Walking in Tuscany
Experience Overview
Outside the hiking community, few know about the Garfagnana region in northern Tuscany. It’s a hiker’s dream with dramatic mountain trails, wild national parks and spectacular views – a stark contrast to the vineyards and rolling hills of the south. Join an expert tour leader to explore the most beautiful trails in the area and return each evening to our stone farmhouse on the lower slopes of the Apennines. Traditional Italian hospitality and good food await, plus there’s a free day to explore nearby Lucca, the Cinque Terre, Florence or Pisa.
Please note: Most departures for this trip are graded Activity Level 3 (Moderate); however, if you’re looking to push yourself, join one of our Activity Level 5 (Challenging) departures to tackle more difficult treks and spend a night in a mountain refuge. See the itinerary for a day-by-day schedule for each Activity Level. Please check the Dates & Prices tab to confirm the Activity Level rating for each departure before booking.
Profile
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Agriturismo Braccicorti) — Five days of walking; one free day — Activity Level 3 and Activity Level 5 departures available; see Dates & Prices — Group normally 6 to 14, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Agriturismo Braccicorti) — Five days of walking; one free day — Activity Level 3 and Activity Level 5 departures available; see Dates & Prices — Group normally 6 to 14, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Trip For You
The lesser-known Garfagnana region is home to some of the most spectacular and interesting hiking trails in Italy, with the bonus that we rarely see other walkers.
Walking profile: Most paths are well-maintained; however, a few sections are less frequently used and rough underfoot, with some steep ascents and descents. It will suit regular exercisers and previous trekking experience is needed.
Activity Level 3 (Moderate) daily stats
Distance: 7mi-10mi (11km-16km)Ascent/descent: 1,315ft-2,790ft (400m-850m)Hiking hours: six to eight
Activity Level 5 (Challenging) daily stats
Distance: 7mi-11.5mi (11km-18.5km)Ascent/descent: 2,135ft-4,000ft (650m-1,220m)Hiking hours: six to nine
Journeys: The area is mountainous and most drives, although short, follow twisting mountain roads through wooded areas.
All departures: We use the same mountain ranges for both levels and vary the routes according to weather conditions or other factors beyond our control. While aiming to always follow the routes described in these Trip Notes, it will be the tour leader’s decision to amend the itinerary if necessary.
Activity Level 3 (Moderate) departures: Most departure dates are graded Activity Level 3 (Moderate) with accumulative ascents and descents of 1,315ft-2,790ft (400m-850m). We usually walk six to eight hours each day, so a good level of fitness is required.Activity Level 5 (Challenging) departures: For Activity Level 5 (Challenging) weeks, we usually walk between six and nine hours per day with an accumulative ascent and descent of 2,135ft-4,000ft (650m-1,220m). A high level of fitness is required. We spend one night in a mountain refuge during our two-day ridge walk. You do not need to check out of the main accommodation; however, you may wish to pack overnight items for your tour leader to take to the refuge ahead of your stay to save you from carrying any extra weight during your walk.
For more information on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Climate: Tuscany can be very hot during summer, especially from June to August, though heatwaves can also occur in April and May. We try to start our walks earlier to avoid the hottest hours, but temperatures and humidity will still be high. You should feel comfortable walking in the heat. Additionally, agriturismos, which are based in the countryside, are not normally equipped with air conditioning. Mosquito numbers may significantly increase in the summer, so bring repellent with you.
Arrival: The inbound flight can be late in the evening, especially in summer. In this instance, you have additional time to spend in Pisa. The tour leader takes care of all arrangements in terms of transport from/to the airport and the city centre and luggage storage. It may also happen that, for logistical reasons, on return we must be at the airport earlier than normally scheduled. This means a longer waiting time before checking in.
Group Description
The tour leader accompanies the group on all activities, except for your free day and one walk on Day 4, which is led by another guide due to leader working-hour restrictions.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts, five lunches and five dinners are included.
Breakfast: Continental with a choice of cereal, local bread, yoghurt, cheese, fruit, homemade spreads, fresh eggs, milk, fruit juice, teas and coffee.
Lunches: Packed lunches are provided on hiking days with a buffet-style selection of meat, fish, cheese, salad and bread for sandwiches, plus a daily salad mix such as chickpea or rice salad, panzanella or a bean mix, plus fruit and cake.
Dinners: These are usually three courses. The first course is a traditional soup or pasta with local bread and olive oil. The main course is a local meat or fish dish with vegetables and salad and wine offered by the Braccicorti family. The meal is finished with a small homemade dessert such as pannacotta or fruit salad or local ice cream and, on occasions, finished with a grappa or amaretto.
Dietary requirements are fairly well catered for in this area. Braccicorti do not offer a menu; therefore, it is important to notify us in advance of any dietary needs so the Giovanetti family can plan your meals accordingly. If you follow a more specific diet, such as gluten-free or lactose-free, it is advisable to bring your own snacks as these are hard to find locally. Gluten-free bread and pasta is readily available in the local area and will be provided as long as the family have notice prior to travel.
Transportation
We use a private minibus for all transfers and organised excursions.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Agriturismo Braccicorti, località Braccicorti, 38/A, 55036 Pontecosi Lucca
Phone: +39 371 528 1155
Recommended arrival time: Before 2pm. There will be a tour of the accommodation and facilities before time to relax and a welcome briefing at 5.30pm
Airport: Pisa Airport (PSA)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately two hours’ drive from the airport. We provide one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport that’s scheduled to align with a flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Weather Information
Part of a microclimate, the weather can be unpredictable. We therefore recommended taking a warm, long-sleeve top to use in the evenings, particularly during April, May and October. Although October can be cooler than other months, the weather is usually more settled and visibility can be at its best. April brings new growth with green beech leaves, May and June bring a blanket of spring flowers. In September and into October, the autumn colours of reds, purples and oranges cover the area.
Spending Money
Allow about €10-€20 for a light lunch on arrival day and your free day and approximately €20-€40 for your evening meals taken out from Braccicorti. This includes drinks, although it is possible to spend more if you choose expensive dishes. You also need a small amount of local currency for additional snacks and drinks bought from a cafe. Braccicorti operates an ‘honesty bar’ where you help yourself and pay at the end of the week. Your bar tab needs to be paid in local currency cash.
Local taxes: Many Italian cities have introduced a tourist tax for non-residents. The local administration oversees the tax, which will be collected by the accommodation provider at check-in or check-out. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, the season and number of days of stay. For this trip, please allow between €5 and €10 per person, depending on the season, for the week.
Tipping
Our local staff are paid fairly for their work. Most wish to tip in appreciation of their help and friendliness. This, of course, is in no way compulsory and depends on the service received. For this trip, we recommend a tip of €25- €30 per person for your tour leader and a further €15 for the staff at the agriturismo, which is divided fairly among them.
Highlights
— Escape the crowds on a walking adventure in Tuscany’s lesser-known mountainous region — Gaze over the Apennines from the summit of Monte Prado, Tuscany’s tallest peak — Enjoy picnic lunches with beautiful views – our tour leaders know the best spots! — Take the opportunity to visit Lucca, the Cinque Terre, Florence or Pisa on a free day — Feel like one of the family at Agriturismo Braccicorti, our farmhouse for the week
Trip Details
Product Code: 4383
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: cursions.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: TDT
Starts: Braccicorti, Italy
Finishes: Braccicorti, Italy
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
— All breakfasts, five picnic lunches, five dinners — All accommodation — All transport and activities — Tour leader throughoutAccommodation
Agriturismo BraccicortiOur base for this trip is Agriturismo Braccicorti, a traditional stone farmhouse on the lower slopes of the Apennines. On a typical Tuscan farm, it has been authentically renovated and is surrounded by meadows, orchards, woodland and vines. It comprises four twin/double rooms (with private bathrooms) and two apartments, with one twin/double and one single room sharing a bathroom and small kitchen area. Double or twin should be stated upon booking and the rooms with private bathrooms are on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, if requested. There is also a dining room, comfortable living room, reading room, outside seating, terrace, golf course with a driving range and putting green, swimming pool (open throughout the season, dependent on weather). The views from the garden lead across the Serchio Valley and stretch to the Apuan Alps opposite. Worth knowing There is no charge for the two standard single rooms as the bathroom is shared with one of the twin rooms in the small apartment. The two single rooms are provided on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and should be requested upon booking. Double rooms for sole use can be requested two weeks prior to departure; a supplement applies for these. We cannot guarantee these have a private bathroom. Activity Level 5 (Challenging) departures: We spend one night in a mountain refuge with communal sleeping rooms – maximum of six people to one room.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,850 ($356 /day)
Itinerary
We gather at Agriturismo Braccicorti, approximately 4mi (6km) from Castelnuovo di Garfagnana and two hours from Pisa Airport. Refresh with a dip in the pool or take a short walk before we gather for a welcome briefing later in the day. If you want to extend your adventure, consider booking additional nights in Pisa or Florence. Speak to your sales representative for more information.
We gather at Agriturismo Braccicorti, approximately 4mi (6km) from Castelnuovo di Garfagnana and two hours from Pisa Airport. Refresh with a dip in the pool or take a short walk before we gather for a welcome briefing later in the day. If you want to extend your adventure, consider booking additional nights in Pisa or Florence. Speak to your sales representative for more information.
A short drive from Braccicorti is the small village of Pruno, several thatched cottages once used as a stop for ‘salt travellers’ bringing salt from the Versilia coast to Moderna on foot. This is the start of our walk into Orecchiella National Park and our ascent under a canopy of beech trees. Following an ancient shepherds’ route, we arrive at our first proper view of the valley, before a short ascent out of the trees and onto the summit of Pania di Corfino for 360-degree views. After a picnic lunch, we descend to the 16th-century village of Campaiana and follow a route of two secret lovers along Fonte dell’Amore. Here, we may see golden eagles before re-entering the beech forest back to our start point. Walking distance: 7.5mi (12km); ascent: 2,700ft (825m); descent: 2,700ft (825m)
A short drive from Braccicorti is the small village of Pruno, several thatched cottages once used as a stop for ‘salt travellers’ bringing salt from the Versilia coast to Moderna on foot. This is the start of our walk into Orecchiella National Park and our ascent under a canopy of beech trees. Following an ancient shepherds’ route, we arrive at our first proper view of the valley, before a short ascent out of the trees and onto the summit of Pania di Corfino for 360-degree views. After a picnic lunch, we descend to the 16th-century village of Campaiana and follow a route of two secret lovers along Fonte dell’Amore. Here, we may see golden eagles before re-entering the beech forest back to our start point. Walking distance: 7.5mi (12km); ascent: 2,700ft (825m); descent: 2,700ft (825m)
We park near the small ski resort of Vianova and stride along a wide forest track shaded by beech trees towards the beginning of a small footpath that ascends to the limestone plateau of Monte Sumbra. On the way, we pass limestone karst and soon arrive at our first viewpoint. From here, it’s a 10-minute walk to the limestone plateau with magnificent views of the ‘Half Dome’ of Monte Sumbra and a 360-degree view, comprising the Garfagnana, Apennine range, Apuan Alps and the coastline. The option of continuing to the summit is given here; those who wish to continue will cross the rocky plateau and follow a small path across the slopes before ascending a couple of steeper sections to the grassy mound of Monte Sumbra. After a picnic lunch, those at the summit retrace their steps to join the rest of the group before descending to the ‘charcoal trail’, a route bordered by beech trees once used for fuel. Arriving back at the bus, we jump in and relax on the journey back to Braccicorti. Walking distance: 8mi (13km); ascent: 2,495ft (760m); descent: 2,495ft (760m)
We park near the small ski resort of Vianova and stride along a wide forest track shaded by beech trees towards the beginning of a small footpath that ascends to the limestone plateau of Monte Sumbra. On the way, we pass limestone karst and soon arrive at our first viewpoint. From here, it’s a 10-minute walk to the limestone plateau with magnificent views of the ‘Half Dome’ of Monte Sumbra and a 360-degree view, comprising the Garfagnana, Apennine range, Apuan Alps and the coastline. The option of continuing to the summit is given here; those who wish to continue will cross the rocky plateau and follow a small path across the slopes before ascending a couple of steeper sections to the grassy mound of Monte Sumbra. After a picnic lunch, those at the summit retrace their steps to join the rest of the group before descending to the ‘charcoal trail’, a route bordered by beech trees once used for fuel. Arriving back at the bus, we jump in and relax on the journey back to Braccicorti. Walking distance: 8mi (13km); ascent: 2,495ft (760m); descent: 2,495ft (760m)
Walking from the accommodation, we can enjoy the local agricultural area while meandering through quaint villages and learning about the area’s history. The medieval town of Castiglione is a must-visit, its history seen in the buildings and cobbled streets. A mixture of lanes, tracks, footpaths and meadows takes us to Pieve Fosciana, a locally important town as many baptisms were held here. After lunch, we continue to the heart of the Garfagnana: Castelnuovo. On arrival, we should have time to explore before taking a short train ride to Villetta san Romano and walking the easy 20-minute route back to Braccicorti. Walking distance: 8.5mi (14km); ascent: 1,360ft (415m); descent: 1,360ft (415m)
Walking from the accommodation, we can enjoy the local agricultural area while meandering through quaint villages and learning about the area’s history. The medieval town of Castiglione is a must-visit, its history seen in the buildings and cobbled streets. A mixture of lanes, tracks, footpaths and meadows takes us to Pieve Fosciana, a locally important town as many baptisms were held here. After lunch, we continue to the heart of the Garfagnana: Castelnuovo. On arrival, we should have time to explore before taking a short train ride to Villetta san Romano and walking the easy 20-minute route back to Braccicorti. Walking distance: 8.5mi (14km); ascent: 1,360ft (415m); descent: 1,360ft (415m)
There are many options today and, with a little planning help from your tour leader, you can relax and enjoy your chosen adventure. A short train ride can take you to the fortified city of Lucca, where there are plenty of activities to fill a day’s visit or enjoy a half day and combine it with a short visit to Pisa. A longer journey by taxi and train takes you to either the World Heritage site of the Cinque Terre to enjoy a leisurely lunch of fresh fish and white wine while overlooking the Ligurian coast or the city of Florence to see Michaelangelo’s David. If you wish to stay closer to home, you are welcome to grab a book and relax by the pool at Braccicorti, take a self-guided walk through the area, rent a bicycle or hire a local guide to show you around the historic sites. Your tour leader will help you make arrangements once you are on the trip and make recommendations for places to eat lunch and dinner.
There are many options today and, with a little planning help from your tour leader, you can relax and enjoy your chosen adventure. A short train ride can take you to the fortified city of Lucca, where there are plenty of activities to fill a day’s visit or enjoy a half day and combine it with a short visit to Pisa. A longer journey by taxi and train takes you to either the World Heritage site of the Cinque Terre to enjoy a leisurely lunch of fresh fish and white wine while overlooking the Ligurian coast or the city of Florence to see Michaelangelo’s David. If you wish to stay closer to home, you are welcome to grab a book and relax by the pool at Braccicorti, take a self-guided walk through the area, rent a bicycle or hire a local guide to show you around the historic sites. Your tour leader will help you make arrangements once you are on the trip and make recommendations for places to eat lunch and dinner.
Approaching Fornovolasco via a beautiful gorge, we park in the village and start the hike along a well-maintained footpath alongside the river. We soon begin to ascend under chestnut and beech trees and see the remnants of the ancient chestnut mill and chestnut-drying houses. After arriving at a col, we follow a good path, as it contours past unusual rock formations and brings us to a refuge in its early stages of renovation. We slowly ascend from the refuge, reaching the impressive rock arch of Monte Forato within 40 minutes. After our packed lunch, we walk a well-trodden path across a beautiful meadow often blanketed with a variety of flora and with views of the Apennine mountains on the opposite valley. We leave the craggy peaks of Pania Secca as we descend through the beech and chestnut trees to bring us back to Fornovolasco and our drive back to Braccicorti. Walking distance: 7mi (11km); ascent: 2,755ft (840m); descent: 2,755ft (840m)
Approaching Fornovolasco via a beautiful gorge, we park in the village and start the hike along a well-maintained footpath alongside the river. We soon begin to ascend under chestnut and beech trees and see the remnants of the ancient chestnut mill and chestnut-drying houses. After arriving at a col, we follow a good path, as it contours past unusual rock formations and brings us to a refuge in its early stages of renovation. We slowly ascend from the refuge, reaching the impressive rock arch of Monte Forato within 40 minutes. After our packed lunch, we walk a well-trodden path across a beautiful meadow often blanketed with a variety of flora and with views of the Apennine mountains on the opposite valley. We leave the craggy peaks of Pania Secca as we descend through the beech and chestnut trees to bring us back to Fornovolasco and our drive back to Braccicorti. Walking distance: 7mi (11km); ascent: 2,755ft (840m); descent: 2,755ft (840m)
Gaining height on the drive, we start our walk from 4,304ft (1,312m) above sea level, with an easy incline under beech trees and along a wide forest track that winds up to our ridge approach. Blanketed with mirtilli berries and juniper, the Tuscan Apennines are home to marmots, foxes, pine martens and mountain hare. We may see a bird of prey on the hunt, kestrels, buzzards and golden eagles frequent the area, while muflone, red and roe deer, wild boar and wolves cross between Tuscany and Emilia Romagna. Every small ascent is rewarded with a path that contours along the north side of the ridge and is easy underfoot, providing some respite and a chance to reflect on the week’s activities as we approach Monte Prado. On a good day, the summit provides uninterrupted views to the north that stretch as far as the French Alps and to the south beyond Pisa. After lunch, we retrace our steps along the ridge approximately three-quarters of the way before taking a descent past a small shepherd’s hut and re-entering the beech forest, arriving back at our start point. If time allows, there is an opportunity to enjoy an end-of-week drink at the hotel before the drive back to Braccicorti. Walking distance: 10mi (16km); ascent: 2,740ft (835m); descent: 2,740ft (835m)
Gaining height on the drive, we start our walk from 4,304ft (1,312m) above sea level, with an easy incline under beech trees and along a wide forest track that winds up to our ridge approach. Blanketed with mirtilli berries and juniper, the Tuscan Apennines are home to marmots, foxes, pine martens and mountain hare. We may see a bird of prey on the hunt, kestrels, buzzards and golden eagles frequent the area, while muflone, red and roe deer, wild boar and wolves cross between Tuscany and Emilia Romagna. Every small ascent is rewarded with a path that contours along the north side of the ridge and is easy underfoot, providing some respite and a chance to reflect on the week’s activities as we approach Monte Prado. On a good day, the summit provides uninterrupted views to the north that stretch as far as the French Alps and to the south beyond Pisa. After lunch, we retrace our steps along the ridge approximately three-quarters of the way before taking a descent past a small shepherd’s hut and re-entering the beech forest, arriving back at our start point. If time allows, there is an opportunity to enjoy an end-of-week drink at the hotel before the drive back to Braccicorti. Walking distance: 10mi (16km); ascent: 2,740ft (835m); descent: 2,740ft (835m)
With the help of your tour leader to make any personal arrangements, we depart Braccicorti after breakfast. Whether you are joining the group transfer to the airport, taking the train or driving.
With the help of your tour leader to make any personal arrangements, we depart Braccicorti after breakfast. Whether you are joining the group transfer to the airport, taking the train or driving.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
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