Compare Walking in Tuscany by Exodus Travels vs Venice, Florence, Rome & Sorrento by Great Value Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 1,890 | $ 2,683 |
| Price Per Day | $ 236 | $ 244 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | NA |
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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 |
This vacation has been carefully crafted for a great independent travel experience. This isn’t a bus, group, or tour guided vacation but one where you can set your own pace of discovery every day. However, you’re not alone – if you need any help during your trip, we’ re just a phone call or an email away. Begin your adventure in the captivating waterways of Venice, where every corner reveals a new wonder and every canal beckons with timeless charm. Next, hop on a scenic train ride to Florence, a city that exudes artistic splendor at every turn. Immerse yourself in the masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture, and savor the flavors of Tuscan cuisine in this cultural gem. Continue your odyssey to Rome, where ancient ruins and modern life intertwine seamlessly. Uncover the secrets of the Colosseum, stroll through the Vatican City, and experience the pulse of Italy's capital city. Finally, bask in the coastal beauty of Sorrento, where azure waters meet dramatic cliffs and lemon-scented breezes fill the air. Relax on sun-kissed beaches, explore charming coastal towns, and indulge in the culinary delights of the Amalfi Coast. |
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 Venice!
Arrive at Venice Airport and enjoy a transfer to your hotel. The rest of your day is to enjoy at leisure; consider celebrating your first night in Italy by treating yourself to a glass of Prosecco, a specialty of the Veneto region.
Day 2 Venice
Enjoy your included walking tour today! Afterwards, treat yourself to a gondola ride and relax during a leisurely ride on the waters of Venice. On your last night in Venice, enjoy the iconic Italian dessert that has its roots in the Venuto region: tiramisu!
Day 3 Venice - Florence
After a leisurely morning in the stunning city of Venice, make your way to the train station to embark on the journey to your next destination. Be sure to look out the window during your train ride; you'll drive through the picturesque region of Tuscany before reaching Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance.
Day 4 Florence
Florence is home to some of the world's most moving masterpieces. Consider exploring the Accademia, where you can get up close and personal with Michelangelo's David. Or you can pay a trip to the Uffizi Gallery, where you can gaze at the works of Botticelli, Michelangelo, da Vinci, and more. After a long day of exploring, treat yourself to a serving of mouth-watering gelato - invented in the 16th century by a Florence native!
Day 5 Florence - Rome
After one more train ride, you'll arrive in The Eternal City, Rome! After nightfall, consider taking a stroll to the Trevi Fountain to see it illuminated in the evening.
Day 6 Rome
Experience the remnants of the ancient civilization. Visit the Colosseum and imagine what it was like with 50,000 spectators cheering on their favorite gladiator. Or explore the ancient Pantheon, which is now in use as a Catholic Church.
Day 7 Rome
Take the day to see the best of Rome, like visiting Vatican City and exploring the highlights of this Italian city-state. You'll want to leave some time to explore the Vatican Museums; here you'll find the Sistine Chapel and its famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo.
Day 8 Rome - Sorrento
Today, you'll pick up your rental car and make your way south to your next destination - Sorrento!
Day 9 Sorrento
Explore the beautiful coastal town of Sorrento. You can meander through its picturesque old town, made up of narrow streets lined with shops. Quite a few historical buildings dot the area as well, including the Basilica of Sant’Antonino. Or you could head down to the water where Marina Grande and Marina Piccola offer views of colorful boats that move in and out of the port throughout the day. Here you can find ferries that can take you on day trips to Capri, Naples, and the Amalfi Coast.
Day 10 Sorrento
Enjoy your second full day in Sorrento by delving into its history. You could visit the Correale di Terrnova Museum for arts of the ages or the Archaeological Museum to take a look into the past of the land. If you're just looking to unwind and enjoy the day, head down to the Piazza Tasso and grab a chair at one of the many cafes in the area. Graze on snacks, people watch, and enjoy the simple moments. And maybe after, you'll go shopping for souvenirs!
Day 11 Depart Italy
Pack away your souvenirs and drop off your car before boarding your plane home!
