farfalle in cammino HIKING & CYCLING TOURS

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1 HIKING & CYCLING TOURS APUAN ALPS Discover the Vinca valley: a village in the Eastern Apuan Alps Under the south-east mountain side of Pizzo d Uccello, the sunny village of Vinca welcomes you, surrounded by the mountains Pizzo d Uccello, Grondilice and Sagro, between peaks, pinnacles, pastures and woods. Passing through the village you will learn history and traditions of this mountain hamlet: sheep farming, marble, chestnuts, its famous bread and its sad massacre dating back to the Second World War. Just outside the village stand chestnut woods symbolizing the economic strength of the past times, paths between raspberries and white limestone up to the Garnerone refuge. From here, we will walk through fir trees reforestation up to Foce Rasori, where you will enjoy a beautiful lookout. After lunch, on the way back we will pass through pastures, walking up Passo del Giovo with views on the Serenaia Valley, before descending back to Vinca. Difficulty: E (hiking)* Duration: All day Monte Sagro marble quarries The Apuan Alps marble quarries which have made Carrara famous worldwide since ancient times, are also an open air museum showing the man s work and, unfortunately, an irreparable wound in the landscape of this Regional Park. Walking an easy path starting from Rifugio Carrara and passing through beech woods and blossoming orchids and daffodils (in Spring), we will get to Prati di Campocecina, where you will enjoy a wonderful view on the marble quarries and the coast. Walking around the base of Monte Borla, protected by an European project for environmental preservation, we will get to the quarries at the foot of Monte Sagro, sacred for the ancient Ligurian-Apuan population and today museum of the endless mining.

2 Difficulty: E- (hiking) Duration: All day Eastern Lunigiana from the Aquila Castle to Equi Terme We leave from the medieval village of Gragnola (160m) and walk up the hill which dominates the view. The Lucido stream joins the River Aulella, creating an important meeting point for trade in the Middle Ages. A short uphill stretch brings us to the walls of the castle (318m), recently renovated thanks to its new owner, who will tell us about its history and the discoveries made during the excavations and restoration. We leave the castle and walk through woods and the surrounding countryside until we get to the thermal centre at Equi Terme (284m), at the foot of the north face of M. Pizzo d Uccello, the most imposing peak in the Apuan Alps. During this walk, you ll be captivated by the mountain peaks and the villages below, set like jewels in the hills of the Lucido Valley. To return to Gragnola, we take the train on the little local railway line so we can help the environment and keep a local enterprise in use which fits in well with our historicalenvironmental day out in this part of Lunigiana. Guided tours available at the Aquila Castle and/or of the Equi Caves. Difficulty: T Departure point: Gragnola Arrival point: Equi Terme

3 TUSCAN-EMILIAN APENNINES Prati di Logarghena Filattiera hamlet and Pieve di Sorano This excursion will give you a general overview of the natural and human environment of Lunigiana, with splendid views on the River Magra valley from Logarghena, a plateau protected for its biodiversity, situated at the foot of Monte Orsaro. We will then visit Filattiera, a Byzantine hamlet and its ancient rural church of Sorano, where it has been found a statua stele, which is an anthropoid figure sculpted on stone by the population living in this area during the Neolithic era, - today symbol of Lunigiana. Nature, biodiversity, environmental and rural issues, medieval architecture, Christian places and pagan idols, all in one day! Difficulty: T Duration: All day Comments: this is an easy excursion with no particular difficulties. Though you can wear normal sport shoes, we suggest that you wear trekking shoes especially for the walk in Logarghena. Bagnone - Iera and Tornini mountain pastures Environmental excursion immersed in the Apennines National Park. We depart from the village of Iera directed to the old mountain huts, recently restored thanks to European funding and available for stops and accommodation. The guide will explain the man-environment relation of this side of the Apennines and its socioeconomic issues. Depending on the fitness of the group it will be possible to reach the peak and understand more deeply the morphological features and the human impact on this territory.

4 Indeed, the chestnut woods, rivers, pastures and hamlets will give us the opportunity to learn not only the natural features of this area but also the impact of the human work. We will try to analyse a possible new interaction between these two actors who could use positively the potential of this territory, currently mostly abandoned. It is also possible to stop for the night in huts equipped with heater and photovoltaic panels for electricity. Difficulty: E, E+ (Hiking) Duration: all day Prati di Logarghena Bocchetta del Monte Orsaro (1730 m slm) The excursion, that requires determination and good knowledge of the mountain, is in the Lunigiana area of the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano (Tuscan-Emilian Apennines) and on clear days the view extends from Corsica, through the Gulf of La Spezia, the Apuan Alps up to the Po Valley. The route progresses between Pontremoli and Filattiera, entering partly in the National Park of the Tuscan Emilian Apennines, especially by the Prati di Logarghena (Logarghena Meadows), the starting point. During the Spring the white daffodils here whiten the meadows, offering a spectacular view. On the first Sunday of May the "Daffodil Festival" takes place, drawing many hikers and the sky fills with kites. As the daffodils are protected flowers the picking of them is forbidden. Difficulty: E+ (hiking) Duration: All day

5 The Via Francigena from the Cisa Pass to Pontremoli A country walk on the old pilgrim route through the countryside, woods and villages, with wonderful views of the Apennines. It gives you a real feel for the natural environment, history and traditions of Lunigiana, and the incredible variety of the local landscape. From the Righetto Pass (968m) just below M. Cisa, we walk back to Pontremoli (338m) through the D Antena Valley and the villages of Cavezzana, Groppoli, Groppodalosio, Casalina and Arzengio. Difficulty: E- Departure point: Righetto pass (just below the Cisa) Arrival point: Pontremoli Duration: All day Via degli Abati (Lago Verde- Farfarà Waterfall) This walk gives you the possibility to discover natural beauties and historical sites, being the water the key element of the route. The trail winds along a stretch of the Via degli Abati (Abbots Way), a Medieval route that the religious men of the Monastery of San Colombano of Bobbio used to reach Rome. That road joined, by Pontremoli, the most famous Via Francigena. In addition to its historical value, this ancient road is nowadays of considerable importance from a sport perspective. Along its 125 km, a tough mountain race - the Abbots Way - takes place during the spring for top physical well-trained runners. During our walk we arrive at Lago Verde (Green Lake) at 1049 m a.s.l. passing through chestnut, oak and beech woods with small barns, some in good condition others long abandoned, which were used when chestnuts provided an income to the locals. The lake is an ideal place for a short break before resuming the walk. Afterwards we arrive at the Farfarà waterfall, the most interesting waterfall of the whole area with a drop of 40 meters. If the weather is good it is a pleasure to refresh in clear water!

6 Difficulty: E (hiking) Duration: All day * T = Tourist Walks on well-signed roads, paths or mule tracks, which are also suitable for beginners. E = Excursionist (hiking): Walking on more difficult paths and sometimes off them, involving cross-country rambling sometimes without signing and for longer periods. At times the paths will be exposed but will be protected or have handrails. Requires a minimum of experience and fitness. EE = Expert Excursionist Walking on difficult paths over difficult terrain that may include short stretches of rocky ground, snowfields, open slopes without any reference points and some easy rock climbing. Requires mountain experience and knowledge of the alpine environment. Must be well equipped and have an adequate level of fitness.

7 Mountain biking at the foot of the Apennines Lenght: 37 Km (23 miles) Duration: half day Altitude: min. 236 (Pontremoli) max (Rifugio Mattei) Road condition: asphalt and dirt roads Bike: mountain bike Difficulty: medium-hard Departure: Pontremoli Arrival: Pontremoli A loop itinerary of approx. 40Km riding along asphalt roads, ancient paths and mule tracks from Pontremoli (236 m above sea level) until the foot of the Apennines. During this excursion we will pass through different hamlets, woods as well as open and sunny roads where you can enjoy beautiful views of Lunigiana. We will ride asphalt roads, dirt roads and over different grounds also on tree roots and stones. For the return road there are different options according to your ability and your desire of adrenaline. (Refuge in the Apennines) We leave Pontremoli on the road SS62 in the direction of Parma and we get to the village of Mignegno. Here the road gets to a junction that meets on the right with the provincial road SP42 to Cirone Pass. From here we ride a up and down road getting to the village of Molinello. Following the directions to Cirone Pass we find a junction on the right to Logarghena. We pass through the villages of Versola, Toplecca di Sotto, Toplecca di Sopra and La Piagna where the asphalt road turns into a dirt road. The slope of the road increases and after 4 Km at the junction with the Rifugio Enrico Mattei, where the fountain is, we take left to get to the refuge,

8 where we can enjoy beautiful views over the Magra Valley. On our way back we ride the same road until the fountain, where we take left up to the asphalt road. Downhill we get to Serravalle and after 2,2 Km to Caprio. We then continue always downhill up to the villages of Ponticello and Scorcetoli until we cross again the main road SS62 which takes us North to Pontremoli. Map

9 Across Upper Lunigiana Length : 37 Km (23 miles) Duration: half day (arrival at Aulla) full day (return to Pontremoli) Altitude : min. 50 m asl (Aulla) max. 380 m asl (Castiglione del Terziere) Road condition : asphalt Bike : with gears Difficulty: medium Departure :Pontremoli Arrival : Aulla or Pontremoli An ideal itinerary for mountain bikes along secondary roads, with little traffic and exciting uphill and downhill roads. We depart from the historical centre of Pontremoli to discover ancient hamlets, castles and Romanesque churches along the left bank of the Magra River. We will ride quietly on asphalt roads, away from the hectic traffic passing by medieval castles (Pontremoli, Bagnone, Malgrate, Castiglione del Terziere, Monti di Licciana), Romanesque churches (Pieve di Sorano) and beautiful hamlets until we get to the town of Aulla. From here there are two possibilities for those interested in continuing their ride: getting to the Tyrrhenian Sea, around 15 Km far, along fascinating secondary roads or riding uphill to conquer the Apennines Pass, around 1000 m of altitude. Itinerary: Pontremoli Ponticello (Filattiera) Caprio (Filattiera) Filattiera Mocrone (Villafranca) Malgrate (Villafranca) Bagnone Castiglione del Terziere (Bagnone) Merizzo (Vilaffranca) Amola (Licciana Nardi) Monti di Licciana Nardi - Aulla

10 Malgrate hamlet and castle We leave Pontremoli on the road SS62 in the South direction, we pass by the Church and Monastery of SS Annunziata and we continue to Scorcetoli where we take left to Ponticello. The road starts to go uphill, we ride over a charming stone bridge and pass through the village of Ponticello with its characteristic tower-houses. We then continue on to the hamlet of Caprio where we take right in the direction of Filattiera. We ride a short part of road (uphill and downhill) across the woods to get to the hamlet of Filattiera with its fascinating castle. From here we descend again on the main road SS62 and we continue on to Villafranca in Lunigiana. Before getting to this town we take the junction to Bagnone passing by the villages of Mocrone and Malgrate. In Bagnone we pass through its main square with porticos and we ride up to the castle. From here we continue on to Castiglione del Terziere with its beautiful castle and then we head to Monti di Licciana Nardi along a panoramic countryside road. At the crossroads in Monti, we take in the direction of Aulla. Highlights: Historical centre of Pontremoli (medieval castle, Baroque palazzo..) Ponticello (medieval tower-houses) Filattiera (Pieve of Sorano - Romanesque Church along the Via Francigena, ancient pilgrim path) Malgrate (medieval castle) Bagnone (historical centre and castle) Castiglione del Terziere (medieval castle)

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12 Holy Face Way Length: 58 Km Duration: 4 hrs 1/2 5hrs Altitude: min. 120 (Villafranca L.) max. 500 Road condition: asphalt Bike: with gears Difficulty: hard Departure: Villafranca Lunigiana Arrival: Equi Terme Notes: Due to its length and difficulty it is required to be a confident cyclist. An exciting itinerary crossing all Lunigiana as far as its eastern border with Garfagnana and the Province of Lucca, from the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines to the shade of the Apuan Alps peaks, discovering the many features which make this area a unique place. Itinerary: Villafranca Lunigiana - Merizzo (Villafranca) Amola (Licciana Nardi) Monti di Licciana Nardi Pontebosio (Licciana Nardi) Magliano (Fivizzano) Agnino (Fivizzano) Posara (Fivizzano) Fivizzano Terenzano (Fivizzano) Luscignano (Casola in Lunigiana) Casola in Lunigiana Codiponte (Casola in Lunigiana) Mezzana - Monte dei Banchi (Fivizzano) Rqui Terme (Casola in Lunigiana) From Villafranca in Lunigiana we take the Provincial Road in the direction of Monti di Licciana. When we are in Monti we take a dirt road for one kilometre and we get to the small hamlet of Pontebosio. We then continue passing by the small villages of Gabanasco, Magliola and Castel del Piano where we take right on the Provincial Road SP21 in the direction of Fivizzano. In Fivizzano a stop in the Piazza Medicea is a must to enjoy a coffee and a croissant in the historical café! We then continue towards Terenzano and overlooking the stunning Apuan Alps we ride to the Codiponte Romanesque Church, to Cascina, Ugliancaldo up to Equi Terme where we will have a good picnic lunch under the shades of its woods and caves.

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14 Spino Secco: Itinerary on the left Magra riverbank This itinerary is named after the Malaspina family, landlords of most Lunigiana in the 1200, who were divided into two dynasties ruling over the valley: Spino Secco dynasty ruled over the properties on the right riverbank whereas Spino Fiorito ruled over the left riverbank. Along this itinerary we will see ancient hamlets and castles, hills walked in the past by many pilgrims and travellers. Lenght: 37 Km Duration: half day (arrival in Aulla) full day (return to Pontremoli) Altitude: min. 120 (Ponte Magra) max. 470 (Popetto di Tresana) Road condition: asphalt Bike: with gears Difficulty: easy-medium Departure: Pontremoli Arrival: Aulla Itinerary: Pontremoli Teglia (Pontremoli) Arpiola (Mulazzo) Groppoli (Mulazzo) Lusuolo (Mulazzo) Castevoli (Mulazzo) Popetto (Tresana) Tresana Barbarasco (Tresana) Terrarossa (Licciana Nardi) - Aulla We depart from the historical centre of Pontremoli in the direction of Mulazzo. We pass on the other side of the Tegli stream and we get to Arpiola. We continue along the main road for about 10 Km passing by the villages of Groppoli and Ponte Magra where we take on the right at the junction to Lusuolo. We ride uphill and downhill along a nice road in the woods to get to Lusuolo hamlet and castle. We then continue to Bastevoli with its imposing castle and its Romanesque Church. Past Lorenzana the road starts to descend passing by the villages of Tresana, Barbarasco until we get to Terrarossa where there is another beautiful castle. From Terrarossa we take the main road SS62 to Aulla train station.

15 Highlights Pontremoli historical centre and castle Mulazzo hamlet Lusuolo castle Castevoli church and castle Terrarossa Castle, Brunella Stronghold, San Capraio Abbey and Museum in Aulla Castevoli Castle

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