E-Biking - Parks of Northern Tuscany & Lucca
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E-Biking - Parks of Northern Tuscany & Lucca October 11 – 14th, 2018 www.thatstuscany.com …because travelling responsibly makes people contribute to a better World… The individual is at our core and the uncontainable love for our Land the fuel that propels us in creating travel experiences focused on authenticity, lifestyle and a deep attachment to the territory. Born in 1996, we are celebrating our 22 years of business as specialized licensed Tuscany inbound Tour Operator, which never lost sight of the importance of conceiving a journey as an opportunity to connect travelers to locals leaving a mark that won’t last when you get back home. INTRODUCTION Cycle the highlights of the “other Tuscany”, an off the beaten-track itinerary amidst nature, genuine food and authenticity. From the northern territories of historic Lunigiana bordered by the Apennine National Park (also UNESCO Man & Biosphere Reserve) and dotted with enchanting hilltop medieval villages and castles, to the Garfagnana region, the so called “green forest”, embraced by the Apuan Alps (UNESCO Geopark) and boasting dramatic peaks, emerald lakes, and villages where the time seems to have stopped. We will finish our journey in Versilia, a variegated territory which stretches from the rugged mountainous peaks of the Apuan Alps as far as the coast, cycling to the Regional Park of Lake Massaciuccoli and Lucca - one of the most stunning Tuscan art towns, still leaving on a human-scale. Highlights: ● Cycle back to the Middle Ages in the Lunigiana Unesco Man & Biosphere Reserve across quaint villages and castles ● Explore Garfagnana and Apuan Alps meadows by mountain bike immersed in unspoilt nature ● Cycle the natural reserve of Lake Massaciuccoli and around Lucca’s medieval walls ● Indulge in the genuine local cuisine and wine Difficulty Rating: 3 – active/moderate (average of 40/50 km cycling per day; max elevation gain 1150 m up-/1150 downhill). Thanks to the use of electric bike the tour is suitable for physically fit, active people but no technical cycling or mountain bike experience is required. Bicycles provided are e-bikes. No regular bikes are available for this itinerary. Accommodation: Twin share - limited single occupancy upon request Arrive: Montecatini Terme on Tuesday, October 11th, 2018 Operator: THAT’S TUSCANY by Versiliana viaggi Dates: October 11th, 2018 - October 14th, 2018 Start Location: Montecatini Terme, Tuscany THAT’S TUSCANY Tel. +39 (0)584 36541 Licence n 49 of 18/4/1996 prov. Lucca a division of Versiliana Viaggi di Vita Toscana Srl Fax +39 (0)584 365430 VAT 01575150469 Via Barsanti-63-65 - 55045 Pietrasanta (LU) - Italy email [email protected] DAY - BY - DAY ITINERARY DAY 1 - 11th October 2018 - The Spa Town of Montecatini Individual arrival at Montecatini and overnight in a 3 star superior hotel. DAY 2 - 12th October 2018 - Cycle back to the Middle Ages Pick-up at your hotel in Montecatini at 08:00 am and meeting with our English-speaking tour leader. A 1 hr 30 drive transfer by motorway will take us to the northern part of Tuscany called Lunigiana, historic area originated from the Roman city of Luni, embraced by the Apennine and Apuan Alps Parks and recognized in 2015 as UNESCO Man & Biosphere Reserve. Meet our qualified local guide and visit to the evocative Romanesque Church of Sorano, important landmark along the pilgrimage route Via Francigena - we are ready to go. Cycling along secondary asphalted roads across quaint medieval villages, we will reach Bagnone, fairytale hilltop borough with its lovely river and enchanting ponte vecchio. We continue uphill as far as its medieval castle and then along a countryside panoramic road across olive groves and fields until our next destination, Licciana Nardi. Stop for a mouthwatering tasting lunch at a local Agriturismo. After lunch we will ride across a lovely countryside road stopping at Virgoletta, medieval hamlet popular for its spring fountains, and Filetto, quaint hamlet of Byzantine origins that preserves the atmosphere of ancient times. One hour transfer will take us to Camaiore, a small medieval town set on the pilgrimage route Via Francigena. Dinner and overnight at Albergo Locanda Le Monache in shared twin rooms. Cycling Distance: 45 Km – Elevation gain: 400m Difficulty: 3 moderate Total transfer time: 2.30 hrs Meals: Breakfast – Lunch at an agriturismo- Dinner at the hotel Overnight in Camaiore at Albergo Locanda Le Monache 3* – Twin shared rooms THAT’S TUSCANY Tel. +39 (0)584 36541 Licence n 49 of 18/4/1996 prov. Lucca a division of Versiliana Viaggi di Vita Toscana Srl Fax +39 (0)584 365430 VAT 01575150469 Via Barsanti-63-65 - 55045 Pietrasanta (LU) - Italy email [email protected] DAY 3 - 13th October 2018 - Apuan Alps meadows and mountain villages by e-mtb Breakfast at the hotel. 08:30 transfer (approx. 1 hr 30) by minivan/minibus to Garfagnana, the so called “greenland” of Northern Tuscany, where we will meet our experienced mtb guide. Hop on our electric mtb and cycle up to 1000m above sea level, as far as the characteristic mountain village of Campocatino at the foot of the Apuan Alps Unesco Geopark. Set in a lovely panoramic meadow originated from a glacial basin and overlooking the emerald Vagli Lake, this cluster of enchanting stone houses formerly used as a refuge by shepherds, is today one of the most stunning places the Garfagnana region. Finely restored it welcomes visitors to breath the atmosphere of ancient times and has been recognised in 1991 as “ Natural Oasis”. Time for lunch at one of the authentic local trattorias to savour its genuine rustic cuisine. On our way back to the medieval fortified town of Castelnuovo, we stop at the splendid Vagli Lake to learn about the secret kept under its emerald waters. Transfer back to your hotel. Cycling Distance: Km 55 – Elevation gain: 1150m uphill /1150m downhill. half on asphalted secondary roads / half of easy dirt roads – no single track. Difficulty : 3 moderate Total transfer time: approx. 3 hrs Meals: Breakfast – Lunch - Dinner at a Pizza Restaurant in Camaiore Overnight in Camaiore at Albergo Locanda Le Monache 3* – Twin shared rooms THAT’S TUSCANY Tel. +39 (0)584 36541 Licence n 49 of 18/4/1996 prov. Lucca a division of Versiliana Viaggi di Vita Toscana Srl Fax +39 (0)584 365430 VAT 01575150469 Via Barsanti-63-65 - 55045 Pietrasanta (LU) - Italy email [email protected] DAY 4 - 14th October 2018 - Massaciuccoli Lake & the charming town of Lucca Breakfast at the hotel. We set off from our hotel in Camaiore at 09.00 towards the Massaciuccoli Lake cycling on up and downhill roads enjoying stunning views either over the Camaiore valley, and the beautiful coastline which runs from the La Spezia Gulf (to the North) as far as Leghorn (to the South). The Massaciuccoli lake with its 2000 sq meters of wetlands is part of a Regional Park and is a LIPU (Italian League for Protection of Birds) natural oasis housing hundreds of bird species. The two main settlements on the lakes are Massaciuccoli - small hamlet of Roman origin, and Torre del Lago - home place and inspiration of the opera composer Giacomo Puccini, that’s why the lake is also known as the “Puccini’s Lake”. We leave our bikes and explore the lake walking on wooden walkways immersed in the lacustrine vegetation, and where the views gaze as far as the majestic backdrop of the Apuan Alps. Funded by the Romans, Massaciuccoli features an important archaeological area, including the ruins of a Villa dating back to the 2nd century AD with panoramic views over the lake as far as the coast. It is located at the feet of an ancient parish Church, amidst olive trees - the ideal place to relax and and enjoy our picnic lunch. We hop back on our bike and cycle along the Puccini cycling trail following the course of the river Serchio, across a flat plain framed by the Monti Pisani, with splendid views over the castles of Nozzano and Ripafratta. Arrival at the charming town of Lucca where we will cycle its 4 km fortified walls. Leave our bike and enjoy some free time to take a stroll or do some shopping, before being transferred to Montecatini (approx. 30 min drive). Cycling Distance: 40 Km – Elevation gain: 300m Difficulty : 3 moderate Total transfer time: approx. 30 min Meals: Breakfast – Picnic lunch THAT’S TUSCANY Tel. +39 (0)584 36541 Licence n 49 of 18/4/1996 prov. Lucca a division of Versiliana Viaggi di Vita Toscana Srl Fax +39 (0)584 365430 VAT 01575150469 Via Barsanti-63-65 - 55045 Pietrasanta (LU) - Italy email [email protected] Accommodation Summary: Day 1 : 4 star Hotel in Montecatini Terme - Twin shared Bedroom (Wi-Fi available throughout hotel) Day 2-3 : Locanda Le Monache - Twin shared bedroom (Wi-Fi available throughout hotel) https://www.thatstuscany.com/hotel/locanda-le-monache/ Route Map: Group Size: 4 - 12 participants Price per person: 4-8 pax 1190,00 per person € 9-12 pax 860,00 per person € Optional Supplements: ● Supplement for DUS 78,00 euro per person /upon request. € ● Luggage storage service: Any luggage not needed during your pre-summit tour can be stored in Montecatini. This service has a cost of 13,00 per person. In case the hotel assigned to you for the Summit will be € different from the one used upon arrival the service also includes the luggage transfer to the new hotel. THAT’S TUSCANY Tel. +39 (0)584 36541 Licence n 49 of 18/4/1996 prov. Lucca a division of Versiliana Viaggi