Prosciutto and Parmesan, Pilgrims and Poets
Guided walking holiday Parma, Tuscany and the Cinque Terre
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Walk the area immortalised by writers and poets over the centuries. Visit beautiful Parma, the undisputed gourmet capital of Emilia Romagna. Walk part of the Via Francigena pilgrim route and discover an untouched area of Tuscany before descending to the Gulf of Poets on the Ligurian coast to explore the quaint villages of the Cinque Terre. Opportunity to hike part of the Cinque Terre coastal path or travel the coast by boat.
What is included?
- 7 nights beautiful accommodation (3 different hotels)
Two experienced and knowledgeable guides who will look after your every need and bring this stunning area to life
- All meals including wine.
- Gourmet picnic lunches each day and snacks en route
- Dinner in a variety of superb restaurants.
- Support vehicle, enabling you to walk as little or as much of the trail as you please
- Transport to/from Bologna (start) and Pisa (end) in air-conditioned minibus
- Comprehensive pre-trip information.
- Luggage transported for you so all you need to carry is a small backpack with water etc.
“Absolutely superb! Cheerful, knowledgeable and professional. Great sense of humour” E. Siviero, New York
Itinerary
In order to minimise transfer time the trip starts in Bologna (served by British Airways to London Gatwick and national carriers) and ends in Pisa from where there are flights to many destinations within Europe. Parma also has a small airport (served by Ryanair and national carriers) and is on a direct train line from Milan, Rome and Florence. Train information
Day 1
Meet Bologna airport (12.15pm) or Parma train station (1.30pm).After a late lunch showcasing the famous cuisine of Parma we visit the cathedral and its fabulous marble baptistery. We continue south to the small town of Berceto with its beautiful Romanesque cathedral. Stay in a friendly family-run hotel in the centre of the town for 2 nights.
Day 2
We visit one of the many Romanesque churches on the pilgrim route and admire its animated stone carvings. Explore a short section of the Via Francigena overlooking the deep valley of the River Baganza. In the afternoon we dip down into the valley, with its extraordinary rock formations, before climbing up to a village on the opposite side. (10.3km/6.5miles)
Day 3
From the Passo della Cisa (1041m) we follow the Via Francigena through beech and chestnut woods, over ancient stone bridges and through charming villages before descending to Pontremoli. We stay in a beautiful agriturismo (with pool) converted from a 16th century hamlet, which overlooks the town. We use this as our base for 3 days whilst exploring the Lunigiana, an untouched part of Tuscany nestled between the Appenines and the Mediterranean. (19km/12miles)
Day 4
Making our way up from a peaceful village, through ancient chestnut groves, we emerge onto open pastures in a magnificent amphitheatre of Apennine peaks. Relaxing afternoon with the opportunity to explore Pontremoli. The town lies in a strategic position on the river Magra and it was an important stopping place on the Via Francigena. The 14th century castle houses a fascinating museum of menhirs found in the Lunigiana. (7.9km/5miles)
Day 5
Starting above Pontremoli we climb up through beautiful open woods and wild moorland, passing an evocative hamlet, to reach a high pass (1363m) with spectacular mountain views on the border of Emilia Romagna. In the afternoon, a leisurely descent through beech woods crossing clear mountain streams to reach a characteristic village. (21km/13.3miles)
Day 6
Enjoy sweeping coastal views as we walk to Fosdinovo where we visit the imposing castle of the Malaspina family. After visiting a small wine producer in the village we descend through vineyards and olive groves, past rustic farms, to the fortified town of Sarzana. Continue to the pretty coastal town of Lerici, once home to Lord Byron, where we stay for two nights in a stunning new hotel with breathtaking sea views. (14.9km/9.4miles)
Day7
Free day with a boat cruise across the Gulf of Poets to the Cinque Terre. Opportunity to walk some of the stunning coastal path, swim or explore the lovely town of Portovenere and the small island of Palmaria.
Day 8
Return to Pisa Airport for 12 o'clock
Extend your trip
The Cinque Terre is one of the best areas in Italy for independent walking. The well-trodden paths are clearly marked and the villages are linked by train and boat. We will provide you with a trail map and suggestions for walking. Contact us for more information.
“Nothing seemed to be too much trouble. Mick’s enthusiasm for Italian food and wine was infectious!” D. Gough, Ireland
Walking
Moderate Walking
Shortest day: 7.9km/5miles
Longest day: 21km/13.3miles
There are 5 days of walking on the trip, totalling 73.1km (46.2 miles), and 1 free day. There is always the opportunity to walk a half-day with van support for those who wish to continue to the hotel earlier. We walk on paved pilgrim trails, farm and woodland tracks and quiet tarmac roads. The region is in the foothills of the Apennines and therefore hilly, but not mountainous. There are some stony descents so sturdy walking boots, with good ankle support, are recommended. Walking poles would be an advantage, especially on steeper sections.
Weather:
Average daily temperature: 13°-25°
Monthly rainfall average:50mm
Hours of sunshine:6½hours/day
Dates:
19th–26th September 2008 (fully booked)
8th-15th May 2009
18th-25th September 2009
Price:
€2095 (currency converter)
Single Supplement €145
The price represents the true cost of your holiday. No hidden extras.
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