This deep canyon is in the Garfagnana, the mountainous region north of Pisa and Lucca and you can hike the Orrido either by yourself or on a guided tour, either way discovering the unspoiled canyon’s transparent waters, delicate vegetation and rare animals.

The Visitors’ Centre at Ponte a Gaio will provide you with a helmet  (obligatory) and sell you a ticket (€2/person) to access the itinerary, which takes about 4 hrs.  Should you wish to be accompanied by a guide on the weekends, costs are €13/person (children under 11 yrs for €7).

In the heat of the summer this is a deliciously cool outing, with shorts, a sweatshirt and shoes with good grip the outfit of the day.

At Ponte a Gaio there is a small restaurant ‘Nido dell’Aquila’ where you can eat simple fare for modest prices or places nearby for picnics.

If you'd like us to organise a guided tour, please just ask.

For more information see:  Turismo in Toscana

Places to stay in the Garfagnana and Villas close to Pisa and Lucca.