Tuscany

 Day 01: Meet us at Agriturismo Braccicorti, just 4 miles (6 kilometers) from Castelnuovo di Garfagnana and a convenient two-hour drive from Pisa Airport. Take a refreshing swim in the pool before joining us for a welcome briefing later in the day. Please be aware that most departures for this trip are classified as Activity Level 3 (Moderate), but we offer Activity Level 5 (Challenging) departures for those seeking a challenge. Our itinerary accommodates both activity levels, outlined day by day. Check the Dates & Prices section to ensure the activity level suits you before booking. If you have extra time to spare, consider extending your adventure with additional nights in Pisa or Florence. Contact your Sales Consultant for details on our ‘Pre-Tour,’ ‘Post-Tour,’ and ‘City Extension’ packages.

Day 02:Following a delightful breakfast at Braccicorti, we set out for the quaint village of Pruno, the starting point for our adventure into Orecchiella National Park. In spring, the landscape is often blanketed in snow, and adorned with traces of wildlife like wolves, deer, and mountain hares. As the seasons progress, the scenery transforms, with vibrant flowers in late spring and summer, and the beech trees donning various hues in autumn. Keep an eye out for birds of prey such as vultures and eagles along the way. Our hike takes us through enchanting beech forests to the panoramic summit of Pania di Corfino, offering breathtaking views in all directions. After a relaxing picnic, we journey to the historic village of Campaiana and follow an ancient trail down to Corfino.
Distance: 8 miles (13 km)
Elevation gain: 1,978 ft (603 m)
Elevation loss: 1,978 ft (603 m)
Highest point: 5,259 ft (1,603 m).

Day 03: Today, we embark on a journey to Vianova, a quaint village, where our trek into Alpi Apuane National Park begins. Initially, we ascend on a broad forest trail, passing through beech woods until we reach our first lookout point, offering a breathtaking view of Pania della Croce and the Omo Morto range. Following a footpath, we reach a limestone plateau, with an optional climb to Monte Sumbra’s summit (5,791ft/1,765m), weather permitting, granting us panoramic vistas of the Alpi Apuane range, Ligurian coast, and the majestic Apennines. After a summit lunch, we retrace our path to the plateau, then descend through the trees via an ancient charcoal trail to our minibus. En route back to Braccicorti, we may pause in the charming town of Careggine if time allows.
Stats: 10mi (16km) walk
Ascent: 2,205ft (672m)
Descent: 2,205ft (672m)
Highest point: 5,791ft (1,765m)

Day 04: We start our journey from the farmhouse at 1,345ft (410m), exploring Villa Collemandina and delving into the local history at the church. Meandering through farmlands and villages, we gain a genuine glimpse into daily life. Our midway point is the charming medieval town of Castiglione di Garfagnana at 1,788ft (545m), renowned for its vibrant chestnut festival each autumn. Crossing a historic bridge, we return to Braccicorti via scenic farmlands.
Total distance: 12 mi (19km)
Ascent: 476ft (145m)
Descent: 476ft (145m)
Highest point: 1,788ft (545m).

Day 05: Today offers various optional activities for your enjoyment. You can embark on a scenic one-hour train ride to the captivating fortified city of Lucca, explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cinque Terre with a 20-minute taxi followed by a 90-minute train journey, discover Florence, the birthplace of Michelangelo’s David, via a 2-hour and 30-minute train journey, or venture to Pisa in just 90 minutes to ascend the iconic leaning tower and stroll along the picturesque River Arno. Additionally, closer to home, you can unwind with a good book by the farmhouse’s outdoor pool, indulge in a leisurely lunch by Lago di Pontecosi, or opt for a quick 10-minute train ride to Castelnuovo di Garfagnana for a delightful lunch and a stroll to the ancient castle.

Day 06: Embark on a scenic journey to Lago di Vagli, where a sunken village awaits beneath the majestic Monte Sumbra. Starting from Vagli Sotto, we traverse a quaint footpath to Vagli Sopra, then ascend through chestnut woods to the historic shepherd settlement of Campocatino. Amidst terraced meadows shielded by the formidable Roccandagia wall, the allure of this spot becomes evident. Scaling to our peak at 3,904ft (1,190m), we then descend to San Viviano’s Hermitage, a mystical chapel nestled into the rock where the saint once resided. Our return journey offers panoramic views along a lesser-known mountain trail, concluding our 8mi (12.5km) trek with newfound memories.
Ascent: 2,067ft (630m)
Descent: 2,067ft (630m)
Maximum Altitude: 3,904ft (1,190m)

Day 07: Embarking on our journey with a scenic 40-minute drive to Casone, a quaint ski area. A delightful stroll through beech woods unveils the Crinali ridge, part of the vast Apennine range within the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park. Spectacular vistas await, showcasing the fiery hues of the forest below, nestled between Tuscany and Emilia Romagna. We leisurely traverse the undulating ridge, culminating at the summit of Monte Prado, Tuscany’s highest peak at 6,739ft (2,054m). Following a satisfying lunch, we retrace our path, descending through woodland to return to Casone, where a refreshing drink at the local bar awaits.
Distance: 10 mi (16km)
Ascent/Descent: 2,428ft (740m)
Max Altitude: 6,739ft (2,054m)

Day 08: