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Visits Lucca - Tour Garfagnana, Lucca, Pisa, Cinque Terre
Duration: 7 nights/ 8 days
1st day: Florence - Castelnuovo di Garfagnana
Arrival to Florence and transfer to our accommodation in Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, where we will check-in for the next 7 nights. We will be based for the duration of our time here 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 in small comfortable lodges within the grounds of the estate. 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 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.
2nd day: Walking in the area
After breakfast departure to explore something of the surrounding area. Walking through an
idyllic landscape of verdant woodland we get our first expansive views across the Garfagnana, much of which is made up of national parkland. Our journey then takes us across a dam, the breathtaking majesty of the Apennines reflecting in the waters below us as we head for the village of Villa Collemandina. After a stop for refreshments we continue on to Castiglione di Garfagnana, a town whose origins stem from the Roman fortress built here to protect the strategic San Pellegrino Pass, and whose medieval walls provide us with an ideal location for a picnic lunch. After a look around the town we resume our journey this afternoon, descending to the town of Pieve Fosciana deep in the heart of Lucca Province. Traveling via an old mill we have an opportunity to see for ourselves how the local produce – corn, chestnuts, and flour – has been ground down for generations, a fascinating insight into the traditions of a seemingly timeless landscape. We will end our walk back at the farm. Approximated walking time: 3-4 hrs/7kms, mostly level and downhill.
3rd day: Kayaking on Lake Pontecosi, then climbing in the Adventure Park in San Romano
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 bird life and our kayaking adventure affords us an ideal opportunity to take in this serene setting from the unique perspective of its peaceful water. After a chance to explore and enjoy the area we then head by bus for San Romano and the Park of the Buffardello, to spend the rest of the day climbing trees! Set among 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 kited 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 land. 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. When our day over we return back to the villa to enjoy some relaxing time around the pool.
4th day: Free day; optional sightseeing of Lucca and Pisa
Today is free to spend as you wish. You may also decide to explore something of the area’s cultural highlights, with a trip to the cities of Lucca and Pisa. Traveling by bus or train you can head to the old Roman colony of Lucca, set on the Lucchese Plain and today a fascinating vision of terra cotta 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 beautiful environs on two wheels. Alternatively you may just wish to wander its streets and explore the local markets, 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 Miracles), of which the Tower is only 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 palazzo that make up the historic centre, belongs to a period from the 11th to 13th centuries, when the city was one of the Mediterranean’s major maritime powers.
5th day: Exploring the Cinque Terre coast
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 among 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. Initially we will follow scenic paths, traversing a truly stunning landscape, with the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Arriving in Manarola, we can enjoy a coffee and some focaccia, before continuing to the villages of Corniglia and Vernazza, either on foot or by boat (if sea conditions permitting), where we will stop for lunch. There are options here to relax and enjoy the ambience of this small port, take a walk through the olive groves and lemon orchards of the surrounding area, or even take a 40-minute boat ride to nearby Monterosso, our next port of call. Leaving Vernazza we continue, either by foot, train or boat to Monterosso, where we will have time to relax and enjoy the warm clear waters, before taking a train back to Garfagnana. Stopping in the village of Villetta en route back to the farm we can enjoy a traditional pizza dinner this evening, before making the final short drive back to the villa.
6th day: Visit to the Grotta del Vento
After leaving the villa, our first stop is the local market in Castelnuovo di Garfagnana. We will have time to explore the old town centre of Garfagnana and experience a traditional market atmosphere, with ample time to have a coffee in one of the local cafes in the town if you so wish. We will be then be picked up for a 40 minute drive to the extraordinary Grotta 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. A short walk then brings us to the medieval village of Fornolovasco, where we will enjoy a picnic by
the river. From here we will be picked up by bus and 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 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.
7th day: Walking in Orecchiella National Park
This day we head into the beautiful Natural Park of the Orecchiella, at the base of the Apennine Mountains. At the park’s Visitor Centre we can view some of the animals that inhabit these spectacular landscapes, including mouflon, deer and bear, before following a marked trail towards the mountain refuge of Isera for a picnic lunch under the imposing shadow of the Pania del Corfino, a dramatic limestone peak that dominates the valley and, at over 1600m, is one of the highest in Tuscany. This afternoon we continue along the trail, descending towards Pruno and following the course of a meandering mountain stream as it passes through a stunning landscape of beech forests towards our bus. Our total walking time will be around 2 hours and from here we will head back to the villa to enjoy a final chance to relax and swim before a farewell dinner.
8th day: Tour ends Florence Airport
Today we will be able to spend some time in Florence before transferring to Florence airport where the tour ends.
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