Via Medicea | Appennino Slow

VIA MEDICEA
From Prato to Fucecchio in the land of the Medici

WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER

The Via Medicea winds its way between Prato and Fucecchio, passing through Poggio a Caiano, Carmignano, Artimino, Bacchereto, Vinci and Cerreto Guidi, opening the view to the splendid panoramas of Montalbano.

A journey through history, a path that leads to the discovery of a territory and its genesis through a centuries-long development, in which man's vision has modified the landscape and the area, leaving behind wonderful and innovative works.

A unique and original itinerary, discovering the Medici and their works, well represented by three Medicean Villas (UNESCO World Heritage Sites), their passion for agriculture, science, nature and art. All this amid historic hamlets, including Vinci, origin of the great Leonardo, and the harmonious landscape of olive groves and vineyards, from which historic wines such as Carmignano, the world's first DOC, established by Grand Duke Cosimo III de' Medici himself in 1716, are born.

Landscapes, works of art, architecture, nature and tasting of local products, a rich itinerary marked by the characters and stories of one of the most important families in Italian history, the Medici.

PROGRAM:

Day 1 - 16 Km (Elevation Change +/-: + 500 m/ - 430 m)

Prato - Poggio a Caiano - Carmignano - Artimino

Meeting with the guide at 9 a.m. at Prato train station, from there we will take the bus to Cascine di Tavola. On this stage we will see historical-architectural, artistic and scenic jewels, such as the Cascine Medicee, the Medicean Villa in Poggio a Caiano and the incredible masterpiece of the Visitazione del Pontorno, in the church of San Michele Arcangelo in Carmignano.

Day 2 - 16,5 Km (Elevation Change +/-: +880 m/ - 630 m)

Artimino - Verghereto

From the Medicean Villa "La Ferdinanda," to the small but quaint village of Artimino, from fields of olive trees to the hills and woods of Montalbano, a stage of great richness for our eyes.

Day 3 - 13,5 Km (Elevation Change +/-: +480 m/ - 840 m)

Verghereto - Pietramarina - Vinci

We will walk on the upper part of Montalbano, the 'wildest' area of the trail, overlooking the bright Valdarno di Sotto, with views that on clear days reach as far as the Tyrrhenian Sea, amidst beautiful holly oak groves and Etruscan archaeological sites. We will then descend to the beautiful village of Vinci, Leonardo's birthplace.

Day 4 - 15,5 Km (+3 Km to the San Miniato Train Station) (Elevation Change +/-: + 360 m/ - 375 m)

Vinci - Cerreto Guidi - Fucecchio

Easy walk through the vineyards of Vinci, to Cerreto Guidi, where you will visit the Medicean Villa, a UNESCO heritage site, and then head towards the arrival in Fucecchio. Transfer by bus to San Miniato train station.

PRICE:

540,00 € per person for groups with 5-6 participants;

475,00 € per person for groups with 5-6 participants;

The price includes:

Overnight stay with breakfast in Farmhouses and B&Bs;
2 Tastings of local products;
Visit at a locall farm and light lunch;
Visit to winery with small tasting;
Visit to 2 Medici Villas;
Luggage transport from one facility to another;
GAE guide to accompany you throughout the trip;
Handling fee;
Liability insurance coverage;

The price does not include:

Single room surcharge (subject to availability-not available at all facilities);
Dinners, lunches, food, additional drinks and extras in general;
Tourist tax where applicable (to be paid directly at the facility);
Visit to the Leonardo's Museum (€9);
Transfer to and from Prato and Fucecchio;
Transfers by regular bus service;
Anything not mentioned in "price includes".

NOTES:

A deposit of 50 euros is required at the time of booking confirmation.

The trek will be confirmed upon reaching 5 paying participants.

The guide reserves the right to change the program and itinerary based on group composition and weather. To promote aggregation and facilitate the group, single room is not recommended and in some places will not be available at all.

For the luggage transfer only one piece of luggage per person is allowed (without external bags/appendixes) maximum dimensions 60x40x20 cm.

ACCOMMODATION

We have selected small accommodations that will let you experience the true spirit of this land: hospitality and authenticity. The rooms are double/twin, triple or quadruple.

Being a group, a spirit of adaptation and community is appreciated.

Terms and Conditions of the Travel Contract

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SUMMARY

Where: From Prato to Fucecchio (Tuscany)

Style: Itinerant

Duration: 4 days and 3 nights

Guide: Michele

Luggage transport: Yes - one piece of luggage per person max. dimensions 60x40x20 cm

Tasting of local products: Yes, 3 tastings and a light lunch

Dates: in May, June, September and October, click to next tab

Accommodation: family-run B&Bs and farmhouses

Rooms: shared with other participants - double/twin, triple, multiple

Bathrooms: en-suite / shared with the rest of the group

Difficulty: ●●●● | Moderate - The Via Medicea is a medium-difficulty trail, it does not present technical difficulties as it winds through a mostly hilly landscape, some sections can be challenging.

Not suitable for those who have never hiked.

WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE THIS TRIP

The UNESCO World Heritage Medicean Villas, spectacular architectural jewels
The wonderful hills of Montalbano
The ancient food and wine traditions of these lands seasoned with classic Tuscan hospitality

OUR GROUP DEPARTURES

*formed predominantly by Italian seaking persons

FROM THE 9th TO THE 12th OF MAY 2024

FROM THE 6th TO THE 9th OF JUNE 2024

FROM THE 19th TO THE 22nd OF SEPTEMBER 2024

FROM THE 3rd TO THE 6th OF OCTOBER2024

LEGENDA:

GRAY: Trip scheduled, minimum number not yet reached

BLACK:Trip scheduled, close to reaching the minimum number!
GREEN: Trip confirmed, minimum number reached, off we go!
ORANGE: Last available spots.
PINK: Last available spot for women
BLUE: Last available spot for men
RED: There are no spots available, contact us to be placed on the waiting list

VIA MEDICEA From Prato to Fucecchio in the land of the Medici

SUMMARY

WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE THIS TRIP

VIA MEDICEA
From Prato to Fucecchio in the land of the Medici