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Best Time of Year: March - October
Tuscany 3 Peaks
Trek Adventure
So you've trekked the UK’s Three Peaks...now get ready for the Italian, slightly warmer, and more cultured version. This part of Tuscany is truly an undiscovered gem and is well worth a visit, so why not take up this challenge while you're there. This version of the three peaks has just as much excitement, a good level of physical exertion, and a certain Italian flair!
The mountains are stunning limestone, and range from plunging valleys with tumbling rivers to soaring peaks of 1709m & 1858m. The twin mountains of Pania della Secca and Pania della Croce. Our route is 2 and a half days, and visiting the stunning natural stone archway of Monte Forato. We shall camp high in the mountains for one of our nights – in a quintessentially Italian ‘Rifugio’, and this will give us a headstart into our challenge the following day. We’ll be crossing exposed ridges, and scaling high peaks (Monte Forato(1208m), Pania della Croce (1858m), and Pania Secca(1709m)). Get ready for an awesome adventure!
Itinerary
Day 1 - Fly from London early, expected arrival approx 10am local time. Arrive at Fornovolasco by approx 12pm for lunch and to arrange equipment. Begin climb to the high ridge, and then along to the Stone Archway and Monte Forato before descending back to Fornovolasco.
Day 2 - The next morning we shall climb direct up to Pania della Croce at 1858m and then down to Rifugio Rossi with hopefully stunning views to the Med, to the tiny villages nestled below us, and to other distant peaks.
Day 3 - From our refuge we shall head up to the final peak of Pania Secca to then make our descent late in the afternoon back to our welcoming hosts back in the unique village of Fornovolasco.
Day 4 - Transfer to Pisa for sightseeing. Fly home to London.
Accommodation
Simple B&B style, with shared bathrooms – quaint mountain village location beside burbling river. Also – good mountain refuge, with food available. – Bedding available on both nights – but please either bring a lightweight sleeping bag or a sleeping bag liner. The less you carry the more enjoyable the 2 day expedition into the mountains will be…
What is a Level 3.0 Trekking Challenge Like?
These challenges are either longer, higher, or span several days. In the case of single day events, you can expect up to 9 hours trekking. In the case of a multi day trek, you can expect a lower daily duration, but of course the effort is sustained over a longer period. You need to be keen on physical exercise for these events, and to enjoy taking exercise, and do it regularly. Longer duration long haul treks are likely to be easier in terms of the physical walking, however you will need to be more resilient, due to simple living conditions. UK single day or weekend level 3 treks are suited to walkers and trekkers with some previous history of upland walking or alternatively a good amount of lowland training behind them.
How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 3.0 ‘Trek’?
You need to have good endurance for these events. You must be used to doing very long walks in the countryside; 7 hours plus . You should be doing regular exercise, possibly with some running. Your running speed will be fairly steady; nothing too fast, and you should be able to run a minimum of 4 miles. If you do not run, you should be concentrating on other types of exercise but for longer periods of time (i.e. sessions in excess of 1.5 hrs). These other forms of exercise should be at a moderate to high level. e.g. spinning, circuits, swimming, or other sports.
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 are a non-EU citizen and require further information please don't hesitate to contact the Café.
Included In Trip
Transfers in Italy, Accommodation, Breakfasts, Guiding,Experienced, Qualified & First-Aid Trained Leader
Excluded From Trip
Lunches, Dinners, Bar bills (all very reasonably priced in Northern Tuscany), Flights.
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
Snow lingers around in the mountains until late spring, and the weather can be unpredictable in early spring – but come late spring early summer, it starts to stabilise, with sunny days, and hot temperatures in the summer. We recommend early summer or early autumn, as days are fine, but not too hot. Temperatures in the valley range from hot at midday to cool at night. Remember though that you could experience virtually the full range of weather – as this is a true mountain expedition.
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
By booking an event with Adventure Cafe, you agree to these standard terms of booking. Please ensure that you read the appropriate document for your type of event carefully.
Adventure Cafe Terms & Conditions - For all types of event
To Reserve Your Space on this Challenge
You should fill in the Google Form - linked here below, and then please call us on 01823 444 246 to advise of your payment method. We can accept card payments over the phone, or Bank Transfer.
Please note that your space is not confirmed until you have received your booking receipt.
CLICK HERE:
Adventure Cafe Challenge Booking Form - For Challenge Events