Trade the crowds of southern Tuscany for the wild, remote beauty of the Apuane Alps on the 'Walking in Tuscany's Apuane Alps' tour—a self-guided 8-day walking trip tailored for those who crave dramatic mountain scenery and genuine Italian hospitality. Starting in Tuscany and finishing in Lucca, this itinerary takes you from the small town of Fornaci di Barga into chestnut forests, across limestone massifs, and through vineyards to age-old hamlets.
Highlights include the ascent of Monte Forato, the exploration of Italy’s largest cave system at Grotta del Vento, and the option to summit Pania della Croce for panoramic views. Along the way, visit remote chapels and the serene hermitage at Calomini, all while enjoying the warm welcome of village residents who are eager to share their traditions.
Accommodations are cozy and limited to a maximum of two single rooms, ensuring an intimate experience. Meals and logistics are expertly handled so you can focus on the scenery.
The unique selling point of this trip is the chance to discover Tuscany’s untamed north—a region few tourists ever see—where mountain adventure meets local culture and tranquility.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tuscany, Lucca, Fornaci Di Barga
Tuscany, Lucca, Fornaci Di Barga, Verni, Fornovolasco, Monte Forato, Eremo Di Calomini
We were bike fitted with very comfortable bikes which we enjoyed riding. The GPS was excellent although we did misplace ourselves now and then. The rides went through very beautiful Tuscan country and lovely villages. My favourite was Lucca. Thanks for providing great equipment we enjoyed this week of our holiday in Italy.
Discover the Tuscan countryside and culture on this 8-day self-guided walking tour. Through the extensive footpath network of the area, roughly following the traces of the Via Francigena, one of Europe’s most important ‘highways’ in medieval times, you walk from village to village and experience a full immersion in the world-famous Tuscan landscape. The tour is perfect as an introduction to the region and a great choice for people who love museums, galleries and Gothic and Romanesque architecture. You have plenty of time to visit attractions on most of the days.
You will also have time to visit all the beautiful medieval villages and historic towns along the Via Francigena: starting from beautiful Lucca, you’ll pass through Fucecchio, San Miniato, Gambassi Terme, the stunning San Gimignano with its medieval skyscrapers and Monteriggioni, admired by Dante in his Divine Comedy. An optional detour can bring you to beautiful Colle Val d’Elsa and the tour ends in Siena, arguably the most perfectly preserved medieval town in Tuscany. This tour threads together some of the most attractive towns and villages in Tuscany in an eloquent procession.
However, the emphasis of the tour is to enjoy the countryside, the rolling vineyards, the poppies in spring and the wild cyclamen in autumn. The area north of Siena is an amazing landscape of rolling hills, alternating vineyards and forests, while cypresses line the way leading to the distant farmhouses. Walking here is an unforgettable experience and many of the views have barely changed for hundreds of years.
Accommodation and some meals are included. You spend a night in one of the best agriturismos in Tuscany, and the final night in the heart of Siena, in one of the most characteristic little hotels.
This is a moderately easy tour which is suitable for those who have some experience of walking and a good general physical condition.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Hostel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
Siena, Tuscany, Lucca, Altopasci
Siena, Tuscany, Lucca, Altopascio, San Miniato Alto, Gambassi Terme, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni
Families keen to explore Tuscan treasures will love the Tuscany Cycle for Families trip, an eight-day self-guided cycling holiday from Pisa to Florence. Designed for all ages, the easy route follows the Arno River past Pisa’s Leaning Tower, Lucca’s Renaissance architecture, Vinci’s birthplace, and Florence’s iconic Duomo. Along the way, enjoy local specialties, visit fascinating museums, and relax in family-run hotels—often with pools and gardens for post-ride relaxation. The standout feature of this tour package is its thoughtfully planned, hill-free itinerary, ensuring everyone can enjoy Tuscany’s beauty and culture at a pace that suits the whole family.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Villa
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tuscany, Pisa, Empoli, San Giuli
Tuscany, Pisa, Empoli, San Giuliano Terme, Lucca, Vinci, Florence
Drive through some of Italy's most iconic region on this eight-day tour that takes you through Lucca, Siena and Florence. Tuscany is brimming with secluded valleys, magnificent rolling hills and majestic medieval villages boasting bustling restaurants, piazzas and ancient narrow cobble-stoned streets. Its rich landscape is complemented by towns overflowing with Renaissance art and architecture.
This part of Tuscany was a complete surprise and a total delight. Not only did we have the typical walking through rolling pastureland covered with wildflowers, we also had many walks through shady forests decorated with sun streaming through the new green leaves and over a floor of last years copper leaves before we emerged onto high ridges to enjoy stunning views over still snow clad peaks. A total delight.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Discover Tuscany’s hidden corners with the "Via Francigena: Pontremoli to Lucca" walking tour. This eight-day self-guided journey guides travelers from Pontremoli’s castle-dotted hills to the walled city of Lucca, taking in the lush landscapes of Versilia and the artistic hub of Pietrasanta. Enjoy the option to swim along sandy beaches, explore ancient workshops, and stroll through some of Tuscany’s most captivating old towns. The unique selling point: the blend of coastal and countryside walking, punctuated by lesser-known cultural gems and authentic regional hospitality. Ideal for those who want to experience a quieter side of the Italian Camino.
Picture cycling amid the rolling hills and sun-dappled olive groves of Tuscany—this eight-day bicycle tour from Florence to Pisa is perfect for travelers eager to soak up Italy’s provincial charm. Pedal through mountain-framed villages like Barga and Vinci, explore Lucca’s historic streets, and finish your journey beneath the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Each day brings new delights, from tasting fresh biscotti at a centuries-old bakery to riding through the striking Garfagnana region. The moderate cycling pace encourages you to savor the scenery, local flavors, and timeless architecture.
The tour’s unique selling point is its blend of scenic cycling and cultural immersion—providing a classic Italian experience for those who want to discover Tuscany’s beauty up close.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
14-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Florence, Pisa, Vinci, Barga, Ca
Florence, Pisa, Vinci, Barga, Castelnuovo Di Garfagnana, Lucca
In the heart of Tuscany, Italian ingenuity came to life from the 12th to 14th centuries as the precursor to the Renaissance. The streets, squares, palaces, and churches in Florence and Lucca reflect the beauty, charm, and authenticity born from the movement. Outside the city, experience dazzling Tuscan vineyards and countrysides carpeted with olive and cypress trees. Discover the pink limestone streets of Portoferraio on Elba. We'll continue on to the Maddalena Archipelago in Sardinia, cruising past granite rocks and hidden beaches with turquoise waters. The Costa Smeralda shores offer views of jagged banks alternating with peaceful bays. Our last stop is the unforgettable Cinque Terre and its colorful homes suspended over the open sea.
Cruise
Tour Type
Cruise Tour
Accommodation
Ship Cabin, Resort
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Nice, Lucca, Portoferraio, Alghe
Nice, Lucca, Portoferraio, Alghero, Porto Cervo, Porto Santo Stefano, La Spezia
