Classic Biking, Walking & Sea Kayaking from the Heart of Tuscany to the Mediterranean Coast at Elba

Bike and walk along Tuscany's ancient Etruscan coast and the curving hillside roadways of the Mediterranean Island paradise of Elba with its charming seaside villages, magnificent beaches and crystal clear waters. Starting from the Etruscan hilltop city of Volterra, follow an easy walking route toward the Tuscan coast. Ride among Bolgheri vineyards and olive groves. As you meander this undiscovered coast, your route will pull you inadvertently toward the aquamarine colors of the Mediterranean sea and the paradise island of Elba, an island of unsurpassed natural beauty, from treeless mountain summits to lush forest covered slopes, and from magnificent beaches caressed by crystal clear waters to Medieval fortresses and quaint fishing villages. Relax in a seaside cafe and toast a glass of its local wine to its most famous resident, Napoleon Bonaparte, and discover why Elba was chosen as his exile paradise.

Day 1 - Volterra to the Tuscan Seaside - Rendezvous in Florence or Pisa.Transfer to the ancient hilltop town of Volterra, one of Italy's oldest cities and described by D H Lawrence as a city of "wind and stone".After an introductory lunch, take a casual town tour of its alabaster workshops, Etruscan / Roman ruins, and untouched Medieval streets.Walk a downhill route through some of Tuscany's most picturesque rolling hills with their open landscapes and hilltop stone farmhouses.(Biking option available)

Day 2 - Bolgheri Vineyards and the Etruscan Coast - Fans of super-Tuscan wines and connoisseurs of Italy's finest olive oils are familiar with such celebrated names as Ornellaia and Sassicaia, two of Italy's finest wine cellars, and local producers.Start your multi-sport biking along the illustrious Etruscan Coast with a ride through fruit orchards and vineyards to feudal estates, Medieval castles and fortified villages.Feast on a Club Toscana lunch of regional specialties in Bolgheri, the castellated country residence of the Counts of the Gherardesca.Visit a renowned olive oil producer and learn what makes this area's olive oil, some of Italy's best.

Day 3 - The Cornia Valley to Elba - Bike a meandering route, once used by 12th-century pilgrims on their from the Holy Lands, now favored by professional cyclists as the perfect training ground.Pass through a lush cork-tree and oak forests teaming with song birds before arriving in Suvereto, a little known Tuscan hilltop gem with a 9th-century hilltop fortress.Morning ride into the quiet Cornia valley where Italy's next generation of wine producers are making a name for themselves. Boat to the magnificent Island of Elba and Portoferraio, Elba's colorful main town and harbor dominated by its hilltop Medici fortresses.

Day 4 - The Island of Elba - Hike along the vibrant slopes of Elba's Monte Capanne to the 5th-century sanctuary of San Cerbone.Look for spectacular views of Elba's coast and the island of Corsica in the distance.Watch for mountain goats grazing, songbirds singing and butterflies fluttering in this natural park reserve.Walk through majestic pine forests to the 11th-century Sanctuary of the Madonna where Napoleon used to "meditate" with his mistress, Maria Walewska.Discover Marciana Alta, a charming centuries old hillside village with a 12th-century Pisan castle.Walk a meandering side road past vineyards and small farms to the quaint seaside village of Marciana Marina, regarded as one of Italy's top seaside locations. Visit its shops specializing in locally produced wines and traditional foods.Dine on fresh seafood and the best of Elban cuisine in the island's quaint restaurants.(Biking option available)

Day 5 - Sea Kayaking along the Elban Coast - From Elba's largest sandy beach, enjoy a day of sea kayaking. Perfect for beginners, our sea kayaking expedition accompanied by a professional sea kayaking instructor will take us along the rocky inlets and isolated sandy beaches of this natural paradise bathed by warm sirocco winds.Bring your swim suit for a dip in the island's crystal clear waters at one of the routes secluded beaches.Take an evening stroll before dinner overlooking Elba's romantic harbors filled with colorful fishing boats sharing space with luxury yachts.

Day 6 - Campiglia Marittima - Homeward bound.Bid a final farewell to Napoleon's island paradise and take a private transfer to the mainland and the Campiglia Marittima train station where guests heading to Rome or Pisa and Florence will find convenient departures.As always, we would be more than pleased to help you with any of your post-trip travel planning.
Arrivederci and Buon Viaggio !