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 A spectacular trip hiking through a lesser known area of Tuscany to the Mediterranean Sea. In medieval times this region belonged to the “contado”of Siena and the small towns and villages boasted great wealth and witnessed a lively history. Enjoy wonderful spring flowers, natural beauty and spectacular views as you step back in time off the beaten track.
Guided walking holiday in Maremma, Tuscany
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What is included?
- Experienced and knowledgeable guides who will look after your every need and bring this stunning area to life
8 nights' beautiful accommodation (6 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).
Day 1
Meet Pisa airport at midday. Drive (2 hours) to our beautifully restored medieval Hotel hidden in the Montagnola hills, 12 miles from Siena. Time to settle in before a welcome drink and dinner at the Hotel.
Day 2
From Borgo Pretale (the hotel) we walk down to the valley, crossing the Rosia stream over the medieval Ponte della Pia. We 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 we cross the Merse river before reaching the village of Monticiano where we stay in a small family-run hotel. (14.2km)
Day 3
We visit the Cistercian Abbey of San Galgano, whose Monks were once the book keepers for the City of Siena, and the adjoining hermitage of Montesiepi. We follow the old stock route of the Maremma cowboys through woodland, pasture and hills towards the village of Montieri. We stay in the beautifully restored farmhouse, La Meridiana, and eat in their restaurant. (20.5km)
Day 4
We walk through a rugged landscape, past vestiges of the once great mining industry of this area, before reaching the great city of Massa Marittima, perched on a hill at 400m, with views to the Mediterranean. We stay just outside the city walls for 2 nights. Dinner at a lively trattoria in the city. (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. Browse the shops, soak up the atmosphere in a caffè or relax in the hotel’s garden (swimming pool in season) or lounge area . Dinner in one of the city’s fabulous restaurants.
Day 6
We 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 before climbing to the former mining town and fortress of Gavorrano where we stay for the night in simple accommodation in the historic centre (24km)
Day 7
From Gavorrano we climb up through woods and follow mule tracks over a limestone plateau. We take in spectacular coastal views before descending to the valley of the River Alma. We continue past farms, villages and a remote woodland chapel to emerge at the fabulous Hotel L'Andana, a multi award-winning 5-star hotel. This evening we eat in their Michelin 1-star restaurant. (25km) Day 8
Free day to relax and enjoy the wonderful facilities at L'Andana. Opportunity to visit (by van - 15 mins) the hilltop town of Vetulonia with its Etruscan tombs and fascinating Etruscan museum. Later in the day we drive (10 mins) to the pretty coastal town of Castiglione della Pescaia. Time to shop and experience the lively passeggiata before dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 9
Return to Pisa Airport for 12 o'clock (2 hours)
Walking
 Moderate-challenging walking
 Shortest day: 14.2km
Longest day: 24.5km
There are 5 full days of walking on the trip, totalling 100km (63miles), and 2 free days. Mystical Maremma is our most challenging hike in Italy. The exhilarating and rewarding walking days are well-balanced with rest days. There is always the opportunity to walk a half-day and continue to the hotel by van after the picnic lunch. 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 spring is warm to hot, 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
Dates:
20th - 28th May 2009
29th September - 7th October 2009
Price:
€2395. (currency converter) The price represents the true cost of your holiday. No hidden extras.
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(Australia) +61 (03) 5755 2307