The Grande Escursione Appenninica, also known as the GEA, is a hiking route with 25 stops, and is suited for all levels of hikers, not just experts.
The GEA is 425 kilometres long and connects the Bocca Trabaria Pass, on the border with Umbria and Le Marche, to the Due Santi Pass in Liguria.
Hiking this trail, you’ll explore the green and silent heart of the Apennines: you can walk through beach forests and chestnut groves, discover hermitages and taste typical mountain dishes. Step after step, rucksack on your back, you can rediscover the pleasure of slow travel surrounded by the beauties of the territory.
The GEA runs along the border of Tuscany, and in some stretches, intersects with mountain trails. For this reason, we recommend hiking the route in the spring or summer.
Along the way, you can see some incredible towns, historic villages and breath-taking scenery. We suggest dedicating a bit of time to visiting Caprese Michelangelo, a town in the province of Arezzo where the great Renaissance master was born. Continue to Chiusi della Verna, Badia Prataglia and Camaldoli, magical and spiritual places that intersect with another trail: the Way of St. Francis.
The Grande Escursione Appenninica then winds away from the hermitages and parish churches to become more daunting. You’ll cross the Muraglione, Giogo and Futa Passes: paradises for those who love to travel by motorcycle. In the province of Pistoia, you’ll come across Pracchia and Abetone; the GEA then leaves Tuscany behind at the Passo della Cisa, the gateway to the via Francigena.
Please keep in mind that not all the stages offer rest areas or accomodation options
