Tuscan Adrenaline & Adventure: Iron Way, Hydrospeed, Canyoning October 11 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 Dolomites? No, Tuscany! One can hardly expect to enjoy such challenging activities in a region popular worldwide for its culture, immortal art towns, cypress-lined rolling hills and... wine. But there s another Tuscany, less known yet offering a multitude of active and adrenaline opportunities. It s the Tuscany of mountains, parks, and rivers, in addition to the quaint villages and human-scale art towns. Within short distance from the popular Pisa we will be challenged by a adrenaline-packed climb of an unexpected rocky crag, whilst the luxuriant valleys which open north-east of Lucca will invite us to test our limits in their rivers and canyons. The local genuine kitchen offered by a traditional Agriturismo will delight our palates during our meals. We won t miss the opportunity to enjoy cooking experience using ingredients from the farm and 0Km products. Highlights: Challenging Via Ferrata (iron way) climbing Thrilling Hydrospeed (riverboarding) in the Lima river Adrenalin Canyoning with 80m high rope descent Delicious food and cooking experience at a traditional Agriturismo Difficulty Rating: 5 suitable for physically fit people used to intense physical activity. Recommended but not required: previous experience climbing/via ferrata and canyoning. Alert for vertigo or fear of heights. It is mandatory to be comfortable in swift whitewater and know how to swim. Accommodation: Twin shared with private facilities Arrive: Montecatini Terme on Tuesday, October 11th, 2018 Operator: THAT S TUSCANY by Versiliana viaggi Dates: October 11th, 2018 - October 14th, 2018 Start Location: Montecatini Terme, Tuscany
DAY - BY - DAY ITINERARY DAY 1-11th October 2018 - The Spa Town of Montecatini Individual arrival at Montecatini and overnight at a 4 star hotel. DAY 2-12th October 2018 - Iron Way 08:30 We meet our qualified alpine guide in Montecatini. An approx 40 minutes transfer will lead us to the starting point of our activity, in the mountains around Pisa. This independent mountainous area that doesn t reach 1000m of altitude, offers adventures as challenging as those you can find in the Apennines and Apuan Alps. Setting off from an altitude of 400m we will climb up to 540m. Although it may appear easy, this via ferrata requires indeed a good physical and mental preparation as well as technical skills due to vertical and complex passages. After a short but steep walk we reach the entrance of the iron way. We get acquainted with a soft vertical iron ladder before getting to the real adrenaline and challenging part where we will proceed adherent to the rock with pine and chestnut woods underneath enjoying spectacular views. Picnic lunch. One hour transfer to our home for the next two days. A lovely Country house restored according to conservative criteria that brought an abandoned ancient hamlet back to life, the Agriturismo is today energy self sufficient thanks to solar panels and wood. In the afternoon we relax, meet the owner, a pharmacist passionate about medical herbs, who will take us for a guided walk in the farm, that produces its own cheese, vegetables and meat. Dinner at the cozy restaurant, built using natural materials like cork, native wood, stone and terracotta. Activity lasts: approx. 2 hrs Elevation gain 140m. Very technical activity, suitable for physically fit active people without a few of heights; previous experience is recommended but not required Difficulty: 5 vigorous (Rated: EEA expert trekkers with climbing experience). Alert for vertigo/fear of heights. Total transfer time: 1:30 / 2 hrs Meals: Breakfast Box Lunch- Dinner at the agriturismo Overnight: at Agriturismo Pian di Fiume twin shared room
DAY 3-13th October 2018 - Hydrospeed Val di Lima Breakfast at the Agriturismo and short walk to the base camp, where you will meet your experienced instructor for today s activity. 9:30 Briefing on techniques and safety procedures and get ready wearing wetsuit, life jacket and helmet. Off we go into the water for a thrilling experience of hydrospeed, swimming and sliding down the crystal Lima torrent using flippers and a water bob. A few minutes transfer by minivan will bring us back to the base camp where we ll get changed. Walk back to the agriturismo where we will be rewarded by a delicious lunch based on biological and km0 products. In the afternoon enjoy a cooking class preparing typical pasta and tiramisù followed by a convivial dinner. Activity lasts: 2 hrs 30 Difficulty : 5 vigorous; suitable to physically fit, active people without a fear of swiftwater. It is mandatory you know how to swim. Total transfer time: - Meals: Breakfast Lunch at the agriturismo - Dinner at the agriturismo Overnight at Agriturismo Pian di Fiume twin shared room
DAY 4-14th October 2018 - Canyoning in Garfagnana Breakfast at the Agriturismo. At 09:00 a 30- minute transfer will take us to the starting point of today activity in Garfagnana where we will meet our qualified experienced guide for a briefing before an adrenaline canyoning adventure. Ready with your gear (wetsuit, helmet and harness provided) we will walk uphill for approx. 45 minutes to reach the starting point of the itinerary. From here we will descend the river walking, abseiling (descending by ropes) and through fun toboga. The real adrenalin is waiting for us at the end of the itinerary with a thrilling 80 m suspended abseil down a waterfall. We reach the end our itinerary by 15 min walk. At the end of the activity we will enjoy our picnic lunch in the nature. In the afternoon transfer to Lucca, one of the most charming Tuscan towns, for a relaxing stroll through its historic centre, do some shopping, enjoy an Italian style gelato or hot chocolate. Transfer to Montecatini and end of tour. Activity lasts: 4 hrs Difficulty: 5 vigorous, suitable to physically fit, active people without a fear of heights or swiftwater. Alert for vertigo/fear of heights. Total transfer time: 2.30 hrs Meals: Breakfast Box Lunch Accommodation Summary: Day 1 : 4 star Hotel in Montecatini Terme - Twin shared Bedroom (Wi-Fi available throughout hotel) Day 2-3: Agriturismo Pian di Fiume - accommodation either twin room or apartments occupancy 2 pers. each. (Wi-Fi available throughout hotel) https://www.thatstuscany.com/hotel/pian-di-fiume/
Route Map: Group Size: 4-5 participants ( max 2 groups of min. 4 max. 5 participants each) Price per person: 960,00 per person 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 - 2 overnight in shared twin at Agriturismo Pian di Fiume - Tourist tax where required Ground transfers Meals: as per program - 3 breakfasts - 2 picnic lunch - 1 Lunch - 2 dinners - Beverages: non alcoholic beverages during meals. 1 glass wine included - Water and fresh fruits during the trip Cooking class activity day 3 Local assistance by English speaking staff Qualified experienced Guides for daily activities Gears included: (Via Ferrata) helmet, harness, ferrata kit; (Hydrospeed) wetsuit, helmet, water jacket, shoes, life jacket, bob, flippers; (Canyoning) wetsuit, helmet, carabiners, ropes, life jacket. 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 jacket. General Advices Maximum elevation we will reach during the tour is 540 m asl Tour includes climbing iron way, hydro speed and canyoning activity. Previous experience and a good physical condition required. 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 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 Swimsuit & Towel (easy drying) Thermal T-Shirt (easy drying) to wear under wetsuit Thin buff (in case of winds) Footwear: Hiking shoes Hiking socks, synthetic or wool Sport shoes that can get wet during canyoning activity. Canyoning shoes available to rent 5 euro /paair Assorted Personal Items 1L Water bottle Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF Sun 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 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