Italy - Volterra and the Maremma – (8 Days)

Etruscans and Cowboys in Tuscany's last Frontier

Discover the lands of the ancient Etruscans around the hilltop town of Volterra and visit thefascinating 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.

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

Day 1- Meet Pisa airport at 1pm. Drive (1.5 hours) to Agriturismo Lischeto, a delightful farm producing organic cheese, honey and olive oil, overlooking the medieval town of Volterra. 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 at 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 enjoy a private wine tasting of some of the region's fabulous wines at a renowned local enoteca.(10km)

Day 4- A spectacular hike through farm and woodland to emerge at the famous medieval towers of San Gimignano. We visit the beautiful collegiate with its outstanding 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 brought great wealth to the region in ancient times. We pass the delightful village of Casole d'Elsa and visit its small museum and Romanesque church. We stay the next 3 nights in Villa il Tesoro, a luxury hotel converted from a medieval village, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. (15km)

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 here. (10km)

Day 7- Our final hike follows the old stock route of the Maremma cowboys through woodland, pasture and hills. We pass remote medieval 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 info

Moderate 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.

Weather:
The weather in Tuscany in the autumn is warm , 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

Departures date:
9^th-16^th May 2010

Cost: €2145 - Single supplement €250

Operated by Hedonistic Hiking