UNESCO & GEO Parks of Northern Tuscany: Hike, Cook, & Taste

Transcription

1 UNESCO & GEO Parks of Northern Tuscany: Hike, Cook, & Taste October 09 14th, because travelling responsibly makes people contribute to a better World The individual is at our core and the uncontainable love for our Land, the fuel that propels us in creating travel experiences focused on authenticity, lifestyle, and a deep attachment to the territory. Born in 1996, we are celebrating our 22 years of business as a specialized licensed Tuscany inbound Tour Operator, which never lost sight of the importance of conceiving a journey as an opportunity to connect travelers to locals leaving a mark that won t last when you get back home.

2 INTRODUCTION This 5-day tour through the highlights of Northern Tuscany is perfect for nature and food lovers looking for new untrodden regions where to enjoy unexpected landscapes, genuine food, authentic people and cultures. Hike part of the pilgrimage route Via Francigena the medieval path walked in ancient times by armies, merchants and pilgrims heading to the Holy City; cook local recipes based on 0km products; immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of quaint historic villages; marvel at imposing castles and pristine landscapes of the Apennine and Apuan Alps National Parks. We won t miss the emotion of a night walk under a million stars sky and the visit to an amazing underground cave. We ll end our discovery tour in Lucca, one of the most charming Tuscan towns, and one of the few to have preserved its human-scale lifestyle. Highlights: Hike off-the-beaten-path trails in the Unesco Man & Biosphere Apennine NP & Apuan Alps Unesco Geopark Visit organic farms, learn about traditional agricultural techniques, savor the genuine local products and wine, including hands-on cooking class! Discover the underground world of the Apuan Alps caves and have fun at a canopy adventure park Stroll along the characteristic lanes and massive town walls of the historic town of Lucca Difficulty Rating: 2 light physical activity during hiking excursions (max length 8 km; max elevation gain up-/downhill 250m) not suitable for claustrophobics when visiting the underground cave. Accommodation: Twin share - limited single occupancy upon request Arrive: Montecatini Terme on Tuesday, October 9th, 2018 Operator: THAT S TUSCANY by Versiliana viaggi Dates: October 9th, October 14th, 2018 Start Location: Montecatini Terme, Tuscany

3 DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1-9th October The Spa Town of Montecatini Individual arrival at Montecatini and overnight in a 3 star superior hotel. DAY 2-10th October Discover Lunigiana: hike across fairytale villages and castles Pick-up at your hotel in Montecatini at 08:00 am. A 1 hr 30 drive transfer by motorway will take us to the northern part of Tuscany called Lunigiana, historic area originated from the Roman city of Luni, embraced by the Apennine and Apuan Alps Parks and recognized in 2015 as Unesco Man & Biosphere Reserve. Starting point of our hike is the evocative Romanesque Church of Sorano, important landmark along the Via Francigena - ancient pilgrimage path which during the Middle Ages connected Canterbury to Rome. From here we walk mainly on footpaths through silent woods and enchanting villages boasting medieval fortifications, towers and castles. We will delight our palates with traditional homemade dishes at a local Trattoria before enjoying another hidden gem of the area: the fairytale hilltop village of Bagnone. In the afternoon, we will visit a lovely tiny castle converted into an organic winery, where we will learn about ancient local grapes and taste biological wines. Late afternoon we arrive at the characteristic village of Apella, our home for the next two days, immersed in the Apennine National Park. A true experience of local living in an ancient hamlet which offers rooms and apartments spread throughout the restored stone houses. 0Km dinner at the restaurant of the agriturismo located in an ancient monastery. Hiking Distance : 6 Km Elevation gain: 150m up/ 200m down Difficulty : 2 social/active Total transfer time : 2.30 hrs Meals: Breakfast Lunch at a Trattoria- Dinner at the Agriturismo Montagna Verde Overnight in Apella at Agriturismo Montagna Verde Twin shared rooms THAT S TUSCANY a division of Versiliana Viaggi di Vita Toscana Srl Tel. +39 (0) Fax +39 (0) Licence n 49 of 18/4/1996 prov. Lucca VAT

4 DAY 3-11th October Montagna Verde: rural lifestyle and cooking experience After a rich organic breakfast, at we start our today experience in full contact with nature and rural life led by our local guide. We ll learn about the two certified PDO (Product Denomination of Origin) and organic products produced by the Agriturismo visiting the traditional chestnut dryer hut and the honey laboratory. Walking through the Biopark where farm animals (donkeys, chickens, rabbits, lambs), vegetables and aromatic herbs are grown, we will fetch some of the ingredients we will use for our hands-on cooking class with chef Luca at the restaurant of the Agriturismo. Together we will prepare some local recipes such as torta d erbi (vegetable and herbs savoury pie) or pattona (sort of chestnut flour pancake), which we ll enjoy on a convivial lunch. After lunch we have an easy walk as far as the medieval hamlets of Taponecco and Tavernelle lasting approx. 1,30/2 hours amusing ourselves to pick up chestnuts in the wood. Hiking Distance : 4 Km Elevation gain: 200m Difficulty : 2 easy active Total transfer time : - Meals: Breakfast Lunch & Dinner at Agriturismo Montagna Verde Overnight in Apella at Agriturismo Montagna Verde Twin shared rooms

5 DAY 4-12th October Garfagnana: mountain meadows and medieval fortresses Breakfast at the agriturismo. Departure at 8:30 towards our next destination, Garfagnana, the so-called Greenland of Northern Tuscany, boasting unspoilt nature, lakes and an underground world of caves. We kick off our day with a hike in the Apuan Alps Geopark. A 1,30h transfer will lead us to the starting point of our activity. The road is winding but we ll be rewarded by beautiful landscapes of the Apennine National Park. We meet our local nature guide at the characteristic mountain village of Campocatino, set in a lovely panoramic meadow originated from a glacial basin overlooking the Vagli Lake. It is one of the most stunning places of the Apuan Alps, featuring a cluster of stone houses formerly used as a refuge by shepherds. Since 1991 it has been granted as Natural Oasis. From here we hike a panoramic footpath through majestic beech woods as far as the mystic San Viano hermitage perched in a rocky cave. We come back to Campocatino where we will enjoy a picnic lunch on the meadows. In the afternoon transfer to San Romano and visit to an imposing fortified Castle with wonderful panoramic views over the valley and the Apennines, and visit to its 1500 s restored watermills. Transfer to the Agriturismo set in a characteristic 1300s monastery. Hiking Distance : 4 Km Elevation gain: 150m Difficulty : 2 easy active Total transfer time : 2 hrs 30 Meals: Breakfast Lunch Box - Dinner at Agriturismo Ai Frati Overnight in Pieve Fosciana at Agriturismo Ai Frati Twin shared rooms THAT S TUSCANY a division of Versiliana Viaggi di Vita Toscana Srl Tel. +39 (0) Fax +39 (0) Licence n 49 of 18/4/1996 prov. Lucca VAT

6 DAY 5-13th October Garfagnana: adventure park and sunset hike Breakfast at the agriturismo. Pick up at 9:30 and transfer (approx. 30 min) to San Romano Garfagnana. Today we ll have some fun and thrills at the Canopy Adventure Park Buffardello, the biggest tree climbing park in Tuscany! Ten different itineraries have been created on top of the fir trees, equipped with Tibetan bridges, ladders and zip line suspended at an altitude of 4-15 meters. An instructor will give you a briefing about the itineraries and safety before you can enjoy climbing, walking and sliding from one tree to another. Transfer back to the agriturismo for a light lunch and free time to relax before our next activity of the day. Mid afternoon (around 4:00 pm) an approx. 50-minute transfer will take us to San Pellegrino in Alpe, a medieval hamlet in the Apennines, from where we will reach the ridge with an easy sunset hike. On the top you will be enchanted by spanning views over the valley, the Apennines and the Apuan Alps peaks painted by the warm colors of sunset. We restore at a typical mountain refuge delighted by a buffet of local products and wine, enjoying the quiet of an autumn night in the mountains. We hike back to the starting point using headlamps and walking under an amazing sky sprinkled with thousands of stars pm Transfer back to the accommodation and overnight. Hiking Distance : 8 Km Elevation gain: 200m Difficulty : 2 easy active Total transfer time : approx. 2.30/ 3 hrs Meals: Breakfast Lunch at the Agriturismo Ai Frati - Dinner at mountain refuge Overnight in Pieve Fosciana at Agriturismo Ai Frati Twin shared rooms

7 DAY 6-14th October A fantastic underground world and the charm of Lucca Breakfast at the agriturismo. Pick up at 9:00 and transfer (approx. 40 min) to the Grotta del Vento (Windy Cave), a spectacular karst cave featuring stalactites and stalagmites, little lakes and streams, mud formations and even perfectly-vertical shafts, which can be visited with practical walkways. The cave is set between 600 and 1400m asl in the Apuan Alps Unesco Geopark and takes its name from the constant air current that blows between the two entrances, keeping it warm in winter and cool in summer. The temperature inside is approx. 10 C all year round. You can choose between the traditional guided visit along walkways or, if you fancy a more active experience, one of the new adventure visits that include walking up ladders and climbing vertical walls attached to safety ropes, accompanied by an expert speleologist. Please advise your choice at the time of booking as. Lunch with typical products and wine at a local trattoria. In the afternoon transfer to Lucca, free time to explore its charming historic centre, walk or cycle along its medieval walls that run for 4 km around the town, or simply stroll along its lively lanes full of shops admiring the amazing architecture of ancient palaces and churches. Here this enthralling tour comes to an end and you will be transferred to Montecatini. Tour ends approx pm Difficulty : 1 social/relaxed ; 3 moderate if you choose the climbing activity at the Windy Cave - This activity requires good agility and is not suitable for people suffering of vertigo. approx height reached 80 m by means of ropes, iron ways and passages. Descent is by rope with descender operated by the guide. Total transfer time : approx. 2 hrs drive Meals: Breakfast Lunch at a trattoria

8 Accommodation Summary: Day 1 : 4 star Hotel in Montecatini Terme - Twin shared Bedroom ( Wi-Fi available throughout hotel) Details of the hotel will be forwarded at a later stage Day 2-3 : Agriturismo Montagna Verde - Twin shared bedroom or twin shared double room in apartment ( Wi-Fi available, limited connection) Day 4-5: Agriturismo Ai Frati - Twin shared bedroom or twin shared double room in apartment ( Wi-Fi available throughout hotel) * All accommodation enjoy private facilities Map Route Group Size 4-14 people Price per person : 4 to 5 participants ,00 per person 6 to 8 participants ,00 per person 9 to 14 participants ,00 per person

9 Optional Supplements : Supplement for Double for Single Use in Montecatini (day 1) and Montagna Verde (day 2 and 3) 50,00 euro per person /upon request. Luggage storage service: Any luggage not needed during your pre-summit tour can be stored in Montecatini. This service has a cost of 13,00 per person. In case the hotel assigned to you for the Summit will be different from the one used upon arrival the service also includes the luggage transfer to the new hotel. Inclusions Accommodation: 5 nights included 1 night in Montecatini, 2 nights at Agriturismo Montagna Verde, 2 nights at Agriturismo Ai Frati Tourist tax where required WiFI at accommodations Meals: all meals included from Breakfast on the Day 2 until the lunch on the day 6. 5 breakfasts 4 lunches 1 lunch box 4 dinners Beverages: non alcoholic beverages during meals. 1 glass wine included Water and fresh fruits during the trip Entrances and visits: Visit and tasting at a organic winery Entrance to the Adventure Park Visit of Fortezza delle Verrucole in San Romano Visit of Grotta del Vento Cooking class on day 3 at Agriturismo Montagna Verde Ground transportation Tour leader during the trip Environmental guide during hikes on days Exclusions Alcoholic beverages, others than the ones included during tasting, and the 1 glass of wine during meals (not in Lunch boxes) Flight tickets Extras & Tips Travel/ Cancellation/medical/evacuation insurance Expenses due to withdrawal of the program All what not expressly mentioned in the section Inclusions Weather October is considered to be one of the best months to visit Tuscany. The average temperatures in October are set between 11 and 21 C. However, the complex topography of Tuscany includes micro-climate differences within its different regions. Layering is therefore important, as well as be prepared with a proper rain and windproof jacke t. General Advices Maximum elevation we will reach during the tour is 1500 asl. Tour includes walking partly on asphalted roads, footpaths and mule tracks. All distances/timings/itineraries/gradients are approximate and subject to variation prior or during the tour in case of strict organizational exigencies or at discretion of the guides due to circumstances not foreseeable at the time of writing this program. Dietary requirements Please advise any food intolerances or allergies at the time of booking. We do our best to meet your specific exigencies as regards allergies or food intolerances. However in case of very strict diet, we might not be able to accommodate your

10 requirement and advise you to bring some snacks along with you. For severe allergies at risk of anaphylaxis please do not forget to carry along sufficient quantity of EpiPen. PACKING LIST Luggage Medium to large duffle or rolling soft-sided luggage Packing cubes/stuff sacks Light Day pack during activities for your daily personal items/lunch box when foreseen Clothing: Casual clothing/shoes for travel and city wear (lightweight, easily washable) Rain/windproof jacket Jacket fleece or softshell Warm jumper and wool hat for chilly evenings and sunset hike T-shirts, quick drying Long sleeve shirt, quick drying Hiking pants Underwear/Sport bra (quick drying) Sleepwear Thin buff ( in case of winds) Footwear: Hiking shoes Hiking socks, synthetic or wool Assorted Persona Items 2-1L Water bottle Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF Sun hat Sunglasses Personal hygiene items (toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.) Personal first aid kit / medications Camera/memory cards/battery Small personal drybag - to protect your camera and electronics Plug adapter Headlamp for sunset hike Optional: Binoculars Trekking poles (collapsible) GETTING TO MONTECATINI TERME Tuscany airports are: Pisa Galileo Galilei ( ) and Florence Amerigo Vespucci ( ). Both are within easy drive to Montecatini, located at 40 km from the town, and quickly connected to it by motorway. Florence Airport is about 6 km from Firenze Santa Maria Novella Florence railway station, which can also be reached by means of public transport service at the price of 6,00 each ticket. Pisa Airport is about 1 km from Pisa Centrale railway station, which can also be reached by means of public transport. At less than 40 metres from the Passenger Terminal you can find the new People Mover service for direct connections between the Airport and Pisa Centrale railway station at a cost of 2,70 each ticket. At both airports major car rental companies desks are available (pre-booking is advisable). The railway station in Montecatini Terme is Montecatini Centro and is located within easy walk from the city centre. For any information about train timings and fares please visit

11 ABSTRACT FROM THE GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF TOUR PACKAGE SALES BOOKING Booking requests shall be made in writing including full details of participants ( name, surname, address, nationality, birth date, n.of passport, expiry date, place of issue) and any specific exigencies/particular request to the address info@thatstuscany.com. We undertake to process your request priority and in case of availability we will send you a confirmation together with the specification of the services booked, the price and the travel contract. Availability will be blocked for 72 hours from our reconfirmation, which is the time you shall send back to us the travel contract duly signed for acceptance and pay the deposit or amounts as specified below. Your booking is binding from the moment of our initial reconfirmation to you, and for any referral the date of the booking is the one in the contract. In case of arrangements including bike activities you are kindly requested to also communicate your height, weight, and possibly head circumference, so to allow us to immediately book the most appropriate bike helmet for you. PAYMENTS Bookings are subject to a deposit of 25% at the time of booking. Balance shall be paid within 60 days prior to the start of the tour. Accepted methods of payment are bank transfer. CANCELLATIONS If for any reasons you or one of the participants listed on your booking is due to cancel the Arrangements before the departure the following cancellation penalties will apply: from 59 to 31 days prior to the start of the tour: 15% of the total Travel Package amount from 30 to 22 days prior to the start of the tour: 30% of the total Travel Package amount from 21 to 8 days prior to the start of the tour: 50% of the total Travel Package amount from 7 to no show, or if you cut short your holiday : 100% of the total amount Cancellations shall be communicated to us in writing by read receipt . The date of the cancellation is the one we receive the communication. INSURANCE Versiliana Viaggi di Vita Toscana S.r.l. in its role of Organizer is covered by Civil Liability insurance stipulated with ALLIANZ S.P.A., Policy n T. We recommend that you stipulate additional insurance to cover costs of cancellation, baggage losses or damages, as well as medical or repatriation costs in case of accidents or illness. ENTIRE CONTRACT Bookings are subject to your acceptance of the Contract Terms and Conditions for Travel Packages, copy of which will be sent to you at the time of booking. For Complete Terms and Conditions: DATA PROTECTION In order to process bookings, send a brochure/program or respond to an enquiry we, in our role of the Organizer need to collect personal data from, the Client. Depending on what s required, the collection of personal data may include names, contact details, credit/ debit cards, or other payment information, and special requirements such as those relating to any disability or medical condition and any dietary restriction, etc.( sensitive personal data ). Any personal data will be used by the Organizer, or his collaborators for administrative or organizational reasons only and will not be disclosed to any additional third parties, unless necessary for the correct execution of the contract, administrative or legal obligations. Personal data are necessary for the correct contract execution. The Client is entitled to exercise restraints to this paragraph (ex art 7. Legislative Decree 196/2003) in writing before the start of the services to the responsible of Data protection procedures at: Versiliana Viaggi di Vita Toscana S.r.l Via P.E. Barsanti Pietrasanta (LU) Italy elena.pierotti@versilianaviaggi.com