Trekking on the roof of Tuscany

Our Trekking adventure was one of the major highlights of our Italy Vacation. It was wonderful escaping the city (Florence) to this beautiful town and area only a short 30 minute train ride. Michel was nice to pick us up at the train station to reach our hiking destination an hour up the mountain. We took the cable car route with spectacular views. The hike itself was about 5 miles and only had one short semi steep climb. Michel was all about taking breaks as needed and moving at a pace that would work for the group. Views on the mountain were breathtaking. Lunch at the Lodge at the top of the mountain was delicious. Michel was an excellent guide and provided a lot of great information about the area. Hiking shoes are preferable for the trek, but we managed with running shoes. Additionally, weather was so nice on the mountain as it was a bit windy and cool, a great reprieve from the heat in the city. Highly recommend!

Hiking i Tuscany has always been on my list! Our two guides, Bernando and his wife, had so much to tell us about the area, the places we passed, the fauna and birds! We loved it! We asked for Italian guides, sunscreen we’re trying to learn the language, and they were patient with our many mistakes😂. Which mean that we learned a lot of new words as well! We walked on the boarder of Toscana and Emilia–Romagna, the watershed, and the view was 360 degrees, cooling wind in a warm day.

My wife and I spent a spectacular day with Michel, perhaps the highlight of our Italy vacation. Michel was professional, courteous, flexible and personable. We were based in Florence, and took an approx 35 minute train ride to Pistoia. Michel met us at the train station in his clean and comfortable car, and drove us an hour away (through the hills and small towns) to the mountains of Tuscany and the Alpines. It was a hot and humid July day down in the valley and in Florence, but the mountain air was cool, breezy, and refreshing. On the way to the hike site, we stopped at a tiny village for coffee. It was so uncommercial and felt like it was in the Swiss Alps. We were the only 2 tourists there. Much of the day actually felt like we were extras in the Sound of Music. Once we arrived at the regional national park, we took a beautiful gondola ride (approximately 10 minutes) to an upper section of the mountain range, separating Tuscany from the mountain region in the other side. Once there, we hiked for about 3 hours, including a 1 hour lunch break at the peak (we brought our lunch, but there is a restaurant up there serving homemade Italian food). The walk was stunning - views in every direction of meadows, forests, wildflowers, and clouds. Michel said that often times the sea can even be seen in the distance. The walk was mostly flat but interesting and never boring, as we hiked through wildflower paths covered in stones. Michel came alive describing the history of the area, and was very knowledgeable about the indigenous species and flora there. This hike was EMPTY - we saw a few locals along the way, but it was completely devoid of tourists. After spending many days navigating crowds in Venice, Florence, and Cinqua Terre, this undiscovered locale was magical. Though we didn’t bring our kids on this trip, Michel told us about all the family activities that he does as well. There is a nearby adventure park with an alpine slide and zip line which could be a great compliment to a shorter version of the trail. We recommend Michel and this day with the highest praises. He is a wonderful guide and a very accommodating and thoughtful guide.

Valentina e Bernardo hanno accompagnato il mio gruppo di Yoga in una suggestiva passeggiata fra Orsigna e il Rifugio Porta Franca, in provincia di Pistoia. Entrambi si sono dimostrati professionali ed organizzati nel gestire i vari momenti, compresi i piccoli inconvenienti di una piovosa e scivolosa giornata di pioggia. Molto preparati sugli aspetti geografici e naturalistici, grazie anche alle competenze letterarie di Valentina, il nostro percorso si è arricchito di interessanti narrazioni sui toponimi del luogo. Inoltre, sapendo che desideravamo praticare Yoga, hanno saputo personalizzare l'esperienza individuando luoghi perfetti per le nostre esigenze.