Tuscany - Siena to the Mediterranean – 9 Days
Self guided Inn-to-Inn Walking Holiday |
 walking info |
A fabulous self-guided independent walking holiday in Tuscany, designed for those with a sense of adventure. Discover the delights of the little-known Maremma region southwest of Siena. Your holiday begins at a beautiful, secluded, 4 star hotel. As you journey on foot towards the coast, stay in small, family-run hotels in picturesque villages and enjoy genuine Tuscan cuisine. Explore the wonderful city of Massa Marittima. Fascinating history and stunning countryside combine to make this a memorable walking holiday.
What is included?
- Comprehensive holiday booklet containing all you need to know: easy to follow walking notes, maps, practical tips plus extensive information on local history, culture, food and wine.
- 8 nights beautiful accommodation (6 different hotels)
- Breakfast each day
- Six evening meals
- One picnic lunch (on other days you will be able to buy lunch en route and the booklet will suggest the local specialities and where to buy them)
- Pre-holiday briefing to answer any queries plus Helpline in case you need advice en route
- Luggage transported for you so all you need to carry is a small backpack with water etc.
Extra information to help you plan your holiday
Itinerary
The most convenient airport is Pisa. The walking holiday starts at Borgo Pretale hotel, 20km from Siena. The closest towns are Siena (served by trains or buses) or Colle Val d'Elsa (buses from Florence and Rome). The hike ends in the village of Buriano, from where you can catch a bus to Grosseto for onward train connections. (Train Information).
Day 1
Make your way to the fortified hamlet of Borgo Pretale, now a comfortable hotel with a pool. Time to settle in before dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 2
From Borgo Pretale (the hotel) walk down to the valley and over the Rosia stream. Climb up, enjoying magnificent views of the Colline Metallifiere - the metal-bearing hills which enriched the area from Etruscan times to the present day. In the afternoon cross the Merse river before reaching the village of Monticiano. Stay in a small family-run hotel with a pool. Dinner in their popular restaurant. (14.2km). 
Day 3
A short walk through the woods takes you 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. Follow the old stock route of the Maremma cowboys through woodland, pasture and hills towards the village of Montieri. Stay in the beautifully restored farmhouse, La Meridiana, and eat in their restaurant. (20.5km)
Day 4
Today's walk takes you through a rugged landscape, past vestiges of the Etruscan and Medieval mining industry of this area, before reaching the fabulous city of Massa Marittima, perched on a hill at 400m, with views to the Mediterranean. Stay in a modern hotel (with pool) just outside the city walls for 2 nights. (16.5km) 
Day 5
Free day in Massa Marittima, the birth place of St Bernardino of Siena. Explore the city with its fortress, cathedral and many fascinating museums. Do a little shopping, put your feet up by the pool or simply relax in a Caffè in the Piazza.
Day 6
Leave Massa Marittima and descend to the fertile plain planted with olives, fruit trees and vines. Cross the plain and pass the Lago dell’Accesa, an important Etruscan burial site, before climbing to the fortified village of Gavorrano. Stay in a simple hotel in the village and enjoy fabulous local cuisine (24.5km)
 Day 7
From Gavorrano, climb up through woods and follow mule tracks over a limestone plateau. Take in spectacular coastal views before descending to the Alma valley. A short climb brings you to the village of Buriano where you stay in a delightful hotel with an excellent restaurant for two nights. (19km)
Day 8
Optional 6km walk to the village of Vetulonia to see the fascinating Etruscan museum and the remains of the Etruscan city. Alternatively, visit the lively fishing port at Castiglione della Pescaia, take a dip in the clear waters of the Mediterranean and explore the medieval lanes around the castle.
Day 9
Holiday ends. It is possible to extend your holiday by continuing, on foot (5km), to the luxurious, award winning 5 star hotel L'Andana with its Michelin starred restaurant.
View Larger Map Walking
Moderate to Challenging Walking
 Shortest day: 14.2km
Longest day: 24.5km
There are 5 days of walking on the trip, totalling 94.7km, and 2 free days. Terrain: 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 recommended. Walking poles would be an advantage, especially on steeper sections.
click map to enlarge
Dates:
4th May-23rd June and 1st September-24th October.
Departure days: Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 
Price:
€995 per person in twin-share accommodation. (currency converter).
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