Tuscan Mountains Adventure

Itinerary

Day 1
Depart London Stanstead on an early morning flight to Pisa
Arrive Pisa and drive straight to accommodation taking time to stop at the Ponte Del Diavolo (Devils Bridge) for lunch before arriving at Fornovolasco
Leave all equipment except our basic day walking equipment at our valley lodge.
Depart into Mountains for brief orientation trek up to the Mountain Ridge.
Return to the Valley for our evening meal and overnight at lodge.

Day 2
Trek up to the Col beneath the high Peaks—Foce di Valli in time for lunch
Continue onwards to the Rifugio—leaving most equipment at the refuge before heading out to scale Pania Secca (providing we have good weather) (1790m)

Day 3
Climb Pania Della Croce(1820m) before returning down to the Valley for an evening’s relaxation
Evening Meal in the Rifugio della Buca with our hosts once again. Time to really relax and if anyone has any energy it’s party time!

Day 4
Chilled Out Morning – possible lunchtime visit to Barga
Then return to Pisa to explore the scenic city and its famous structure, the leaning tower.
Return hire cars back to the airport allowing 2 hours for check in before boarding and flying back to the UK.

Accommodation

We shall stay in the stunning village of Fornovolasco for 2 nights. Quintessentially rural Tuscany, red roofs tumble down the mountainside into the village square, where the locals congregate each day to cqatch up on the lastest village gossip. Your rooms in Rifugio La Buca are simple, clean and full of character. Bathroom facilities are again simple—but the water in the shower is piping hot, and the view from the bathroom is fantastic. In the mountains the Rifugio are again fairly straightforward. Food is prepared for us (both dinner and breakfast) and bunk beds are clean. You need to bring your own sleeping bag for this part of the trip—although a simple lightweight bag will suffice (2-3 season). There are no showers at the mountain refuge.

What is a Level 2.5 Trekking Challenge Like?

For this type of challenge - you can expect either distance (up to 12 or 15 miles), or altitude gain - around 1000m. But not both! If you climb, then the distance will be less, if you cover the distance, then the altitude gain will be little. Typically conditions underfoot will be good - although there are exceptions to this. If you encounter rough conditions underfoot, then the distance / altitude will be reduced. These events would suit someone of good all round fitness, who takes exercise regularly - without neccessarily being of high fitness.

How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 2.5 ‘Trek’ ?

You must be active and with moderate fitness level. You should be taking regular exercise, consisting of regular walks and possibly other sports (swimming / football etc.) You should be comfortable in undertaking long country walks of up to 7+ hours or 15+ miles in the lowland English countryside.

Medical Issues

Please note, it is extremely important for this physical challenge that you are in good health. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, please consider carefully whether you should be joining the challenge. Please ensure you fill in the booking form accurately and honestly, this is important. In the case of serious conditions (epilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions, recent illness or operations), please discuss the challenge with your GP. Please also ensure you notify us of any allergies or similar.

You should be used to walking reasonable distances each day to contemplate this trek. It requires stamina and good aerobic fitness - but good willpower will also come in handy! Failure to disclose medical conditions is a serious omission - that could have serious repercussions on any of our challenges.

Visas / Redtape

When travelling abroad you may require a Visa. Please check the Travcour website (www.travcour.com) for up to date Visa information. Here they can advise you on the best action to take. If you require further information please don't hesitate to contact the Café.

Included In Trip

Hire Car/Transfer, 1 nights in the High Mountain Rifugio, 2 night B&B in Fornovolasco, Guided Walking.

Excluded From Trip

International Airfares - please ask if you require assistance with flights and we should be able to offer well priced flights with good connections. Excludes transfers in UK to airport (Lift Share may be available – expect to share costs on Parking at Air

Equipment Required

Medikit
Water Purification Tablets, Suncream, Blister Repair Kit
Plasters, Vaseline, Rehydration Salts
Painkillers, Sunbloc, Insect Repellant

Washkit
Pack Towel (lifesystems recommended), Soap (small bar)
Shampoo (not a full size bottle!)
Toothbrush, Toothpaste (small size)

Hill Walking Items
Sleeping Bag - 2/3 season rated to 0° C comfort rating or sleeping bag liner (silk or cotton)
Medium Sized Rucksack - lined with waterproof bags
Rucksack Liner(s) / Plastic Liner(s) for Rucksack
Bladder System (highly recommended - or other water bottles e.g. exercise bottle/Nalgene bottle)
Walking Poles (highly recommended)
Sun Hat (wide brimmed), Neck Scarf
Snack Foods - we recommend good slow burning items - nuts, dried fruit, cereal bars etc.

Warm Clothing
Lightweight Fleece, Medium Weight Fleece, Lightweight Gloves
Heavy Gloves (mitten type recommended), Fleece Hat

Trek Clothing
Long Cotton Trekking Trousers, 1 Pair Tracksuit Bottoms
Comfortable Trekking Shirts (long/short sleeved)
Walking Boots (broken in with ankle protection)
Walking Socks, Liner Socks
Underwear, 1 Change of Casual Evening Wear

Waterproofs
Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (Gore-tex, E-vent)
Outer Waterproof Bottoms

Other
Toilet Roll / Pack of Travel Tissues, Spare Lace
Camera, Film / Memory Card / Spare Battery
Travel Documents, EHIC Travel Card
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Passport
Wallet, Credit Cards, Cash
Sunglasses, Spare Comfortable Shoes
Penknife, Mobile Phone (packed in a plastic bag deep inside your day pack!)
Emergency Rations (energy foods - for the tough days on trek)
Head Torch with spare batteries and bulb

Kit Hire

It is possible to hire equipment via our specialist kit hire providers Outdoor Hire Ltd. We have negotiated a 10% discount for all our mountain challengers.

Weather

Mixed - Expect Anything!

Notes on Trekking Events

Trek the Mountains of the World with Adventure Cafe, and our fantastic team of qualified leaders. From the UK, to the Alps, Pyrenees, Atlas Mountains, Himalayas and even Kilimanjaro. Put our International Mountain Leaders to the test! Check.

Adventure Cafe Booking Terms and Conditions

To Reserve Your Space on this Challenge