SPEAK AND WALK IN THE APUAN ALPS
A SPECIAL WEEK OF LANGUAGE AND TREKKING IN THE MOUNTAINS.
An Italian language course in a mountain refuge in the Apuan Alps: a perfect combination for practicing Italian in the open air and discovering little-known places in Tuscany.
The treks are to be considered traveling language lessons with an Italian language teacher, who is also an authorized Environmental Guide, and are reserved exclusively for LIS Italian language students.
Course duration: 4 days, Tuesday to Friday.
Only date in 2026: August 4.
Language level: participation is reserved for students with at least an intermediate knowledge of Italian (A2-B1).
Level of difficulty of the excursions: they are intended for EXPERIENCED HIKERS, in GOOD PHYSICAL SHAPE, with experience and the ability to tackle difficult terrain and slopes.
Minimum number of participants: 4; maximum number: 6
Program:
Tuesday: Departure - Isola Santa and the Marmitte dei Giganti - Arrival at the refuge.
Departure from school at 10:00 a.m. by private vehicle with driver.
Travel to the refuge, with a stop at the village on Isola Santa Lake and lunch in a
restaurant with a panoramic view.
To follow, a short excursion in the vicinity and arrival at the refuge with a 30-minute uphill walk.
- Accommodation in dormitory
- Introductory lesson on the Apuan Alps and the fundamental principles of mountain safety.
- Dinner
Wednesday: Morning: Excursion to the Schienale dell'Asino.
Distance 5 km
Elevation gain 440 meters
Estimated duration approximately 3 hours
Wake up at 7 a.m. and breakfast. Departure for the excursion at 9 a.m.
A steep climb leads to a panoramic viewpoint with a beautiful view stretching all the way to the sea. Return to the refuge along a peaceful path through woods and meadows.
PLEASE NOTE: this hike is not suitable for those who suffer from vertigo.
Lunch at the refuge.
Afternoon: Italian lesson
4-6 p.m. – two hours of Italian in the comfort of the refuge, starting with texts about the mountains.
Dinner at the refuge
Thursday: Morning: Excursion to Passo degli Uncini on Monte Altissimo.
Distance: 7 km
Elevation gain: 470 meters
Estimated duration: approximately 4 hours
Wake up at 7 a.m. and breakfast. Departure for the excursion at 8:30 a.m.
We will climb towards Foce del Frate, continuing to Passo degli Uncini below Monte Altissimo. The route is sheltered and does not cause problems of vertigo. Then we will descend to the refuge for lunch.
Lunch at the refuge.
Afternoon: Italian lesson.
4-6 p.m. – two hours of Italian in the comfort of the refuge, starting with texts about the mountains.
Dinner at the refuge
Friday: Morning: Visit to the Botanical Garden of Pian della Fioba and Anello della Maestà – Return to Lucca.
Wake up at 7 a.m. and breakfast. Departure from the refuge at 8:30 a.m.
A private bus will take us to the Pian della Fioba Botanical Garden: the visit is a real one-hour excursion (including explanations by the guide), which takes us to the top of the Botanical Garden, with one of the most beautiful views of the entire northern Apuan Alps. This is followed by a short one-hour walk along a circular route to the Città di
Massa Refuge, where lunch will be served.
After lunch, return to Lucca. Arrival in Lucca scheduled for 4/5 p.m.
Course price: 1450€ - including transport, accommodation for 3 nights, 4 lunches, 3 dinners, 4 breakfasts, Italian language lessons.
For accommodation in Lucca on Monday, August 3 and Friday, August 7, we can recommend some hotels upon request.
Good physical condition, a hiking backpack, and mountain clothing are required. Hiking poles are recommended if you are used to using them.
Hiking boots with treaded soles are mandatory, preferably high-top (absolutely no shoes with smooth soles). Without this type of footwear, for your safety, you will not be able to participate in the excursions. One or two water bottles or flasks to fill are also mandatory. Water is scarce in these areas, so it is important to set off on the morning of the excursions with at least two liters of water in your backpack. You can fill your water bottles at the refuge.
We recommend:
- wearing comfortable, layered clothing;
- bringing a waterproof jacket;
- wearing a hat and apply sunscreen.
The weather here can be very changeable even in August, but generally it will be hot in the middle of the day and then cool down considerably in the evening. In case of heavy rain or any type of weather alert (e.g., strong wind), activities will be replaced or refunded.
The program may be changed for organizational reasons and depending on the weather. In any case, the guide's decision is final.
ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION, "Rifugio Puliti"
-- MEALS
Typical Tuscan dishes are prepared by the Rifugio chef (for example: tordelli, ravioli, roast meat, roast potatoes, vegetables, etc.), with vegetarian options available. Breakfast is a typical Italian breakfast with coffee and/or tea, biscuits, bread, butter, and jam.
-- SLEEPING
Guests sleep in mixed dormitories - i.e., in a single room for men and women - with bunk beds. It is necessary to bring either a sleeping bag or sheets, as well as towels. Blankets are provided.
The refuge has two bathrooms for guests only, plus a shower.
PLEASE NOTE: You can use your cell phone outside the refuge, about a 10 minute walk away. There is no telephone line nor Wi-Fi inside the refuge.
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