Italy. Emilia Romagna and the Cinque Terre The splendour of the Apennine Mountains Stunning Cinque Terre National Park Freedom to Explore

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1 Italy Emilia Romagna and the Cinque Terre The splendour of the Apennine Mountains Stunning Cinque Terre National Park Freedom to Explore SELF-GUIDED Departures for a minimum of 2 persons travelling together Tour Grade A-C (dependent upon walks chosen) Tour Code - TRCT For dates and prices visit:

2 Introduction This wonderful holiday to the unspoiled region of Emilia Romagna in the spectacular Apennine Mountain region of Italy is perfect for anyone wanting to get away from it all. Here just outside the utterly charming village of Bedonia you ll stay in a very comfortable apartment, where your host Sandra, originally from the UK, ensures everyone receives a warm and friendly welcome. In fact Sandra s hospitality has become legendary, always receiving the highest praise from our clients. There s no rigid itinerary and each day you can choose walks near and far to suit your desires and ability. Ascend Apennine summits, explore the Cinque Terre coastal cliffs, meander through olive groves and terraced vineyards, discover pretty villages or follow nature trails to wild flower meadows. The choice is yours. This holiday is very, very different to the rest of our walking holidays and will appeal to those that enjoy flexibility, independence and the desire to explore a beautiful part of Italy with the expert help of a local. This holiday will definitely not appeal to anyone who needs to know exactly what they are going to do with their feet in advance. Without exception, previous clients have all raved about the variety of walking opportunities, and everyone seems to have done something entirely different, so two holidays never seem to be the same. Your host will also advise you of any special events taking place in the region during your stay and how you can join in! The Holiday Routine As this is a self-guided holiday you can of course dictate your own schedule. This will ultimately be determined by the walks that you choose. Choose challenging mountain summits, choose easy low-level walks. It s all here in the Emilia Romagna region, the rest is up to you. To take part in this holiday renting a car is essential. Walking conditions This really depends on the type of walk you choose. Your host will advise you of the walking conditions for your chosen walks. Some routes will be waymarked, whilst others won t and you may find yourself walking on mountain trails, coastal trails, forest tracks, backroads and ancient pathways. As there is so much variety to the walking available in the area, and of course the need to have a rental car too opens up a whole host of opportunities A full explanation of the trip grading can be found online at You should ensure you are comfortable walking at this level of grading. Self-Guided Our self-guided holidays are operated by our local agents. You will be provided with route notes and/or maps, which will have been prepared by Sandra dependent upon what you choose. Please note is not possible to send route notes and maps in advance. Route notes will naturally vary from country to country. Maps provided are usually not as detailed as Ordnance Survey maps in the United Kingdom, but will be the best available for that particular country. On the majority of self-guided walking holidays you will often be following way-marked trails (either signed or with frequent symbols), however in this region this may not always be the case. However you should be confident in your navigational and map-reading skills and knowledge and experience of using a compass (and taking one with you) can be helpful. In your final joining instructions we will send you contact details of our local agent (day time and emergency), as well as your first night s accommodation. Details of your onward accommodation arrangements will be contained within your route notes. Our local agent should be able to provide local advice and assistance if required. You should always carry your mobile/cell phone with you at all times. In the unfortunate event of inclement weather we would advise you contact our local agent to check whether that days particular walk presents any increased difficulty before deciding whether to proceed. What you need to provide Your personal equipment as detailed in the clothing and equipment list later in this trip dossier. Italy Emilia Romagna and the Cinque Terre 2

3 About the region You will be based in the village of Bedonia. Situated at the beginning of the Taro Valley, Bedonia is considered to be one of the most beautiful and welcoming centres of the Parmense Apennines and not far from Tuscany. The town is surrounded by the high reliefs of the mountains but still gives an impression of a vista of wide open spaces. From your self-catering base five minutes walk from the village there are many different options, from walks to cycle rides to lake visits, all set amongst the wonderful Italian culture, with hilltop castles and churches dating from the 13th Century. Bedoniese territory is marked by two principal valleys, the Val Ceno and the Val Taro, both getting their names from the rivers which run between them. The Apennines lie between the coast and the inland region of Emilia-Romagna. Despite their proximity to the coastal strip, the Apennines enjoy peace and tranquillity. The Cinque Terre area, renowned for it s dramatic coastline lies within easy driving distance for a day trip. Bedonia has all the shops you need for your self catering supplies, including two small supermarkets. A few of the shop keepers even have some English in case your Italian is a bit rusty. There are also local inexpensive trattorias and gourmet restaurants if you feel like having a night or every night away from cooking. Your host Sandra knows most of the locals and will steer you in the right direction for the best deals. And for a morning coffee you will find cosy pavement cafes and bars. Day 1 Arrive Bedonia. (See Joining Arrangements and Transfers section later in this trip dossier). Self-catering apartment, Bedonia Days 2-7 On this holiday there is no set itinerary, but your hosts will be able to advise you on numerous day or half-day walks that are available from Bedonia or further afield. For these you will be supplied with route notes and maps where applicable. You can walk the ancient roads, stopping along the way at neighbouring whitewashed villages to admire the balconies of flowers and to enjoy a leisurely drink in a bar. Within easy walking distance rises the Castle o Compiano on the top of a pretty walled village, with a panoramic piazzetta from where you can enjoy a wonderful view, breathing the atmosphere of by-gone ages whilst sipping a glass of wine. For the more fit and eager, there are a wide variety of more challenging walks which take you up to Monte Maggiorasca (1799 m). Your evenings can be spent in your apartment or exploring the evening delights of Bedonia. For a spectacular day out you can drive to the Park of a hundred lakes. The drive is 1½ hours and you can walk through the beautiful tree clad hills to the pristine and still glacial lakes in the mountains. As this area sees snow in the winter, you can always take a chair lift to a lake and hike down. v There is also the protected area and nature sanctuary Oasi di Ghirardi where you can follow a guided nature trail seeing the beauty of the local flora and fauna, including deer, foxes, wild cats, birds of prey, rare flowers and monumental oaks. If you are interested in mediaeval castles these are plentiful in the area including the impressive Bardi Castle (and its ghost!), and imposing fortress perched on a huge crag of red rock. Or you can go to the turreted embattled Torrechiara castle rising above the vineyards. The Cinque Terre National Park lies about 30km away by car where you can explore coastal trails and traditional fishing villages. Your host wil also be able to help if yopu would like the option of perhaps a day horse riding in the area, or a mountain bike excursion too. Self-catering apartment, Bedonia Day 8 Depart Bedonia at your leisure. Practical Information Passports and Visas British passport holders (and other EU passport holders) do not require a visa to visit Italy for stays up to three months (please ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity). Accommodation You will be staying in one of two apartments in a large family house Casa San Bruno. This modern villa is surrounded by spacious gardens and situated in a peaceful location and superb setting, with stunning woodlands, meadows and mountain views. The first, Emily apartment is on the ground floor and consists of a charming living/dining room (which includes a sofa bed), and kitchenette, double bedroom and the bathroom. If you are a larger party there is the option of an adjoining bedroom with double and twin beds. Just outside the doors of this apartment is a gazebo for al fresco pasta dinners. Sleeps 2 6 people. Italy Emilia Romagna and the Cinque Terre Printed on 11/01/2010

4 Altitude The altitudes on this trip will be modest and you should not anticipate any problems. Local transport /Car Rental No local transport will be required during the course of this holiday. However, you will need to rent a car from whichever Airport you fly to. There are numerous car rental companies available online e.g. You will need to arrange your own car rental direct with a car rental company. Walks Worldwide cannot arrange car rental for you. The garden studio apartment, Rosa, sleeps 2 +2, you enter into the living area, which can incorporate a sofa bed and there is a further separate double bedroom with en suite attached. In the living room you will also find a log stove for those cosy winter evenings or perhaps the pizza! The apartment also has a kitchenette and bathroom. On the patio you will find tables, chairs, sun parasols and sun loungers. For those who would prefer slightly more space (for example 4 adults) there is also the option of a connecting corridor from the kitchenette which leads past the garage to a further double bedroom (or two singles) with en suite bathroom. Food Italian food should need no introduction. As this is a self-catering holiday no meals are included in the Land Only trip price. Bedonia has two small supermarkets for supplies as well as cafes and restaurants for dining. Climate It is of course impossible to predict the precise weather conditions you will encounter during the course of your holiday. However, we do schedule our holidays to coincide with what should be the most suitable weather periods for walking. Dependent upon when you travel temperatures may be between 18ºC-30ºC+. Mountains are notorious for creating their own, localised weather conditions, so you should always be prepared for inclement weather conditions. For climate statistics visit Roughly speaking temperatures decrease by approx. 1ºC for every 200 metre increase in altitude. Baggage Please make sure that your baggage is clearly marked with your name, inside as well as outside, in case the labels get detached. Please note that as from July 1st 2009 we are no longer providing complimentary Walks Worldwide Kitbags. A normal suitcase can be used for your main baggage. Responsible Tourism Acting responsibly in the way that we operate our holidays is very important to us at Walks Worldwide. In recognition of our Responsible Tourism values and practices, we have been awarded 3-star status in AITO s Responsible Tourism scheme. We would also request that as a client you endeavour to take part in any of our holidays with a positive attitude to Responsible Tourism and travel in a socially responsible manner. Many of our holidays travel to ecologically and culturally sensitive areas, where it is important to minimise any negative impact. We would especially recommend that before you start your chosen holiday you take the time to learn more about the country you are visiting, especially with regard to local culture, religion, customs, taboo s, acceptable modes of dress etc. Bradt, Lonely Planet and Rough Guide publications are an excellent resource for this and much more too. We are of course always happy to help and advise with regard to the country you are visiting. Vaccinations and medical precautions We always recommend visiting your doctor and dentist for a check up before travelling. Your doctor will also have access to the most up to date information on vaccinations and medical precautions for the country you are about to visit. In general, no vaccinations are necessary for Italy. A useful travel health online resource is Please make sure that you obtain form EHIC either online or from Italy Emilia Romagna and the Cinque Terre 4

5 your local post office you will need to produce this if you have to see a doctor. First Aid You should always carry your own small, personal first aid kit. This should consist of the following: A general anti-biotic, throat lozenges, painkillers, plasters (band-aids), blister treatment, insect repellent (DEET), rehydration salts, antiseptic cream, diarrhoea treatment (e.g. Imodium). Currency. The Italian currency is the Euro ( ). Please refer to for up to date rates. ATM machines are widely available in some of the towns/villages in the region. Language In Italy the language is Italian. Although you will find that English is spoken by some people in the area you are visiting, not everyone in here will speak English. We recommend you take along a phrase book and also try to learn some simple Italian phrases and greetings. The local people will of course especially appreciate any attempt to speak their language and is all part of the fun. Sandra (being originally from the UK) speaks English as does her husband Bruno. Know before you go Walks Worldwide are fully committed to the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office s Know before you go campaign. We thoroughly recommend that all Walks Worldwide clients visit the FCO website If you have any questions or concerns about government travel advice to your chosen country please contact the Walks Worldwide office. Contact details Your Final Joining Instructions, which you will receive 2 weeks prior to departure, will show any local contact details that are required for your tour. However we will endeavour to provide you with further details if you have a specific reason. Mobile phones do work in Italy although in a few parts of the area you are trekking in there maybe no signal. If you have not used your mobile outside the UK before you will have to contact your operator to enable international calls. Please ensure your phone is set for roaming if you are taking a mobile. Please note that it is expensive to phone both to and out of a mobile when abroad. We do not however encourage mobile phone use whilst walking on any of our trips out of courtesy to other clients please use you mobile phone discretely. If you do need to get in touch, or if anyone needs to get in touch with you, please contact the Walks Worldwide office ( ) during office hours. Tipping This is at your discretion, although it is customary to leave a small tip in bars and restaurants. Maps We recommend either: The Map Shop, 15 High Street, Upton-on-Severn, Worcs WR8 0HJ (Tel: ) or Stanfords at Long Acre, London WC2E 9LP (Tel: ) Joining Arrangements and Transfers You should join this trip in Bedonia no later than day 1 of the trip itinerary. The nearest Airport to Bedonia is Genoa. Pisa, Bologna and Milan also present suitable alternative Airports to fly to. Land Only The Land Only price does not include International flights. Making your own International travel arrangements online is certainly the easiest and most cost effective way to join this trip. Useful online search engines for International air travel from the UK to Italy are: - searches scheduled airlines - provides useful information on low cost airlines flights. IMPORTANT- MAKE SURE YOUR CHOSEN HOLIDAY IS GUARANTEED TO RUN BEFORE YOU PURCHASE AIR TICKETS AND MAKING ANY OTHER TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS. You will need to book flights and plan your onward travel that enables you to arrive in Bedonia no later than early evening on Day 1 of the trip itinerary. Return flights should be booked to depart no sooner than Day 8 of the trip itinerary. Please contact the Walks Worldwide office to check the status of your chosen holiday BEFORE purchasing your International Air Italy Emilia Romagna and the Cinque Terre 5

6 ticket. You should not book your International flight tickets or other travel arrangements until your chosen holiday is guaranteed to run. If you are purchasing your own air ticket, you should be aware that most of the cheaper airline tickets available for sale on the Internet or from low cost carriers are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket when you make a flight booking, and check the limitations of any cancellation insurance policy you have. We cannot be held liable, for losses incurred relating to any flight bookings or subsequent travel arrangements you have made yourself. Travel by Train If you would prefer to travel by train provides an online booking service for European rail services, including Eurostar. You should not book your International rail tickets or make any other travel arrangements until your chosen holiday is guaranteed to run. Inclusions Self-catering apartment accommodation Route notes and maps and local assistance Exclusions Drinks Souvenirs and personal items Insurance Meals Airport transfers International Flights Car Rental Travel Insurance It is a condition of booking any of our holidays that you have comprehensive travel insurance. It is your to responsibility to ensure you are covered for medical and personal accident risks for the part of the world you intend to travel and the activities involved. This cover should include repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue. It is also advisable to take out cancellation insurance as all deposits paid are non-refundable.you may arrange either single-trip or annual multi-trip travel insurance through our preferred specialist insurance brokers Campbell Irvine, for example, underwritten by AXA Insurance (UK) plc. This cover has been specifically designed to cover our type of travel and we strongly recommend that you use it.to arrange cover or to obtain a quotation please contact Campbell Irvine directly. Apply online at Tel: Italy Emilia Romagna and the Cinque Terre 6

7 Clothing and Equipment Lists At least one set of casual / non-walking clothes will be useful on this holiday. Whilst walking you must not worry about how you look: comfort and protection against bad weather are of prime importance. Because mountain weather is so very variable, we recommend a number of thin layers rather than a few thick ones. The following list is our suggested guide to help you with your packing based upon our many years of travelling/walking. Using your own judgment for packing is of course important, especially with regard to casual clothing etc but please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about packing for your holiday, or are uncertain as to the suitability of your clothing and equipment. CLOTHING Walking boots and spare laces Trainers/approach shoes Socks 3+ pairs (Walking and Casual) Underwear 3+ T-shirts 3+ Trekking Trousers 1+ Short trousers 2+ Light fleece 1-2 Thick fleece 1 Waterproof jacket with hood Waterproof trousers Gloves (Spring and Autumn) Sun Hat Warm Hat (Spring and Autumn) Swimwear (There s an open-air pool in Bedonia) EQUIPMENT Daypack/rucksack (25-35 litre capacity) 2 Large water bottles (1 litre each) Towel quick drying pack towel is recommended Torch (and spare bulb and batteries) Camera & accessories Binoculars (optional) A variety of dry bag/plastic bags (kitbags are not waterproof) Sunglasses Trekking poles (highly recommended) Reading material (optional) Washing/Shaving kit & toilet paper Insect Repellent Small personal First Aid kit (see section above) Anti-Bacterial Handwash Water purifying tablets (iodine based are best) Sun Cream & lip salve Blister plasters i.e. Compeed Tickets/E tickets Passport Money Italy Emilia Romagna and the Cinque Terre Printed on 11/01/2010

8 The following items should also considered as being useful on a walking holiday Penknife/small scissors (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE) Moisturising cream Baby wipes Snacks/Energy bars Safety pins (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE) Padlock for your kitbag Small sewing/repair kit (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE) Small mirror Nail clippers (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE) Spare glasses/contact lenses Cold water Travel Wash (preferably biodegradable) Travel adaptor Italy Emilia Romagna and the Cinque Terre 8

9 What to do next We hope that you found this trip dossier helpful and informative. If you would like further information, our friendly team would be delighted to help and advise with any questions you may have. As an independent walking specialist company staffed by widely-travelled walking enthusiasts, we pride ourselves on being able to provide an informal personal service to our clients, many of whom travel with us on a regular basis. How to book this trip To check availability for specific dates and to receive a flight quote please contact us, also if you are looking at a group trip please check the trip status with us before you book. The easiest way to book your holiday is via our website: or to go directly to the online booking form please CLICK HERE. There is also a booking form on the website and in the brochure which you can complete and post to us. Alternatively you can telephone ( ) us and we can accept your booking over the telephone. Deposit We require a deposit of either 100 per person or 10% of the total cost of the holiday (whichever is greater), including extensions, single supplement and flights if we have quoted these separately to you. Certain non-refundable, instant purchase flights will require full payment we will advise you this at time of enquiry. Your deposit can be paid by cheque, debit or credit card. YOUR FINANCIAL PROTECTION We are an ATOL bonded tour operator authorised by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Every holiday we sell that includes a flight element is protected under our ATOL licence number In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advanced booking. We protect all UK customers who purchase tours that do not include flights from the UK through the AITO-arranged AITO Trust Ltd (AITOT). AITOT work closely with the CAA - they share much of their information. Their financial requirements are as rigorous as those of the CAA IATA is the Trade Association of the world s international airline industry. To become an Accredited IATA Agent we have to demonstrate financial soundness, and proficiency of staff We are a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. AITO represents Britain s leading independent tour operators and encourages high standards of quality and service. We abide by the Association s Code of Conduct and adhere to the AITO Quality Charter which can be viewed at RESPONSIBLE TOURISM Climate Care is the organisation through whom we offer people the opportunity to offset their carbon emissions. We were one of the first travel companies in the UK to provide this facility. In recognition of our Responsible Tourism values, we have been awarded 4-star status in AITO S Responsible Tourism Scheme LOYALTY SCHEME Up to 100 off If you ve already experienced the magic of one of our holidays, you automatically qualify for a discount on holidays offered by the other specialist travel brands in our group. See our website or brochure for details. Italy Emilia Romagna and the Cinque Terre 9