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La Maremma Walking Tour
Highlights: Spring wildflowers or autumn colors, amazing archeological sites, great hilltowns, coastal and historic pathways, hot springs, excellent genuine cuisine, our welcoming local friends.
La Maremma is the furthest
corner of southern Tuscany, untamed and surprisingly untouristed, and brimming
with wonderful contrasts. You’ll find soaring hilltowns built of golden stone,
a countryside of bright green pastures and manicured vineyards, and pristine
coastal parks with inviting seaside walks. Our walking route encounters the
secret passageways and hidden tombs of the fascinating Etruscans, or follows
powerful Roman roads that lead to perfect little villages. La Maremma is also
the land of hot springs, with warm
sulphurous waters
cascading through the countryside. We dine on genuine cuisine that evokes
Tuscany of long ago, and its hearty dishes are perfectly complemented by
Maremma’s lusty Morellino wine.
Day One: Meet at noon at the Orbetello train station (2 hrs from Rome) and be transported to picturesque Porto Ercole, where we enjoy a lunch of fresh fish overlooking the sea. Walk on Monte Argentario, with spectacular coastal views as we wander through silvery olive groves. Dinner in a wine bar as we taste some of southern Tuscany’s finest vintages. Our stylish hotel is in the center of town, where we stay for 2 nights.
Day Two: Today we walk in the beautiful coastal area of Parco dell’Uccellina, with a selection of trails (7-12 km) that lead to a glorious pristine beach. Dip your feet in the cool clear waters and much on a rustic picnic lunch before returning to Orbetello. Free evening for dinner.
Day Three: Drive to Vulci, an evocative Etruscan & Roman city, where we explore the ancient necropolis and follow the amazingly well-preserved Roman roads. Lunch at a simple place within the archaeological park, with freshly-picked produce from the surrounding fields. In the late afternoon, we enjoy a walk (4-7 km) to the lovely hilltown of Montemerano, before settling into our country inn, where we stay for 2 nights.
Day Four: We begin our 14 km walk in the small town of Roccalbegna, and clamber up to the remains of the castle, in a breathtaking position on the top of a pinnacle of stone. Walk through peaceful woodlands to the castle of Traina, an imposing position on a craggy hilltop and stop for a snack in the shade of its 9th century walls. Continue to the hilltown of Semproniano, once a Medici stronghold and now a sleepy town with a great place for a hearty lunch. Time for a dip in the nearby hot springs or relax by the pool.
Day Five: Walk (5km) to the 14th century hamlet of Rocchette di Fazio, where we learn to make hand-rolled fresh pasta, with a local cook. Continue (5 km) to the town of Saturnia, near the hot springs of the same name, identified far in advance by the distinctive scent of sulphur. Transfer to our stylish new hotel, with comfortable well-appointed rooms, where we stay for 2 nights. Time for a dip in the pool, or visit the hotel’s spa center for a sauna and massage. After a sunset aperitivo, we choose from a seasonal menu in the hotel dining room.
Day Six: Visit the majestic hilltown of Pitigliano, perched upon a rocky crag with an imposing castle, and graced with a Medici aqueduct and a tiny synagogue, all surrounded by ancient Etruscan byways. Sample the traditional sweets in a bakery tucked into an alley, as curious townspeople peek at us from behind curtained windows. Our 12 km walk steps back in time some 2000 years, entering into the mysterious world of the Etruscans, as we following their amazing route of secret roads carved out of the soft tufa rock. We end in the charming little town of Sovana, and walk through the streets full of interesting artisans shops. Dinner in a tiny enoteca where a few tables are squeezed amidst racks of wine, and toast to the hidden joys of la Maremma.
Day Seven:
Transfer to the Orbetello train station Arrivederci!
*Our prices are
guaranteed in all currencies, with no surcharge for currency fluctuations.
