The 8 best experiences to have in Garfagnana

Wine tasting at Toscani organic farm in Casale Marittimo, Pisa province

Program

The visit includes a welcome to the farm and guided wine tasting, with an essential explanation of the history of the estate, the characteristics of the wines and their labels. The experience concludes with a tasting of the organic extra virgin olive oil produced from the estate's olive trees.

Vineyard and winery tour and wine tasting at Toscani's organic farm in Casale Marittimo, in the Tuscan hills in the province of Pisa.

Program

The experience begins with a walk in the vineyard with views of the hills below and the sea, and continues with a visit to the winery.

The guided wine tasting, includes tastings of three reds, a white and an ancestral method rosé, with an essential explanation of the history of the estate, the characteristics of the wines and their labels.

It concludes with a tasting of organic extra virgin olive oil produced from the estate's olive trees.

Guided horseback ride inside the Toscani organic farm in Casale Marittimo, Pisa province.

Program

Departure is scheduled from the Toscani Ranch in Campigallo. After a briefing, we will ride through the farm grounds and the Macchia della Magona Nature Reserve, with views of the Tuscan coast and Casale Marittimo.

Options will include a picnic option that includes a tasting of 3 wines.

If you choose to go rafting in Bagni di Lucca on the LimaIl River, you can rent a packraft, a lightweight boat that is practiced solo or in small groups. Four different tours are available for this experience:

Rafting 3h

3.5Km long excursion with a duration of 3h30minutes. Children can participate from 5 years old. You will raft on the Lima where you will find rapids and can take dives.

Packrafting 3h

3Km hike with a duration of 3h. This is one of the most exciting hikes in Tuscany, during which you will immerse yourself in the beauty of the Middle Lucchese Valley while diving and sliding.

During the horseback ride in the Pisan Hills. You will have a choice of one-hour or two-hour hike.

The views are very beautiful and open to the Pisan Hills.

A minimum of experience is recommended for the horseback riding trip. Helmet is provided at the facility and jeans and sneakers are recommended as clothing.

If you choose to participate in the Garfagnana rafting experience on the Lima, you will have the opportunity to decide between 2 different experiences, classic rafting and packrafting.

Classic rafting This experience consists of a 4 km long descent on the Lima stream. During the adventure there will be a rafting guide who will allow you to learn more about the river environment and the magical world of rafting. The activity includes a stop at the footbridge waterfall for photo ops, 5m plunge at the old hydrometer and aquatics test in rapid. Technical equipment is provided and helmets have attachments for your action-cams. You can have the experience from November to May.

Packrafting

The activity consists of an easy perscorso of about 3.8 km duration with the "Packraft," a portable, lightweight and surprisingly sturdy one-person inflatable boat designed to navigate in any type of aquatic environment.

Experience the thrill of riding a Packraft through rapids and nature in the beautiful Mediavalle of the picturesque Serchio River just a few steps from the renowned Devil's Bridge. Clear water, thrills, breathtaking views and rapids await you.

All technical and safety equipment for activities is provided on site.

Open from March to July and September to November.

Lunch with wine tasting at Cantina Brogioni is a perfect experience to spend a relaxing moment surrounded by the Chianti hills.

After a short walk during which you will be given a description of the winery and the process of extracting extra virgin olive oil, you will visit the winery, where you will learn more about the winemaking process.

Following this, you will be served a three-course lunch paired with 4 local wines:

•    1 first course of pasta al pesto (pine nuts, fresh basil, EVO oil and parmesan cheese), paired with an IGT white wine and a vintage Chianti classico
•    1 second course consisting of bruschetta with local EVO oil, selection of typical Tuscan salumi, 36 month Parmigiano Reggiano and Tuscan pecorino cheese, paired with a Chianti classico riserva and a Supertuscan
•    2 samples of Tuscan pecorino, one with local EVO oil with San Miniato white truffle and the other with cooked must
•    1 dessert consisting of a Greek yogurt mousse sprinkled with a dark cocoa cream with 12% EVO oil

In case of food allergies and intolerances it is possible to contact the facility after booking.

Enjoy a horseback ride through the typical Tuscan countryside, along the scenic trails that connect Volterra and San Gimignano.

This experience is suitable for everyone, even those who are approaching the world of horseback riding for the first time. As far as horseback riding is concerned, children, from 14 years of age, can also participate.

You will be accompanied by experienced instructors and docile, trained horses. Suitable sportswear with long pants and closed shoes is required.

When booking, you can choose from several options.

1-hour ride in the hills (from 14 years of age)

This horseback ride in the hills between Volterra and San Gimignano allows you to admire unique views. It is suitable for all levels of experience in the saddle, for experts and novices.

1½-hour ride in the hills (from 14 years of age)

The 1½-hour walk will take you discovering the hills between Volterra and San Gimignano. This activity is suitable for all levels of experience in the saddle, for the more experienced and for novices.

Sunset ride with aperitif (from 14 years of age)

From May to October, there è the possibility of a horseback ride at sunset: a unique way to admire the Tuscan countryside in one of the most fascinating moments of the day.

As the sun sets, the hills are tinged with a warm golden light, creating an evocative and unforgettable atmosphere.

At the end of the hike, you can enjoy a refreshing drink surrounded by nature.

For children

An activity tailored for little ones, offering a gentle and guided first approach to the world of horseback riding.

Accompanied by a qualified instructor, children will participate in a small, hand-led ride that will help them become familiar with the horse in a safe and welcoming environment.

The experience also includes a grooming session, during which young participants will learn the basics of horse care, developing trust, respect and an authentic bond with the animal.

Tasting of four locally produced wines accompanied by typical Tuscan products in San Gimignano.

Program

The experience will begin with guests gathering at the winery, where dedicated staff will welcome you.

After a brief introduction about the family history and presentation of the winery, you will begin the tasting of 4 wines that will be accompanied by typical Tuscan pecorino cheese and bruschetta.

The quad bike excursion in the countryside between Volterra and San Gimignano è a unique experience that combines adventure, nature and Tuscan culture.

This tour traverses hills, woods and country roads with panoramic views and breathtaking scenery. You will begin the l'excursion with a brief introduction to ATV riding and safety measures.

Following that, the adventure can begin! This type of experience è the ideal for nature lovers looking for an adventure off the beaten path, to discover an authentic and adventurous side of Tuscany that goes beyond the classic tourist routes.

The tours can be one hour or one and a half hours and are suitable for all levels of experience and families even with children, as long as they are over 5 years old.

A wine tasting with a visit to the Tenuta degli Dei in Chianti is the perfect opportunity to spend a relaxing time surrounded by the picturesque Tuscan vineyards.

The meeting begins in front of the Church of San Leolino, a three-nave basilica that preserves valuable works of art from the Tuscan artistic tradition.

The tour continues with a visit to the vat cellar, where the vats in which the fermentation of the wines takes place, and the barrique cellar, which houses the fine French oak barrels in which the wine rests until it reaches perfect maturity.

Next, you will reach the Estate, where the tasting will take place. In the dedicated room, you will have the opportunity to taste five wines: a white wine, a rosé, a Chianti Classico and two IGTs, accompanied by a small sampling of local cured meats and cheeses.

You can choose between the tour in Italian and English.

Minors and those not participating in the tasting do not pay and will receive a tasting of local products.

In case of food allergies or intolerances, you can contact the property after booking.

Finally, the estate is pet friendly, welcoming your four-legged friends as well.

During the horseback ride in the Pisan Hills. You will have a choice of one-hour or two-hour hike.

The views are very beautiful and open to the Pisan Hills.

A minimum of experience is recommended for the horseback riding trip. Helmet is provided at the facility and jeans and sneakers are recommended as clothing.

The truffle hunting in the woods and truffle lunch experience in San Gimignano will give you an unforgettable day, ending with a tasting lunch, perfect for groups of friends and enthusiasts.

The experience will begin with a brief introduction to the history of the property and then move on to a truffle hunt in the woods, during which you will be accompanied by an experienced truffle hunter.

The tour will end with a special tasting menu :

- Truffle hors d'oeuvre: selection of our products
- Tagliolini with fresh truffle
- Eggs al tegamino, the quintessential classic truffle dish
- Dessert surprise
- Wine, water and coffee included

We recommend comfortable clothing and hiking boots.

Horseback riding with the possibility of a picnic on the Cerbaie Hills starting from Castelfranco di Sotto.

The experience is designed specifically for couples on a private basis and consists of a horseback ride surrounded by nature and, if selected, a picnic with typical Tuscan products set up directly in the park during the outing.

The outing takes place in the Cerbaie Natural Park on the Via Francigena, the historic pilgrimage route from Canterbury in England to Santa Maria di Leuca in Puglia.

During the horseback ride, you will be accompanied by an experienced guide who will lead you along the entire trail. The hike is suitable for everyone.

Picnic based on typical Tuscan products with a view of the hills of Volterra.

The experience will take place at the fragrant lemon house where your picnic will be served.

The picnic includes

•    menù complete from’appetizer to dessert based on Italian and Tuscan specialties that vary according to the season
•    one bottle of wine for every 4 people
•    water

The experience è subject to favorable weather conditions. In case of bad weather, the picnic can be eaten indoors at the restaurant.

Truffle hunting with tasting or lunch around Volterra.

Accompanied by an experienced truffle hunter and his trained dogs, you will walk in search of truffles in the hills outside Volterra. During the outing the guide will answer all your curiosities about this practice and the history of the area.

To enrich your day, you can also choose 2 more comprehensive options:

Truffle hunting with small tastings

By selecting this option, you will be able to extract the truffle yourself and enjoy it through small tastings, accompanied by the’excellent locally produced wine.

Truffle hunt with lunch or dinner

By selecting this option, you will be able to extract the truffle yourself, and enjoy it later at the Farmhouse restaurant, where a full lunch or dinner will be served with the harvested truffle, accompanied by’excellent locally produced wine.

The experience can also be conducted in English.

To carry out the experience it is recommended to have appropriate sportswear with closed sneakers. In case of uncertain weather a waterproof jacket and rain boots are recommended.

We would like to remind you that the activity is subject to favorable weather conditions.

The daily boat tour in the Secche della Meloria marine area with aperitif and lunch allows you to experience a day aboard a cozy sailing yacht.

You can enjoy sailing along the Pisan and Livorno coastline thanks to all the comforts on board and dive to discover the Secche della Meloria marine protected area, considered one of the most beautiful in Italy.

Departure is scheduled at 10:00 am in Pisa. Once embarked, you will be served a welcome drink of appetizers accompanied by a glass of wine.

After about 1.5 hours of navigation you will arrive in the beautiful natural setting of the Secche della Meloria, considered one of the most beautiful marine protected areas in Italy.

Right here you will anchor to spend 4 hours of free time: you can sunbathe, snorkel in search of the characteristic posidonia or take advantage of the SUP boards available on board to reach the scenic Southern Lighthouse of Meloria.

Lunch is planned afterwards, which includes a sea-scented main course accompanied by water and a glass of white wine.

Return is scheduled at approximately 5 p.m.

In case of food allergies and intolerances it is possible to contact the facility after booking.