Our walking tour of Tuscany is well underway and we are having a great time. We arrived in Italy on May 3 and stayed in Pisa overnight. The walking tour began on May 4. Our base hotel is situated in Bagni de Lucca (a collection of 25 small villages near the city of Lucca). This part of Tuscany, known as the Garfagnana, is surprisingly mountainous and contains two impressive chains of hills (Appenines and Apuane Alps). Walks are 3-5 hours long and take us through the scenic countryside: Terme, II Colle Hamlet, La Villa, Coreglia (Sergio Valley), Barga, Orecchiella Natural Park, Pruno Hamlet, Corfino. We will walk a total of 37.5 km with 8982 feet of ascent / descent. We've had a group tour day and visited Pisa and Lucca. Today is 'free' day. Debbie is attending the local spa to soak in the hot spring caves and to have a massage. Ann is re-visiting Lucca.
The tour group is extremely cohesive. Our volunteer guides (Tony and Andy) are interesting. Tony is a PhD prepared Marine Biologist! Andy is a retired school teacher. They are funny and engaging. Our fellow walkers are fascinating --- well travelled, educated, engaging. We are having an amazing time connecting with them over our 5 course meals each night. The manager of the hotel (Roberto) is also the chef and the food is beyond compare. We've been indulging in Tuscan wines too. Oh, did we mention the Gelato?! Pat and I have sampled 17 flavours!
The weather has been perfect! 20-25C and sunny during the day. Cool nights.
Spring flowers are in full bloom. The landscape is covered with brilliantly red poppies, wild orchids, violas, tassel hyacinths, roses, daisies, etc. The colours are magnificent.
We think of you all often and wish you were here to share this experience with us. We are grateful for the company of our Ottawa friends: Pam, Maureen and Pat. Willa, we've missed you!
Be well.
Debbie and Ann
The tour group is extremely cohesive. Our volunteer guides (Tony and Andy) are interesting. Tony is a PhD prepared Marine Biologist! Andy is a retired school teacher. They are funny and engaging. Our fellow walkers are fascinating --- well travelled, educated, engaging. We are having an amazing time connecting with them over our 5 course meals each night. The manager of the hotel (Roberto) is also the chef and the food is beyond compare. We've been indulging in Tuscan wines too. Oh, did we mention the Gelato?! Pat and I have sampled 17 flavours!
The weather has been perfect! 20-25C and sunny during the day. Cool nights.
Spring flowers are in full bloom. The landscape is covered with brilliantly red poppies, wild orchids, violas, tassel hyacinths, roses, daisies, etc. The colours are magnificent.
We think of you all often and wish you were here to share this experience with us. We are grateful for the company of our Ottawa friends: Pam, Maureen and Pat. Willa, we've missed you!
Be well.
Debbie and Ann
