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Thursday, 21 May 2015 00:00
Massa to Siena The Francigena Way Section 5
This section of the Via, pass though the best Tuscany area as the Garfagnana and the Chianti. The highlight is made by the wild forest of the Garfagnana at the bottom of the Apuan Alps and the hilly countryside of the Chianti region around Siena, considered internationally one of the most amazing landscape of the world. Following the history discovering ancient archeological site, small medieval villages as Lucca, S. Gimignano and Monteriggioni, and appreciating the local wine. The vineyards compose the Chianti region and all the local economy is devoted to the wine production.
- The wild limestone range of Apuan Alps
- The excellent local wine
Day 1: Arrival in Massa
Arrival in Massa. Overnight stay in B&B in Massa
Day 2: Massa - Pietrasanta (5 hours hiking, +450mt -450mt, 16,5 km)
Walking at the bottom of the incredible Apuan Alps, a mountain excavated since the Romans for the excellent marble. The Mediterranean coast of Versilia is very close to your walk. Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel*** in Pietrasanta. ( B-D)
Day 3: Pietrasanta - Camaiore (5h30 hours hiking, +750mt / -750 mt, 13 km)
Following the "mountain Via Francigena" to reach the small village of St. Anna o Stazzema, an important place for the Second World War, where the view can reach the sea and the Tuscany Island National Park. Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel***in Camaiore. (B-D)
Day 4: Camaiore - Lucca (6h30 hiking, +300mt / -300mt, 26 km)
Passing between vineyards and gardens, small villages and churches built during the XII century, you reach one of the most beautiful Italian towns of art: Lucca. The medieval walls surround the town completely and are perfectly conserved. Dinner not included and overnight in B&B in Lucca. (B)
Day 5: Lucca - Altopascio (4 hours hiking, +90mt / -90mt, 16 km)
In the morning discover the heritage of the town, before leaving for the hike. The landscape has nice shapes and colours , surrounded by fields of wheat and cypress. The arrival into the small fortified village of Altopascio is a dive back into the history: the Tau knights , the oldest order of Europe, founded in Altopascio in the I century. Dinner and overnight stay in B&B in Altopascio. (B-D)
Day 6: Altopascio – San Miniato ( 6 hours hiking , +383 m / -283 m , 23 km )
Today you will follow a lovely trail through woodlands and farmlands with some ups and downs. Along the banks of the Usciana canal, you can cross the ancient swamp that has been drained and go up to the lovely town of Fucecchio. After crossing the Arno, you will come to San Miniato, the once powerful medieval town, today also famous for its white truffles. Dinner not included and overnight stay in San Miniato. (B-D)
Day 7: San Miniato – Gambassi Terme (6 hours hiking, +400 mt -230 mt; 24km)
Joining the vineyards region you reach the amazing church of "Pieve di Coiano" located in Gambassi Terme, an ancient thermal place, used by the pilgrims to rest during their long journey. Dinner not included and overnight in Gambassi Terme (B)
Day 8: Gambassi Terme – Colle Val D'Elsa (7 hours hiking, +624 m / -760 m; 27 km)
San Gimignano astonished hikers due to its high towers rising in the hamlet. It's called the "New York" of the Middle Age...The olives fields will lead you to the village of Colle Val d'Elsa, very famous for the artistic glass production. Dinner and overnight stay in Colle Val d'Elsa. (B-D)
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Day 9: Colle Val d'Elsa – Siena (6h30 hours hiking, +650 m / -477 m ; 25 km)
You are walking in the heart of the Chianti region, that mean vineyards for the excellent local wine, known in all the world. Passing the defensive village of Monteriggioni and its perfect "crown walls". The arrival in the majestic "Piazza del Campo" in Siena, will permit you to appreciate one of the most beautiful artistic towns in Italy.
End of the tour.
In Siena you can book an extra night in hotel (option) or continue walking on the next part of Via Francigena
Note meals: B (Breakfast); L(lunch); D (dinner)
Skill level: medium, 3,30 to 7,00 hours walking each day, well-marked large and paved paths. A prior hiking experience is recommended.
Accommodation: 8 nights in hotel*** or charming B&B , based on twin/triple room with private facilities
Equipment: trekking shoes, wind and water proof jacket, hat and gloves, bathing suit, sun glasses and sun cream.
- Luggage transfer from day 2 to day 9
- Dinners included as described in the program
- 24 hrs Phone Assistance in case of emergency
- Maps, road book and description of the tour
- All lunches (about 5€ for each picnic lunch)
- Dinners not included
- Transfer to the first accommodation in Massa on day 1
- Transfer from Siena to airport or station day 9
- Tourist taxes (about 2€ per day per person)
Highlights:
- Lucca, S. Gimignano, Monteriggioni and Siena and their historical and artistic heritage- The wild limestone range of Apuan Alps
- The excellent local wine
Daily itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in MassaArrival in Massa. Overnight stay in B&B in Massa
Day 2: Massa - Pietrasanta (5 hours hiking, +450mt -450mt, 16,5 km)Walking at the bottom of the incredible Apuan Alps, a mountain excavated since the Romans for the excellent marble. The Mediterranean coast of Versilia is very close to your walk. Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel*** in Pietrasanta. ( B-D)
Day 3: Pietrasanta - Camaiore (5h30 hours hiking, +750mt / -750 mt, 13 km)Following the "mountain Via Francigena" to reach the small village of St. Anna o Stazzema, an important place for the Second World War, where the view can reach the sea and the Tuscany Island National Park. Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel***in Camaiore. (B-D)
Day 4: Camaiore - Lucca (6h30 hiking, +300mt / -300mt, 26 km)Passing between vineyards and gardens, small villages and churches built during the XII century, you reach one of the most beautiful Italian towns of art: Lucca. The medieval walls surround the town completely and are perfectly conserved. Dinner not included and overnight in B&B in Lucca. (B)
Day 5: Lucca - Altopascio (4 hours hiking, +90mt / -90mt, 16 km)In the morning discover the heritage of the town, before leaving for the hike. The landscape has nice shapes and colours , surrounded by fields of wheat and cypress. The arrival into the small fortified village of Altopascio is a dive back into the history: the Tau knights , the oldest order of Europe, founded in Altopascio in the I century. Dinner and overnight stay in B&B in Altopascio. (B-D)
Day 6: Altopascio – San Miniato ( 6 hours hiking , +383 m / -283 m , 23 km )Today you will follow a lovely trail through woodlands and farmlands with some ups and downs. Along the banks of the Usciana canal, you can cross the ancient swamp that has been drained and go up to the lovely town of Fucecchio. After crossing the Arno, you will come to San Miniato, the once powerful medieval town, today also famous for its white truffles. Dinner not included and overnight stay in San Miniato. (B-D)
Day 7: San Miniato – Gambassi Terme (6 hours hiking, +400 mt -230 mt; 24km)Joining the vineyards region you reach the amazing church of "Pieve di Coiano" located in Gambassi Terme, an ancient thermal place, used by the pilgrims to rest during their long journey. Dinner not included and overnight in Gambassi Terme (B)
Day 8: Gambassi Terme – Colle Val D'Elsa (7 hours hiking, +624 m / -760 m; 27 km)San Gimignano astonished hikers due to its high towers rising in the hamlet. It's called the "New York" of the Middle Age...The olives fields will lead you to the village of Colle Val d'Elsa, very famous for the artistic glass production. Dinner and overnight stay in Colle Val d'Elsa. (B-D)
Day 9: Colle Val d'Elsa – Siena (6h30 hours hiking, +650 m / -477 m ; 25 km)You are walking in the heart of the Chianti region, that mean vineyards for the excellent local wine, known in all the world. Passing the defensive village of Monteriggioni and its perfect "crown walls". The arrival in the majestic "Piazza del Campo" in Siena, will permit you to appreciate one of the most beautiful artistic towns in Italy.
End of the tour.
In Siena you can book an extra night in hotel (option) or continue walking on the next part of Via Francigena
Note meals: B (Breakfast); L(lunch); D (dinner)
Skill level: medium, 3,30 to 7,00 hours walking each day, well-marked large and paved paths. A prior hiking experience is recommended.
Accommodation: 8 nights in hotel*** or charming B&B , based on twin/triple room with private facilities
Equipment: trekking shoes, wind and water proof jacket, hat and gloves, bathing suit, sun glasses and sun cream.
Included:
- 8 nights' accommodation with breakfast included- Luggage transfer from day 2 to day 9
- Dinners included as described in the program
- 24 hrs Phone Assistance in case of emergency
- Maps, road book and description of the tour
Not included:
- All kind of beverages and personal items- All lunches (about 5€ for each picnic lunch)
- Dinners not included
- Transfer to the first accommodation in Massa on day 1
- Transfer from Siena to airport or station day 9
- Tourist taxes (about 2€ per day per person)
Published in Pilligrim Way
Thursday, 21 May 2015 00:00
Fornovo to Massa The Francigena Way Section 4
Johann Wolfgang Goethe wrote about the encounter with the Italian range of Apennines in the masterpiece "Journey to Italy": "The Apennines are for me a wonderful piece of creation. The great plain of the Po region follows a chain of mountains which rises from the bottom, to close the continent to the south between two seas. [...] It's such a bizarre tangle of mountain walls, close to each other, which often can't even tell which way the water flows. ». There's no better way to describe the variety of the landscape of this part of the Via. After the Apennines you'll meet the Apuan Alps, famous for the marble mines, used by the Roman Empire for building villas and by Michelangelo and Donatello. From the highest point of the hike you'll see the Mediterranean.
- The old villages of Lunigiana region such as Pontremoli and Sarzana
- The excellent local food and wine
Day 1: Arrival in Fornovo
Individual arrival in Fornovo . Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel*** in Fornovo. Meals (D)
Day 2: Fornovo - Cassio (4h30 / 5 hours hiking, +1030mt -385mt, 20 km)
From Fornovo you enter the Apennine mountain range. The landscape is more hilly and at the distance you can see the high pastures. Passing the "Alpe Bardonis", a very important place for resting and hospitality during the pilgrimage to Rome. The tiny and beautiful village of Cassio on the wild "Val Baganza". Dinner not included and overnight stay in B&B in Cassio. (B)
Day 3: Cassio - Berceto (4 hours hiking, +300mt -200mt, 10 km)
Today you'll reach the highest point of the journey, the "Cisa Pass". On clear days you can see the Mediterranean! Hiking in centenary forest of chestnut and beech, shelter for the wolves and the deer. The small village of Berceto is known for its cathedral of the XII century and its mushroom production. Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel in Berceto. ( B-D)
Day 4: Berceto – Pontremoli (7h30 +1148mt / -1763mt, 28 km)
Leaving the Emilia region entering the Tuscany one, in the first village in Lunigiana. Along your way lovely bridges and villages, built of stone and local wood. Tiny squares, medieval churches and fountains, will take you back in time, breathing a truly pilgrim atmosphere. Located on the banks of the river Magra, Pontremoli offers one of the most beautiful historical centres of Italy and so much culture. Dinner not included and overnight in B&B in Pontremoli.( B)
Day 5: Pontremoli – Aulla (6h30 +519mt / -689mt, 29 km)
Today you will discover the valley of the river Magra. You will pass near by the villages of Villafranca in Lunigiana and Terrarossa. Along the way, many castles of the noble Malaspina family enrich the landscapes. Before reaching Aulla you will pass the abbey of St. Caprasio which dates from the 9th century. Dinner not included and overnight stay in B&B in Aulla ( B)
Day 6: Aulla - Sarzana (6h30 hours hiking, +500mt / -500mt, 18 km)
Aulla was entirely destroyed during the bombing of the Second World War. This village on the shore of the Serchio river, has been proudly rebuilt by its inhabitants. During the hike in the pastures you'll have your first chance to see the amazing Alpi Apuane mountain range. Dinner not included and overnight stay in B&B in Sarzana. ( B)
Day 7: Sarzana - Massa (6 hours hiking, +400mt -400mt, 24 km)
Sarzana gives its celebrity to the marble of the mines in the Apuan Alps. From Michelangelo to Botero, the most important sculptors ever came here to create from the "perfect marble"...Along the hike to the town of Massa, you have the opportunity to visit the ancient Roman port and theatre of Luni. End of the tour
In Massa you can book an extra night in hotel (option) or continue walking on the next part of Via Francigena
Note meals: B (Breakfast); L(lunch); D (dinner)
Skill level: medium, 4,30 to 6h30 hours walking each day, well marked large and paved paths and wooden trails. Prior hiking experience is recommended.
Accommodation: 6 nights in hotel ***/**, and B&B based on twin/triple ensuite room
Equipment: trekking shoes, wind and water proof jacket, hat and gloves, bathing suit, sun glasses and sun cream.
- Luggage transfer from day 2 to day 7
- Dinners included as described in the program
- 24 h Phone Assistance in case of emergency
- Maps, road book and description of the tour
- All lunches (about 5€ for each picnic lunch)
- Dinners not included in the program
- Transfer to the first accommodation in Fornovo on day 1
- Tourist tax where required (about 2€ per day per person)
Highlights:
- The wild Apennines range, the "green heart of Italy"- The old villages of Lunigiana region such as Pontremoli and Sarzana
- The excellent local food and wine
Daily itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in FornovoIndividual arrival in Fornovo . Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel*** in Fornovo. Meals (D)
Day 2: Fornovo - Cassio (4h30 / 5 hours hiking, +1030mt -385mt, 20 km)From Fornovo you enter the Apennine mountain range. The landscape is more hilly and at the distance you can see the high pastures. Passing the "Alpe Bardonis", a very important place for resting and hospitality during the pilgrimage to Rome. The tiny and beautiful village of Cassio on the wild "Val Baganza". Dinner not included and overnight stay in B&B in Cassio. (B)
Day 3: Cassio - Berceto (4 hours hiking, +300mt -200mt, 10 km)Today you'll reach the highest point of the journey, the "Cisa Pass". On clear days you can see the Mediterranean! Hiking in centenary forest of chestnut and beech, shelter for the wolves and the deer. The small village of Berceto is known for its cathedral of the XII century and its mushroom production. Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel in Berceto. ( B-D)
Day 4: Berceto – Pontremoli (7h30 +1148mt / -1763mt, 28 km)Leaving the Emilia region entering the Tuscany one, in the first village in Lunigiana. Along your way lovely bridges and villages, built of stone and local wood. Tiny squares, medieval churches and fountains, will take you back in time, breathing a truly pilgrim atmosphere. Located on the banks of the river Magra, Pontremoli offers one of the most beautiful historical centres of Italy and so much culture. Dinner not included and overnight in B&B in Pontremoli.( B)
Day 5: Pontremoli – Aulla (6h30 +519mt / -689mt, 29 km)Today you will discover the valley of the river Magra. You will pass near by the villages of Villafranca in Lunigiana and Terrarossa. Along the way, many castles of the noble Malaspina family enrich the landscapes. Before reaching Aulla you will pass the abbey of St. Caprasio which dates from the 9th century. Dinner not included and overnight stay in B&B in Aulla ( B)
Day 6: Aulla - Sarzana (6h30 hours hiking, +500mt / -500mt, 18 km)Aulla was entirely destroyed during the bombing of the Second World War. This village on the shore of the Serchio river, has been proudly rebuilt by its inhabitants. During the hike in the pastures you'll have your first chance to see the amazing Alpi Apuane mountain range. Dinner not included and overnight stay in B&B in Sarzana. ( B)
Day 7: Sarzana - Massa (6 hours hiking, +400mt -400mt, 24 km)Sarzana gives its celebrity to the marble of the mines in the Apuan Alps. From Michelangelo to Botero, the most important sculptors ever came here to create from the "perfect marble"...Along the hike to the town of Massa, you have the opportunity to visit the ancient Roman port and theatre of Luni. End of the tour
In Massa you can book an extra night in hotel (option) or continue walking on the next part of Via Francigena
Note meals: B (Breakfast); L(lunch); D (dinner)
Skill level: medium, 4,30 to 6h30 hours walking each day, well marked large and paved paths and wooden trails. Prior hiking experience is recommended.
Accommodation: 6 nights in hotel ***/**, and B&B based on twin/triple ensuite room
Equipment: trekking shoes, wind and water proof jacket, hat and gloves, bathing suit, sun glasses and sun cream.
Included:
- 6 nights' accommodation with B&B treatment- Luggage transfer from day 2 to day 7
- Dinners included as described in the program
- 24 h Phone Assistance in case of emergency
- Maps, road book and description of the tour
Not included:
- All kind of beverages and personal items- All lunches (about 5€ for each picnic lunch)
- Dinners not included in the program
- Transfer to the first accommodation in Fornovo on day 1
- Tourist tax where required (about 2€ per day per person)
Published in Pilligrim Way