Fast Facts

DATES

22-30 September 2023

9 day trip, 5 day challenge

Fundraising Target

$3,500

Accommodation

Twin-share in 3-star hotels and country cottages

Difficulty

3/5

Pricing & Itinerary

Sign up now and pay just $475* when you register

*Non-refundable
Enter your details to receive the info pack, including the full itinerary, FAQs and more.

$3,460

Your travel package is paid in instalments.

Payment 1: $475* when you register
Payment 2: $475* 4 weeks after registration
Payment 3: $1,255 6 months prior to departure
Payment 4: $1,255 3 months prior to departure

Payment plans are available.
*non refundable

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The Challenge

38 Australians are diagnosed with Parkinson’s every day – that’s one person every 40 minutes. It’s the most common neurological disorder after dementia and, without a medical breakthrough, the number of Australians with Parkinson’s will double every 15 years.

But you can help change this.

Join the Shake It Up Tuscany Trek and, with every step you take, you’ll help Shake It Up fund cutting edge Australian research to slow, stop and cure Parkinson’s disease.

Immersed in the beguiling history and culture of Tuscany, as part of this incredible nine-day adventure, you’ll follow time-worn tracks through Italy’s mediaeval heartland, over gently rolling hills, past ancient olive groves and vineyards, into UNESCO World Heritage-listed towns and through fragrant oak and chestnut woods.

Best of all, your fundraising and physical effort will promote and fund Parkinson’s disease research in Australia aimed at better treatments and ultimately, a cure.

Testimonials

“It was an incredible experience that I will remember forever for an organisation close to my heart.”

– Georgia Donovan, Shake It Up's Camino for a Cure 2018

“It was a great experience, with thanks to our very knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide. And, our team worked well together to support each other through the challenge.”

– Cath Clark, NBCF Tuscany 2022

The Difference You'll Make

Parkinson’s affects an estimated 100,000 Australians and 10 million people worldwide. It’s a debilitating, degenerative disease that robs people of their ability to control their body.

But imagine a world without Parkinson’s.

It’s an ambitious vision. But together, we can find better treatments that will slow and stop the progression of Parkinson’s, and ultimately lead us to a cure.

As part of the Shake It Up Tuscany Trek, 100 per cent of the funds you raise will support vital local Parkinson’s research projects with international impact.

With the support of people just like you, in the last decade, Shake It Up:

Invested $22 million in Australian research, which funded 63 research projects across 19 institutes in partnership with The Michael J. Fox Foundation
Launched the Catalyst Programme velocity to fast-track research to accelerate the discovery of new drug therapies to slow, stop and cure Parkinson’s
Introduced a monthly Virtual Research Forum to share projects and research outcomes with the Parkinson’s community

Includes: Transfers as per itinerary • Twin-share accommodation • English speaking guides • Meals as per itinerary • Tour of Lucca • Water on trekking days • 2 pieces of luggage are included in the travel cost (max 20kg per piece). If you have more than 2 pieces of luggage, you will be charged 20€ per piece of extra luggage per day for transportation.

Doesn’t Include: Flights • Airport transfers • Travel insurance (compulsory) • Visas • City tax (compulsory) • Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages • Personal expenses • Tips and gratuities (optional)

Day 1: Friday, 22 September 2023

Arrive Florence

The adventure-of-a-lifetime begins today as you touch down in Florence, Italy! Upon arrival at Amerigo Vespucci Airport, you’ll make your own way to our hotel. In the afternoon, we meet for a welcome briefing followed by our first team dinner together.

Meals: D

Day 2: Saturday, 23 September 2023

Florence – Lucca

This morning we wake to the beautiful sights and sounds of Florence. After breakfast, we transfer by private vehicle to the charming town of Lucca. While your luggage is transferred to the hotel, we’re dropped at the city gate to enjoy a sightseeing walk through the streets of Lucca. Arriving at our hotel in the early afternoon, we’re free at leisure to rest or explore before we meet for dinne

Transfer time: 1.5 hours

Meals: B D

Day 3: Sunday, 24 September 2023

Lucca – San Miniato

Today, we enjoy breakfast together before exploring more of this fairytale town, marvelling at its imposing Renaissance walls, cobbled streets and beautiful piazzas. In the afternoon, we head out for a walking tour to the famous Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, Lucca’s monumental City Wall, the church of St Michael and the shopping and café areas in the old town. After the city tour, we transfer by private vehicle to San Miniato, the starting point for our first day of trekking tomorrow. With its beguiling mediaeval lure and eclectic, effervescent nature, San Miniato is the quintessential Italian dream, with stunning architecture and delectable local produce. Upon arrival, we’re free to rest or explore. Why not stretch your legs with a hike to Torre di Frederico II, a mediaeval fortress tower with panoramic views over the city?

Transfer time: 1 hour

Meals: B

Day 4: Monday, 25 September 2023

San Miniato – Gambassi Terme

This morning we rise early for our first day of trekking! We begin by walking a section on the Via Francigena, following a stunning trail through oak and chestnut woods, olive groves and vineyards. The trail is mostly an off-road track that undulates over small rolling hills – a quintessential feature of the Tuscan landscape. En route, we pass the quaint town of Chianni, where we may stop to visit its beautiful church. We then climb 300 metres to Gambassi Terme, a hilltop town best known for its spa and hot springs, as well as glass manufacturing. Feeling tired, yet accomplished after a great first day, we check into our hotel before enjoying a delicious team dinner.

Trekking distance: 18-23km

Meals: B L D

Day 5: Tuesday, 26 September 2023

Gambassi Terme to San Gimignano

Today we begin our trek by descending Gambassi Terme. Today’s route will see us tackle many hills and valleys. However, we’re constantly rewarded with stunning scenery, including the world-famous Chianti vineyards. In the afternoon, we arrive at San Gimignano, an enchanting UNESCO-listed mediaeval town and our home for the night.

Trekking distance: 14km

Meals: B L

Day 6: Wednesday, 27 September 2023

Day 7: Thursday, 28 September 2023

Day 8: Friday, 29 September 2023

Monteriggioni – Siena

On our final day of trekking, we farewell Monteriggioni and make our way towards Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site and one of the most visited cities in Italy. World-famous for its art, mediaeval architecture, museums and cuisine, it’s the perfect place to end our adventure together. Tonight, we gather for our final team dinner to celebrate our achievements, friendships and impact.

Trekking distance: 19-23km

Meals: B L D

Day 9: Saturday, 30 September 2023

Our Climate Commitment

When you travel with us, $10 goes towards carbon offsetting projects in Western Australia. You'll be supporting Carbon Neutral as they replant native plant species to create a green corridor for native wildlife, assisting in the recovery of entire ecosystems. For more on how we're bettering the planet, read our Climate Action Plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

For a comprehensive list of FAQs, download the information pack by filling in the form.

How challenging is this adventure?

This adventure is ranked 3/5. While no extensive trekking experience is required prior to registering, our adventures are specifically designed for people who are relatively fit and willing to train. The Tuscany trek is a physical challenge, involving trekking approximately 86 kilometres over five days. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the experience.

You will be well supported on the adventure, with the guides and your team all cheering you on. You are free to move at your own pace and we will take frequent breaks.

How do I fundraise?

Never fundraised before? Not sure where to start? No worries, we don’t expect you to do it alone. You will have regular support from the Inspired Adventures fundraising team, who will help you make a fundraising plan to meet your target. Alongside personalised coaching, we will also send you lots of ideas and resources on how to fundraise. From online fundraising to trivia nights, to bake sales and out-of-the-box ideas, we have years and years of tried and tested tips to make your fundraising a success.

Who will I be travelling with?

We believe small group travel is better for the planet, and better for you. Our adventures usually have 10 – 20 people aged from 18 to 90+ (younger ages considered on request). You can be sure that you have all come together with the shared purpose of making a difference to others and having the adventure of a lifetime.

The group will be led by a local tour guide with expert knowledge of the region. Many groups will also be accompanied by an Inspired Adventures team leader or doctor to support and motivate the team.

Where applicable, a charity representative may also join the team. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about your chosen charity and their work.

How do I train for this adventure?

We will provide you with information on how to prepare for your adventure when you register. In addition, we recommend that you consult your GP and a personal trainer to develop a training plan that will prepare you for the challenge.

As part of your training, we recommend making use of your free time to complete full-day hikes and ideally a hike over several days. You should aim to be able to walk for 6–8 hours and get up to do it again the following day comfortably.

It is sensible to start training as early as possible before you go on your trek.

Do I need to have insurance?

Travel insurance is highly recommended for domestic adventures – to cover cancellation, hospital, emergency evacuation and lost luggage. We recommend purchasing your policy as soon as possible. It is up to you to ensure you have fully comprehensive travel insurance and you'll need to share these details with our team before departure. For more information, please visit www.inspiredadventures.com.au/travel-insurance-information

How will you manage the risk of COVID-19?

We have prepared a detailed COVID-19 Safety Management Plan to account for the wide variety of scenarios that may impact your departure. In the instance that the adventure is unable to proceed due to COVID-19, alternative departure arrangements will be provided where possible.

Inspired Adventures requires that all travellers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as described in government guidelines and ground operator requirements.

For more information, please visit our COVID-19 hub.

Are COVID-19 vaccinations required for this adventure?

How much does it cost to participate in this adventure?

The total cost to participate in this adventure is: $3,460

In addition, you are also committing to raising $3,500 (per person) for Shake It Up.

In order to secure your place, you will need to pay half of your travel deposit ($475) upfront, and the second half four weeks after registration. This is non-refundable.

A second instalment of your balance is due 6 months prior to departure, and the final balance is due 3 months before travel. If you are registering with less than 7 months to departure, you will most likely be invoiced in fewer instalments based on the date of registration.

Your travel payments are invoiced in instalments to provide ample time to pay your balance. We can build a personalised payment plan that suits your schedule if our standard timeline does not suit.

shake it up tuscany 2023

Fast Facts

Pricing & Itinerary

The Challenge

Testimonials

The Difference You'll Make

Our Climate Commitment

Frequently Asked Questions