Tuscany Coast: Pisa to Elba

Individual arrival in Pisa. In the evening information and welcome talk. A first visit to the beautiful old town of Pisa is already possible today if you arrive early. Keith Haring's famous mural: Tuttomondo, Place of Miracles "Piazza dei Miracoli" with the leaning tower which you can also visit for an impressive view of the city (buy a ticket in advance via the internet at the desired time, places are very limited). Entrance to Pisa Cathedral is included with the Leaning Tower ticket. For dinner, the restaurant La Buca is highly recommended!

TIP! Recently it is possible to take a walk on the city walls "Mura de Pisa" (approx. 3 km) via the tower at the tower of Pisa, a ticket can be bought on-site for approximately €5 per person.

The first day of hiking takes you (by a short train ride) to the mountains of Pisa to Ripafratta, on a hill above the village rise the high thin curtain-like walls of the fortress ruin. The fortress dominates the Serchio River at its narrowest point in the valley between Pisa and Lucca and square watchtowers can be found on the hills surrounding the fortress.

Through an enchanting deciduous forest, you walk along the hermitage to the hiking trails Passo di Dante on the De Monte Pisano. This mountain separates Lucca and Pisa and offers the most stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Overlooking the Tuscan coast on one side of the mountain and Pisa to Lucca and the Apuan Alps on the other, you will cross a beautiful landscape of forests dotted with ruins of ancient monasteries, pretty little churches and old farmhouses. Via the beautiful hiking trails along the Rio della Croce canal, you can walk to the spa town of San Giuliano Terme with its hot springs, immersed in lush nature.

From San Giuliano Terme take the train (about 5-10 minutes) back to Pisa.

The day starts with a train ride to Quercianella, located on the coast. Today you walk through the Colli Livornesi, the "hills of Livorno" you pass forests, meadows and past pastures with sheep. Let your gaze wander to the sea and the surrounding hills. You climb the top of the volcanic mountain Poggio Pelato, the "bald mountain", which offers a beautiful panorama of the volcano hill, the black volcanic rock underlines the exotic flair.

In the afternoon you will reach the coastal town of Castiglioncello, situated on a beautiful rocky coast with a beautiful forest of umbrella pine trees and the beach has clear waters that make it perfect if you like swimming and snorkelling. The most beautiful beach is that of Quercetano and is located at the end of a long and steep cliff with almost 100 steps! Be sure to visit the historic castle Castello Pasquini with a beautiful park where it is wonderfully cool in the summer.

Today a lovely walk along the beach awaits you. By train, you travel from Castiglioncello to Cecina and then continue by boat through the La Pineta di Cecina Nature Reserve, a shady pine forest that stretches for many miles along the dunes and beach. Numerous paths lead you under the dense foliage. Lilies and poppies bloom on the beach, while junipers grow in the low scrub. Perhaps you sport one of the animal species that live here, foxes, weasels, porcupines, roe deer and badgers. 

Later today you will pass the extraordinary nature reserve Oasi di Bolgheri, Italy's first wetland to be protected by the WWF. Watch out, you might spot wild boars, fallow deer, roe deer, porcupines or terrapins. You walk further on the soft sandy beach, of course, a cooling dip in the waves should not be missed, or at least a stop at one of the beach bars. Stroll through the streets of the medieval village of Castagneto with its shops selling typical local products, restaurants and panoramic squares.

TIP! Visit the wine bars where you can taste the symbolic product of this area: Bolgheri DOC wines

The transfer this morning will take you to the Gulf of Baratti, from where you will walk to Piombino, the port of the Etruscans for shipping to Elba. In the area stretching between the slopes of the promontory of Piombino and the Gulf of Baratti you will find the archaeological park "di Baratti e Populonia".

Spectacular high-altitude trails lead directly above the water through dense maquis on partially rocky coastal paths, around the Piombino Mountains. Via the imposing "Sentiero dei Cavallegeri" you reach the bay of Calamoresca at the rocky headland Punta Falcone. A dream trip along the coast with swimming opportunities in numerous bays.

Now it is not far from Piombino with its interesting old town, the fountain "sources of snakes in love", the tower of the Ravelin and the lighthouse by the sea. Piombino has a wide range of fantastic restaurants, enjoy delicious seafood dishes here.

You take the bus to the port of Piombino and take your own luggage with you today. On the ferry, you will feel the wind blowing through your hair and see the huge ships in the harbour, the coast from afar and the island approaching. Your destination Elba elicits a true explosion of your senses, the wonderful variety of atmospheres, views and landscapes have their origin in the extreme diversity of the island of Elba.

Today, stroll through the old town of Portoferraio or go for a swim at the famous Le Ghiaie beach with its black-dotted white stones. In the afternoon, a short spin on dreamy coastal paths beckons to Barbarossa Beach and the colourful Lake Terranera.

TIP! Follow in Napoleon's footsteps, as Elba is where Napoleon was once in exile. Visit the old castle, which still preserves many of Napoleon's possessions, and the island's greatest historical landmark, the two Napoleon villas. All over the island, you will find memories of the French emperor, the names of restaurants, in miniature Napoleons in the tourist shops, he has left his mark everywhere.

A fantastic mountain tour of the island of Elba. With views of the neighbouring islands and the shimmering Mediterranean Sea, you will walk along fragrant macchia, Mediterranean forest trails and beautiful mountain trails. You will climb the Monte della Croce mountain from where you can enjoy the postcard view of the city of Porto Azzurro. Observe the mountain goats in their rocky habitat and the Iron Cross. Visit the place of pilgrimage the hermitage "Madonna di Monserrato". Hidden in the rocks, it gives visitors a sense of ecstasy and wonder. Finally, relaxing on the beach, a cooling dip in the sea and a final drink in the bar is a must.

TIP! Bring a packed lunch and plenty to drink to reward the efforts of the route.

This wonderful walking holiday ends after breakfast, or you can extend a few more days on Elba to discover the many delights that the island has to offer.