Italian Apennines mountain bike adventure

A superb mountain bike holiday in the Tuscany region of Italy. Tucked away between the Apennines and the Apuan Alps, the rugged region of Garfagnana is a part of Tuscany that is definitely 'off-the-beaten-track'. From your comfortable farmhouse base (complete with pool) near Castelnuovo, you can check out some of the finest mountain biking in Europe. Following drovers' trails, fire tracks and medieval pathways, the emphasis is on singletrack and excitement. An undoubted highlight is the 2-day ride along the main ridge of the Apennines, including a night at the Refugio Carpe Diem, which allows you to sample some high-level and quite technical riding, whilst marvelling at the fantastic mountain views.

A free day then gives you the option to laze by the pool or try out a range of optional activities that includes kayaking on one of the local rivers. Two final excursions, in the Garfagnana Valley and in a remote corner of the Apuan Alps, provide a nice mix of trail conditions and further confirmation just how good this Tuscan biking holiday is. Dramatic scenery and fine Italian cooking add to the appeal of this tasty treat. Exhilarating biking by day and chilling out in comfort the evening, gives this holiday a unique and special quality that discerning mountain bikers will find very appealing.

This holiday is aimed at regular mountain bikers, who are looking for the excitement of singletrack and technical trails to challenge their skills. It is not a suitable trip for beginners. Some of the climbs are quite long and many of the descents are fast and furious. Apart from the regular trail kit that you would take on any day ride you will not be required to carry any luggage, although you'll need a day pack large enough to fit in a little overnight gear for our one night at the mountain refuge. Average 50-55 kilometres (30-35 miles) per day.