Tuscany Walking Tour

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

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 Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we drive to Lake Vagli, the final resting place of the flooded village of Fabbriche di Carreggine, which disappeared beneath the waters of this man-made lake back in 1946. From here we follow a walking trail that heads up to Vagli Sopra and on to the medieval shepherd’s cottage at Campocatino. After taking lunch here, we then continue up to the old Hermitage of San Viviano, a small chapel that clings to the rock face over-looking the surrounding quarries of Carrara marble, before descending to the lake to re-join our bus.

Approximate walking distance/time = approx 10km/5hrs

Overnight Standard Hotel 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 Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Much of the Garfagnana Valley is national parkland, a beautiful region of unspoilt wilderness that is home to deer, 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 Hotel 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 Hotel 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 Appenines to the summit of Monte Prado (2,054 m), the highest peak in Tuscany. Set in the heart of the Appenines 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 Apaune nature reserve.

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

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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

Included meals: Breakfast