Walking in Tuscany's Apuane Alps
8 Days Starting and ending in Fornaci di Barga, Italy
Visiting: Fornaci di Barga, Verni, Fornovolasco, Monte Forato, Gallicano, Lucca
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JAA
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our "Walking in the Apuane Alps" tour, exploring the remote and unsophisticated beauty of Tuscany. This self-guided journey takes you through the stunning limestone summits of the Apuane Alps, offering breathtaking views and a chance to immerse yourself in the region's natural splendor. Starting and ending in Fornaci di Barga, you'll traverse charming medieval hamlets, picturesque hilltop villages, and serene woodlands. Enjoy comfortable accommodations in 2-star hotels and pensions, with luggage transfers and detailed route notes provided. Highlights include the historic town of Trassilico, the natural arch of Monte Forato, and the challenging ascent of Pania della Croce. This tour promises an authentic Tuscan experience, perfect for avid hikers seeking both adventure and tranquility.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Commence Fornaci Di Barga
Location: Fornaci di Barga
Accommodation Name: small old style 2* hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Make your own way by train from Pisa to Fornaci di Barga meaning “The cave of clay”. The small town derived its name from the solitary brick kiln, which existed in the area before 1915. From here catch views of Monte Penna, Gragno and Cardoso. Today the town is more famous for its copper works.
Accommodation: Stay in a small old style 2* hotel, centrally located and about 5 minutes walk away from the train station. It is simply furnished, but very clean and all rooms are en-suite.
Day 2 : Fornaci To Verni 15.7 Km/10 Miles, 5.5 H
Location: Verni
Accommodation Name: family run farm house near Verni
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
An early morning start for your walk today, which will take you mostly through woods from Fornaci to Verni. Passing the River Serchio, you ascend to Cardoso, a medieval hamlet with a beautiful Roman church. As the footpath climbs, the vegetation changes from oaks to chestnuts. Just after the grotto of Casteltendine there is a superior vantage point from a rock with a cross, which affords a wonderful view of the highest summits of the Apennines, including Giovo, Rondinaio and Tre Potenze. Passing a little shepherd's hamlet, you make your way to Verni (732m) a very charming and picturesque hilltop home to a mere 80 inhabitants, who are spoilt for choice with no less than four churches and many little chapels, which bear testimony to its rich past. Overnight near Verni. Perhaps visit the old ruins of a castle from where there are splendid views. There are some authentically intact old streets. Ascent 1005m / Descent 515m.
Accommodation: This is spent in a lovely family run farm house near Verni, these are apartments with their own bathroom. There is a swimming pool, a sauna and a patio or balcony with amazing views.
Day 3 : Verni To Fornovolasco 16.4 Km/10.9 Miles, 6 H
Location: Fornovolasco
Accommodation Name: typical small hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This is a beautiful walk, taking in the historic hilltop town of Trassilico where you can admire the views from the castle walls across the valley and down to Verni. Having descended through the village, and perhaps having an ice cream, pick up the undulating trail that strikes along the hillsides past abandoned farms, eventually leading to the mountain village of San Pellegrinetto; a great place for a picnic. You overnight in the typical Apuane village of Fornovolasco where you have three nights. Ascent 674m / Descent 694m.
Accommodation: The next 3 nights are spent in a typical small hotel. 2 bathrooms are shared by the 5 rooms. The very friendly owner serves delicious food in his welcoming little restaurant.
Day 4 : Circular Walk To Monte Forato 9.4 Km/5.8 Miles, 6 H
Location: Monte Forato
Accommodation Name: typical small hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today’s walk is a long climb up to Monte Forato (1223m) and its amazing views of the Versilia region and towards the Mediterranean, the woods and Apuane villages below. There are two options from here: either an easy ascent or a longer footpath to Monte Forato, a splendid natural arch. There is a great view of Procinto with its perpendicular rock-face and Monte Nona from here. Continue until just under the Pania, which from below is rather breathtaking, then descend along a footpath by abandoned houses to Fornovolasco. Ascent 790m / Descent 790m.
Day 5 : There And Back Walk To Grotta Del Vento 3Km / 2 Miles , Allow 4 Hours
Location: Fornovolasco
Accommodation Name: typical small hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Begin the day with a short walk around Fornovolasco, then onward to visit the famous Grotta del Vento, with its internal lakes, stalagmites and stalactites. After lunch you could use the maps to follow an easy strada bianca offering gorgeous views of the Turrite river, and Trassilico. Return to Fornovolasco. Distance varies depending on where you go, but it is meant to be an easy day because tomorrow is the hardest day.
Day 6 : Fornovolasco To Eremo Di Calomini 27 Km /16.6 Miles, 9-11 H
Location: Fornovolasco
Accommodation Name: Agriturismo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
If the weather is good and you are up for a hard day we recommend the ascent of Pania della Croce (1860m), with a 1400m difference in altitude. This 9-11 hour walk involves a reasonably tough ascent, but the reward is definitely worth the effort in the view over the sea, the marble quarries, the Apennines and the Apuanes. This view is yours only if you reach the summit (and the weather is kind)! The way winds up on a good footpath with sometimes stunning views; it makes its way up through pleasant woods to Piglionico, which has a chapel dedicated to the Partisans who fell in the area during World War 2. A footpath takes you to the beech forest boundary, where, in a basin between the two summits, Pania Secca and Pania della Croce, you find Rifugio Rossi. Another hour’s walk will take you to either of the two summits, but the view from Pania della Croce is much more pleasing. Descent to Rifugio Rossi and onto the 11th century hermitage of Eremo di Calomini, with its community of monks. Ascent 1500m / Descent 1649m. As part of the route up and down is the same this day can readily be shortened tp 11km especially if the weather is closing in. There is also a shorter alternative today following the Valley of the Turrite River, once again with good views.
Accommodation: Tonight is spent in an Agriturismo,100m from the monastery.The comfortable rooms are en-suite. A tasteful dinner is served in the restaurant which boasts panoramic views.
Day 7 : Eremo Di Calomini To Gallicano (Then To Fornaci Di Barga) From 6.2Km/4 Miles, 2 H
Location: Gallicano
Accommodation Name: small old style 2* hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
You will pass through Gallicano. Although perhaps not as attractive as the other villages on the route, there is a neo-gothic aqueduct and a beautiful Roman church worth a visit. Some people have taken the bus from Gallicano to the attractive town of Barga and then walked back to Fornaci di Barga. (approx 6 km extra). Or they have taken the bus or train from Gallicano to Fornaci de Barga. Options are provided with your route notes.
Accommodation: Return to the same hotel used at the beginning of the tour.
Day 8 : Arrangements End After Breakfast Or Extension To Lucca
Location: Lucca
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast make your way to the train station for your onward journey.
If you are extending to Lucca, make your way to the train station with your luggage and catch the train to Lucca.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in 2 star hotels & pensions -
7 breakfasts, 7 dinners
Enjoy 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners included in your tour package.
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7 nights accommodation in a 3 * hotel & pensions on a twin share basis
Stay for 7 nights in 3-star hotels and pensions on a twin share basis.
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Ensuite facilities where available
Accommodation includes ensuite facilities where available.
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Luggage transfers from Inn to Inn
Luggage transfers between inns are included.
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Full route notes and map package
Receive a comprehensive package of route notes and maps.
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Emergency hotline
Access to an emergency hotline for assistance during the trip.
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GPX files to cover the main routes
GPX files for the main routes are provided.
What's Not Included
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All lunches & beverages
Lunches and beverages are not included in the tour package.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees to attractions are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
Travel to the starting point and from the end point of the trip is not included.
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Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
Personal expenses like laundry and phone calls are not covered.
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Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
Any unscheduled transfers required during the trip are not included.
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City Tax 2-4 Euros per day, per person locally payable to the accommodations
City tax of 2-4 Euros per day, per person is payable locally to the accommodations.
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Guide - this is a self guided holiday
This is a self-guided holiday, so no guide is included.
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A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Excess Luggage
Excess luggage is not included and may incur additional charges.
Accommodation
7 nights in 2 star hotels & pensions. The hotels described are our usual choice of accommodation, however if these are not available then alternatives are used and if these are of a different standard you will be informed at the time of booking. Baths/showers: Many rooms with ensuite/private facilities have a shower rather than a bath, usually because of limited space. Some hotels/guesthouses may however have a separate room in the house where a bath is available to guests. NB : on this tour there is a maximum of 2 single rooms available.
Grading
This trip is graded moderate to challenging.This self-guided tour traverses rugged and remote terrrain and is therefore not available to solo travelers for safety reasons. Clients should be in reasonable condition and be able to walk between 10-24kms/ 6-15 miles, 3-7 hours per day. The maximum altitude is 1860m and clients should be prepared to ascend in excess of 1100m in one day. If you take the option to climb Pania della Croce (1860m), there is a 1400m difference in altitude. This walk is 9 hours (but some people have found it up to 11 hours).
Mode of Transport
Make your own way by train from Pisa to Fornaci di Barga. Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip is included. Luggage transfers from Inn to Inn are provided.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in 2-star hotels and pensions. The hotels described are the usual choice of accommodation, but alternatives may be used if these are not available. Many rooms have ensuite/private facilities with showers rather than baths due to limited space. There is a maximum of 2 single rooms available on this tour.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners. All lunches and beverages are also included.
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Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
No, this self-guided tour traverses rugged and remote terrain and is therefore not available to solo travelers for safety reasons.
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What is the difficulty level of the tour?
The trip is graded as moderate to challenging. Clients should be in reasonable condition and able to walk between 10-24 km (6-15 miles) for 3-7 hours per day. The maximum altitude is 1860m, and clients should be prepared to ascend in excess of 1100m in one day.
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What happens if the usual accommodation is not available?
If the usual accommodation is not available, alternatives will be used, and if these are of a different standard, you will be informed at the time of booking.
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What kind of support is available during the tour?
The tour provides full route notes and a map package, GPX files to cover the main routes, and an emergency hotline for support.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?
Yes, additional costs not included in the tour price are travel insurance, travel to the start and from the end point of the trip, personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls, unscheduled transfers required during the trip, city tax (2-4 Euros per day, per person), a supplement for solo travelers or single rooms, and excess luggage.
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What is the maximum altitude reached during the tour?
The maximum altitude reached during the tour is 1860m, which is the summit of Pania della Croce.
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What are the options for the last day of the tour?
On the last day, you will pass through Gallicano. You have the option to take a bus from Gallicano to the attractive town of Barga and then walk back to Fornaci di Barga (approximately 6 km extra), or take the bus or train from Gallicano to Fornaci di Barga. Route notes will provide these options.
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Self-guided holidays - inclusions
We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
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Trip Grading & Preparation
Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.
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Route notes
While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.
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How our self-guided holidays work
Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.
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Low Deposit
Walkers' Britain requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of walkers' britain charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.