Hiking through the Tuscan Apennines: Abetone Mountain

Enjoy a full day hiking in the Gomito Mountains region. Begin in Abetone, a municipality in the Province of located about 80 kilometers (50 mi) northwest of and about 49 kilometers (30 mi) northwest of Pistoia. Located at 1388m., it is the most famous ski destination in central , thanks to its 50 km of ski slopes and trails on Monte Gomito, Monte Cimone and Libro Aperto, which attract mountain hikers and cyclists that use the chair lifts. From the Gomito Mountain we will board the cableway and reach Monte Dente della Vecchia and two famous glacial lakes of the Apennines, Lago Nero and Lago Piatto. Located at 1730m, Lago Nero is surrounded by the imposing Apennine mountains which reach 2000m and owes its name to the gloomy reflection emanating from its waters. The Lago Piatto is a small lake of glacial origin located at an altitude of 1823 meters. In its clear waters the peak of the Alpe delle Tre Potenze is reflected. There are no permanent fish in the lakes, but there are two species of newts, protected ​ amphibians: the alpine and the crested. Around the lake you can see marmots and the golden eagle as well as the partridge and the buzzard. Among the flora are blueberry, the raspberry, the mountain pine, a variety of garlic, juniper, mountain pine, the mezzereo and the beech. After exploring the lakes we will make our way back to the cableway, enjoy a typical Tuscan lunch at a local restaurant and then transfer back to Montecatini Terme arriving in the evening.

● Take a cableway ride to reach two famous glacial lakes, Lago Nero and Lago Piatto ● Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant ● Explore the flora, fauna and search for the golden eagle which calls these mountains home

Schedule: 07:00: Depart from Teatro Verdi in Montecatini Terme and transfer to the ski village of Abetone 09:30: Arrive to Abetone and take the cableway 10:00: Begin trekking around the two lakes 14:00: Return to the cableway and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant 16:00: Transfer back to Montecatini Terme 18:00: Arrive to Montecatini Terme

Map of Itinerary

Difficulty: (2) Easy active (i.e., Beginner level, physical activity; ~2-4 hours activity/day) ● Length: 7 kms/4.3 miles total ● Total difference in elevation is 400 mt. for the one way and 400 mt. for the return ● Total travel time: 4 hours ● Please note, this itinerary reaches moderate elevation ● Please note, this itinerary includes a transfer by cableway and may not be suitable for delegates with vertigo (climbs vertically 700m /2296 feet in only 7 minutes)

Inclusions: ● English speaking tour leader / trekking guide ● Lunch (local restaurant) ● Bus Transfer Montecatini – Abetone and back

Not Included:

● Gratuities (guide/driver) ● Personal items such as souvenirs ● Anything not explicitly included in the tour

What to Wear/What to Bring:

● T-shirt ● Comfortable athletic pants or shorts ● Hiking boots ● Hat or cap ● Scarf ● Sunblock with high SPF ● Camera ● Light windproof jacket or sweater ● Rain jacket ● Polarized Sunglasses ● In addition, we highly recommend bringing a small backpack to carry your water bottle (at least 2 liters), sunscreen, snacks, etc. ● Trekking poles (optional)

Cost:

● 60,00 per person €

Group Size: 10 - 20 ​ Contact Information: [email protected]