3 days – 2 nights
An unusual itinerary, off the beaten track, in search
of unexplored environments, atmospheres and landscapes: the Oltrepò
Pavese region with its misty hills cloaked in vineyards, its kind,
industrious people who warm the grey winters with their cordial humour,
and its mountains - unknown to most, where the Alps meet the Apennines –
sunny islands floating on a sea of clouds. This land of the “Four
Provinces in Four Regions” (Piacenza in Emilia, Pavia in Lombardy,
Alessandria in Piedmont, and Genoa in Liguria), despite its
administrative borders, retains the cultural identity of the ancient
“High Lands”, inextricably linked by the historical Via del Sale along
which the Liguri people marched through centuries of history up until
Longobard Christianity and the Malaspina feuds. We will discover a
unique natural environment along the Val Trebbia, Val Staffora and Val
Curone valleys and on the mountain paths in the heart of the two Italian
mountain ranges. We will be able to see the highest peaks of the Alps
and the Apennines and will discover the mitigating influence of the
nearby Ligurian Sea on the natural environment.

Useful information:
medium-easy hike. Optional canoeing on the River Trebbia (additional
cost). Breakfast, packed lunches and dinners supplied by the hotel
(please advise of any special dietary requirements). Participants will
use their own cars for transfers; we can use a minimun number of cars
and share the costs. There will be a group leader and GAE guide for the
duration of the trip.
OUTLINE OF PROGRAMME
We are proud to have put
together this programme which embraces every aspect of this fascinating
area of Lombardy which, being still relatively unknown, offers
landscapes of rare beauty, in some places rugged and wild and in others
pastoral and tranquil.
1st day –
outward journey from
Tuscany using own means of transport or travelling with other
participants, as organised by the group leader. Alternatively, meeting
with the group leader in the central square of Bobbio (Parma Province)
in the late morning. By car to the beginning of the path (packed lunch
to be provided by participants). Hike of about 2h 30’. Transfer to hotel
for dinner and overnight stay. After-dinner walk to Romagnese for
traditional Easter celebrations (“Galina griza”) and village fair.
Opportunity to attend Easter mass at midnight.
(On this first day our hike
will take us into the Mediavalle, from Passo Penice to Pietra Corva and
the slopes of Romagnese through green meadows and mountain pastures
where time seems to stand still. The rural silence is interrupted now
and again only by the mooing of the roaming cows and the gurgling of
streams. The Pietra Corva, with its rugged ophiolitic rocks and its
pioneering vegetation, stands out clearly like a pinnacle over the
gentle valley with its endless carpet of flowers. In the evening we can
join the people in the village for the Easter celebrations, taking part
along with these reserved and hard-working people in these most
important of religious events.

2nd day
– After breakfast we will
set out for a day’s hiking along the Apennine ridge “of the four
regions”, on the border between the Alps and the Apennines (average
walking time 5h). Packed lunch provided by the hotel. Return to the
hotel in the evening for dinner. After-dinner walk to one of the nearby
villages. Overnight stay.
(The second day will be
dedicated to the two elements, river and mountain: the Pavia Apennine
and the splendid Val Trebbia. From the Bralo Pass and the ancient
village of Bocco we will climb to the top of mounts Colletta, Tartago
and Terme through centuries-old beech woods and slopes covered in
blackcurrants, slopes which become the reign of the ski lift during the
winter. From here, as we make our way along the panoramic ridge, we will
be able to make out the peaks of the Ligurian, Piedmontese, Parma and
Lombard Apennines in the majestic weave of valleys rich in history (the
Staffora, Curone, Tidone, Trebbia, Aveto and Nizza valleys) and famous
Roman and medieval routes. In fact, Hannibal passed along the same route
during the Second Punic War, as did San Colombano di Bobbio, called by
the Longobard Queen Teodolinda to the centre of her Kingdom in Pavia.
The mortal remains of Saint Anthony also passed through here on the way
to Sardinia via the historic Via del Sale. From a geological point of
view this is exactly the point where the Alpine chain meets the
Apennines, where immeasurable pressure pushed the rocks of ancient sea
beds to altitudes of over 1800m. From the top of the majestic Mount
Lesima we will be able to see the top of Monte Rosa and other Alpine
peaks to the North. At the end of our mountain route we wil descend
along the Val Trebbia with its narrow incised meanders form a
picturesque canyon, where the most important moments in the history of
geology took place with the discovery of deep-sea turbidite processes
right in the centre of peninsular Italy. The river Trebbia will be our
playground again at the end of the day, offering the chance to take an
energising swim in its cool clear water and enjoy the last rays of
sunshine on its white beaches.

3rd day –
After breakfast we will set
off on a hike through the Tidone, Trebbia and Staffora valleys,
following the winding streams and rivers of the Oltrepò Pavese. Packed
lunch. Return in the afternoon.
(our third day will be
dedicated to the Val Staffora with a cultural and natural
itinerary that will include two charming hermitages in the woods – San
Ponzo and Sant’Alberto di Butrio. This third route is characterised by
lush vegetation with perfumed valleys cut away by age-old river courses
and wide fans of detritus on the slopes of the rocky walls which look as
if they have been cut by a sharp blade. A close look at all these
elements will give us a greater understanding of the evolution of the
landscape.

What to wear and bring:
Wear light comfortable clothing (in layers) and walking shoes. You will
also need a rain jacket, a small back pack in addition to baggage that
will be left at the hotel, a water bottle, torch, trainers for river
walking, and a swimming costume.
5 days – 4 nights
The islands of the Sorceress Circe, with their
extraordinary landscapes, lace-edged rocks, stacks and caves, can be
visited from a naturalistic point of view in order to get the most from
the outstanding natural beauty of the area. We will also be able to meet
the lively and welcoming local people.
Ponza, with its wealth of history and natural beauty,
will be our base. Every corner of the island holds a fascinating story,
still alive in the memory of its inhabitants. The culture of hiking has
not yet taken off on the island, its economy being based on the hords of
summer seaside visitors: our stay during the spring will bring us into
contact with the more authentic side of the island, known as the “most
beautiful in the Mediterranean”. From Ponza we will go to Palmarola, an
abandoned rocky settlement with a rich seabed and many small sandy bays.
Zannone, on the other hand, is completely different. This island, which
is part of the Circeo National Park, is the site of an ancient monastery
and has different geological origins to the other islands. Like
Palmarola, it is also uninhabited and we will be able to enjoy its wild
beauty from its highest point from where you can also see the entire
Pontino archipelago and the coast of Lazio.
OUTLINE OF PROGRAMME:
1st day –
outward journey
from Tuscany using own car or travelling with other participants, as
organised by the group leader; alternatively, meeting with the group
leader at the port of Formia (NB: the cost of the guarded car park in
Formia is about 8€/day); ferry for Ponza (about 2h 30’ crossing time).
Our guide will meet us in Ponza from where we will take the local bus to
Le Forna where we will check into our small apartments. Dinner in
restaurant. Evening to explore and get to know Le Forna.
2nd day
– Transfer by
local bus to Ponza Porto. Hike to Monte Guardia and the necropolis of
Bagno Vecchio; bathing opportunity in the charming bay below. Lunch at
own leisure in the old town centre. Afternoon in picturesque Ponza
Porto, tour of the old town centre and the spectacular cemetery clinging
to the cliffs.
3rd day –
Short walk to
the Caletta (cove) where we will board a boat for the island of Zannone,
part of the Circeo National Park and never inhabited. We will make the
short walk across the island and up to the highest point, to the ruins
of the Cistercian-Benedictine monastery. Visit to the Roman Bath near
the landing point, where morena eels were bred by the Romans. Return to
Ponza by boat and trip around the island with lunch on board, with a
chance to visit the Pilato Caves (part of which involves walking through
water), the spectacular basins used for the breeding of morena eels
which were sacred to the ancient Romans. They are connected by a maze of
long passageways all practicable on foot. We will be able to swim in the
island’s coves and most beautiful caves, and snorkelling and marine
biology will also be possible. Return to our accommodation and dinner in
restaurant. After dinner we can either go to Ponza Porto (by bus) or to
Le Forna.
4th day –
Boat trip (lunch on board) with a tour around and to the island of
Palmarola. Short and easy walk to the highest point on the island where
the remains of a medieval Cistercian monastery and the cave-houses of
the ancient rock settlement dug into the tufo (a kind of rock)
are found. Swimming in the most attractive caves with their emerald
coloured water. Return to Ponza and our accommodation, dinner. Evening
walk.
5th day –
hike to Forte Papa and the
natural baths (or another cove of equal beauty and charm); transfer to
the Port by local bus; lunch at leisure; ferry back to Formia.
NB: The programme is
subject to variation depending on weather conditions or other unforeseen
circumstances.
Useful information:
easy hiking and boat trips (extra cost including lunch on board), with
stops for swimming and guided snorkeling. Breakfasts and dinners at our
designated restaurant. Packed lunches provided by participants or by the
restaurant at an additional cost. During boat trips lunch will be served
on board (if weather conditions prevent boat trips, we will organise
trips on land and lunch will be bought by participants). Transfers by
public transport (€1 per journey); group leader and GAE guide will be
present for the duration of the trip.
What to wear and bring:
shoes for the rocks, mask and snorkel, swimming costume, sunscreen,
sunhat. Wear light comfortable clothing (in layers) and walking shoes.
Also bring a small back pack in addition to baggage that will be left at
our accommodation, a water bottle, and a torch.
Sheets and
towels also required.
6 days – 5 nights
Corsica is an island to be explored. There is a
surprise round every corner: unexpected vistas and breathtaking
landscapes, a variety of environments, a crystal clear sea, lush
vegetation, desert, snow-capped peaks and wild deserted beaches – all
these varied elements are enclosed within this one precious treasure
chest surrounded by the Tyrrhenian Sea.
During this trip we will have an opportunity to enjoy
every characteristic, every environment, and all the beauty there is to
see on this island, including its interesting and laboured history. We
will discover the island by walking along its paths in search of its
natural wonders.





1st day –
The enchanting north coast and Saleccia beach (total hiking time 3h)
Ferry at 9.00 from the Port of Livorno. Arrival in Bastia at about 13.00
Packed lunch or from the self-service restaurant ( not included).
On our arrival in the port of Bastia we will be able to admire this
characteristic town from the ferry. It is the largest commercial port in
Corsica. We will then board a coach and set off for the graceful and
charming little town of Saint Florent, known as the Saint Tropez of
Corsica because of the magnificent boats moored in the gulf on which the
town lies. We will take the characteristic boat to the marvellous beach
of Saleccia with its fine white sand which slopes gently into a
breathtakingly clear blue sea. It was on this beach that the landing
scenes from the film “The Longest Day” were shot. After a short stop on
the beach, we will take the panoramic path which leads along the coast
to another enchanting beach called Plage du Loto (2h). After a
refreshing swim we will take the boat back to St Florent where we will
be given a guided tour of the village, including the fortified citadel
dating from 1439. Return to Bastia by bus, passing through the
Patrimonio region famous for its fine wines. At Col di Teghime (536m) we
will be able to admire the plain of Bastia and the Biguglia wetlands – a
nature reserve – and the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. On very
clear days you can even see the Italian coastline. Dinner and overnight
stay in hotel.
2nd day –
Regional Natural Park of Corsica and its waterfalls (hiking time 2h 45’)
Departure from Bastia at 8.45. We will head first of all in a southerly
direction along the eastern edge of the island, turning inland through
the Forest of Bavella where the finest group of needles in Corsica is
found. Their beauty derives from their unusual shape, due to the action
of the wind, and from the changing colour of the rocks which soar above
the pine trees. Lastly, we will come to an impressive oak tree which
grows between two stones. This is where our short walk starts to the
pretty succession of basins which make up the Cascades du Polischellu
(45 mins return). We can swim in one of Corsica’s clear rivers.
Packed lunch. We will then set off for another enchanted spot, the
Cascate Piscia di Gallo (2h return): across the Col di Bavella, a
spectacular pass at 1200 m from where there is a splendid view, and on
to our destination. We will descend into the gorge to see the source of
the River Oso; the sight of this impressive waterfall 50 metres high in
a surreal landscape will make up for the minor effort required to reach
the spot. We will then take the coach to Porto Vecchio. Possible stop in
the beautiful gulf and beach of Santa Giulia.
Dinner and overnight stay in hotel.
3rd day –
Bonifacio,between white limestone and emerald seas; Ajaccio and the
enchanting Sanguinaires islands (hiking time 2h)
Departure 8.45. We will walk from the lower town in the gorge of
Bonifacio to the old Citadel with its powerful fortifications
overlooking the sea. Guided tour of this incredible village with its
Italian feel, the island of Sardinia only 12 km away, with views of
Santa Teresa di Gallura in the distance. Bonifacio is an unforgettable
place of outstanding beauty. Walk to the lighthouse of Bonifacio and
Capo Pertusato. The path leads along the coast on the high cliffs of
white limestone typical of this area (2h). Packed lunch. Return to the
lower town by bus. Chance for a swim in the little cove of Granello di
Sabbia.
Afternoon: possible boat trip, highly recommended if weather conditions
permit because of the beauty of the scenery and the sea. Departure by
coach mid-afternoon. Stop in the village of Sartene, famous for being
the most Corsican of the Corsican towns, or at the archaeological site
of Filitosa. Evening arrival in Ajaccio where we will watch the
spectacular sunset from Punta della Parata, reached along a short path
from where we can see the Sanguinaires islands, so called because at
sunset they take on stunning tones of red.
Dinner and
overnight stay in hotel.
4th day –
The
Calanches at Porto, pink granite protected as a World Heritage Site
(total hiking time 3h 20’)
Departure 8.45. Guided tour of the town of Ajaccio, administrative
centre and “most French” town in Corsica, the birthplace of Napoleon
Bonaparte. Afterwards we will head for the Calanches. Panoramic walk (2h
20’ return) along the cornice of this marvellous mass of pink granite
sculpted by the wind and rain in the most incredible manner. The
panorama over the Gulf of Porto and the Natural Reserve of Scandola is
unmissable! Return to the starting point and short walk to the Chateau
Fort (1 h return), another fantastic viewpoint. Transfer to the village
of Porto and swimming from the splendid beach at the foot of mount Capu
d’Ortu (1294m). Dinner and overnight stay in hotel.
5th day –
The immense Aitone Forest and the splendid Gradule Waterfalls (total
hiking time 5h30’)
8.30 optional visit to the Genoese Tower in Porto. Departure by coach
for the Aitone Forest, a splendid forest of Austrian pine which was once
used by the Genoese for boat-building materials. Walk to the Aitone
waterfalls which slide over rocky masses alternating with basins of cool
water (1h return). We will cross a pretty bridge before returning to our
starting point. Transfer to the path for the Gradule waterfalls.
Beginning of our walk. Packed lunch. The environment has changed
dramatically: we are at about 1330m and, through tranquil birch woods,
we will come to the shepherds’ goat sheds used during the summer
months., and then to the cool waterfall which forms a lovely emerald
coloured pool (4h30’return). After a rest, we will retrace our
steps. Transfer to the Balagne region for dinner and overnight stay in
hotel.
6th day –
Visit to the fortified town of Calvi and the capital of Upper Corsica,
Bastia
Departure 8.45. Guided tour of the fortified citadel of Calvi which
claims to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus; transfer to Bastia,
capital of Upper Corsica and the most important commercial town on the
island. Guided tour of the town and the fortified citadel known as the
Terra-Nuova.
Packed
lunch. 15.00 departure by ferry for Livorno.
2 days – 1 night
A weekend
dedicated to spa relaxation and peaceful walks in the gentle green hills
of Salsomaggiore Terme, with its history and therapeutic waters. A
surprising trip into the province of Parma in Emilia-Romagna, to the
area where the River Stirone marks the boundary with the province of
Piacenza. The River Stirone environment is a Site of European Importance
and around it the splendid riverside park, the Parco Fluviale, has been
established, with its crystal clear water, lush riverbank vegetation and
rocks rich in fossils.
OUTLINE OF PROGRAMME:
1st day –
Meeting at the entrance to the Stirone Park in the late morning.
Beginning of our walk in the Parco Fluviale dello Stirone
(distance 8 km, average walking time 4 hours – Our path winds along flat
ground, following the River Stirone for the most part, where we will
find the riverbank plant life and fauna typical to the area). Packed
lunch on one of the pretty pebble beaches along the river. Visit to
Pietranera, an enchanting ophiolitic spur which represents the
remains of rock which in the Jurassic era formed the bottom of the
ancient Tethys ocean. The environment here is extreme, but still
contains a flora that has adapted to the particular nature of the
substrata. On the other side of the valley the rock is dominated by the
characteristic medieval village of Vigoleno. Check-in at hotel in
Salsomaggiore, half an hour’s rest at the Berzieri Spa, the
area’s oldest and most famous thermal waters, in a splendid art-nouveau
atmosphere. A chance to regenerate in the therapeutic waters of
Salsomaggiore. Guided tour of the spa complex. Return to hotel and
dinner. Evening walk through the streets of the town, and overnight
stay.
2nd day –
Departure after breakfast at 9.00. Visit to the Herb store and the
Botanical Garden of Gavinel, with more than 450 species of aromatic
and officinal plants cultivated with passion and skill in an area of 12
hectares, of which more than 50,000 sq m is open to the public. Standing
out from the many plants is the extraordinary White Salsomaggiore
Lavander. Walk in the gentle green hills of Salso (9 km, about
3hours of walking), from where we will be able to admire the splendid
view over the lush natural environment and the town itself (some
stretches are along secondary asphalted roads). Packed lunch. Departure
after lunch in the early afternoon.
What to wear and bring:
Wear light comfortable clothing (in layers) and walking shoes. Rain
jacket, a small backpack in addition to luggage that will be left at the
hotel, a water bottle, torch, shoes for walking in the river and a
swimming costume.
5.
Weekend at Bardi Castle, walking in
the Ceno Valley (Province of Parma)
2 days – 1 night
A weekend in the Parma Apennines exploring the
beautiful Ceno Valley area, between streams and mountain ridges around
the imposing Castello di Bardi. The spectacular castle’s massive bulk
rises on a spur of jasper, standing guard over the valley below where
the rivers Ceno and Noveglia meet. The ancient atmosphere with its
pastures and thick woods of Turkey oaks is accompanied, of course, by
the castle ghosts.