TASTES AND TRAILS OF TUSCANY

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Albert Cunningham
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TOURCODE: 17580 GRADE: D/Lifestyle OCTOBER 2016 23 Oct - 30 Oct 1 week duration

1 TOURCODE: GRADE: D/Lifestyle OCTOBER Oct - 30 Oct 1 week duration TASTES AND TRAILS OF TUSCANY Walking, cooking and some great hospitality in Northern Tuscany

2 HOLIDAY INFORMATION TOUR DESCRIPTION This information is additional to our General Information Booklet, which is enclosed. Tuscany has a unique hold on the English imagination. From stories of the Grand Tour, A Room with View and a huge canon of literature and film offers a window on this land of culture, history and abundance. The Tuscans boast their land produces everything a man could need. It is hard to argue with that premise. On this holiday we aim to immerse ourselves in the gastronomy with cooking lessons in the hotel were we will make use of the quality local produce. We will return early to the hotel on three afternoons so we can enjoy a cooking lesson, with opportunities for hands-on. These lessons will last approximately an hour and will give you an introduction to the local cuisine and an insight into a working kitchen. On another day, to get an understanding of local viniculture, we will enjoy a wine tasting. Walks through and around some of the historic towns, villages and countryside will acquaint us with local culture and nature. Our hotel is located in the valley 2 km north of the appealing little town of Pescia. The valley has many streams and was a perfect place for building paper mills, becoming the main activity of the local economy. Today some of those ancient factories are still working. However one of these mills was converted into the Hotel San Lorenzo where we stay. The conversion was beautifully done, preserving many original features. They also added a large swimming pool and pleasant gardens to relax in. It is a very welcoming place. We will spend a day sightseeing and walking the walls of Lucca with its wide promenade providing a gentle stroll in the shade of countless chestnut trees while taking in views of both the private gardens of villas and palazzi inside the walls, as well as the city and hills outside the fortifications. We will walk amongst le dieci castella, the ten castles which refers to the villages in the hills behind the hotel. The villages are almost completely untouched by modern development and maintain a medieval appeal. On another day we can walk along the Via della Fiaba (The Fable Trail) to visit the historic Villa Garzoni gardens at Collodi, one of the most beautiful in Italy. "The Adventures of Pinocchio" were invented by the Florentine writer Carlo Lorenzini, known with the pseudonym of Carlo Collodi, taken from the name of his mother's native village. Collodi, like the dieci castella is perched high up on the hillside and there are some superb views to be had if you have the energy for the short climb. There will be a free day with the opportunity to visit Florence and other nearby places of interest using the frequent train service from Pescia station. Alternatively you can just relax in the hotel s delightful gardens by the river.

3 ITINERARY Day: Overnight accommodation: Daily itinerary: Meals: 1 Transfer to Hotel San Lorenzo, Pescia from Pisa airport. D 2 Local walking and a cookery lesson later in the afternoon. 3 4 Hotel San Lorenzo, Pescia Local walking and a cookery lesson later in the afternoon. Local walking and a cookery lesson later in the afternoon. 5 A free day with many options to be considered. 6 Full day walk and sightseeing visiting the mountain villages of Le Dieci Castella 7 Visit to Lucca to take in the sites. 8 Transfer back to Pisa airport for our return flight. B It is important to note this itinerary is only intended to give an idea of the activities available during the week. Whilst we are likely to do everything here it is unlikely the days will be in this order. Your Ramblers Worldwide Holidays group leader will arrange the week s activities appropriately with consideration to local opening times, public transport schedules, local holidays, the weather and a host of other factors. TRAVEL INFORMATION We fly from London Heathrow to Pisa and return with British Airways. Details of your baggage allowance will be confirmed in your travel documents, sent to you approximately ten days before departure. Travel between Pisa Airport and the hotel will be by road and take approximately 1 hour. Travel between Bologna Airport and the hotel will be by road and take approximately 2 hours. If you are joining and leaving the party in Italy, it is assumed that you will meet and leave the party at the Hotel San Lorenzo. If this is not your intention please let us know, in writing, at least five weeks prior to departure.

4 PASSPORTS & VISAS Please refer to Section 2 of the enclosed General Information Booklet. It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport. Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to the UK. Please also take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you - it will help in the event of an emergency. See section 1 of our General Information Booklet for further details. Passport, visa and health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements. Advice on vaccinations is available from your GP, or can be obtained from the Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA). In addition, general travel advice is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at LOCAL CURRENCY The currency in Italy is the euro. There is a bank in Pescia, with an ATM machine. The hotel accepts credit cards but does change cash or travellers cheques. ACCOMMODATION & MEALS We stay at Hotel San Lorenzo, a delightful hotel, situated between Pescia and Pietrabuona. The hotel has been tastefully converted from an old paper mill and is well known for its good food and fine wine. Here you will have a chance to learn some culinary skills. There is also a lovely outdoor swimming pool, perfect for cooling off after a walk in the hills. Please note the pool will not be open early and late season. All rooms have hairdryers. The electricity supply is 220V 50hz AC. Hotel San Lorenzo Tel: Via San Lorenzo Fax: PESCIA s.lorenzo@rphotels.com Italy Web: Buffet breakfasts and dinners are included in the holiday charge and will be provided by the hotel. Lunches are not included.

5 WALKS & EXCURSIONS Each evening the leader will discuss with you the programme for the following day. If you do not wish to join the party please let the leader know. This holiday offers a large variety of walks through delightful countryside, across wooded hillsides above picturesque valleys and reaching tops with extensive views. Walking times are in the range 3-5 hours on a mixture of terrain depending on weather conditions. Distances are in the range 8 19 km (5 11½ miles) and total ascents from m. Occasionally the paths are steep and can be rough. Our routes take us along parts of tracks, good footpaths and a few stretches of quiet roads. The following list of possible walks is intended to give an idea of what to expect. We would hope to include some of these walks in the holiday. Pescia and Monte Pescia. The walk starts from the hotel and includes a visit to Pescia town. A climb to the village of Monte a Pescia is rewarded by some fine panoramic views over Pescia and the surrounding area. Ascent /Descent: 250m; 10kms (7 miles); 3hrs 30mins Via Della Fiaba, Collodi and Villa Garzoni A walk along the Via della Fiaba (The Fable Trail) to visit Villa Garzoni with its magnificent gardens at Collodi, one of the most beautiful in Italy. "The Adventures of Pinocchio" were invented by the Florentine writer Carlo Lorenzini, known by the pseudonym of Carlo Collodi, taken from the name of his mother's native village. Ascent /Descent: 250m; 11kms (5½ miles); 4hrs 30mins The holiday charge includes transport costs (not entrance fees) for a day's visit to Lucca. Any entrance fees or the cost of any local guides engaged are not included. We suggest an allowance of about 50 per week to cover any other transport used in conjunction with the programme and entrance fees etc. Local optional excursions will be at additional cost. Members of the National Trust in the UK may be interested to know that the Italian sister organisation FAI offers free or reduced entry to its Italian sites on production of valid National Trust membership. Please consult for further information. Please note that the estimation of local costs relating to this holiday is based on currency exchange rates valid at the time of the publication of this Holiday Information sheet. Fluctuations in exchange rates since may impact on this estimation of local costs; please check with your bank or currency provider prior to your holiday to enable you to plan your spending. Please make sure that your insurance for this holiday covers you for guided walking below 2000m.

6 I DIECI CASTELLI The names of the 10 villages are: Pietrabuona, Medicina, Fibbialla, Aramo, Sorana, San Quirico, Castelvecchio, Stiappa, Pontito and Vellano. Pietrabuona is considered the gateway to the Svizzera Pesciatina, situated on a hill, 110m above sea level; it was the scene of bloody battles between Florence and Lucca during the Middle Ages. The name of the village comes from the stone quarries in the area. Medicina is known for its ancient church, built in the fifteenth century at the top of the hill. Very characteristic are the terraces and courtyards where agricultural products were left to dry. Fibbialla, has remained more or less intact, due to the drastic depopulation over the last few decades. Look out for circling birds of prey above the town, such as buzzards and kestrels. Aramo stands on a peak overlooking the Val di Torbola and offers stunning walks in the surrounding area, also marked by the presence of metati, typical stone buildings used for drying chestnuts for grinding into flour. Sorana, situated on the slopes of Mount Petritulo, takes its name from its fortress, unfortunately today little remains to be seen. San Quirico is located on the eastern side of Mount Battifolle. It is the highest castle of all Valleriana. The centre of San Quirico is characterized by very picturesque alleys, which cross each other and pass through small tunnels under the buildings. Castelvecchio is known for its beautiful Romanesque church and also the land of ice cream thanks to local lad Aurindo Ferrari. Stiappa has for centuries marked the border between the Grand Duchy of Florence, and the Duchy of Lucca. It is also known as the "Land of Beautiful Women". Pontito was renowned for production of plaster figurines. Its unique urban layout in the shape of a fan is easily recognizable. Vellano finally, the capital of the Swiss Pescia, is situated on a steep slope and keeps outside its walls, the beautiful parish church of Saints Sisto and Martin, who were once attached to an ancient abbey of Benedictine monks. CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT We should enjoy warm weather and it can be hot, particularly mid season, but there is always the possibility of rain and cold spells. We advise you to take a waterproof jacket, leggings, fleece and hat. We also recommend you take a small rucksack, lightweight bottle for drinking water, picnic knife, small first aid kit, insect repellent, polythene bags and a lunchbox. You might also like to have an apron, notebook and pencil for any received wisdom in the kitchen.

7 Boots with moulded rubber soles are advisable for this holiday. comfortable shoes for sightseeing. You may like to take The following websites give an idea of the climate of the area: MAPS & SUGGESTED READING Maps and books of the Northern Tuscan region may be obtained before departure from specialist map sellers such as The Map Shop 15 High Street Upton upon Severn, Worcs. WR8 0HJ Tel : Fax : Website: Further information can be found on the last page of our General Information Booklet. Many local libraries stock a good selection of travel guides/books which may offer you more information on Tuscany. You may find the following websites useful: Italian State Tourism: Tuscany Tourist Office: Revisions to this Holiday Information sheet Please note that this Holiday Information sheet may be periodically updated and reissued. In most cases any revisions will be minor and the overall nature of the holiday will be unchanged. Should we need to make a major change to the holiday arrangements between you booking your holiday and your date of travel we will notify you to specifically draw your attention to any significant change. You may wish to review the latest version of the Holiday Information sheet online prior to travel. PLEASE QUOTE YOUR HOLIDAY CODE & BOOKING REFERENCE NUMBER IN ALL CORRESPONDENCE. WE WISH YOU AN INTERESTING AND ENJOYABLE HOLIDAY AND WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS UPON YOUR RETURN.

A DANUBE CHRISTMAS DELIGHT

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