Walking Tour of Tuscany

Fly to Pisa. Then take a 2-hour journey to your primary base.

(D)

After breakfast drive to Pruno, a small village. Start walking to Orecchiella National Park. Depending on the time of season, the area may be covered in snow, like in Spring Or it may be carpeted with flowers, like in late spring and summer. You may also encounter birds of prey, including common or honey buzzards or even a golden eagle.

From there, proceed to the flat section of Pania di Corfino. Then enjoy the panoramic views of your surroundings. Enjoy a picnic lunch and visit Campaiana, a 16th century village.

Walking distance: 8mi (13km)

Ascent: 1,978ft

Descent: 1,978ft

Maximum altitude: 5,259ft

(B, L, D)

Monte Forato (Activity Level 5)

Drive to the forge of Fornovolasco, located in Alpi Apuane National Park. From there, walk through the woodland and ascend steeply to marvel at the views down on the Versilia coast.

Then, walk up a rock arch to Monte Forato. Ascend to enjoy stunning views of Pania della Croce. Pass through trees and old shephards’ and then depart by minibus.

Walking distance: 9mi (15km)

Ascent: 2,274ft

Descent: 2,274ft

Maximum altitude: 4,012ft

(B, L, D)

Take a 40-minute drive to Vianova, the municipality of Pianopoli. Then walk to Alpi Apuane national Park.

From there, ascend the limestone plateau and, if desired, ascend to the Monte Sumbra peak. On a clear day, you will enjoy stunning views of Alpi Apuane, including the Apennines spine and Ligurian coast.

After lunch, head back to the limestone plateau, returning to the minibus. If time permits, stop by the town of Careggine.

Walking distance: 10mi (16km)

Ascent: 2,205ft

Descent: 2,205ft

Maximum altitude: 5,791ft

(B, L)

Apuane National Park – Pania Della Croce (Activity Level 5)

Go for a 45-minute drive to Alpi Apuane National Park. Arrive at the foot of Uomo Morto and ascend to Rifugio Rossi. On this small mountain hut, you may encounter wild mountain sheep called mouflon.

Check out the marble quarries, the town of Forte di Marmi, and the flat plains of Pusa and Lucca. After lunch, retrace your steps to rifugio, and return to the bus.

Walking distance: 7.5mi (12km)

Ascent: 2,487ft

Descent: 2,487ft

Maximum altitude: 6,096ft

(B, L)

Walk from the farmhouse to the town of Villa Collemandina. Then visit the church and learn about its history.

From there, walk through the local villages and farmland until you reach Castiglione di Garfagnana, a small medieval town. If you visit in autumn, you may be able to witness the famous chestnut festival. Walk back to Braccicorti after lunch.

Walking distance: 12mi (19km)

Ascent: 476ft (145m)

Descent: 476ft (145m)

Maximum altitude: 1,788ft (545m)

(B, L, D)

Apuane National Park – Monte Tambura (Activity Level 5)

Transfer to the village of Campocatino. Make a gradual ascent to the ridge line of Monte Tambura. From there, begin your summit. Proceed along the ridge line and descend to one of the many available marble quarries. Then carefully return to Campocatino.

Walking distance: 10mi (16km)

Ascent: 2,625ft

Descent: 2,625ft

Maximum altitude: 6,201ft

(B, L, D)

Enjoy a free day of optional activities and relaxation. These include a train journey to the city of Lucca, a taxi and train ride to the Cinque Terre, a train ride to Florence, and a train ride to Pisa. Alternatively, relax at the farmhouse and lounge by (or go for a dip) the swimming pool.

(B)

Drive 25 minutes to Lago di Vagli, a slightly submerged village. Then reach Vagli Sotto and walk to the town of Vagli Sopra. Walk through the chestnut woods and arrive at the village of Campocatino. Explore the village and marvel at the stunning terraced meadows and protective Roccandagia wall.

Afterwards, proceed to San Viviano’s Hermitage and explore the local chapel and pilgrimage site. Descend down the mountain path and return to the bus.

Walking distance: 8mi (12.5km)

Ascent: 2,067ft

Descent: 2,067ft

Maximum altitude: 3,904ft

(B, L, D)

Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park Monte Prado – Monte Cusna (Activity Level 5)

Take a 40-minute drive to your starting location. Then go on a 2-day ridge walk through the beech woods and reach the Tosco-Emiliano National Park. In winter the ridges are covered in snow, while in spring the alpine flowers grow, and in autumn, juniper berries and myrtle carpet the ground.

After the crest, follow the trail to the Monte Prado summit. This is the tallest peak in Tuscany, at an impressive 6,739ft (2,054m). Descend to Lago di Bargetana then go from Emilia Romagna to Monte Cusna.

Descend to a mountain hut in Rifugio Bargetana for dinner.

Walking distance: 14mi (22.5km)

Ascent: 2,648ft

Descent: 2,648ft

Maximum altitude: 6,959ft

(B, L, D)

Take a 40-minute drive to a ski section in Casone. Walk through the beech woods to Crinali ridge and enjoy the stunning views. Then take an easy path to the peak of Monte Prado, followed by lunch and retracing your steps to Casone for a well-earned drink at the bar.

Walking distance: 10mi (16km)

Ascent: 2,428ft

Descent: 2,428ft

Maximum altitude: 6,739ft

(B, L, D)

Appenino Tosco – Emiliano National Park – Pass di Pradarena (Activity Level 5)

After staying overnight in a mountain hut, return to Lago di Baretana and Tuscany. Most of the day will be spent on the Crinali ridge, which provides stunning views of Alpi Apuane National Park.

After walking for about 9 miles, arrive at Passo di Praderana and drive 40 minutes to Braccicorti. There is an optional stop at the Osteria of Verrucole Fortress for a farewell drink.

Walking distance: 9mi (15km)

Ascent: 686ft

Descent: 686ft

Maximum altitude: 6,394ft

(B, L, D)

Transfer to Pisa and fly back to London.

In summer, your inbound flights may not be until the evening, giving you extra time to explore Pisa. Your leader will take care of the arrangements in terms of your transport to the airport and luggage storage.

(B)