Iron Way & Trek in the Apuan Alps UNESCO Geopark October 12 14th, 2018 www.thatstuscany.com 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 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.
INTRODUCTION The great geo and biodiversity, as well as the history of man that have shaped the Apuan Alps for centuries, resulted in the recognition of the Regional Park as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2015. The so-called marble mountains are usually known worldwide for the Carrara white marble that has been quarried here since the Roman Age. However, their rugged dramatic peaks reminiscent of the Dolomites and overlooking the Tuscan coast and Mediterranean Sea, offer challenging adrenaline treks and via ferrata, making it a paradise for hikers, trekkers and climbers. Highlights: Off-the-beaten path via ferrata (iron way) and trek adventure Stunning views over the Tuscan coast and the Mediterranean Sea Overnight at characteristic mountain refuge Difficulty Rating: 5 suitable for physically fit people used to intense physical activity, and trekking in mountainous terrain up to 6 hrs per day. Recommended but not required: previous experience on iron way (via ferrata). Alert for vertigo or fear of heights due to some steep/vertical passages. Accommodation: Twin share hotel (1 night); Mountain Refuge - shared dormitory-style rooms (1 night) Arrive: Montecatini Terme on Friday, October 12th, 2018 Operator: THAT S TUSCANY by Versiliana viaggi Dates: October 12th, 2018 - October 14th, 2018 Start Location: Montecatini Terme, Tuscany
DAY - BY - DAY ITINERARY DAY 1-12th October 2018 - The Spa Town of Montecatini Individual arrival at Montecatini and overnight at a 4 star hotel. DAY 2-13th October 2018 - Iron Way Mount Contrario Breakfast at the hotel. Meet your qualified alpine guide at 7:00 and morning transfer (approx. 1,5 hr) to the departing point at the foot of the Apuan Alps near the town of Massa in the Valle degli Alberghi (Hospitals Valley), so called because in the past it used to host quarrymen working in the local marble quarries today abandoned. We start our day with a challenging 2,5/3 hr hike (depending on the fitness attitude of participants) before reaching the entrance of the iron way on the southern mountain side of Monte Contrario at approx. 1000 meters asl. The via ferrata (iron way) is steep and almost vertical in its final section, but you will be supported by iron wire and steps. After approx. 3 hrs of challenging iron way and 600 m gradient, we reach a panoramic lookout over the Apuan Alps peaks and the Garfagnana Valley. From here we continue for another 20 minutes hike to a quaint mountain refuge where we will spend the night. Picnic lunch during the day and energetic dinner at the refuge. Hiking Distance: 2,5 hrs hiking + 3 hrs via ferrata (iron way). Elevation gain: 1270m (600m iron way) uphill, 480 downhill Difficulty: 5 vigorous Total transfer time: 1,5 hrs Meals: Breakfast Box Lunch- Dinner at the refuge Overnight: Mountain Refuge shared dorm room
DAY 3-14th October 2018 - Trek Mount Grondilice Breakfast at the refuge and ready to start for our day of scrambling ( a type of very challenging hiking ) to reach the peak of Mount Grondilice at 1800m asl with some technical alpine passages. We finally descend back to the starting point in 3 hours walk. Picnic lunch during the excursion. Transfer back to Montecatini. Hiking Distance: 6 hrs trekking. Elevation gain: 400m uphill, 1400 downhill Difficulty : 5 vigorous Total transfer time: 1,5 hrs Meals: Breakfast Box Lunch Accommodation Summary: Day 1 : 4 star Hotel in Montecatini Terme - Twin shared Bedroom (Wi-Fi available throughout hotel) Day 2 : Mountain Refuge shared dorm room http://www.rifugialpiapuane.it/rifugio-orto-di-donna/ Route Map: Group Size: 4-5 persons (max 2 groups of min 4 pers. each)
Price per person: 570,00 Optional extra services payable via the agency: 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 and includes the luggage storage and transfer to the hotel of the Summit, in case it would be different from the one used upon arrival. Inclusions: Accommodation 2 nights: - 1 Overnight pre-tour in twin shared room 4* hotel in Montecatini - 1 overnight in shared dorm room at Refuge incl. bedlinen kit - Tourist tax where required Ground transfers Meals: as per program - 2 breakfasts - 2 picnic lunches - 1 dinner - Beverages: non alcoholic beverages during meals. 1 glass wine included - Water and fresh fruits during the trip Qualified experienced Alpine Guide for 2 days ( helmet, harness and ferrata kit) Exclusions: Alcoholic beverages Flight tickets 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 jacket. General Advices Maximum elevation we will reach during the tour is 1800 asl. Activities require experience and good/athletic fitness preparation. Tour includes trekking, scrambling mountain trails and iron way. 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 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/jacket and wool hat 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/boots Hiking socks, synthetic or wool Assorted Personal Items 2-1L Water bottle Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF Sun and hat Sunglasses Gloves 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 Eye mask/ear plugs Headlamp with extra batteries GETTING TO MONTECATINI TERME Tuscany airports are: Pisa Galileo Galilei (www.pisa-airport.com) and Florence Amerigo Vespucci (www.aeroporto.firenze.it). 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 www.trenitalia.com
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 email 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/helm 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: 25% 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 email. 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. 253058621T. 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: https://www.thatstuscany.com/terms-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 63-65 55045 Pietrasanta (LU) Italy E-mail elena.pierotti@versilianaviaggi.com