnana valley. Along the way we stop for photos and breaks via the Pass of Radici, in the heart of the Apennines. After returning to the villa by bike, the rest of the afternoon is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. The entire route today is on tarmac roads and involves about 25km of descent followed by 15km undulating along the valley. Only 10% of the ride is uphill. You may wish to stay by the pool before a final farewell dinner.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Swimming available

Today we transfer to Pisa airport where the tour ends.

Included meals: Breakfast