Walking holiday in Tuscany
| country: | Italy |
| location: | Tuscany |
| trip type: | Moderate walking holidays |
| departures: | 2010: 28 Mar, 4 Apr, 11 Apr, 18 Apr, 25 Apr, 2 May, 9 May, 16 May, 23 May, 30 May, 6 Jun, 13 Jun, 20 Jun, 27 Jun, 4 Jul, 11 Jul, 18 Jul, 25 Jul, 1 Aug, 8 Aug, 15 Aug, 22 Aug, 29 Aug, 5 Sep, 12 Sep, 19 Sep, 26 Sep, 3 Oct, 10 Oct, 17 Oct, 24 Oct |
| price: | From £899 - £1099 (8 days) including flights from the UK, from £699 - £769 excluding flights. |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
the amazing things you'll be doing
The rural enclave in northwest Tuscany known as the Garfagnana, meaning 'enchanted forests', has to be one of Italy's best-kept secrets. Within reach of the Tuscan gems of Lucca, Pisa and Florence, Garfagnana's appeal lies more in its isolation, lack of tourism and striking scenery. This area of outstanding natural beauty nestles between two distinct mountain ranges, the spectacular jagged 'marble mountains' of the Alpi Apuane and the rolling spine of Italy, the Apennines. Our paths thread their way between the hilltop and lakeside villages where the traditional rural lifestyle of tending and harvesting their bountiful produce continues. Every season demands our attention, with carpets of flowers in the crisp springtime giving way to long hot summer days followed by the rich autumnal hues of chestnut and beech forests. Challenging walking is offered on certain dates, which includes one night spent in a refuge with incredible views across the tranquil mountains.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Fly to Pisa; transfer to Braccicorti. |
| Days 2-7: | Five optional daywalks through enchanting forests and pretty hilltop villages; one free day with optional activities. |
| Day 8: | To Pisa; fly to London. |
how this holiday makes a difference
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Community
As a part of our continued commitment to responsible tourism, we work closely with our local operator to run this trip in a way that aims to reduce impacts and to give as much back as possible to the local communities. Due to a long and successful working relationship with our local family operator we have been able to play a part in the sustainable development of their business. Since we have been working with the family locally based operator we have helped them build a golf course and aided them in the production of their own wine, honey, tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables, which we buy for our clients. This trip also utilizes the farmhouse owned by the Giovanetti family as our accommodation. Throughout this trip we aim to spend as much money in the local destinations as possible. We promote many different wineries on this trip so that all sides of the community can benefit from our clients. Most of which are not always accessible to other tourists. Where no entrance fee applies, such as the visit to cheese factory or the various local markets, clients are encouraged to buy the local produce on offer. Environment We have at our offices worked to reduce our carbon footprint through a reduction of energy use and energy conservation measures. We also actively reduce the waste produced by having active reduction and recycling policies in place. We run regular staff workshops on Responsible Tourism. Global warming is a reality and to help you make a difference by reducing the carbon dioxide that is produced when you travel we offer a chance to carbon balance your flights. We encourage all our clients to do this and do so for all our staff travel. Go on do your bit! |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |