Family Activity Holiday In Tuscany

Arriving in Florence 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 take to the water, in double seated kayaks, to explore the lovely setting of Lake Pontecosi, an area designated by UNESCO as one of important natural interest. 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. After a chance to explore and enjoy the area we then 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. We will enjoy a picnic lunch in the park and this afternoon there may be the option to visit the nearby Verrucole Fortress, an imposing 13th century castle that dominates the landscape and is considered the most important medieval stronghold in the area. 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, before continuing to the villages of Corniglia and Vernazza, either on foot (2hrs) or by boat (optional, sea conditions permitting), 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 summit walk from 1300m at Isera Refuge with about 1hr of ascent through an idyllic landscape of verdant woodland to reach Sella di Campaiana pass at 1539m, where we are rewarded with our first expansive views across the Garagnana. After resting to enjoy the scenery, we continue upwards for about 30mins to the summit of Pania del Cofino at 1610m above sea level. Here we can enjoy our well earned picnic and the fantastic views stretching out before us, making all the efforts more than worthwhile. After some rest and relaxation, we make our way back down the same way and time permitting, we may pass by the visitors centre to see some of the bears and other animals that are housed within the park enclosure. 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

Today we take a 40 minute drive to the extraordinary Grotto del Vento (Caves of the Wind). Located in the centre of the natural park this is one of the most complete cave systems in Europe: a magical underground world of incredible diversity, with stalactites and stalagmites, surreal rock formations, alabaster draperies and crystal lakes. On arrival we will take a guided tour of the caves, following illuminated trails through one of nature’s truly remarkable creations, as we explore a subterranean world of exquisite calcareous formations. There is no need for torches as the whole cave is illuminated. A short walk then brings us to the medieval village of Fornolovasco, where we will enjoy a picnic by the river and an optional easy amble through beautiful countryside. From here we will be picked up by bus and, time permitting, driven to the town of Barga. Founded by the Lombards, Barga and its dominant castle went on to be a much prized pawn in the ensuing conflicts between Lucca and Pisa and its cathedral is considered one of the finest examples of Romanesque art and architecture in the Serchio Valley. After returning to the villa, the rest of the day is free to enjoy at your leisure, partaking in games around the farm or relaxing by the pool.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch Swimming available

Our final day sees us heading by bus back into the heart of the Apennines up to Pradarena Pass at 1400m. We will undertake a thrilling and beautiful descent on bikes back into the Garfagnana valley, via the beautiful mountain resort of Casone and other smaller hamlets and villages back to the lower valley and to the village of Castiglione di Garfagnana, before heading on to Villa Collemandina. We will have the opportunity to stop for lunch in one of the little villages en route. 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 or take part in a short guided horse trek in the region (optional) before a final farewell dinner.

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

Today we transfer to Florence airport where the tour ends.

Included meals: Breakfast