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Tuscany-Val D'Orcia & Elba Island
VAL D’ORCIA’S HIGHLIGHTS
- Stay in a quintessential Tuscan Estate with organic food production.
- Visit the natural, artistic and cultural treasures of the Val d’Orcia area which is part of the UNESCO Heritages
- Wonderful landscapes, wide open fields, cypress lined hills and vineyards
- Incredibly well preserved medieval and renaissance villages and hilltop towns
- Peaceful country roads, friendly Tuscans and delicious regional culinary specialties
ELBA ISLAND’S HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit Napoleon’s summer refuge and glorious museum within
- Fabulous walks through varied landscapes, from lush Mediterranean to Alpine in just a few km
- Historical sights of all ages, from 3000 BC to the present day: churches, fortresses, villas
- Idyllic, authentic villages and great beaches for swimming with crystal clear water
From: 540 €
Tripcode: ITDD090
3 Comfort
Level 1 - EN:
Simple accommodation, often with multiple rooms like huts, cottages or guesthouses. Sometimes with bunk beds and often with shared bathrooms. All camping trips fall into this category.
Level 1 - EN:
Simple accommodation, often with multiple rooms like huts, cottages or guesthouses. Sometimes with bunk beds and often with shared bathrooms. All camping trips fall into this category.
Level 2:
Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.
Level 2:
Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.
Level 2:
Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.
Level 3:
Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals
Level 3:
Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals
Level 3:
Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals
Level 4:
Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.
Level 4:
Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.
Level 4:
Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.
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1.5 Difficulty
Level 1:
Walking levels:
Trips with short walks of generally three to four hours (excluding breaks) and/or optional day excursions; flat or slightly hilly terrain using well kept paths.
Cycling levels:
Easy biking in nearly flat landscape; also possible for people with little or no bicycle experience. The daily distances are approximately 30-50 km in general. Bicycles with up to 3 gears can do the job. All our adult rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 1:
Walking levels:
Trips with short walks of generally three to four hours (excluding breaks) and/or optional day excursions; flat or slightly hilly terrain using well kept paths.
Cycling levels:
Easy biking in nearly flat landscape; also possible for people with little or no bicycle experience. The daily distances are approximately 30-50 km in general. Bicycles with up to 3 gears can do the job. All our adult rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 2:
Walking levels:
Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.
Cycling levels:
Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 2:
Walking levels:
Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.
Cycling levels:
Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 2:
Walking levels:
Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.
Cycling levels:
Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 3:
Walking levels:
Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day
Cycling levels:
Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.
Level 3:
Walking levels:
Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day
Cycling levels:
Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.
Level 3:
Walking levels:
Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day
Cycling levels:
Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.
Level 4:
Walking levels:
Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.
Cycling levels:
Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.
Level 4:
Walking levels:
Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.
Cycling levels:
Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.
Level 4:
Walking levels:
Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.
Cycling levels:
Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.
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Duration: 8 days
Details
Val D'Orcia & Elba islands
VAL D’ORCIA’S HIGHLIGHTS
The Tuscan landscape of the Val d’Orcia will warm your heart like a classic photograph as you wonder among the waves of undulating hills, captured in time as if still in the Renaissance.Glance at the picturesque farmhouses nestled amidst the olive groves and vineyards. Pass walnut and fig trees on your way to the hot spring town ofBagno Vignoni, and then explore the phenomenal labyrinth streets and artisan workshops of Montepulciano. Visit Renaissance palaces, Romanesque churches, thermal baths, and prestigious wineries serving the divine local red “Brunello”. Winding your way up to the wonderful hilltop towns, you’ll revel in delight
ELBA ISLAND’S HIGHLIGHTS
Both Venus, Roman Goddess of Beauty and Napoleon, all-powerful French emperor choseElbaas a great place to take a walking tour. A trip through picturesque fishing villages, along rugged coastlines, mountain ridges and on the dreamy, sandy island beaches. Find idyllic peace of mind as these invigorating walks warm your soul and inspire your body. Enjoy a climb up to the top of Monte Capanne and get that tingly feeling as you look out across the rich blueness of the Mediterranean Sea out to Corsica, mainlandItalyand the Tuscan Archipelago. Experience paradise!
Itinerary
Expand itinerary Collapse itineraryDay 1: Arrive in Buonconvento
Arrive in Buonconvento and check in to accommodation in Pieve a Salti.Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside and if you like, you can relax at the wellness centre of the accommodation. Dinner is included at the accommodation tonight.
Day 2-5: Selection of walks
During these days you can choose to explore the nice villages and surroundings of the Val d’Orcia area on foot or by car.
Here some suggestions on the places that are worthwhile a visit:
Montalcino, the home of the excellent Brunello wine that you can taste in one of the local cellar.
Montepulciano and its many artisan shops and the beautiful solitary San Biagio Church.
The beautiful villages of Pienza and Monticchiello that are on the UNESCO heritage list.
In Pienza try the excellent, locally produced Pecorino cheese and in Monticchiello stop at the tiny restaurant by the main gate;
San Quirico d’Orcia, a pretty, quiet farming town away from the bustle of tourists. Here visit the Horti Leonini, a superb example of an Italian garden and one of the first to be designed in 1580.
The stunning medieval spa villageof Bagno Vignoni with its famous hot springs also used in Roman times. According to legend, this bath dating back to the Roman times where home to beautiful water nymphs. Underneath are impressive travertine cliffs and in the 1400's the Medici princesses frequented the baths and St Catherine is said to have bathed here too. Nowadays it is possible to go swimming in the thermal hot pool Piscina Val di Sole next to Hotel Posta Marcucci. Remember you need to wear a swimming cap to go into the pool, if you don’t have one, you can buy one there. www.piscinavaldisole.it
The an imposing and magnificent Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, surrounded by spectacular countryside. The main courtyard is painted with a wonderful series of frescoes dedicated to the life of Saint Benedict.
The small village of Murlo, dating back to the Etruscan period 800 BC where you can visit the Etruscan museum that has some great examples of this civilization’s exceptional craftsmanship.
Or you can opt to do some round walks in the area choosing among the following itineraries:
A: From Murlo to La Befa round walk:
The fortifiedvillageofMurloconsists of an imposing bishop's palace and its courtyard and has an interesting museum which holds many fascinating Etruscan archaeological treasures. The surrounding area is one of the most singular and charming spots in theProvinceofSiena. It is immersed in dense woods parted by the Crevole river. Mainly over descanting beautiful rocky tracks and white dirt roads, through oak woods with remote hidden farm houses, you walk to the littlevillageofLa Befawhere you can stop for lunch in a good local restaurant. Over narrow trails along steep cliffs (with wooden fences) and wider pebbly roads, you climb over a small former mine railway track to Murlo. It's an exhilarating walk, immersed in the forest of oak trees, strawberry trees, heather and many broom plants, a characteristic bush with bright yellow flowers that have a sweet perfume.
B: Bagno Vignoni round walk
A beautiful round walk takes you through a Holm oak wood which separates Bagno Vignoni from Ripa d'Orcia. The area is rich in wild life - wild boar, roebuck deer, fox, badger. First an easy climb on wide white dirt roads, with on both sides spanning views on vineyards, cornfields, old farm houses, oak forests and Montalcino. Just before the robustcastleofRipad’Orcia, a decisively descending trail brings you to the Orcia valley. From here a beautiful small winding trail along the densely wooded river banks of the Orcia river with impressive travertine cliffs, brings you triumphantly back to Bagno Vignoni, where you can bath in the warm thermal water.
C: Pieve a Salti short round walk
The surrounding area ofPieve a Saltiis beautiful, with numerous ponds and the characteristic ‘badlands’ (a beautiful eroded clay landscape with spectacular slopes). Many of them are bare, because they are too steep for vegetation and are still eroding. The walk leads on top of these hills, before a descent brings you to a green romantic valley with a mystical crudely build house immersed in bushes and small corn fields. A short steep winding climb brings you back to where you started.
D: Walk from Montalcino to Sant'Antimo Abbey and public bus back to Montalcino
From Montalcino you walk for about three hours on what was once a Roman road to the spectacular Abbey of Sant’ Antimo. The road we walk is part of the Via Francigena, on which medieval pilgrims once made their way to the Abbey of Sant’ Antimo on their way to Rome. Enjoy the great views on the surrounding fields and vineyards, while on the background admire the extinct Volcano of Monte Amiata (1700 m). Wildflowers line the roads and the sky is punctuated by magpies and skylarks. The walk is so picturesque it seems as if we reach the abbey too soon. According to legend this lovely abbey was founded in the 9th century by Charlemagne, when a local herbalist miraculously cured his troops of an illness. You have a chance to go inside where the soft sound of a Gregorian chant echoes through the alabaster interior.
E: Pienza short round walk
This is a short circular walk through the magnificent surrounding area of Pienza, through vineyards, bushes and naturally the characteristic badlands among beautiful rolling hills, framed by wheat fields, vineyards and occasional dark green pinnacles of cypress. After visiting Pienza, why not take the short drive to the tiny hill-top medieval village of Montichiello – one of Tuscany’s most beautiful stone-built villages, from where you have excellent views on San Quirico d’Orcia with on his shoulders Montalcino almost overtopped by its magnificent fortress. This is an excellent moment for a lunch break and perhaps a nice “gelato” (ice cream).
Day 5: Depart the Val d’Orcia. Drive to Piombino and ferry to the Elba Island
Today you drive from Buonconvento to Piombino. Leave the car at the praking of the harbour and take the ferry to Portoferraio, the main town ofElba. Here you are picked up and transferred to the hotel in Marina di Campo. Time permitting, take a stroll into town or down to the beautifullong beach, the largest on the island and prepare yourself for some wonderful walks.
Day 6-8: Selection of walks
Exploring the island has never been as easy and more pleasant. We provide you with a wide array of marvellous walking tours to choose from, ranging from short and easy to longer and more demanding. A local bus runs at regular times and stops right in front of the hotel, so it’s a breeze to reach the beginning of the walks. The walks you can choose from are the following:
A: Marina di Campo round walk
This gentle walk is a pleasant introduction to thevillageofMarina di Campoand the Capo di Poro on her Westside. Along the harbour and through spherical, steep streets, you slowly climb higher. The vegetation getsMediterraneanand every now and then you’ll be surprised by splendid views off the island. When you feel like it, you can walk up and down the lighthouse at the cape en enjoy the wide view across the sea andElba. You end the hike with a gradual ascend and descend along small forest trails and stroll back to the centre of Marina di Campo. Enjoy one of many terraces and the pleasant buzz of the town.
B: Marciana and Madonna del Monte Sanctuary round walk
On the slopes of Monte Capanna, at an altitude of 357m lies Marciana. The history of this ancient village traces back to the era of theRoman Empire. Travelling to Marciana, a long winding road offers spectacular views of a rocky coastline and tiny harbours. The landscape at the north side ofElbais much greener than at the south side. Marciana shows you a labyrinth of small alleys, gates and hidden squares, all filled with colourful flowers. An alley of elegant chestnut trees leads you from Marciana to the most important chapel ofElba: the “Madonna del Monte Santuario”. On the way to the chapel you pass 13 little ones, with images of Christ’s suffocation. From the Madonna del Monte Santuario a splendid hike can be made across the alpine terrain of Monte Capanna. A rocky trail leads you to the mountain ridge Bollero. A long, shady descend leads you across some streams back to Marciana. To close off the day, you can visit the “Fortezza Pisana”.
C: San Piero in Campo to Seccheto walk
Today is the day to explore the splendid, Mediterranean landscape above Marina di Campo during a gentle, pleasant walk. The bus gives you a hand with the first200 metersuphill. The hike starts in the small village San Piero in Campo. Hectic tourism at the coast seems miles away when you wander around the small streets here. After a short climb through the village, the track leads you gently ascending along the mountain slopes. Marvellous views of the coastline and Marina di Campo, Vallebuia and Seccheto are your reward. . The descent is very gradually, firstly along small trails, then along a quite asphalt road to Seccheto.
D: Pomonte round walk
Travel along old mule roads, once used by pre-Roman rural dwellers. Breathe in the lavender as you climb theMoriValley. Splash along the waterfalls and stream of Fosso Barione reach a goat shelter on top of the ridge. Cross the Villanovan settlement of Le Mure (900 BD) as you make the steep descent back to Pomonte.
E: San Martino-Villa Napoleon to Procchio walk
Ride the public bus to visit the old French Emperor Napoleon’s summer residence, Villa San Martino. Inside you will find the charming Demidoff Gallery with its glorious collection of statues and frescos. Follow onward along a trail winding through the enchanting beach resort of Procchio and amidst uncontaminated oak forests, passing hamlets and remote ruins.
F: Monte Capanne to San Ilario walk
Feel pure exhilaration as you reach the top of Monte Capanne (1018 meters), by cable car or on foot, and savour the incredible views of Corsica, the Archipelago and mainlandItaly. It’s Mediterranean heaven. The descent along wide, rocky paths of large slabs of granite and through alpine vegetation and then thick forest, offers a panorama that is beautiful beyond belief.
G: San Ilario to Procchio walk
The bus brings you to San Ilario. This beautiful medieval town is the starting place for a nice and easy walk of 6 Km over mainly good paths and roads. The first part of the walk is in the open, the second part of the hike is shadier.
Day 8: Departure…Arrivederci!
The trip and our services end after breakfast. We wish you a safe trip home. Arrivederci!
Practical info
- 4 nights at FattoriaPieve a Saltiin Buonconvento of which:
- 1 night on half board basis (drinks excluded)
- 3 nights on BB basis
- 3 nights at the Hotel Barracuda in Marina di Campo,ElbaIslandof which:
- 1 night on half board basis (drinks excluded)
- 2 nights on BB basis
- Standard boat ticket (passengers only, no cars included)
- Transfer from Portoferraio to Marina di Campo on arrival day and vice versa on departure day
- Tour of Pieve a Salti Estate on 4x4 wheel drive vehicle
- 24-hour telephone assistance
- Detailed maps and road book in English
- PossibleCITYTAX to be paid in cash on the spot (it varies depending on the city and on the hotel’s category)
- Extra night/s at any of the accommodations along the way, or in any other destination inItaly
Best arrival & departure airport: Florence, Pisa or Rome Airports.
Reviews
Start: Buonconvento
Finish: Marina Di Campo
Dates & prices
Trip availability: Any day from 1/4 to 31/10
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| triple room: | 545 €/person |
| twin room: | 580 €/person |
| double room: | 580 €/person |
| single room: | 665 €/person |
| solo, single room: | 690 €/person |
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| triple room: | 585 €/person |
| twin room: | 620 €/person |
| double room: | 620 €/person |
| single room: | 710 €/person |
| solo, single room: | 730 €/person |
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| triple room: | 620 €/person |
| twin room: | 660 €/person |
| double room: | 660 €/person |
| single room: | 750 €/person |
| solo, single room: | 770 €/person |
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| triple room: | 585 €/person |
| twin room: | 620 €/person |
| double room: | 620 €/person |
| single room: | 710 €/person |
| solo, single room: | 730 €/person |
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| triple room: | 540 €/person |
| twin room: | 570 €/person |
| double room: | 570 €/person |
| single room: | 660 €/person |
| solo, single room: | 680 €/person |