From Cinque Terre to Garfagnana

In the morning we take the 9:35 train to Piazza al Serchio station for a walk, accompanied by a guide, following the ancient route of the Via del Volto Santo, (a route that in the Middle Ages joined the cities of Pontremoli and Lucca), crossing the territory of San Romano in Garfagnana with destination Villetta traveling a distance of about 14.5 km. A succession of paths and mule tracks wind through magnificent views of the Apuan Alps, the Apennines and ancient villages where history and traditions live on. The Via del Volto Santo route crosses Lunigiana and Garfagnana, which, although very different from each other, share historical, landscape, anthropological and geographical elements. It does not present any difficulties to be noted but can be undertaken by those with a good preparation to walk. We will stop at the:

• the mighty Verrucole Fortress
• Sambuca rock church

The majestic and superb Fortezza delle Verrucole is one of the most beautiful examples of a Tuscan medieval castle and one of the most successful examples of conservative restoration. Already in the distance its walls, with their almost perfectly intact battlements, seem to appear the passerby to pay homage to its power. As we drive the few hundred metres from the village, where we have to leave the car, to the castle, we realise what can await us once we reach the top: a breathtaking view of the entire surrounding area. We enter the inner courtyard of the fortress walls to learn about the Archeo Park: a “living” museum offering historical reconstructions. Lunch Box. In the afternoon we will visit the historical centre of San Romano in Garfagnana, with its narrow cobbled streets. Along the way we will make a stop at the mill located almost contemplating the landscape where the protagonist is him!!! The IGP spelt of Garfagnana! The view is breathtaking. In front of us, a long expanse of slightly steep fields and a small plot of land used for the cultivation of spelt. Passion for their land, love of nature and respect for the traditions of our mountains distinguish this production. We will visit

• The spelt processing plant;
• The fruit processing plant for transformation into jam;
• The mill.

Amongst other things, we will see some of the stages in the processing of the flours, which are milled in the factory using a stone mill powered by solar energy: maize flour, spelt flour, wheat flour, with the possibility of purchasing the products carefully harvested, selected and processed in the best possible way to ensure a unique taste on your table. Because everything is cultivated as it once was, using totally natural methods. Our journey will continue by passing through a beautiful and skilfully maintained village: Sambuca whose church, dedicated to San Pantaleone, stands on a spur of rock with which it forms a single unit. After crossing the bridge over the Serchio river called “della Villetta” we arrive at the Villetta – San Romano station. With the 18:11 train or the 18:55 train we quickly return to Castelnuovo di Garfagnana. Dinner in a tavern. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay.