WALKING IN TUSCANY

Day 1
Start at our base, a journey of 2 hours from Pisa airport (depending on traffic).

Day 2 - 7
through enchanting 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 breakfast either in the lodge (or the terrace overlooking the valley and mountains beyond). Before embarking on our walk through forests of the lower Apennines. We are rewarded with great views from the fortified town of Castiglione di Garfagnana, which 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 (1603 m), 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.
The week also includes one of the best walks of the region. Walking through the forests up to the summit of Monte Sumbra (1,765m), where we are met with stunning panoramas, 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
To Pisa; fly to London.