Compare Walking in Tuscany by Exodus Travels vs Italian Bike Adventure by The Italian on Tour
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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0 | Poor
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| Duration | 8 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 1,920 | $ 2,331 |
| Price Per Day | $ 240 | $ 291 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | All breakfasts, five lunches and five dinners are included. Continental breakfast with a choice of cereal, bread, yoghurt, eggs and fruit, plus milk, fruit juice and teas/coffee. Packed lunches are provided on walking days with a buffet-style selection of meat, cheese, fish, salad, bread and salad mix, such as panzanella, plus a cake and fruit. Starters include Garfagnana soup, pesto pasta, bresaola or risotto with locally made bread, water and Braccicorti red wine. Main course can be stuffed peppers and courgettes with local cheese and pancetta, roasted meats, locally caught trout or a vegetarian dish such as aubergine and mozzarella bake with home-grown vegetables and salad. Each meal is finished with a small dessert of homemade tiramisu, panna cotta, gelato or fruit salad and on occasions followed with homemade grappa or amaretto. Vegetarians are usually well catered for in this area. If you have a gluten-free diet, we recommend taking items with you, as it is not easy to purchase gluten-free products locally. | N/A |
| Description |
Garfagnana, close to the much-loved trio of Lucca, Pisa and Florence, is one of the best-kept secrets in Italy and the perfect base for guided walking holidays in Tuscany. Lying between the striking peaks of the Alpi Apuane and Apennine ranges, the astonishing Garfagnana landscape is a far cry from the rolling hills of southern Tuscany. But that provides us with abundant hiking opportunities, which, along with picturesque mountaintop and lakeside villages coupled with warm local hospitality, make for a wonderful trip. Please note: Most departures for this trip have been graded Activity Level 3 (Moderate); however, if you’re looking to push yourself, join one of our Activity Level 5 (Challenging) departures to tackle more difficult treks and spend a night in a mountain refuge. For a day-by-day schedule for each Activity Level, see the itinerary. Please check the Dates & Prices tab to confirm the Activity Level rating for each departure before booking.Walk the mountainous region of Tuscany |
Experience an Italian cycle adventure with 8 amazing days based out of Ascoli Piceno, located just around the corner from Rome. Unpack once and unwind in boutique historic 4-star accommodation located a stone’s throw away from one of Italy’s most Beautiful Piazzas. Immerse yourself in the rhythm of our city, and indulge in the “Otherside” of Italy that inspired Lidia Bastanich’s latest cookbook! We will explore two of Italy’s wine regions and take the opportunity to indulge in award winning and local wines at family-run wineries. And of course no trip to Italy would be complete without enjoying fantastic food and getting to know Italy’s culture through its world renowned cuisine. To ensure your trip is nothing but spectacular you will be joined by a Fully-bilingual, 100% Italian, 100% local guide with an International culinary resume. Cycle down quiet country roads, climb hills to medieval fortresses, and get to know the authentic Italy you have been dreaming about. |
Day 1 Start Braccicorti
We gather at Agriturismo Braccicorti, approximately 4mi (6km) from Castelnuovo di Garfagnana and two hours from Pisa Airport. You can refresh yourself with a dip in the pool, before we gather for a welcome briefing later in the day. Please note: Most departures for this trip have been graded Activity Level 3 (Moderate); however, if you’re looking to push yourself, join one of our Activity Level 5 (Challenging) departures. This itinerary provides a day-by-day schedule for both Activity Levels. Please check the Dates & Prices tab to confirm the Activity Level rating for each departure before booking. If you have extra days at hand and are willing to extend your adventure, consider booking additional nights in Pisa or Florence. Speak to your Sales Consultant for more information on our ‘Pre-Tour’, ‘Post-Tour’ and ‘City Extension’ packages.
Day 2 Walk through Orecchiella National Park to Pania di Corfino (Activity Level 3)
Day 3 Apuane National Park to Monte Sumbra (Activity Level 3)
Today we drive 40 minutes to the small village of Vianova and begin our walk into Alpi Apuane National Park. Much of our initial ascent is on a wide forest track that continues through beech woods to our first viewpoint across to the face of Pania della Croce and the Omo Morto range. From here, we take a footpath ascending to a limestone plateau where there is an optional ascent to the summit of Monte Sumbra (5,791ft/1,765m). Weather permitting, we will enjoy an uninterrupted view of the Alpi Apuane range, the Ligurian coast and the enormous spine of the Apennines. After lunch on the summit, we retrace our steps back to the limestone plateau, before heading down through the trees following one of the old charcoal trails back to the minibus. On the return to Braccicorti, we stop in the lovely town of Careggine (time permitting). Walking distance: 10mi (16km); ascent: 2,205ft (672m); descent: 2,205ft (672m); maximum altitude: 5,791ft (1,765m)
Day 4 Circular walk from Braccicorti to medieval market town Castiglione di Garfagnana (Activity Level 3)
With a change of guide for the day, we walk directly from the farmhouse at 1,345ft (410m), firstly visiting the new town of Villa Collemandina before heading to the church and learning about the history of the area. After, the route follows tracks, quiet lanes and footpaths through the local farmland and villages allowing us a real insight into local life. Midway through the day, we will arrive at Castiglione di Garfagnana at 1,788ft (545m), a small but beautiful medieval town. Castiglione is also the place where the largest and most popular chestnut festival in the region is held each autumn, celebrating the chestnut tree and the growth of truffles and mushrooms. After lunch, we cross a 13th-century bridge below the town leading into more farmland and back to Braccicorti on easy tracks. Walking distance: 12mi (19km); ascent: 476ft (145m); descent: 476ft (145m); maximum altitude: 1,788ft (545m)
Day 5 Free day to visit Lucca, the Cinque Terre, Florence or Pisa
Today is free to enjoy any of the following optional activities: one-hour train journey to visit the stunning fortified city of Lucca; 20-minute taxi and 90-minute train journey to the coastal Unesco World Heritage site of the Cinque Terre; 2hr 30min train journey to visit the capital city of Florence, home of Michelangelo's David; or the 90-minute train journey to Pisa where you can ascend the leaning tower and walk along the beautiful river Arno. There are also plenty of options closer to home. Relax with a good book at the farmhouse and make use of the sun loungers and outdoor pool, take a walk down to Lago di Pontecosi for lunch or take a 10-minute train ride to Castelnuovo di Garfagnana for lunch and a walk to the old castle.
Day 6 Campocatino and San Viviano’s Hermitage (Activity Level 3)
A 25-minute drive to Lago di Vagli, with its submerged village and impressive Monte Sumbra backdrop, will bring us to the start point for the day: Vagli Sotto. From here, we walk on a small footpath to the town of Vagli Sopra where we continue to ascend on a section of the pilgrimage walk through chestnut woods to arrive at the 16th-century shepherds’ village of Campocatino. Wandering through the village and seeing the beautiful, terraced meadows, protected by the impressive wall of Roccandagia, it is easy to understand why the shepherds chose this location. From here, we continue to our highest point for the day at 3,904ft (1,190m) before descending through the trees to San Viviano's Hermitage. Built into the rock face, the tiny hermitage is said to be where San Viviano lived before his bones were discovered in 1993. It is now used as a chapel and pilgrimage site. Our descent takes a rarely used mountain path with views across the valley before arriving back at the bus. Walking distance: 8mi (12.5km); ascent: 2,067ft (630m); descent: 2,067ft (630m); maximum altitude: 3,904ft (1,190m)
Day 7 Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park and the summit of Monte Prado (Activity Level 3)
We start the day with a 40-minute drive to the small ski area of Casone. Walking through beech woods brings us to the beginning of the Crinali ridge, a section of the 994mi (1,600km) Apennine ridge in the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park, offering some of the most impressive views of the week. Look below to see the fiery colours of the forest between the ridge line of Tuscany and the opposite ridge of Emilia Romagna. We take an easy path along the undulating ridge, leading up to the peak of Monte Prado, the highest in Tuscany at 6,739ft (2,054m). After lunch, we retrace our steps before descending on another route through woodland back to Casone, where there is a bar to enjoy a well-earned drink. Walking distance: 10mi (16km); ascent: 2,428ft (740m); descent: 2,428ft (740m); maximum altitude: 6,739ft (2,054m)
Day 8 End Braccicorti
This morning we’ll enjoy one final breakfast, before saying a fond farewell to Agriturismo Braccicorti, which may feel like a home-from-home by now.
Day 1: Welcome to Italia
Meet your guide at Ascoli Piceno’s bus or train station and enjoy a comfortable ride in our private vehicle to your hotel. Take some time to unpack, or simply nap to recover from your jet lag before this evening’s meal.
Your Hotel is located just a stone’s throw away from one Italy’s most beautiful Piazzas making it the perfect location to relax and explore the city by foot.
Tonight your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you out for your first meal together in the heart of Ascoli’s historic centre.
Day 2:
Every day will begin with a Hearty breakfast buffet made with delicious local products.
Today you can take the morning easy, relax, and recover from your jet-lag. In the late morning your trip leader will meet you at your hotel for an orientation tour of Ascoli, the city of 100 towers.
For lunch, we make our way to the heart of truffle country to indulge at our Co-Founders’ personal favourite restaurant.
After lunch, we will return to your hotel where you will have some time to relax or take a scroll before your bike fit in the early evening.
Every evening for the rest of your trip will be free. You will have the opportunity to relax after your rides, eat at one of our recommended local establishments, and discover the city at your own pace.
Day 3: A Quiet Ride Through The National Park
Length 70km
Today we will ride to the National Park of “Monti della Laga” taking the scenic route and travelling along low traffic roads.
We will slowly climb 700m to a small village called Umito. Now’s the opportunity for the perfect photo, so you can share the stunning views of the surrounding mountain range with all your friends back home.
The ascent from Umito is steady and lets you enjoy the luscious scenery around you. On our way down we will stop for an espresso and a quick rest to have our gourmet packed lunch.
After our lunch break we will have a chance to admire the marble caves that have been in use since roman times. Witness the cutting of the travertine, the building block of Ascoli’s famous Piazza del Popolo.
Winding up the ride, it is now all downhill from here! Your evening is free: take some time to relax, enjoy a walk, or even a siesta before selecting a place to eat from one of our personally vetted local establishments.
Day 4: A Day In The Hills Of Abruzzo
Length 70km
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast in preparation for our ride to Civitella del Tronto, the largest fortress in Italy!
A nice steady climb to Civitella offers one of a kind views of the surrounding hills and mountains due to its incredible vantage point which was used to defend the medieval town from invasions for over 600 years.
Today we will rest for lunch within the medieval walls of Civitella del Tronto. After a short break we will head out on a beautiful descent into Montepulciano wine country.
You will travel down country roads lined with old vineyards and ancient olive groves. Take in the beautiful scenery and let’s enjoy the ride at a relaxed pace.
Return to Ascoli in the late afternoon. The evening will be yours to relax, take stroll, and perfect your “Passeggiata”.
Day 5: The Fortress Of Acquaviva Picena
Length 60km
After a delicious breakfast, we will ride towards the Adriatic Sea on the old roman road called the “Via Salaria”. It was used 2,000 years ago to transport salt and goods from Rome.
Half way though our ride we will point the bike up to the hills embarking on a short climb immersed in the vineyards. Once at the top we will arrive at Acquaviva Picena, a spectacular fortress.
We will stop, enjoy the panorama while enjoying our delicious paninos and then prepare ourselves for an enjoyable downhill descent along country roads as we return to Ascoli.
Your evening is free, so why not relax, take a walk, and enjoy an Aperitivo inside of one of Piazza del Popolo’s many fabulous cafes.
Day 6: Exploring Wine Country
Enjoy your morning with a relaxed breakfast at your hotel. Today is your rest day!
Today our tour will begin with a visit to the original makers of Pecorino wine. Here we will enjoy a private tour of the winery complete with a wine taste and breathtaking view of the vineyards below.
Next stop is lunch! Locally grown, in-season ingredients can be found at this Agriturismo. Refuel your body with homemade pasta and locally-raised meats to repair those muscles from yesterday’s ride.
After a leisurely lunch, we will continue our exploration of Italy’s wine country and visit what is considered one of Italy’s most beautiful medieval villages.
In the late afternoon, we will return to your hotel and the evening will be free for you to explore.
Day 7: Mountains Of The Giro D’italia
Length 60km
Today’s journey will begin with a very special ride to one of the mountains featured in the Giro d’Italia.
Entering Abruzzo, you will experience breathtaking views of the National Park of “Monti della Laga” and a fast descent amidst the oak forests and valley of the Tronto, the local river that crosses Ascoli Piceno.
Today’s ride is one of our personal favourites at the Italian on Tour. Practically car-free so you can relax, and enjoy the scenery while venturing into the Italian countryside
Return to Ascoli in the late afternoon. The evening will be yours to relax, take stroll, and perfect your “Passeggiata”.
Day 8:
After a final breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to Ascoli Piceno and your new-found friends and local biking community. We will accompany you to Ascoli Piceno’s train or bus station. Your biking adventure with us may be over, but we hope this is only goodbye for now or as the Italians say “Ci vediamo”! Until next time “Arrivederci”!
