Under the canopy of the beech trees surrounded by the amazing colours on Monte Amiata
Orienteering is a sport closely connected with nature. At a competitive level it involves searching for a series of points indicated on a detailed map:for amateurs and lovers of nature, it suggests, rather, a delightful walk. What follows is a suggestion for all enthusiasts:a mixture of active sport and the pursuit of cultural and countryside interests - obviously it can be adapted to your wishes. If you love nature, try orienteering and improve your life!
DAY 1
Arrive at the hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy a cocktail to welcome you.
Dinner with traditional regional dishes accompanied by selected wines of Montalcino, Montecucco, Scansano and Montepulciano. At the end of the evening there will be a slide show by Cesare Moroni to introduce the area.
DAY 2
WildlifePark - Monte Labbro - Merigar
Leave for the WildlifePark of Monte Amiana. The park is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty.Among the animals and birds to the found there, the Miccio Amiatina, a special breed of donkey characteristic of the area, the short-toed eagle, which actually nests in the park, and several pairs of wolves are of particular interest. The expedition continues to Monte Labbro, the highest of the peaks which encircle Monte Amiata. The panorama is spectacular and stretches from Amiata to the Tyrrhenian sea which sparkles in the distance on clear days. At the summit we can admire the Tower of David Lazzaretti, known as the prophet of Monte Amiata. It is certainly a place with its own kind of energy, well worth a visit. On the return, lunch will be at the refreshment bar in the park, at the centre of the reserve, and then we shall visit the Gompa at the Tibetan centre, Merigar, one of the most important centres of Dzog Chen in Europe. On return to the hotel, dinner - and a well deserved rest!
DAY 3
Orienteering
Breakfast. Orienteering in the beech woods of Amiata. In the morning, training supervised by Parachute Instructors from Folgore. In the afternoon, the first session in the woods. Orienteering is often defined as the “intelligent sport”, in so far as one has to add accurate map-reading to considerable physical exertion. Amiata is a huge open air museum, rich in art and culture, an ideal place to find plants, animals and flowers. This activity, training and practice, will last all day long, with a pause for a picnic. In the evening after dinner we shall all go to a local bar to experience some local life.
DAY 4
Bagni di San Filippo, and Abbadia Salvatore
Departure for the hot springs at Bagni San Filipppo. A visit to the cascade of sulphurous water at the “Fosso Bianco” where the water gushes out at a temperature of between 25 and 52 degrees.Here one can take a dip all the year round. Then to the thermal swimming-pool, which provides relaxation for body and soul, energy and contentment. Experts say that hot thermal springs have a wonderfully healthy effect: one’s skin becomes softer, one’s hair is more shiny and one’s muscles more supple. We go to on to Abbadia San Salvatore for Brunch in a wine-bar “La Confusa”. After lunch a visit to the old part of the town, to the beautiful Abbey and the most interesting MinesMuseum. Return to the hotel. After dinner, and entertainment with the folk singers the “Cardellini del Fontanino”.
DAY 5
Orienteering and Santa Fiora
The second day of orienteering under the beeches of Amiata. After lunch at Le Macinaie, a visit to Santa Fiora where we can get the feel of a small Tuscan village.We shall discover its spacious piazzas, churches and fascinating alleyways.Santa Fiora is a characteristic medieval village.It is well worth visiting the Pieve church with its famous glazed terracotta by the Della Robbia brothers, and the charming fish pond, where the springs of the river Fiora rise, forming a small lake, surrounded by a botanical garden.An aperitif at Luciano’s wine shop, and then return to the hotel for dinner.
DAY 6
The competition
A third day of orienteering: the day of the competition . This will last the whole day. In the evening, after dinner, prize-giving, and also a musical entertainment.
DAY 7
Departure