tel: 01460 249191
web: www.adventure-cafe.com
email: info@adventure-cafe.com
Tuscany 3 Peaks
Genetic Disorders UK Trekking Adventure
FAST FACTS
Country:
Italy
Registration Fee
Min. Sponsorship*
£400 pp
£1000 pp
Duration:
4
Min Age:
18
Max Age:
N/A
Max Altitude:
1858m
Total Ascent
(approx.):
2500m
Total Distance:
40km
Fitness Level:
Next Departure:
23/09/2013
Genetic Disorders UK
(Genetic Disorders UK)
By taking part in the Century Challenge Ride for Genetic Disorders UK you can help change the lives of
children and families affected by genetic disorders. Individually, genetic disorders are rare but together they
affect 1 in 25 children born in the UK - that's more than 30,000 babies each year. Their associated health
problems mean that genetic disorders are the biggest cause of death of children aged 14 years and under.
By supporting us you can make a significant contribution to the lives of the children by helping fund the
care and support that they need on a day to day basis. We help charities to provide a full range of practical
support, equipment, respite and events which bring families together to help them feel less isolated. Thank
you so much for your contribution towards this essential support system. To join us or find out more,
contact us by calling our friendly team on 020 7199 3316, or emailing hayley@geneticdisordersuk.org or
visit our website - http://www.jeansforgenesday.org/events where you can sign up directly online and secure
your place on the challenge.
So you’ve trekked the UK’s Three Peaks...now get ready for the Italian, slightly more smooth,
cultured version. This part of Tuscany is truly an undiscovered gem and is well worth a visit, so
why not take up this challenge while you're there. This version of the 3 peaks has just as much
excitement, a good level of physical exertion, and a certain Italian flair!
The mountains are stunning limestone, and range from plunging valleys
with tumbling rivers to soaring peaks of 1709m & 1858m. The twin
mountains of Pania della Secca and Pania della Croce. Our route is 2
and a half days, and visiting the stunning natural stone archway of
Monte Forato. We shall camp high in the mountains for one of our
nights – in a quintessentially Italian ‘Rifugio’, and this will give us a
headstart into our challenge the following day. We’ll be crossing
exposed ridges, and scaling high peaks (Monte Forato(1208m), Pania
della Croce (1858m), and Pania Secca(1709m)). Get ready for an
awesome adventure!
Itinerary
Day 1 - Fly from London early, expected arrival approx 10am local
time. Arrive at Fornovolasco by approx 12pm for lunch and to arrange
equipment. Short acclimatisation trek in afternoon through beautiful
unspoiled deciduous woodland along the crashing mountain stream –
learning about the history of this secret Tuscan delight, then return to
lodge for evening meal and early night!
Day 2 - Early start to climb to the high ridge, and then along to the
Stone Archway and Monte Forato. Continue along ridge to pass at Foci
di Valli. Before making long climb up to La Pania – and to our overnight
stop at Rifugio Rossi.
Day 3 - From here the next morning we shall climb first to one side (to Pania Secca, and then next to Pania
della Croce). From our high point at 1858m, with hopefully stunning views to the Med, to the tiny villages
nestled below us, and to other distant peaks, we shall finally make our descent late in the afternoon back to
our welcoming hosts back in the unique village of Fornovolasco.
Day 4 - Time to relax and visit Pisa. Fly home to London.
Accommodation
Simple B&B style, with shared bathrooms – quaint mountain village location beside burbling river. Also – good
mountain refuge, with food available. – Bedding available on both nights – but please either bring a lightweight
sleeping bag or a sleeping bag liner. The less you carry the more enjoyable the 2 day expedition into the
mountains will be…
What is a Level 3 Trekking Challenge Like?
These challenges are either longer, higher, or span several days. In the case of single day events, you can expect
up to 12 hours trekking. In the case of a multi day trek, you can expect lower daily durations - but of course the effort is sustained over a longer period. You need to be keen on physical exercise for these events, and to
enjoy taking exercise, and to do it regularly. Longer duration long haul treks are likely to be easier in terms of
the physical walking, however, you will need to be more resilient - due to simple living conditions - ie using
same clothes for several days, lack of washing facilities, simple food, and maybe camping - this forms an integral
part of the challenge.
How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 3 Trek?
You need to have good endurance for these events. You must be used to doing very long walks in the
countryside - 7 hours + . You should be doing regular exercise - possibly with some running. Your running
speed will be around 11-12 minute miling, and you should be able to run a minimum of 4 miles. If you do not
run, you should be concentrating on other types of exercise - but for longer periods of time (ie sessions in
excess of 1.5 hrs.) - these other forms of exercise should be at a moderate to high level.
Medical Issues
Please note, it is extremely important for this physical challenge that you are in good health. If you have any
pre-existing medical conditions, please consider carefully whether you should be joining the challenge. Please
ensure you fill in the booking form accurately and honestly, this is important. In the case of serious conditions
(epilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions, recent illness or operations), please discuss the challenge with your GP.
Please also ensure you notify us of any allergies or similar.
You should be used to walking reasonable distances each day to contemplate this trek. It requires stamina and
good aerobic fitness - but good willpower will also come in handy! Failure to disclose medical conditions is a
serious omission - that could have serious repercussions on any of our challenges.
Insurance Details
Travel insurance is required for all overseas adventures and can be purchased through Ventureguard using the
link on the left hand toolbar of the website.
Travel insurance is not compulsory for UK adventures but it is advised. For further information, please don't
hesitate to contact the Café.
Special Notes
Please note that it is best to book the earliest flight out on day one and the latest flight back on day 4. Please
note that the trip begins as 11am at Pisa Airport on day 1 and ends at 8pm at Pisa Airport on day 4, so please
book accordingly, giving yourself plenty of time.
Visas / Redtape
When travelling abroad you may require a Visa. Please check the Travcour website (www.travcour.com) for up
to date Visa information. Here they can advise you on the best action to take. If you are a non-EU citizen and
require further information please don't hesitate to contact the Café.
Included In Trip
Transfers in Italy, Accommodation, Breakfasts, Guiding,Experienced, Qualified & First-Aid Trained Leader
Excluded From Trip
Lunches, Dinners, Bar bills (all very reasonably priced in Northern Tuscany), Flights.
Equipment Required
Medikit
Water Purification Kit
Suncream
Blister Repair Kit
Plasters
Vaseline
Rehydration Salts
Painkillers
Sunbloc
Insect Repellant
Washkit
Pack Towel (lifesystems recommended)
Soap (small bar)
Shampoo (not a full size bottle!)
Toothbrush
Toothpaste (small size)
Hill Walking Items
Sleeping Bag - 2/3 season rated to 0° C comfort rating or sleeping bag liner (silk or cotton)
Medium Sized Rucksack - lined with waterproof bags
Rucksack Liner(s) / Plastic Liner(s) for Rucksack
Bladder System (highly recommended - or other water bottles e.g. exercise bottle/Nalgene bottle)
Walking Poles (highly recommended)
Sun Hat (wide brimmed)
Neck Scarf
Snack Foods - we recommend good slow burning items - nuts, dried fruit, cereal bars etc.
Warm Clothing
Lightweight Fleece
Medium Weight Fleece
Lightweight Gloves
Heavy Gloves (mitten type recommended)
Fleece Hat
Trek Clothing
Long Cotton Trekking Trousers
1 Pair Tracksuit Bottoms
Comfortable Trekking Shirts (long/short sleeved)
Walking Boots (broken in with ankle protection)
Walking Socks
Liner Socks
Underwear
1 Change of Casual Evening Wear
Waterproofs
Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (Gore-tex, E-vent)
Outer Waterproof Bottoms
Other
Toilet Roll / Pack of Travel Tissues
Spare Lace
Camera
Film / Memory Card / Spare Battery
Travel Documents
EHIC Travel Card
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Passport
Wallet
Credit Cards
Cash
Sunglasses
Spare Comfortable Shoes
Penknife
Mobile Phone (packed in a plastic bag deep inside your day pack!)
Emergency Rations (energy foods - for the tough days on trek)
Head Torch with spare batteries and bulb
Transport / Transfer
Whilst in Tuscany we shall either be using hire cars, or minibus transfer, some team members may be required
to drive. If you are able to drive overseas please let us know. When we reach our base there will be no more
driving until we return to Pisa. From here on legs will be your main form of getting around!
Safety Information
By nature all activities contain an element of risk.Your leader will be first aid qualified and will carry the
appropriate safety kit for the activity, such as mountain safety shelters, walking rope and from time to time
mobile radios. Safety equipment carried will be appropriate to trip. The leader's primary role is to ensure your
safety, but it is your responsibility to listen to their guidance and instructions.
Weather
Snow lingers around in the mountains until late spring, and the weather can be unpredictable in early spring –
but come late spring early summer, it starts to stabilise, with sunny days, and hot temperatures in the summer.
We recommend early summer or early autumn, as days are fine, but not too hot. Temperatures in the valley
range from hot at midday to cool at night. Remember though that you could experience virtually the full range
of weather – as this is a true mountain expedition.
ADVENTURE DATES AVAILABLE
START DATE
END DATE
DURATION
23/09/2013
26/09/2013
4
This challenge is organised by Adventure Cafe Ltd on behalf of Genetic Disorders UK
*Payment System:
To participate in this event you will need to make a registration fee payment directly to Adventure Cafe of
£400.
This will secure your place on the challenge. You will then need to fundraise the further amount to allow
you to participate in the event. For this challenge you need to raise a further £1000 in sponsorship monies.
This further amount should be made payable directly to the Charity. A significant proportion of your
fundraising will be directed straight to the Charity and will assist in the good cause for which your charity
works. Adventure Café will be operating this Adventure Challenge but is not responsible for collection of
payments from participants. If you have any questions about this system of payment and participation please
call us to discuss further.
Please contact Adventure Café on 01460 249191 to arrange your own departure dates, exclusive trip, or
your own corporate event. We shall be delighted to develop something specifically for you.
T - 01460 249191
E - info@adventure-cafe.com
Frogmary Green Farm, West Street,
South Petherton, Somerset, TA13 5DJ.