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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 hot tub, 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.

Adventure highlights

  • Pristine nature & stunning hikes

    Traverse mountain ridges, summit peaks, and savor dramatic scenery tamed by vineyards and olive groves

  • Unforgettable accommodation

    Stay in a luxurious villa atop a valley with a pool and a hot tub

  • History and cuisine

    Combine hiking in the wilderness with historical towns and villages and superb Italian dishes

Itinerary

​​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.

  • You will meet your Tuscany hiking guide at Pisa airport and get transferred to a charming villa nestled in the Tuscan hills, offering breathtaking views of the serene Serchio Valley. After settling into the traditional farmhouse, dinner will be served on the terrace, surrounded by the vineyard. Your guide will provide an informal briefing, answering any questions about the upcoming week. Get to know fellow hikers a bit better over dinner.

    Meals: Dinner
    Accommodation: Villa

     

    Interior of a villa in Tuscany.
  • Start the day with a transfer to Palagnana (757m / 2,484 ft), a quaint hamlet. Embark on a trail through stunning beech woodland, reaching the Foce delle Porchette (980m / 3,215 ft) with magnificent views of the limestone hills and possibly the Mediterranean on a clear day. Ascend along a limestone gorge to the grassy summit of Monte Croce (1314m / 4,311 ft), savoring a relaxing picnic lunch. Descend through beech woodland, passing the charming hamlet of Pioppo, before ending the walk with a well-deserved drink in a local bar.

    Accommodation: Villa
    Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
    Walking: 5-6 hrs
    Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
    Altitude gain/loss: 580 m (1,903 ft)

     

    Monte Croce mountain in Tuscany.
  • After a short transfer to Corfino (836m / 2,743 ft), journey to the remote village of Pruno. Follow a cobbled mule track through serene beech forests, pausing at the Fonte del Amore (Fountain of Love). Reach the charming 16th-century village of Campaiana (1358m / 4,455 ft) for lunch, then ascend to the long summit plateau of Pania di Corfino (1603m / 5,259 ft). Take in breathtaking views of the jagged peaks of the Apuan Alps. Descend along the well-worn shepherds’ trail, passing Rifugio Isera and returning to Pruno.

    Accommodation: Villa
    Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
    Walking: 6 hrs
    Distance: 13 km (8.1 miles)
    Altitude gain/loss: 775 m (2,543 ft)

     

    View from a summit in the Tuscan mountains.
  • Embark on the longest and most rewarding day of the trip, ascending Pania della Croce, the fourth highest peak in the Apuan Alps. Begin at the small chapel of Piglionico (1008m / 3,307 ft) and gradually climb to Rifugio del Freo at Mosceta (1200m / 3,937 ft). Traverse to the Foce di Valli pass (1266m / 4,154 ft) at the base of Pania della Croce. Ascend on a steady zigzag path to the summit ridge, where a well-deserved picnic awaits by the summit cross (1858m / 6,096 ft). Admire breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and, on clear days, Corsica. Descend through the “Canale dell Inferno,” crossing alpine meadows and returning to the beech forest.

    Accommodation: Villa
    Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
    Walking: 8 hours
    Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
    Altitude gain/loss: 940 m (3,084 ft)

     

  • Enjoy a day of tranquility at the villa or explore the surrounding area. Visit the delightful city of Lucca, just 45 minutes away by train, with its medieval walls, splendid piazzas, cobbled streets, and a beautiful basilica. Alternatively, relax by the pool, unwind in one of the garden’s hammocks, or embark on a local walk. Breakfast is included, while lunch and dinner are not, allowing you the freedom to choose where and when to eat. In the evening, consider a leisurely stroll to a local restaurant.

    Accommodation: Villa
    Meals: Breakfast

     

    Vedute of a historical town of Lucca found in the Italian region of Tuscany.
  • Begin the day with a transfer to the foothills of the Apennines. Commence the walk at Vetricia (1,308m / 4,291 ft), ascending through beech woodland to the open pastures of La Porticciola (1,700m / 5,577 ft). Descend via “Hannibal’s camp” to reach the picturesque Lago Santo (1,501m / 4,925 ft). Undertake a steep climb above the lake to the summit cross. Enjoy lunch at the summit while relishing extensive views across the Apennines. Descend to the historic town of Barga, making sure to stop at the local gelateria for a refreshing treat. Return to Vetricia and transfer back to the villa.

    Accommodation: Villa
    Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
    Walking: 6-7 hrs
    Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
    Altitude gain/loss: 930 m (3,051 ft)

     

    High-elevation lake Santo, found in the mountains of Central Italy.
  • Embark on the ascent of Monte Forato, a perfect finale to the week. Begin in the quiet village of Fornovolasco, strolling through cobbled streets. Follow the forest trail to the mountain pass of Foce di Petrosciana, with views of Monte Procinto’s rock tower and the mountain chain leading to the Mediterranean. Ascend to a magnificent limestone archway below the peak of Monte Forato (1,223m / 4,012 ft). A short climb brings you to the summit, offering outstanding views of the Tuscan hills. Enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing along the ridge to the Foce di Valli pass, then descend through alpine meadows to the beech forests. Upon returning to Fornovolasco, indulge in refreshments at the local gelateria in Gallicano. Back at the villa, take a final dip in the pool, relish a delicious local cuisine, and raise a toast to a successful Tuscan adventure.

    Accommodation: Villa
    Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
    Walking: 6-7 hrs
    Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
    Altitude gain/loss: 915 m (3,002 ft)

     

    The medieval Italian village of Fornovolasco, found in the mountains of Central Italy.
  • Enjoy a final breakfast on the terrace before transferring to Pisa airport. Say goodbye to your Tuscany hiking guide, fellow hikers, and to Italy—or continue touring on your own.

    Meals: Breakfast

     

    Terrace of a villa in Tuscany, overlooking a verdant valley.
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Meet your guides

Emma Jack
5.00
Emma Jack
International Mountain Leader, Mountain Bike Leader, and Nordic Ski Instructor
International Mountain Leader, Mountain Bike Leader, and Nordic Ski Instructor
Emma has been leading treks and expeditions ever since 2005. She's led trips all over the world, but Corsica, Nepal, and the Alps remain her top three trekking destinations and Tour du Mont Blanc trek her favorite route. In 2009, she made the first ever ski descent of Manaslu, the 8th highest mountain in the world. Emma is fluent in French, Russian, and Spanish.
Cloud 9 Adventure
5.00
Cloud 9 Adventure
Offering a diverse range of trips in the Alps, Pyrenees, Dolomites, Jura and beyond, Cloud 9 Adventure is all about conveying their passion for adventure travel among some of the world’s most magnificent mountain landscapes—and as far away from the crowds as possible.  
5.00 (9 reviews)
Michelle Nottage

Our guide Stefano was exceptional. His knowledge of the region’s history, geology, flora and fauna was incredible. He kept us all fascinated. He also tailored the walking to cater for our abilities.

Kristine Nicoletto

Manuel was great! Very knowledgeable, conscientious and patient with our older group of hikers.

Richard Aycock

Manuel was outstanding! He’s a very skilled leader, kept a close eye on all the hikers and provided each of us with individual advice based on our skill levels. He’s very knowledgeable about the trails and terrain and also the history of the region. He shared many interesting stories about the region, making it come alive for us. It was our first time hiking with a guide and any future guides will have a tough time living up to him. We wish we could hike with him every week!

KIMBERLY Messina

Our week at Col di Lavacchio was amazing, from the authentic Tuscan Farm House comforts to the challenging but awesome hiking the Appennines mountains. We couldn’t ask for better guides who ensured safety first as we traversed mountain trails and reached summits, top of the mountain! The meals were well balanced to provide the necessary calories and nourishment to sustain while hiking. Evening meals were delicious and beautifully plated, as if we were at a 5 star restaurant.

Robert Innocenzi

I thought Jaime and Manual were great guides. they kept us informed and were concerned for our safety.

Louis Forte

Fabulous time. The guides were super !

Bill Howard

Expert mountain knowledge, passionate about local history, friendly and helpful.

Nikki E (source: TripAdvisor)

For the past five years Cloud 9 has organized a private guided hiking adventure for our family in Europe – including the Alps, the Pyrenees and Tuscany. The trips have been outstanding! Emma and Helen’s attention to detail means everything goes very smoothly with each day of hiking tailor made to our family’s ability. Emma challenges us to go higher, including hiking a 4,000 m peak – but our safety is always paramount. Her knowledge of the area means our itineraries are full of hidden gems – amazing trails off the beaten track and secluded mountain cafes with delicious food.

Tracey Rogers (source: Google Reviews)

Our guide was Jason and he did an incredible job. He didn’t make us feel rushed at all and he followed our pace. He also was very educated about the outdoors and sounds like a very experienced hiker/climber. Highly recommend!

Things to know

  • What you get on this adventure:

      • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • An 8-day hiking adventure with 5 days of trekking
      • Twin-room accommodation in a private villa (7 nights)
      • Airport transfers
      • Transport during the adventure (apert from optional excursions during the rest day)
      • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (most days breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner are included)

    What’s not included:

      • Transportation to Pisa
      • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
      • Travel insurance
      • Guide gratuities — optional
  • 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:

      • Day pack large enough to carry all the items you might need in a day (around a 20-30L bag)
      • Hiking boots or trekking-specific trainers
      • Water bottle(s) (2L capacity in total)
      • Light waterproof jacket and trousers
      • Socks and underwear
      • Trekking pants and shorts
      • Moisture-wicking T-shirts
      • Fleece jacket
      • Lightweight warm hat
      • Buff — optional
      • Light pair of gloves (a mid or light pair of gloves is fine)
      • Sun Hat and sunglasses
      • Plastic bags / dry sacks
      • Basic first aid kit (containing plasters, blister treatment, painkillers, antiseptic cream, and diarrhea treatment)
      • Toiletries (bug spray, sunscreen, lip protection, cosmetic products, etc.)
      • Walking poles – optional
      • Swimwear for the pool
      • Camera — optional (but recommended)
      • Lightweight sandals and sneakers — optional

    Make sure to feel comfortable in the clothes that you bring and don’t forget to take some regular casual clothes as well.

  • During your guided hiking tour in Tuscany, you’ll stay in a private villa that exudes rustic charm with its Garfagnana stone, chestnut beams, and terracotta tiles. You’ll be able to Indulge in ultimate relaxation as you unwind by the pool, dine on the terrace adorned with wisteria, and gaze upon the serene Serchio valley and vineyards. Immerse yourself in luxury with antique furniture, art, and plush beds, with an inviting sitting room that comes complete with wood-burning stove and a collection of books and games. Apart from that, this Tuscan villa also boasts landscaped gardens with hammocks, a swimming pool, hot tub, and recreational amenities (tennis table, marked badminton court, and a yoga deck). You will sleep in a twin room, but you can also opt for a single room for an additional fee. Each day (apart from the rest day), you’ll get to enjoy breakfast and a 2-course dinner accompanied by fine wines. All food restrictions and dietary preferences can be easily accommodated—just let your guide know in advance!

  • Group sizes and prices:

      • For this group adventure, the maximum client-to-guide ratio is 11:1.
      • It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate.
      • The cost does not decrease as the group grows.

    Hiking in Tuscany can be arranged for larger and for private groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • 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.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

    Redpoint tailors their 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.

    Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

  • 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.

    Secure your early bird spot with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you will be the first one to know about any new upcoming dates. Pick your preferred dates without the risk of your bucket list adventure selling out!

    • Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure anytime in case the dates don’t suit you.
    • Once the dates are set, you can confirm your booking by paying another 20% of the total amount.
    • The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.

    Cancellations

    Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

    Basic

    • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
    • For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 0-89 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Flexible

    • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
    • For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 60-89 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Super Flexible

    • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
    • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  • 57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.
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