Tuscany - Volterra and the Maremma - 8 Days
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 Discover the lands of the ancient Etruscans around the hilltop town of Volterra and visit the fascinating Maremma region in south west Tuscany. Experience the natural beauty and see fabulous spring flowers as we hike through medieval towns and villages and explore exciting wine regions. Delightful accommodation on an organic farm and in a luxury country villa.
You may also like our Tuscany and Umbria and our Week in Tuscany walking tours.
"Mick and Jackie made us feel totally pampered and very special. This trip far surpassed our expectations which were quite high to start with. I would enthusiastically recommend Hedonistic Hiking to anyone who wants a first-rate active vaction."
T.S. Davis, CA
What is included?
- Experienced and knowledgeable guides who will look after your every need and bring this stunning area to life
7 nights' beautiful accommodation (2 different hotels)
- All meals including wine.
- Gourmet picnic lunches each day and snacks en route
- Dinner in a variety of superb restaurants .
- Support vehicle , enabling you to walk as little or as much of the trail as you please
- Transport to/from Pisa in air-conditioned minibus
- Comprehensive pre-trip information .
- Luggage transported for you so all you need to carry is a small backpack with water etc.
Itinerary
Trip starts and ends in Pisa from where there are flights to many destinations within Europe. There are direct train services from Pisa to Rome, Florence, Milan and Genoa (Train Information). Extra Information to help you plan your holiday
Day 1
Meet Pisa airport at 1pm. Drive (1.5 hours) to Agriturismo Lischeto, a delightful farm in the rolling hills below Volterra which produces organic cheese, honey and olive oil. Time to settle in before a welcome drink and dinner at the Hotel.
Day 2
 Today we walk across the fields to Volterra for a guided visit of the town with its fascinating Etruscan and Medieval history. Explore the many museums before continuing our walk which takes us out into the countryside where we can visit one of the Etruscan tombs hidden in the hills. Dinner this evening in a local restaurant. (12km)
Day 3
A short drive takes us towards the coast where we walk to the pretty village of Bolgheri, now regarded as one of the most exciting wine regions in Tuscany. Enjoy a leisurely lunch in the village before returning to our agriturismo. Time to relax in the afternoon. Later in the day we are treated to a private wine tasting of some of the region's fabulous wines at a renowned local enoteca. (10km)
Day 4
A spectacular hike through farms and woodland to emerge at the famous medieval towers of San Gimignano. Time to enjoy a well-earned gelato in the main piazza. We visit the beautiful Collegiate church with its outstanding 14th-century frescoes before returning to the agriturismo for dinner. (18km)
Day 5
We depart our agriturismo this morning. Our walk takes us through the beautiful open landscape of the Colline Metallifiere, the "metal-bearing hills" which brough great wealth to the region in ancient times. Hike through vineyards and woods and enjoy views to Massa Marittima and the coast beyond. We stay the next 3 nights at Villa il Tesoro, a luxury hotel converted from a medieval village, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards.
Day 6
In the morning we visit the beautiful city of Massa Marittima with its fortress, cathedral and many fascinating museums. later in the day there is the opportunity to hike out of the city and descend to the fertile plain planted with olives, fruit trees and vines. Cross the plain to arrive at the picturesque lake, Lago dell'Accesa, which has vestiges of the important Etruscan settlement once located near here. (10km)
Day 7
Our final hike follows the old stock route of the Maremma cowboys through woodland, pasture and hills. We pass remote villages en route to the Cistercian Abbey of San Galgano, whose monks were once the book keepers for the city of Siena, and the adjoining hermitage of Montesiepi. (20.5km) Day 8
Return to Pisa Airport for 12 o'clock (2.5 hours) Walking
Shortest day: 10km
Longest day: 20.5km
There are 6 days of walking on the trip. We walk on strade bianche (gravel roads), woodland tracks and quiet tarmac roads. This area of Tuscany is relatively hilly, with some significant ups and downs, but not mountainous. The walking is fairly rugged in sections so sturdy walking boots, with good ankle support, are required. Walking poles would be an advantage, especially on steeper sections.
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Weather :
Tuscany in spring and autumn has warm days, although heavy rain can be expected at times.
The mornings and evenings are cool.
Average temperature: Max. 20º-22º, Min. 10º-15º.
Monthly rainfall average: 55mm Current Weather in Volterra
Dates:
9th - 16th May 2010
Price:
€2145. (currency converter) Single supplement (double room for single use) €250 The price represents the true cost of your holiday. No hidden extras. Frequently Asked Questions
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