The group will meet at Pisa's international airport for a single group transfer from Pisa airport to our accommodation near the cliff-top hamlet of Promenia high in the Tuscan hills. Once we've arrived there will be time to have a stroll through the lovely garden and get to know our home for the week. Lavacchio is wonderful farmhouse that has been renovated in traditional style complete with chestnut beams, traditional stone walls and charming terracotta tiles. Located below the peak of Pania della Croce, there are beautiful views towards the surrounding terraced hills and Serchio Valley. Before we get together and enjoy our first traditional Garfagnana dinner, there will be a relaxed meeting about the week ahead over a pre-dinner aperitif.

We begin with a wonderful introduction to this charming area of Tuscany. A short drive through dramatic valleys takes us to the medieval village of Fabbriche di Vallico and the remote alpine hamlet of Palagnana. From Palagnana we set off on foot and follow an old mule track through wonderful beech forest. We'll pause along the way and enjoy a morning coffee at the pass of Foce delle Porchette, which offers incredible views all the way to the Mediterranean. In the distance we'll also be able to see the marble quarries where Michelangelo sourced his stone for his famed statue of David. Next we'll slowly ascend towards an impressive limestone gorge before reaching a lovely alpine pasture which takes us to the summit of Mt Croce (1314m). This lovely peak with its summit cross is known for its wild flowers which includes narcissi and orchids. We'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Pania Mountains and the stunning Apennines ridge. Our descent takes us down a different trail to the hamlet of Pioppo before reaching Palagnana. On the way back we'll stop to explore the medieval village of Fabbriche di Vallico and have a look around its ancient chestnut mill.

Today's walk starts form the charming village of Fornovolasco with its meandering river and houses with shutters. We start on cobbled streets before joining an old pilgrims' trail that runs through rich forest before making its way to the coast. As we gradually ascend we'll pass caves and ruins of medieval hostels before reaching a pass at Foce di Petrosciana. From here the views are spectacular and reach all the way from the rock tower of Monte Procinto towards the mountains of the Mediterranean. Next, it's a brief but non-technical scramble and a wonderful walk along a ridgeline until the dramatic limestone archway below the summit of Monte Forato. There will be plenty of time for an all-important photo stop before reaching the summit itself. Here we'll enjoy our picnic lunch whilst surrounded by spectacular views. After enjoying the top we'll follow limestone steps until Foce di Valli before descending through charming meadows and rich forest back to Fornovolasco. There will be time to dip our feet in the fast flowing Turrite River before heading back to our accommodation. This evening we'll enjoy a tasting of wines from the Lucca hills.

The Serchio Valley, a mysterious and fascinating part of Tuscany, is the location for today's walk. We start in the foothills of the Apennines and the village of Renaio, before reaching Vetricia. This wonderful area is known for its stark and dramatic Karst landscape. After walking through lush forest we reach the high pastures of the Apennines and make our way along the hillside to the La Porticciola Pass (1,700m). Next we head down to Hannibal's Camp before we start the final another ascent up the summit of Monte Giovo (1991m). We'll enjoy excellent views of Lago Santo on our left as we enjoy our picnic on the top. After enjoying the views and taking plenty of photographs we'll make our way down by following trails along dramatic hills until we reach Vetricia. After the walk we'll stop at Il Mostrico in the hamlet of Rovaio. This popular and rustic café is a great place nestled in the middle of a remote mountain community. On arriving back we can relax over a pre-dinner drink before a traditional pizza night which we can enjoy on the terrace as the sun sets.

A free day today. We can to relax and explore the wonderful local surroundings or take the train and visit the stunning town of Lucca. A mere 45mins train journey away and one of the most beautiful towns in Italy, Lucca is very much worth a visit. Behind the towns' towering Renaissance walls you'll find cobbled streets and charming piazzas plus an abundance of stunning architecture. The breath-taking city walls were built in the 16th and 17th Century and remain in almost perfect condition. Towering over 12 metres high and running for over 4kms, the wall-top path is a great place for a walk and offers the perfect opportunity to look across the stunning rooftops. Lucca houses the beautiful Cattedrale di San Martino and romantic Palazzo Pfanner which are both worth a visit. For a bird's eye view of the town climb the 45m tall red brick tower next to the Palazoo Guinigi. A traditional snack in Lucca and worth trying is necci. These pancakes are made with chestnut flour, cooked in a fireplace, filled with fresh ricotta cheese and served rolled. Alternatively you may wish to relax around the villa and enjoy a dip in the pool or take a stroll in the local countryside.

We start today with a drive into the heart of the enchanted landscape of the Garfagnana with its patchwork landscape of small farms and charming woodland. We start walking from the high alpine town of Corfino where we ascend on cobbled mule tracks through chestnut and beech forest. Next we head off the beaten track and up towards a broad ridge which offers sensational views of the Apuane Mountains to the west. On the top we'll enjoy lunch with a wonderful 360 degree panorama. Our trail down takes us through mountain pasture and mushroom woods to the old shepherds' village of Campaiana. Finally we descent on a cobbled trail which takes us passed the magical spring of Fonte Del'Amore. As we enter the Sassorosso Gorge we can keep a look out for eagles nesting above. Our trail takes us back into Corfino where we'll stop for a drink or refreshing gelato. On the drive back we'll stop at the sensational 13th Century walled town of Castiglione di Garfagnana. With its thousand year history and striking medieval architecture, there will be time for a stroll through its beautifully maintained streets. This evening we'll head out to the Barga for dinner in a local trattoria. Barga is one of the most important hill-top towns in the Garfagnana Valley and a great place for an evening out.

Known as the Queen of the Apuane, the mountain of Pania della Croce rears up above Lavacchio and after a week of walking we'll be ready for today's mountain walk to the summit. After a brief transfer to Piglionico (1100m) we take an off the beaten track route as we start by traversing around the north of the mountain. We'll have fantastic views of Mount Rovaio, home to a battle in 1944 between German forces and the local Partisans. As we walk out of the woods we'll get glimpses of the peak as our trail snakes up the west side of the mountain. From here we'll have fabulous views of the mountains and the sea. Next we reach a dramatic ridge before gradually climbing to the summit of this majestic peak. From the summit the views are fantastic and include the Gulf of La Spezia and the island of Corsica. As we descent we'll keep our eyes peeled for muflone before pausing briefly at Refugio Rossi. From here shepherds' track cross ta Karst landscape before we take our short transfer back to our accommodation. Our final dinner will be a great way to celebrate a fantastic week and see some the photos from the week on the big screen.

We enjoy a last breakfast on the terrace. A single timed transfer to Pisa Airport is provided.