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.
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.
