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Vandelli - the Duke's Path

8 days, Self-Guided for 2 people or more, Seasonal Sunday Departures

The wonderful Apennines are a glorious mountain range providing walks through forested valleys, historic sanctuaries, stunning panoramic ridges and wildlife filled nature reserves, and should never be thought of as the 'poor man's Alps'!
Your walk starts in Emilia Romagna, in Italy's northern region, a relatively undiscovered area boasting coastline on both the Adriatic and the Tyrrhenian Sea, plus the well-deserved reputation as the 'Kitchen of Italy' - so plenty of opportunity to sample the gastronomic delights and walk off the results!
The starting point is the World Heritage site of Modena, with its fascinating mediaeval centre and cathedral, restaurants and delicatessens. Home of the Este family from 1598, it is the Duke of Este's path (the Via Vandelli) that you follow to the Frignano area, where the Apennine mountains start their ascent through oak, hornbeam and hazel woods.
The route passes the 'Ponte del Diavolo', a striking sandstone monolith sculpted by the forces of nature, then continues higher up into the mountains, to the wild, silent landscape and glaciated basin of Lago Santo and San Pellegrino. Stopping in delightful small hotels and mountain refugios you then drop down to the green valleys of the Garfagnana region before passing through the marble landscapes of the Apuan Alps, and descending to the coastal area of Marina di Massa.
Day 1. Outbound
Fly to Bologna or Forli, and transfer to Modena. Dinner is not included this evening, as Modena is well supplied with wonderful restaurants and trattorias.
Day 2. La Santona and Sant'Annapelago
A private transfer to La Santona, then a walk through the ancient forest of Fignola, past the intriguing faces that have been carved in the stone at Monzone. Continue through the forest into a fascinating geological area, with the natural gas vents at Barigazzo, and the extinct Sasso Tignoso volcano. Overnight at Sant'Annapelago.
Day 3 and 4. Lago Santo Modenese and San Pellegrino
A lovely walk takes you along forest paths of beech, silver fir and open grassland, past the tranquil Lago Baccio, until you reach the delightful tree-lined area of Lago Santo Modenese, at the foot of Monte Giovo. Overnight in the refugio by the lake, followed the next day by beech forests and wild flowers along the watershed between Tuscany and Emilia Romagna; enjoy spectacular views down the Garfagnana valley and to the Apuan Alps, and in the distance, the old hospice of San Pellegrino. Founded in the Middle Ages, it offered shelter to pilgrims and traders, but now houses the Museum of Rural Life
Day 5. Castelnuovo Garfagnana
You can almost imagine the pilgrims of old walking along the same paths, as you pass through ancient hamlets and the Monte Verruchella woods, with the spectacular farreaching views from the ridge of the Alpe di San Pellegrino. Overnight in a small hotel, a few steps away from the ancient fortress of Castelnuevo Garfagnana, which specialises in exquisite Tuscan fare.
Days 6 and 7. Apuan Alps
Enjoy the valleys and lakes, as you walk through the verdant Edron and Secchio valleys, to the manmade Lake Vagli, where at low water you can see the tops of the submerged houses. A beautiful area, abundant with flowers and in season, wild orchids. Your final day's walking takes you through the marble landscapes of the Apuan Alps. Climbing the Tambura pass, the salty air tells us the sea is not far away! Finally the trek ends in Resceto, where you will be transferred to the coastal town of Marina di Massa.
Day 8. Homeward
Transfer to the airport for the flight home, or extend your stay in Italy. Additional nights in Marina di Massa can be arranged, or why not try our more relaxing Dolomites walk as well?
Italy

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  • Tour grade: B/C.
  • Cost per person:
    April, May, June, September, October £495 land only.
    Mid-July to mid-August £525 land only.
  • Single supplement: £95.
  • What is included: Accommodation 6 nights hotels 1 night refuge, 6 days half board with wine and water, luggage transfers on trek, route notes.
  • Departure dates:
    Sundays ONLY, late April to mid-October.