Trekking in the Apennines

Discover Italy’s best-kept secret, the Grande Escursione Appenninica (GEA), a spectacular 400km (249 mile) long-distance trail traversing the rugged, panoramic ridges and forested valleys of the central and northern Apennines. Linking Bocca Trabaria on the Umbrian border to Passo Due Santi on the edge of Liguria, the GEA winds through the heart of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, crossing two National Parks and visiting ancient towns, crystal-clear lakes, and the highest peaks, including Monte Prado, the summit of Tuscany. This comprehensive Cicerone guide describes the GEA in 23 daily stages (8–25km each), with clear stage gradings, distance, elevation profiles, and estimated walking times. Thanks to excellent public transport links along the route, the GEA can be tackled as a classic three-week trek or enjoyed in shorter, flexible sections, perfect for walkers with limited time or those seeking a taste of Apennine adventure. Follow the GEA along waymarked mountain paths, forestry tracks, and quiet rural lanes through the unspoilt landscapes of the Apennines, rich with wildlife, wildflowers, and panoramic Mediterranean views, far from the crowds and deep in authentic Italian countryside. Each stage concludes in an Apennine town or village, offering comfortable guesthouses, alpine refuges, or camping, with comprehensive notes on local accommodation, food, and facilities along the GEA. Plan your journey through the Apennines for the ideal season, with guidance on trail conditions, weather, and why July–August is the best time for reliable walking and open services on the GEA. Benefit from detailed information boxes for every GEA stage, covering start and finish points, distances, elevation changes, terrain, estimated times, grade (1–3), and transport, making Apennine route planning simple. Access practical tips on preparation, packing, navigation, safety, and the unique highlights of each GEA section, plus an English–Italian glossary to support your trek across the Apennines. Delve into the history, wildlife, flora, food, and culture of the Apennines, with dedicated guidebook sections introducing the region’s rich heritage and natural wonders found along the GEA. Navigate the Apennines with confidence using clear sketch maps and elevation profiles for each GEA stage, as well as summary tables for flexible itinerary planning and suggested 1–3 day highlight walks. Set out on an unforgettable journey along the Grande Escursione Appenninica with Cicerone’s expert guidebook, and immerse yourself in the wild beauty, timeless charm, and hidden trails of Italy’s mountainous spine.

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