The 7 best experiences to have in Garfagnana

The kayak tour of Pisa from the Arno River is a unique experience that will allow you to delve into the heart of Pisa's historic center admiring its Lungarni and learning about the vicissitudes that make the Tuscan city what it is today.

The tour begins with your guide giving you a short briefing on basic technique and safety provisions. You will then set off in your kayak, single or double. By reservation only, there is also an opportunity to enjoy a delicious aperitif in a canoe midway through the tour; the cost of the aperitif is not included in the price.

The accompanied kayak tour lasts about 1 hour 45 min. for a total of about 3.5 km (the length of the tour may be subject to change if physical or weather conditions require it).

•    Only adults over 18 or accompanied minors may ride on the single-seater canoes, while 2 adults or 1 adult and 1 child over 5 may ride on the two-seater canoes.
•    Indicatively, tours run from May to September (depending on the flooding of the Arno River).
•    The tour can be conducted in both Italian and English.

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.

Riverplay in Garfagnana at Strette di Cocciglia is a guided tour of a wild and natural canyon.

You will be completely immersed in nature, the route is characterized by three scenarios; the upper part of the "Golette" basins with clear water carved by the force of the stream into the rock, the middle part where the narrows open up and we meet the small rapids and finally the final large canyon the "Blue Lagoon" with crystal clear water and underwater caves up to 12m deep.

Along the way you will have the opportunity to go diving, natural slides, the "washing machine" slide, small rapids, swimming, playing in the waterfall bubbles, adventure and lots of fun.

Discover with a horseback ride the fantastic hills in the countryside around Lucca.

1h route:

during the horseback ride you will pass through an olive grove, go through a forest and arrive at a vantage point with spectacular views of the hills.

1h30 route:

during The second route you will instead cross the forest arriving at a point from where you can admire the plain of Lucca.

The horseback ride is suitable for everyone, no experience is needed.

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.

The horseback ride behind Forte dei Marmi, in the middle of Versilia, is easy and suitable for everyone. The ride starts from Montignoso, a town a few kilometers from Forte dei Marmi, and continues to Lago di Porta, next to the Forte Golf Club.

This walk is quiet and even those who have never ridden a horse, or have little experience, can do it. Very nice to explore Porta Lake on horseback.

Horseback riding and wine tasting in the surroundings of Florence.

You will leave from the stables in Pelago together with an equestrian guide and, after about an hour of riding through the hills, you will reach a historic winery nestled in the countryside.

Here you will visit the estate and learn about the winemaking processes, and then taste 4 glasses of local wine. You can also choose the "with chopping board" tour to taste local cured meats and cheeses.

When the tasting is over, you will get back on horseback to return to the stables accompanied by your guide.

The equipment for horseback riding will be provided to you by the facility, but appropriate sportswear (long pants and closed shoes) should be your own. We also recommend the'use of a sweatshirt for the winery visit.

During the vespa tour of Chianti from Castellina, you will have the opportunity to rent vespas for an entire day, as a couple or with friends to explore the Chianti hills.

The experience is unique, one of the most beautiful in the area, and you will spend a day immersed in green fields, or among vines ripe in autumn.

The wasps are easy to ride so even beginners can use them, only a B-type license required.

If you decide to participate in this Vespa ride, you will be immersed in the beauty of Tuscany and experience an adventure you will remember forever.

Gasoline is not included and will have to be paid on site.

The walk with alpacas in the Florentine Hills is a pleasant experience in the midst of woods and fields on the outskirts of Florence, accompanied by the sweetest alpacas. During the loop trail, about 3 km long, you will learn about all the alpacas you will walk with.

After the walk you can stop on the meadow and enjoy the spectacle of the alpacas in the wild.

We recommend that you wear comfortable clothes and sports or hiking shoes.

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.

Horseback riding in the hills of the Sienese Chianti is a unique experience that allows you to admire the striking views of Tuscany.

On arrival at the stables you will be greeted by experienced equestrian guides who will hand you the’equipment and safety devices to be able to ride a horse.

Before leaving for the ride you will go to the sand rectangle where the guides will explain the basics of horseback riding.

At this point you will be ready to set off and reach the hills of the Sienese Chianti region, where you can admire unique landscapes and discover more about local products: wine and oil.

There will be no lack of little pearls of history and anecdotes that will make the walk even more enjoyable.

Comfortable clothing with long pants and closed shoes is recommended.

Wine tasting with a visit to a historic winery in Rufina, outside Florence, allows you to taste typical Tuscan products.

You can choose from several options.

Standard Tasting

This experience gives you a guided tour of the winery and historic cellar. Afterwards you can taste 3 local wines:

•    Chianti Rufina D.O.C.G.
•    Pomino D.O.C
•    Vinsanto

Tasting with cutting board

After taking a guided tour of the winery and the historic winery and winemaking facility, you can taste 3 wines accompanied by cheese and cured meat samples.

The 3 wines for tasting will be:

•    Chianti Rufina D.O.C.G.
•    Pomino D.O.C.
•    Vinsanto

Tasting with lunch

This experience includes a tour of the historic winery and winemaking cellar, with explanation of the history of the farm.

Following this, there will be a guided tasting of 3 wines, accompanied by a Tuscan charcuterie and cheese board and another typical dish chosen according to seasonality.

In case of food allergies and intolerances it is possible to contact the structure following the reservation.

The kayak tour of Pisa from the Arno River is a unique experience that will allow you to delve into the heart of Pisa's historic center admiring its Lungarni and learning about the vicissitudes that make the Tuscan city what it is today.

The tour begins with your guide giving you a short briefing on basic technique and safety provisions. You will then set off in your kayak, single or double. By reservation only, there is also an opportunity to enjoy a delicious aperitif in a canoe midway through the tour; the cost of the aperitif is not included in the price.

The accompanied kayak tour lasts about 1 hour 45 min. for a total of about 3.5 km (the length of the tour may be subject to change if physical or weather conditions require it).

•    Only adults over 18 or accompanied minors may ride on the single-seater canoes, while 2 adults or 1 adult and 1 child over 5 may ride on the two-seater canoes.
•    Indicatively, tours run from May to September (depending on the flooding of the Arno River).
•    The tour can be conducted in both Italian and English.

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.

Horseback riding outside Volterra gives you a relaxing experience along a route of white roads through the rolling Tuscan hills.

Once you arrive at the stables, you will be greeted by an instructor who will provide you with a safety helmet and basic information about saddling the horse and the type of riding.

During the evaluation lesson (lasting about 30 minutes), you will learn how to hold the reins and understand the horse's behavior outside the arena.

Afterwards, you will set off on a 1-hour horseback ride through the rolling hills surrounding Volterra. You will be accompanied by an equestrian guide.

It is possible to go out on the walk in groups of up to 4 people at a time. This experience is suitable for everyone, even those new to horseback riding. To participate, you must be 14 years of age or older and weigh less than 90kg.

You are required to wear long pants, long socks and closed sneakers.

This experience is subject to favorable weather conditions and terrain suitability.

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.

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.

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.