Difficulty:

Outdoor excursions in Lucca and Surrounding Areas Touring and Adventure: Unique Itineraries to Rediscover Nature

This is an easy ride on a gravel bike path that runs alongside the aqueduct of Nottolini. You’ll reach a place called “Words of Gold.” This is the area where water was captured to provide for the town. Running water is the thread of this trip. After riding the river park path, we complete the visit to the city of Lucca along the Renaissance walls.
PACKED LUNCH.
DIFFICULTIES: MC – 8 Km; no drop
BEAUTY: ****
PRICE: € 25,00
Confirmed by 12:00 the previous day
MEETING: Lucca Railway Station, 8:30DEPARTURE: Lucca Railway Station, 9:00
HOURS OF EXPECTED RETURN: 17:00
EQUIPMENT: Mountain Bike or City Bike, shorts, wind breaker jacket, helmet, bagged lunch, bottled water or isotonic drinks, and anything else necessary for a bike trip.
OPTIONAL: Bike Rental

Tuesday – Orecchiella Park

This is the Kingdom of the Wolf and Golden Eagle. Wild sheep live in the area. You’ll climb the Pania of Corfino, the mountain that is the heart of the Tuscan Emilian Apennines. You’ll discover the wild nature of the Orecchiella State Reserve along its most secret path. PACKED LUNCH.
DIFFICULTIES: E – 400m altitude, 4 hour walk
BEAUTY:***
PRICE: € 25,00
Confirmed by 12:00 the previous day
MEETING: Castelnuovo Railway Station, 8:00DEPARTURE: Orecchiella Visitor Centre (Park) 9:00
HOURS OF EXPECTED RETURN: 17:00
HAVE: Shoes or trekking boots, fleece or pile, waterproof jacket, backpack with bagged lunch, bottled water or isotonic drinks, energy bars, and anything else necessary for hiking in the mountains.
OPTIONAL: Entrance to the Visitors Centre, Bear Pits.

Wednesday – Garfagnana, Flavours, and Ancient Crafts

You’ll visit the dairy where the typical Pecorino cheese of Garfagnana is produced. You’ll also see the old water mill where the Formenton 8 row is ground. This original corn imported from Garfagnana is the famous ingredient for tasty polenta.
THIS EXCURSION REQUIRES DRIVING.
DIFFICULTIES: This is an excursion for everyone.
BEAUTY: ***PRICE: € 15,00
Confirmed by 12:00 the previous day
MEETING: Castelnuovo railway station, 8:00
DEPARTURE: With your own car from Castelnuovo, 8:00
HOURS OF EXPECTED RETURN: 12:00
HAVE: Your own car.
OPTIONAL: Laboratory produced cheese tasting with honey, Garfagnana (10,00 € / pax.).

Wednesday – Introduction to Nordic Walking, Garfagnana
Over the past 10 years the sport of Nordic Walking has had the highest growth rate worldwide! Born in the’30s as summer training for cross-country skiing in Finland, today it is sweeping across the world. Come find out why it is so popular with a qualified ANWI instructor. You’ll enjoy all the benefits you derive from Nordic Walking.
DIFFICULTIES: This is a sport for everyone.
BEAUTY: ***
PRICE: € 20,00
Confirmed by 12:00 the previous day
MEETING: Castelnuovo railway station, 15:00DEPARTURE: Fortress of Mont’Alfonso, 15:30
HOURS OF EXPECTED RETURN: 17.00
HAVE: Walking/running shoes, sports clothes.
RENTAL OF NORDIC WALKING POLES IS INCLUDED.
OPTIONAL: Eating at the fortress.

Thursday – Botri Gorge (Orrido di Botri)
Travel into the fascinating gorges of the most famous canyon of Tuscany. This restricted wilderness area is a Zone of Special Protection and Site of UE Importance according to Tuscan Law. You’ll walk between steep slopes and inaccessible walls. The home of the golden eagle is along the river bed in the imposing and rugged gorge of limestone.
DIFFICULTIES: E – 100m altitude, 3 hours walk (bathing excursion)
BEAUTY:****
PRICE: € 25,00
Confirmed by 12:00 the previous day
MEETING: Railway station in Bagni di Lucca, 8:00DEPARTURE: Loc Ponte a Gaio (entrance of the gorge), 9.00
HOURS OF EXPECTED RETURN: 12.30
HAVE: Shoes or trekking boots, fleece or pile, waterproof jacket, backpack with bottled water, dry change of clothes to leave by the car. A TOUR IS ALSO CONDUCTED IN THE WATER.
Helmet rental is included and mandatory.
OPTIONAL: A break in Ponte a Gaio.

Thursday – The Chestnut Tree and the Ancient Crafts of Val Pedogna
Pedogna is a tributary of the river Serchio. Its valley is developed in the lowest parts of Apuane, and the economy has always seen the chestnut as a central hub. You’ll journey to discover “the tree of bread,” as the chestnut is nicknamed. You’ll walk along a dedicated path of history, culture, and related activities.You can also visit an ancient iron factory that is famous for its water hammer.
DIFFICULTIES: This is an excursion for everyone,100m altitude, 1 hours walk
BEAUTY:***
PRICE: € 15,00, Confirmed by 12:00 the previous day
MEETING: Diecimo Railway Station, 14:30
DEPARTURE: Colognora of Pescaglia, 15:00
HOURS OF EXPECTED RETURN: 19:00
HAVE: Car, shoes suitable for walking in the woods along muddy roads, a waterproof jacket, and a water bottle.
OPTIONAL: Visit to the Chestnuts Museum (3,00 € / pers.)

Friday – Apuan Alps, Pania della Croce

This excursion is to the mountain “Pania della Croce.” Even if it’s not the highest, it is surely the Queen of the Apuan Alps. This is an area rich in plant and animal life. It is a land of marble and remarkable alpine climbing adventures. The tour aims to reach the “Rossi,” a typical example of a mountainous refuge. Optional: It is usually possible to ascend to the summit.
PACKED LUNCH.
DIFFICULTIES: E – EE the peak elevation level is
600m, 5 hours walking
BEAUTY:***
PRICE: € 25,00, confirmed by 12:00 the previous day
MEETING: Gallicano Railway Station, 8.00
DEPARTURE: Piglionico loc. 9:00
HOURS OF EXPECTED RETURN: 18:00
HAVE: Shoes or trekking boots, fleece or pile, waterproof jacket, backpack with bagged lunch, bottled water or isotonic drinks, energy bars, and anything else necessary for hiking in the mountains.
OPTIONAL: Eating at CAI Enrico Rossi.
Saturday – The Hills of Lucca, the Village of Camellias

“S. Andrea di Compito” is the village where Lucca’s annual exhibition of ancient camellias is held. This is a famous event that attracts visitors from all over the world. Take a relaxing walk in the ancient village. Discover its gardens, rich waters, mysteries, and its famous Cammelietum – the botanical garden of Camellias.
DIFFICULTIES: This is an excursion for everyone. 100 m. altitude, 2 hours walk.
BEAUTY:
PRICE: € 20,00, confirmed by 12:00 the previous day
MEETING: Lucca Railway Station, 8:00DEPARTURE: S. Andrea of Task (c/o Cultural Centre), 9:00
HOURS OF EXPECTED RETURN: 12:00
HAVE: Walking shoes, waterproof jacket, water bottle.
OPTIONAL: Visit to the Tea Plantation (price to be agreed upon).
Saturday – Monte Pisano. Night excursion with Stellar Observations
Enjoy a guided night time excursion with star-gazing at the new observatory on Monte Pisano. The observatory is under construction by the municipality of Capannori. This is a relaxing night time excursion to observe the spectacular view of the stars. The tour is absolutely fascinating.
NIGHT EXCURSION: HEADLIGHTS RECOMMENDED.
DIFFICULTIES: E – 150 m. altitude, 1 hour walk
BEAUTY:***
PRICE: € 25,00, confirmed by 12:00 the previous day
MEETING: Lucca Railway Station, 18:30
DEPARTURE: Vorno (c/o ostello), 19:00
HOURS OF EXPECTED RETURN: 24:00
HAVE: Shoes or hiking Boots, waterproof jacket, sweatshirt or fleece sweater, binoculars, headlamp.
Sunday – Sunset on Lake Massaciuccoli
Hike or kayak between the marshy lands of the hinterland of Versilia. Follow the paths on the waters of Lake Massaciuccoli that were made famous by the celebrated musician, Giacomo Puccini from Lucca.In the late hours of the sunset there are strong contrasts of light. This creates an ideal setting to observe the flora and fauna at the oasis LIPU. There is also an opportunity to drink in a typical restaurant near the lake: “La Taverna del Lago”.
DIFFICULTIES: This is an excursion for everyone.
BEAUTY:***
PRICE: € 30,00
Confirmed by 12:00 the previous day.
MEETING: Lucca Railway Station, 17:00
DEPARTURE: Massaciuccoli (bird LIPU), 18:00
HOURS OF EXPECTED RETURN: 22:00
HAVE: Clothing, waterproof jacket, sweatshirt or fleece shirt, binoculars, headlamp.
KAYAK RENTAL INCLUDED.
OPTIONAL: Aperitif and snacks on the lake. (10,00 € / pax)

Sunday Introduction to Nordic Walking, Lucca
Over the past 10 years the sport of Nordic Walking has had the highest growth rate worldwide! Born in the’30s as summer training for cross-country skiing in Finland, today it is sweeping across the world. Come find out why it is so popular with a qualified ANWI instructor. You’ll enjoy all the benefits you derive from Nordic Walking.
DIFFICULTIES: This is a sport for everyone.
BEAUTY:***
PRICE: € 20,00
Confirmed by 12:00 the previous dayMEETING: Lucca Railway Station, 10.00
DEPARTURE: Lucca – Bastion of S. Colombano 10:30
HOURS OF EXPECTED RETURN: 12:00
HAVE: shoes for walking, running, or gymnastics; sport or recreational clothing.
RENTAL OF NORDIC WALKING POLES IS INCLUDED.