A weekend dedicated to those who want to escape from city stress and frantic life to take refuge in a place where nature still marks the rhythms of the day, allowing you to experience unique emotions.
The two panoramic swimming pools overlooking the Apuan Alps, the typical and homemade cuisine served on the panoramic terrace of the hotel, the possibility of taking countless walks in the green will make sure that once this short holiday is over you can not wait to escape again and share with us other new emotions.
A week dedicated to "sweet doing nothing". Dedicated to those who want to escape from city stress and frantic life to take refuge in a place where nature still marks the rhythms of the day, allowing you to experience unique emotions.
The two panoramic swimming pools overlooking the Apuan Alps, the typical and homemade cuisine served on the panoramic terrace of the hotel, the possibility of taking countless walks in the green will make sure that once this short holiday is over you can not wait to escape again and share with us other new emotions.
Beautiful walks suitable for all those who wish to escape from city stress and hectic life to take refuge and discover the unspoilt nature of Garfagnana. The two panoramic swimming pools overlooking the Apuan Alps, the typical cuisine served on the panoramic terrace of the hotel, the possibility of taking countless walks in the countryside will ensure that once your holiday is over you can't wait to escape again and share with us other new emotions.
We recommend that you bring with you comfortable footwear suitable for walking on mountain paths, a rucksack and a water bottle.
Tour Departure: 10.00 a.m. Tour Return: 5.00 p.m.
You can choose between two tours that will take you to discover one of the roofs of Garfagnana:
Tour "Reaching Cava 27".
We will reach one of the most beautiful and spectacular places of the Apuan Alps with a panorama that contrasts the beauty of nature with the excavation of the white gold of the Apuan Alps: the marble.
The excursion starts in Val Serenaia, where, after a short transfer we will leave our car near the refuge, we will take the CAI path n. 180 which will take us to the Orto di Donna refuge also known as EX Cava 27. After a short stop to admire the unique and breathtaking view you can walk towards the Passo delle Pecore (Sheep Pass) and start your descent and return to the hotel.
The walking time is about 2 hours from Rifugio Val Serenaia to Rifugio Orto di Donna and about one hour and thirty minutes for the descent.
Tour "On the roof of Garfagnana".
Completely immersed in the green of pines, chestnuts and beeches in an uncontaminated nature, where it is possible to see squirrels, foxes or other animals of the forest crossing the road. From the hotel the route takes us to the Monte Argegna plateau, near the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Guardia, a short stop to visit the Sanctuary and to be enchanted by the Apuan Alps before continuing on to Monte Tondo. The effort made to reach the summit will be rewarded with a panorama that sweeps from the Monti Pisani to the Gulf of La Spezia.
The Orecchiella National Park is a large natural park within the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines National Park managed by the Forestry Corps.
The park is characterised by woods, meadows and rocky environments, and has a large number of flowers, including the Giardino dei Fiori di Montagna (Mountain Flower Garden), a garden where you will find splendid flowers of mountain species, and the Orto Botanico della Pania di Corfino (Botanical Garden of Pania di Corfino). There is also a remarkable variety of wildlife in the park, including deer, roe deer, wild boar and mouflon, as well as numerous other animal species such as hares, squirrels, dormice, foxes, martens, wolves, golden eagles, eagle owls, sparrow hawks and kestrels. The bear deserves a special mention, a species present in these mountains until the end of the 1700s, and now back at the Orecchiella in a wildlife area that hosts seven specimens, some from a zoo and some born in captivity. The recent areas where these animals live are linked by facilitated trails, educational paths and hiking trails, some of which take several days, which leave from the Visitors' Centre.
Our proposal includes 2 of the 3 Heron trails, a visit to the Park and the Verrucole Fortress to take a step back into the Middle Ages with performances and guided tours in period costumes.
Tour departure: 10.00 am Tour return: 17:00 pm
Heron 1
From the square in front of the Orecchiella visitor centre, after a short stretch of road, go up to the meadows of Isera, then descend onto the dirt track that goes up to the Botanical Garden. After about a hundred metres, take the path to the right that descends to Pruno, a small hamlet of ancient shepherd's huts on the road linking Corfino with the Orecchiella. Shortly afterwards, you come to the Sasso Ghiraio crossroads. Following the San Pellegrino mule track, you cross the Bandita and then descend to the ancient Campaiana mountain pasture. The mule track continues to the Granaiola bivouac, then across wide meadows to the summit of Pania (1603 m), from which there is a wide panorama. We descend through the Bocca dei Lupi (Wolves' Mouth) to reach the Rifugio Isera (Isera Hut) and then walk towards the Orecchiella Park.
Heron 2
From the square in front of the Visitor's Centre, the yellow-blue trail marker with the number 2 descends to the road below and crosses it, continuing through increasingly wide woods and clearings until it meets the tarmac road again, which we follow for a few dozen metres until we reach the fork for Rifugio Miramonti. A little further on, a path leads off through hazelnut and juniper woods to the Ripa plateau. Following the dirt track, you reach the edge of a steep grassy slope that you tackle by zigzagging down to the edge of the wood. Now the well-marked path descends through the overhanging rock faces until it reaches the banks of the Rimonio stream, which we climb along. The path becomes interesting and enjoyable, with easy and frequent fords, which must be tackled with care, until we leave the watercourse and climb up to the right to reach the tarmac road again and from here the Orecchiella visitor centre.
The Verrucole Fortress
A day dedicated to relaxation with a visit to the Verrucole Fortress, take a step back into the Middle Ages with performances and guided tours in period costumes. Click here and discover the best of the Fortress.
After the visit you will go up to the Park Visitor Centre, to spend the rest of the day among the Montagna garden, the botanical garden and the animal enclosures. An excursion for the whole family.
A proposal designed for a 7-night stay to help you discover the most beautiful and fascinating places in Garfagnana. A landscape characterised by hills, mountains, lakes, fortresses, beautiful walks and naturalistic excursions suitable for all those who wish to escape from the city stress and frantic life to take refuge and discover the uncontaminated nature of Garfagnana. When you return to our hotel, the two panoramic swimming pools overlooking the Apuan Alps await you, giving you the right amount of relaxation before tasting the typical local cuisine served on the hotel's panoramic terrace.
You will live some days in a timeless dimension and after these days you will look forward to escape again and share with us other new emotions.
Tour departure: 10.00 am Tour return: 5.00 pm
The lakes of Garfagnana and the Alp of Campocatino
Our holiday starts with the lakes of Garfagnana, characteristic of these lakes is that they are all in communication with each other and are used for the production of electricity.
The first stop is Lago di Gramolazzo, a picturesque hydroelectric basin in which the rocky peaks of the Roccandagia, Tambura, Pisanino and Pizzo d'Uccello mountains are reflected. A small jetty has been built near the small grassy beach where sailboats and rowing boats can moor. It is the only lake in Garfagnana where you can swim. From here we cross the "mountains" to arrive at the Campocatino Oasis, a large meadow created from an ancient glacial basin.
It is one of the most beautiful places in the Apuan Alps at the foot of Mount Roccandagia. The plateau is home to a small church and several dozen houses built of stone, wood and covered with tiles that were once used as a summer refuge by shepherds. From Campocatino we can admire the famous Lake Vagli.
Lake Vagli is one of Italy's largest hydroelectric reservoirs, but its fame is due to the ghost town of Fabbriche di Careggine. The waters of the lake, as they rose, submerged this small medieval village of blacksmiths from Brescia. Today it is only possible to visit what remains of this charming little village when the lake itself is drained. Don't forget the "Suspended Rope Bridge", which allows you to walk directly over the lake, the nearby "Park of Honour and Dishonour" and for the more courageous "The Flight of the Angel", an exciting launch into the valley.
From Lake Vagli we continue towards Lake Isola Santa, passing through the village of Careggine.
Careggine extends on the slopes of Monte Sumbra over an area of 24.46 square kilometres, on the eastern side of the Apuan Alps. The plateau on which the village stands, at an altitude of 882 metres, is one of the most beautiful panoramic terraces in the entire valley.
The historical centre, enclosed within the walls, offers suggestive glimpses of the narrow cobbled streets, overlooked by stone houses with characteristic "ALTANE": covered terraces that were used to store agricultural products. A beautiful panoramic road connects Capanne di Careggine and Isola Santa, where the old village with its roofs covered in slabs of slate is reflected in the waters of the artificial lake of the same name.
The Verrucole Fortress and the Rocca Ariostesca
A day dedicated to relaxation with a visit to the Fortezza delle Verrucole, take a step back into the Middle Ages with performances and guided tours in period costumes. Click here and discover the best of the Fortress.
After the visit of the Fortress you go down to Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, the capital of the Garfagnana, situated at the confluence of the Turrite Secca and the Serchio. Castelnuovo Garfagnana is a town rich in history and we suggest you visit the Rocca Ariostesca (12th century), which owes its name to Ludovico Ariosto, governor of Garfagnana for the Este family, the ancient Duomo and the Fortezza di Monte Alfonso (14th century), also built by the Este family to defend the town. The fortress still has its original imposing walls with bastions, two entrance gates and walkways. From here you can admire every corner of the valley and the unique views that the Garfagnana offers.
The Orecchiella Park: Following the Heron 1
From the square in front of the Orecchiella visitors' centre, after a short stretch of road, go up to the Isera meadows and then down the dirt track to the botanical garden. After about a hundred metres, take the path to the right that descends to Pruno, a small hamlet of ancient shepherd's huts on the road linking Corfino with the Orecchiella. Shortly afterwards, you come to the Sasso Ghiraio crossroads. Following the San Pellegrino mule track, you cross the Bandita and then descend to the ancient Campaiana mountain pasture. The mule track continues to the Granaiola bivouac, then across wide meadows to the summit of Pania (1603 m), from which there is a wide panorama. The trail descends through the Bocca dei Lupi (Wolves' Mouth) to reach the Rifugio Isera (Isera Hut) and then walk towards the Orecchiella Park.
On the roof of Garfagnana: discovering Monte Tondo
Completely immersed in the green of pines, chestnuts and beeches in an uncontaminated nature, where it is possible to see squirrels, foxes or other animals of the forest crossing the road. From the hotel the route takes us to the Monte Argegna plateau, near the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Guardia, a short stop to visit the Sanctuary and to be enchanted by the Apuan Alps before continuing on to Monte Tondo. The effort made to reach the summit will be rewarded with a panorama that sweeps from Monti Pisani to the Gulf of La Spezia.
The Orecchiella Park: Let's gain the Rimonio with L'Airone 2
From the square in front of the Visitor's Centre, follow the yellow-blue trail marker with the number 2, descending to the road below and cross it, continuing through woods and clearings that become wider and wider until you meet the tarmac road again, which you follow for a few dozen metres until you reach the fork for the Miramonti Refuge. A little further on, a path leads off through hazelnut and juniper woods to the Ripa plateau. Following the dirt track, you reach the edge of a steep grassy slope that you tackle by zigzagging down to the edge of the wood. Now the well-marked path descends through the overhanging rock faces until it reaches the banks of the Rimonio stream, which we climb along. The path becomes interesting and enjoyable, with easy and frequent fords, which must be tackled with care, until you leave the watercourse and climb up to the right to reach the tarmac road again and from here the Orecchiella visitor centre.
The Apuan counterpoise: Reaching Cava 27
We reach one of the most beautiful and spectacular places in the Apuan Alps with a panorama that contrasts the beauty of nature with the excavation of the Apuan white gold: marble.
The excursion starts in Val Serenaia, where, after a short transfer we will leave our car near the refuge, we will take the CAI path n. 180 which will take us to the Orto di Donna refuge also known as EX Cava 27. After a short stop to admire the unique and breathtaking view you can walk towards the Passo delle Pecore (Sheep Pass) and start your descent and return to the hotel.
The walking time is about 2 hours from Rifugio Val Serenaia to Rifugio Orto di Donna and about one hour and thirty minutes for the descent.
A weekend dedicated to those who want to escape from city stress and frantic life to take refuge and discover the uncontaminated nature of Garfagnana by bike.
The two panoramic swimming pools that overlook the Apuan Alps, the typical and homemade cuisine served on the panoramic terrace of the hotel, the opportunity to take countless walks in the green will make sure that once this short holiday you can not wait to escape again and share with us other new emotions.
Bikers can choose one of the two tours listed below to savour some of the wonders that only the Garfagnana can offer.
Tour "The Orecchiella Park: On the Trails of the Wolf" (40 KM)
Maximum altitude 1236 - minimum/maximum elevation gain 785 - total length km 52
It is possible to leave from the Hotel and cycle for more than 40 km or to make the transfer to the Park by car and then use the bike. The excursion takes us to the Orecchiella Park, with the possibility of short stops to visit small villages and hamlets that have kept their medieval characteristics intact, including Verrucole with its Fortress: on a buttress of volcanic rocks overlooking the river, but you will be truly surprised by the scenery and landscapes once you reach the Orecchiella Park: deer, roe deer, squirrels, marmots surrounded by typical alpine colours.
Garfagnana Roof Tour (30 KM)
Maximum altitude 1594 - minimum/maximum elevation gain 814 - total length km 28
Completely immersed in the green of pines, chestnuts and beeches in an uncontaminated nature, where it is possible to see squirrels, foxes or other animals of the wood crossing the road. From the hotel the route takes us to the plateau of Monte Argegna, near the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Guardia, a short stop to visit the Sanctuary and to be enchanted by the Apuan Alps before continuing on to Monte Tondo. The effort made to reach the top will be rewarded with a panorama that sweeps from Monti Pisani to the Gulf of La Spezia.
BIKE RENTAL
The hotel declines any responsibility regarding the rental and/or use of bikes or e-bikes during your stay.
RECOMMENDED DEPARTURE TIME FOR THE CHOSEN TOUR IS 10.00 A.M.
The price does NOT include bike or e-bike rental.
Three days and two tours that will allow you to discover the wildest part of the Garfagnana. A package dedicated to all those who want to escape from the stress and daily frenzy to ride in unspoilt nature.
The two panoramic swimming pools that overlook the Apuan Alps, the typical and homemade cuisine served on the panoramic terrace of the hotel, the opportunity to take countless walks in the green will make sure that once this short holiday you can not wait to escape again and share with us other new emotions.
Tour "The Orecchiella Park: On the Trails of the Wolf" (40 KM)
Maximum altitude 1236 - minimum/maximum elevation gain 785 - total length km 52
It is possible to leave from the Hotel and cycle for more than 40 km or to make the transfer to the Park by car and then use the bike. The excursion takes us to the Orecchiella Park, with the possibility of short stops to visit small villages and hamlets that have kept their medieval characteristics intact, including Verrucole with its Fortress: on a buttress of volcanic rocks overlooking the river, but you will be truly surprised by the scenery and landscapes once you reach the Orecchiella Park: deer, roe deer, squirrels, marmots surrounded by typical alpine colours.
Garfagnana Roof Tour (30 KM)
Maximum altitude 1594 - minimum/maximum elevation gain 814 - total length km 28
Completely immersed in the green of pines, chestnuts and beeches in an uncontaminated nature, where it is possible to see squirrels, foxes or other animals of the wood crossing the road. From the hotel the route takes us to the Monte Argegna plateau, near the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Guardia, a short stop to visit the Sanctuary and to be enchanted by the Apuan Alps before continuing on to Monte Tondo. The effort made to reach the top will be rewarded with a panorama that sweeps from Monti Pisani to the Gulf of La Spezia.
BIKE RENTAL
The hotel declines any responsibility regarding the rental and/or use of bikes or e-bikes during your stay.
The price does NOT include bike or e-bike rental.
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT TOURS DEPART NO LATER THAN 10.00 A.M.
A package designed for lovers of cycling and nature: 6 days and 4 tours designed for those who want to experience the Garfagnana by bike; for those who want to escape the stress and hectic city life to take refuge and discover the unspoilt nature of the Garfagnana by cycling.
The two panoramic swimming pools that overlook the Apuan Alps, the typical and homemade cuisine served on the panoramic terrace of the hotel, the opportunity to take countless walks in the green will make sure that once this short holiday you can not wait to escape again and share with us other new emotions.
Tour: "The Orecchiella Park: On the Trails of the Wolf"
Max elevation 1236 - min/max elevation gain 785 - total length 52 km
It is possible to leave from the Hotel and stay on the bike for more than 40 km or to make the transfer to the Park by car and then use the bike. The excursion takes us to the Orecchiella Park, with the possibility of short stops to visit small towns and villages that have maintained intact their medieval characteristics, among them Verrucole with its Fortress: on a buttress of volcanic rocks overlooking the river, but you will be truly surprised by the scenery and landscapes once you reach the Orecchiella Park: deer, roe deer, squirrels, marmots surrounded by typical alpine colours.
Tour: On the Roof of Garfagnana
Max elevation 1594 - min/max elevation gain 814 - total length 28 km
Completely immersed in the green of pines, chestnuts and beeches in an uncontaminated nature, where it is possible to see squirrels, foxes or other animals of the wood crossing the road. From the hotel the route takes us to the Monte Argegna plateau, near the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Guardia, a short stop to visit the Sanctuary and to be enchanted by the Apuan Alps before continuing on to Monte Tondo. The effort made to reach the summit will be rewarded with a panorama that sweeps from the Monti Pisani to the Gulf of La Spezia.
Tour: Discovering the Marble of the Apuan Alps
Max elevation 1124 - min/max elevation gain 521 - total length 30 km
Starting from the hotel, along paths immersed in nature, you arrive at Lake Gramolazzo, a typical alpine lake, in whose waters is reflected the Pisanino, the highest mountain of the Apuan Alps. You continue from Gramolazzo and reach Orto di Donna: a glacial basin of rare beauty, just above you can visit the marble quarries and its extraction from the mountain.
Tour: Visit to the alpine pastures of Campocatino
Max elevation 1006 - min/max elevation gain 628 - total length 53 km
Excursion itinerary, which allows us to admire Campocatino, a stupendous circle of glacial origin today covered by a very green meadow dominated by the Roccandagia mass. From here you can visit: the "caselli", small stone dwellings built by shepherds and used during the summer pastures, the Hermitage of San Viano, a small church carved into the rock, and finally on the way back Lake Vagli: famous for its "ghost town" Fabbriche, submerged by the waters of the lake.
BIKE RENTAL
The hotel declines any responsibility regarding the rental and/or use of bikes or e-bikes during your stay.
The price does NOT include bike or e-bike rental.
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT TOURS DEPART NO LATER THAN 10.00 A.M.
A week of full immersion in cycling and nature: 7 nights in a hotel and 6 tours designed for those who want to live an unforgettable experience on two wheels; dedicated to those who want to escape from the stress and hectic city life to take refuge and discover the landscapes of the Park of the Apuan Alps and the Park of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines.
The two panoramic swimming pools that overlook the Apuan Alps, the typical and homemade cuisine served on the panoramic terrace of the hotel, the possibility of taking countless walks in the countryside will ensure that once this short holiday is over you can't wait to escape again and share with us other new emotions.
Tour: "The Orecchiella Park: On the Trails of the Wolf"
Max elevation 1236 - min/max elevation gain 785 - total length 52 km - Asphalt
It is possible to leave from the Hotel and stay on the bike for more than 40 km or to make the transfer to the Park by car and then use the bike. The excursion takes us to the Orecchiella Park, with the possibility of short stops to visit small towns and villages that have maintained intact their medieval characteristics, among them Verrucole with its Fortress: on a buttress of volcanic rocks overlooking the river, but you will be truly surprised by the scenery and landscapes once you reach the Orecchiella Park: deer, roe deer, squirrels, marmots surrounded by typical alpine colours.
Tour: On the Roof of Garfagnana
Max elevation 1594 - min/max elevation gain 814 - total length 28 km - Gravel and Asphalt
Completely immersed in the green of pines, chestnuts and beeches in an uncontaminated nature, where it is possible to see squirrels, foxes or other animals of the wood crossing the road. From the hotel the route takes us to the Monte Argegna plateau, near the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Guardia, a short stop to visit the Sanctuary and to be enchanted by the Apuan Alps before continuing on to Monte Tondo. The effort made to reach the summit will be rewarded with a panorama that sweeps from the Monti Pisani to the Gulf of La Spezia.
Tour: Discovering the Marble of the Apuan Alps
Max elevation 1124 - min/max elevation gain 521 - total length 30 km - Gravel and Asphalt
Starting from the hotel, along paths immersed in nature, you arrive at Lake Gramolazzo, a typical alpine lake, in whose waters is reflected the Pisanino, the highest mountain of the Apuan Alps. You continue from Gramolazzo and reach Orto di Donna: a glacial basin of rare beauty, just above you can visit the marble quarries and its extraction from the mountain.
Tour: Visit to the alpine pastures of Campocatino
Max elevation 1006 - min/max elevation gain 628 - total length 53 km - Asphalt
Excursion itinerary, which allows us to admire Campocatino, a stupendous circle of glacial origin today covered by a very green meadow dominated by the Roccandagia mass. From here you can visit: the caselli, small stone dwellings built by shepherds and used during the summer pastures, the Eremo di San Viano, a small church carved into the rock, and finally on the way back Lake Vagli: famous for its "ghost town" Fabbriche, submerged by the waters of the lake.
Tour: The places of the Spirit
Max elevation 1031 - min/max elevation gain 681 - total length 32 km - Asphalt
A "particular" itinerary: historical and religious. It starts from the Hotel and arrives at the Sanctuary on Monte Argegna, then goes on to visit the remains of an ancient "Ospitale" dating back to the year 1000. From here we leave to arrive in small villages that still retain the appearance of ancient villages: the narrow stone streets, the smell of wood and the silence that you can breathe always lead to a "maestaina", a church, a hermitage or a more important parish church.
Tour: Cycling along the ancient Via Vandelli (50 KM)
This is an interesting but demanding route, recommended entirely to the most trained and experienced bikers, the others can limit themselves to intermediate stops that are nonetheless fascinating. The aim of the itinerary is to retrace a stretch of the ancient Via Vandelli, a road built in 1738 by Francesco III d'Este, Duke of Modena, in search of safe access to the sea within his own borders. A journey completely immersed in the green of the Apuan Alps, which allows us to get to know and discover particularities and difficulties in the construction of this historic road that takes us to the beaches of Versilia.
BIKE RENTAL
The hotel declines any responsibility regarding the rental and/or use of bikes or e-bikes during your stay.
The price does NOT include bike or e-bike rental.
DEPARTURE OF THE TOURS IS RECOMMENDED NO LATER THAN 10.00 A.M.
The roads of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, the Apuan Alps, the landscapes of the Cinque Terre, the villages and medieval fortresses will accompany you in an environment that is constantly changing colours and scents, making your holiday unique and unforgettable. An area to be discovered, with its immense chestnut woods and roads designed for pure driving pleasure. We will discover the traditions, art, culture and local gastronomy in a mix of experiences: suggestions and flavours that will make your stay in this land where time seems to stand still unique.
Our itineraries are designed to combine a passion for motorcycling with a desire to get to know and experience this incredible area of Tuscany. Ideal for couples and groups.
Based on the needs of you bikers, we have created four different solutions for staying at our hotel. To enrich your holiday, our Motorradtoskana.it staff has drawn up eight different itineraries to discover the hidden and enchanting places that only the Garfagnana can offer, travelling only along secondary roads forgotten by mass tourism. Discover some of the tours on Motorradtoskana.it
VIA STATALE 445 55030 CASONE CARPINELLI (LU) (PASSO DEI CARPINELLI)
TEL +39 0583 611066 - FAX +39 0583 611043
EMAIL info@albergo-belvedere.it
GPS – LAT 44°12’7” LONG 10°13’37’
P.IVA 01507360467
