Tuscan Active Adventure - a Family Holiday in Italy - 2010/11 Itinerary
8 days - from $1510
• Explore north Tuscany's hidden treasure, the Garfagnana
• Walk, climb, kayak, cycle & see the Leaning Tower
• Fun in the sun with games using the lodge's pool
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Agriturismo
Accommodation is in a recently developed agriturismo and working farm complex (5km north of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana and 45min north of Lucca). Converted from an old Tuscan barn and outhouse, the holiday is based in the complex allowing for a flexible approach to relax by the pool or take part in the day's activities. The agriturismo is located in its own fields and orchards giving idyllic views of the area. The accommodation itself is in separate apartments or villas with a main central lodge. Rooms are mostly en suite. The main lodge is the setting for meals with communal areas such as a games room and gardens to relax in, along with a swimming pool.
Alpi Apuane & Apennines
The area is surrounded by two-mountain ranges, the Apennines and the Alpi Apuane, which make it ideal for trekking, biking and many other outdoor activities. The days will be out on the mountains of the area, in a variety of terrains and with vistas of the valley of the Garfagnana. Alternatively, there are a variety of short walks and time by the beach along the Cinque Terre coastline, which is a UNESCO world heritage site.
Pisa
Once a maritime rival to Venice, Pisa now draws its fame from an architectural project gone horribly wrong: the Leaning Tower, which is 4.1 metres off its central perpendicular point. Other Romanesque splendours include; the Campo dei Miracoli, a serious rival to Venice's Piazza San Marco, the Cathedral, which boasts a striking mosaic of 'Christ in Majesty' above the alter and the Baptistery with its marble font as large as a swimming pool, all of which are set in the beautiful sprawling lawns.
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Itinerary:
Day 1 Join Florence Airport and transfer to Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, a recently developed agriturismo and working farm complex. Day 2 Walk Day walk from our accommodation into the heart of the classical Tuscany landscape. Day 3 Kayaking Visit an adventure park for climbing and walking with kayaking in the afternoon for a comprehensive active day out. Day 4 Pisa Optional trip to Lucca with a short walk through the town before driving on to Pisa where we see the leaning tower which draws its fame from an architectural project gone horribly wrong. Day 5 Cave We drive to wind caves for a cave tour. Day 6 Coastal walks Travelling by local train, we walk in the Cinque Terre coastal region with the opportunity to sail and also swim in the clear bays. Day 7 Bike ride Cycle from the resort of Casone down to Castiglione di Garfagnana and then to the Villa. Day 8 Drive to Florence Airport where tour ends.
Accommodations: 7nts villa - Accommodation is in separate apartments or villas (mostly en suite) with a main central lodge and a dining and communal area including a games room; 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 4 dinners included.
Transport: Bus/Bicycle/Train.
Comment: A centre-based week away from it all in a beautifully restored Tuscan villa. Activities are easy and suitable for even the youngest members of the family and there is plenty of free time to enjoy the villa. No entrance fees to sites are included whilst visiting Pisa, allowing you to choose where - or where not - to visit.
Group: Approx. 6 to 14.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus drivers.
Trip Reference: FTY2010
