Day 1 Arrival

Today you arrive at Lavacchio villa and farm, near the tiny hilltop hamlet of Promiana. We join you for dinner to discuss the week ahead and answer any questions.

Day 2 Grottorotondo, Apuane Alps

This first walk is an excellent introduction to the area. Starting from the house we saunter through chestnut woodland to the village of Brucciano. Then it's upwards to the Forcone ridge where there are fabulous views of the Monte Forato arch and Monte Procinto and up to the day's highest point of Grottorotondo at 1,068m. A hike then to the village of Sassi for a late lunch at Il Totto and a meander home via a plunging river valley. Ascent 700m, approx 5 hrs walking.

Day 3 Pania di Corfino, Appenines

A short drive to Corfino on the Apennine side of the Serchio shows the Garfagnana valley opening up with views to ancient villages perched on the hillsides. Starting from the town of Corfino, at 836m, we wind upwards on a cobbled mule track and head along a path to the south of the Pania. Up through the wonderful beech forest for a quick drink from the Fonte del Amore - Fountain of Love - and then a stop at the shepherds village of Campanaia at 1,358m. Winding up to the summit of the Pania di Corfino takes us to an excellent viewpoint, before we head down to Rifugio Isera and back to Corfino. This walk shows the jagged peaks of the Apuane Ridge to great effect. Ascent 800m, approx 6 hrs walking.

Day 4 The Panias, Apuane Alps

This is a day for a fine mountain traverse which begins with a short drive to Piglionico at 1,008m where there is a memorial to WW2 partisans. We then contour round the north side of the Pania to the Refugio del Freo before taking a rising traverse across the mountainside heading for Foce di Valli. The views today are fantastic and the limestone landscape offers up great hiking, including the wonderful natural limestone arch of Monte Forato. Ascent 500m, approx 7 hrs walking.

Day 5 Free day for exploring Florence or relaxing by the pool!

Today you have a free day to either enjoy the beautiful views from Lavacchio villa while perhaps lying by the pool, or you can explore the surrounding towns and cities. For those of you who enjoy history and culture then Florence is a 'must do' ! The city can by reached by train and is well worth the trip. It is entirely feasible to spend a day exploring the art collections and still return to Lavacchio by early evening. Nearer at hand the medieval walled city of Lucca is absolutely stunning and a great place to relax or to do serious retail therapy! A lift to the nearby railway station can be arranged if you wish to catch the train to Lucca or Florence.

Day 6 Matanna, Apuane Alps

We drive through the steep sided valley of Fabbricho di Vallico which takes us to our starting point Alt Matanna, 1038m. A short walk takes us to a ridge overlooking the sea with views to Corsica and Elba before we plunge into a verdant, flower strewn meadow to contour round Monte Matanna. Into the woods now where porcupine and deer are often spotted to our lunch spot at the Rifugio Forte dei Marmi above the town of St Anna di Stazzema, with its historic connections to WW2. We head under the imposing limestone stack of Monte Procinto to the col at Foce delle Porchette, at 982m. Ascent 550m, approx 6 hrs walking.

Day 7 Monte Giovo and the Apennine Ridge

We head across the Serchio Valley and up through the foot hills of the Apennines to the village of Renaio before stopping at Vetricia, at 1,308m. The walk climbs through beech forest before emerging on the Apennine pasture and along the hillside to la Porticciola, 1,700m. Here we drop down via Hannibals camp (yes, he got everywhere!) to Lago Santo at 1,501m. We have a picnic lunch at the lake before climbing to the ridge and heading for the summit of Monte Giovo, at 1, 991m. Ascent 1,000m, approx 9 hrs walking.

Day 8 Departure Day

Today you head home, having experience a week of exploration which revealed the wilder side of the mountains of Tuscany.

Please be aware that the itinerary is flexible and at the discretion of the guide, and that changes may be made due to weather and conditions.

Price

Included: The guiding services of a fully qualified International Mountain Leader. Accommodation at Lavacchio Villa at Promiana including breakfast, picnic lunch, afternoon tea and 2 course dinner with wine. All meals are prepared by an experienced chef making use of local seasonal produce, which often comes from the villa gardens. Dietary requirements can be met. On your free day breakfast is provided, but not lunch or dinner to allow you to make the most of your day. It includes use of the hot tub and swimming pool. Airport transfers and all transport in Italy on walking days are also included. Airport transfers may be dependent on the arrival times of the majority of the group. If you arrive out with those times Pisa is well served by train.

Not included: Travel Insurance, and flights. We are happy to advise on the best options for flights.

Accommodation

You will stay in La Fattoria, at Lavacchio a traditional Garfagnana farmhouse with chestnut beams, exposed stone and terracotta tiles. Sitting above a terraced amphitheatre La Fattoria has a covered breakfast terrace and wisteria clad dining terrace with huge rustic table and benches. Antique furniture, art and excellent beds add a touch of luxury to this rural retreat. There are five bedrooms with three bathrooms. The sitting room has a wood burning stove. The house is well stocked with books, cards and games. The kitchen terrace has an enormous barbeque and ancient bread over. There is a covered table tennis table and marked badminton court. If that sounds too energetic you can always lie by the poolside.

Minimum numbers

This trip will run once a minimum number of 4 clients have booked. We will take a maximum of 8 clients. We advise you not to make your travel arrangements until the trip is guaranteed to run.

Further Information

The nearest airport is Pisa, Italy which is well served by Ryanair, Easyjet, BA and many other airlines. It takes approx one hour by car from Pisa to Lavacchio. As described above we will arrange a transfer from Pisa airport to suit the majority of the arriving group members. Otherwise you can take the train from the airport to Pisa Centrale and then to Barga-Gallicano which is on the line to Aulla or Piazza al Serchio. This costs around 5€ and takes about 2 hrs. Train information at http://www.trenitalia.it

Please do not hesitate to get in touch to chat through the details. Once you have booked we will send you a list of suggested walking equipment and clothing for the trip.

Wild Tuscany, Italy

Autumn Col

Fun in Florence

Monte Giovo