Not far from bustling piazzas and historical churches, Tuscany hides soaring mountains waiting to be explored by adventurers. Between the limestone Apennines and the marble Apuan Alps lies the unspoilt Tuscan region of Garfagnana that offers a harmonious blend of indulgence and outdoor exploration. Spend a week tracing ancient shepherd trails beside vineyards and olive groves, meandering along dramatic ridges between medieval villages and summiting peaks revealing views that stretch to the coast. Switch it up by hiking through dense chestnut forests, enjoying a picnic by a mountain lake, or exploring the historical sites in the nearby town of Lucca—though some hikes are a bit more challenging, the views make up for it. In the evenings, return to your villa to relax by the pool, unwind in a garden, and savor Tuscan cuisine and wines on the terrace overlooking the Serchio Valley. Discover the wild heart of Tuscany—where hedonism and hiking go hand in hand.
Embark on this guided hiking adventure and discover the secret treasures of Garfagnana in Tuscany. This 8-day trip takes you through vineyards, olive groves, and charming villages, but also offers a different and more dramatic experience of this famous Italian region by taking you through its scenic mountains between the Apuan Alps and the Apennines. You’ll stay at a luxurious villa overlooking the serene Serchio Valley, where you can relax by the pool and savor delicious Tuscan cuisine.
Included:
Add-on:
Not included:
This Tuscany guided hiking trip is suitable for hikers with some experience and great fitness. The daily walks will typically be around 5-7 hours on well-marked trails, with ascents ranging from 500 to 1,000 meters (1,640 to 3,280 feet) per day. You can find day-by-day distances and elevation gains in the itinerary.
There will be a couple of longer days when climbing Monte Giovo and Pania della Croce. While it is not necessary to be an expert hiker, being in good physical condition before the trip will enhance your overall enjoyment. We suggest you do some long hilly walks in the weeks before the trip, especially if you have new boots.
Keep in mind that all days on this trip are optional (you can always decide to stay in your villa or go somewhere else) and that the itinerary may be adjusted by the leader based on weather conditions and the group’s ability. In terms of altitude, the maximum reached on this trip is 2,054 meters (6,739 feet) during the Monte Prado climb. Most days, the maximum height reached will be between 1,300 and 1,700 meters (4,265 to 5,577 feet). Since you return to the valley every evening and spend limited time above 1,500 meters (4,920 feet), altitude is not expected to be an issue.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Make sure to feel comfortable in the clothes that you bring and don’t forget to take some regular casual clothes as well.
Group sizes and prices:
Hiking in Tuscany can be arranged for larger and for private groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
The price for this hidden Tuscany tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.
Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.
Pisa is the starting point of this guided hiking trip in Tuscany. To get there, most people fly into Pisa International Airport. Once there, you will meet your guide and fellow hikers for a private transfer to your accommodation near the towns of Barga and Gallicano.
Airport transfer from the airport is usually scheduled at 14.30. If coming later in the afternoon, we suggest you arrive on your own by train. To do this, you first need to get from the airport of the Pisa Central Station and then catch a train for Barga-Gallicano, where your guide will pick you up and take you to the villa.
Insurance is mandatory for this tour. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Deposits
You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
