Tour Overview
The rural enclave in northwest Tuscany known as the Garfagnana, meaning 'enchanted forests', has to be one of Italy's best-kept secrets. Within reach of the Tuscan gems of Lucca, Pisa and Florence, Garfagnana's appeal lies more in its isolation, lack of tourism and striking scenery. This area of outstanding natural beauty nestles between two distinct mountain ranges, the spectacular jagged 'marble mountains' of the Alpi Apuane and the rolling spine of Italy, the Apennines. Our paths thread their way between the hilltop and lakeside villages where the traditional rural lifestyle of tending and harvesting their bountiful produce continues. Every season demands our attention, with carpets of flowers in the crisp springtime giving way to long hot summer days followed by the rich autumnal hues of chestnut and beech forests. Challenging walking is offered on certain dates, which includes one night spent in a refuge with incredible views across the tranquil mountains.YOGA (marked with the small icon in Dates & Prices table) Take a relaxed approach to walking through Tuscan's hidden landscape and experience our special Yoga weeks. Whilst our qualified instructor assists with spiritual exercises and inspires during meditation sessions, we can enjoy additional massage treatments (optional) surrounded by idyllic Garfagnana countryside.For more information, please see our Yoga page. The Independent - writes about Another Tuscany (24 January 2009).
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1Start at our base, a journey of 2 hours from Pisa airport (depending on traffic).
Day 7
Five optional daywalks through enchanted forests and pretty hilltop villages. Plus there is one free day to visit Pisa, Lucca or Florence or choose from a variety of unguided walks. We usually start the week with a leisurely breakfast either in the lodge (or the terrace overlooking the valley and mountains beyond). Then straight from Braccicorti, we embark on our walk through forests of the lower Apennines, where we are rewarded with great views from the fortified town of Castiglione di Garfagnana. We may be in Tuscany, but the Garfagnana is a world away from the popular tourist sites of Chianti and Florence. A range of flora and fauna still inhabits these mountains and one of the best places to see them is Orecchiella Natural Park. One of our walks leads us through the woodland of this wonderful Natural Park to reach the broad high plain of Pania di Corfino, a habitat for deer, hawks and eagles. From here, we enjoy beautiful views of the Serchio Valley and majestic Apuane Alps. Another walk, may take in the incredible views of the Apennine ridge above the pretty village of Casone. We continue our walk over the Bocca di Massa (1816m), where some shepherds may still be tending to their pastureland. Another walk follows the lower valley until we reach the beautiful fortress at Verrucole, arguably the most important mediaeval site of this area. The week also includes, one of the best walks of the region that takes us through the forests up to the summit of Monte Sumbra (1,765m), where we are rewarded with wonderful views including 'The Dead Man'. This unusual name refers to a ridge of mountains which viewed from a certain angle produce a pronounced head, with forehead, nose and chin, the stomach (Pania della Croce), and the knees and feet comprise the Pizza di Saette. We will also see the marble quarries, birthplace of Michelangelo's David, and enjoy lovely views to the distant Mediterranean and the surrounding mountain scenery.
Day 8
End Braccicorti Lodge.
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