TUSCANY: ETRUSCAN TRAILS

Follow the sunken roads of the Etruscans (Vie Cave) as you walk through the wild and beautiful

landscape of Southern Tuscany. As you explore this almost undiscovered area you will be

delighted at every turn of the trail by the history, beauty and charm of the Maremma region of

South West Tuscany.

Your walking tour begins in Orvieto, and visits the beautiful tufo towns of Pitigliano, Sovana and

Semproniano, following Etruscan trails (the via cava) and takes in the natural hot springs of Saturnia and

the white sandy beaches and beautiful coastal scenery of the Maremma Regional Park. This is Tuscany

so the scenery is of course impossibly beautiful and the food to die for.

One of the highlights of this walk through Tuscany is the rich Etruscan legacy. The Etruscan civilisation

predates the Romans and dates from around 700 BC until it was assimilated into the Roman Republic in

the 1st century BC. The area around Pitigliano and Sovana is particularly rich in Etruscan ruins, history

and tombs. The intriguing vie cave (sunken roads) criss-cross this area and you will walk along these

mysterious pathways. Individual via cave are carved up to 20 feet deep in the soft tofu rock and although

there use is shrouded in mystery they remain a powerful reminder of the area’s Etruscan heritage.

The Maremma region of south west Tuscany retains a wonderfully sleepy and authentic feeling, with a

network of excellent agriturismo, charming small hotels and first class restaurants.

Walking between the high walls of the intriguing Etruscan ‘Vie Cave’ .

Wandering the cobbled streets of beautiful Pitigliano.

Exploring the Etruscan tombs and Romanesque churches in Sovana.

Tucking into a delicious home made Tuscan meal at your charming agriturismo.

Soaking in the open air hot springs in Saturnia.

Strolling along the beautiful untouched coast in the Maremma Nature Reserve.

WHY CHOOSE A SELF GUIDED WALK IN TUSCANY WITH US?

Macs Adventure specialises in delightful self guided walking holidays featuring charming accommodation,

baggage transfer, superb walking and walks that deliver that extra little something. We are passionate

about delivering outstanding walking holidays where every last detail is taken care of so you can just relax

and enjoy every moment of your time in Tuscany.

TUSCANY: ETRUSCAN TRAILS

ETRUSCAN TUSCANY & SECRET MAREMMA

SUMMARY

What’s Included?

Accommodation: 7 Nights handpicked accom-

modation in charming 3 and 4 star hotels and

agriturismo.

Meals: 7 Breakfasts.

Transfers: Transfer from Orvieto to Pitigliano &

Manciano to Alberese (Uccellina Park), from end of

walk on Day 7 to Alberese, transfer to Grosseto

(Day 8). Luggage transfers between hotels.

Information Pack: Detailed maps, route notes

and information pack.

Support: Support from our local representative

and UK office.

Tour: Tuscany: Etruscan Trails

Code: WItSET

Type: Self-guided walking

Price: See website

Single Supplement: See website

Dates: April—October

Days: 8 (6 Walking days)

Nights: 7

Start / Finish: Orvieto / Grosseto

Distance: 64-71.5km

Grade: Easy to Moderate HIGHLIGHTS

Is this walk for me?

Exploring this hidden corner of Tuscany has some-

thing for everyone; the Etruscan history of Orvieto

and Sovana, walking through history on the sunked

trails of the Vie Cave, delightful accommodation,

great food and spectacular coastal walking in the

Uccellina National Park.

DAY 1

Arrive Orvieto

Your trip begins in the beautiful city of Orvieto,

perched high on the tufa cliffs above the

surrounding plains. Orvieto is famed for its

excellent white wines and the city is riddled with

wells and tunnels dating from Etruscan times and

also has one of the most beautiful Duomo in

Italy.

Orvieto is served by regular trains from Rome

(1h30) and also easily accessible from Florence

and Perugia airports.

Overnight: Hotel Aquila Bianca****, Orvieto

The 4* Hotel Aquila Bianca is located in the

historical heart of Orvieto opposite the town hall.

Built in the early 1900’s this charming and

friendly hotel with 37 bedrooms is the perfect

base for exploring the medieval piazza’s and

lanes of Orvieto.

DAY 2

Pitligliano to Sovana

After breakfast a private transfer (1hr) will take

you to Pitligliano via the ghost town of Civita di

Bagnoregio, which has had to be abandoned as

the soft tufo rock it is built on collapses.

Pitligliano is a real highlight. Pre historic caves

and medieval tower houses are crammed onto

the tufo cliffs above the gorges carved by the

Lente and Meleta Rivers. Known as “Little

Jerusalem” and with a proud Jewish history the

town is a delight.

After exploring Pitigliano you follow the Vie Cave

to Sorano. The purpose of these ancient

pathways carved deep into the rock by the

Etruscans is unclear but the sense of history is

palpable as you walk these trails. Walking these

ancient pathways through wild countryside and

stumbling across abandoned tombs you will not

want this walk to end in Sovana.

The quiet cobbled streets, tufo houses and two

exquisite Romanesque churches of Sovana

make this a particularly delightful town.

Walk: 8.5km, approx. 3.5hrs

Overnight: Hotel Scilla***, Sovana

Located just steps from the piazza del Pretorio

the 3* Hotel Scilla has fifteen beautifully

decorated bedrooms spread across two historic

buildings.

DAY 3

Circular walk from Sovana

An Etruscan overload as you walk from Sovana

to the nearby archaeological reserve which

boasts several well preserved Etruscan tombs

dating back over 3000 years as well as some of

the deepest vie cave in the area. There are also

numerous via cave in this area. You must also

visit the beautiful Romanesque churches in the

village and perhaps enjoy a relaxed lunch.

Nearby Sorano is another stunning hilltop town

and well worth a visit if you have time. Buses and

taxis are available.

Walk: 9km, approx. 3.5hrs

Overnight: Hotel Scilla***, Sovana

DAY 4

Sovana to Saturnia

An outstanding walk west from Sovana through a

rugged landscape of olive groves, wooded

canyons and hills with sheer cliffs. This is

Tuscany at its best.

Saturnia is famous for its thermal baths, which

were well-known by the Etruscans and Romans.

Legend has it that its springs are born in the

exact point where Jupiter's thunderbolt fell in a

battle against Saturn. Relax and soak in the 37

degree sulphurous water which gushes over a

waterfall and down into a cascade of natural

pools formed by the deposition of calcareous

rock. Entrance payable locally.

Walk: 14km, approx. 3.5-4hrs

Overnight: Hotel Fontepura, Saturnia

With outstanding views, the Hotel Saturno Fonte

Pura boasts its own 37 degree thermal pool

complex and sun terrace. Some rooms have a

private entrance, and all have aircon and wifi.

There is a restaurant and guests can book

beauty treatments and massage sessions, hire

bikes or book wine tastings.

DAY 5

Circular walk around Saturnia

Enjoy an easy and rewarding walk around the

thermal springs area and medieval Saturnia,

walking along the ancient Roman way which

takes you to the Mulino Falls; a natural outdoor

hot pool with sulphurous water tumbling over

white rocks. Bring your swimming costume as it

is possible to take a dip! This area is particularly

spectacular at sunset.

Day Route Km

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Arrive in Orvieto Transfer to Pitigliano walk to Sovana Sovana circular walk Walk to Saturnia Saturnia circular walk Walk to Manciano Transfer to Uccellina Park & walk Transfer to Grosseto & onward Travel Total

8.5 9 14 11 15 6.5-14 - 64-71.5

TUSCANY: ETRUSCAN TRAILS

ETRUSCAN TUSCANY & SECRET MAREMMA

ITINERARY

http://www.hotelaquilabianca.it/en/http://www.albergoscilla.com/http://www.albergoscilla.com/http://hotelsaturnofontepura.com/

Walk: 11km, approx. 3.5hrs

Overnight: Hotel Fontepura, Saturnia

DAY 6

Walk to Manciano

Morellino has become the Tuscan wine of choice

for those in the know and today you will be

walking through the vineyards that produce this

delicious tipple. Your route winds through the

rolling hills, chestnut woods, olive groves and

farmland to reach Manciano.

Walk: 15km, approx. 5hrs

Overnight: Agriturismo Il Poderino, Manciano

Surrounded by vineyards in an idyllic Tuscan

setting just outside Manciano Il Poderino is a

traditional agriturismo with traditionally decorated

rooms, a pool and a great food and welcome.

DAY 7

Walking in Maremma Park

After breakfast we will transfer you (1hr) to the

Maremma Natural Reserve on the west coast.

Spilling down from the hills to pebble-strewn

deserted beaches this is a completely untouched

section of coastline. The park is quite simply

paradise.

At the end of your walk you will be transfered to

your next agriturismo

Walk: 6.5-14km, approx.2-3.5hrs

Overnight: Agriturismo Il Gelsomino,

Maremma Park

Il Gelsomino is a delightful agriturismo at the

heart of a the national park. Simple rooms, a

large pool and delicious meals taken around the

family table make this a special place to stay.

They also offer horse riding which can be

arranged directly.

DAY 8

Onward Travel

When you are ready we will transfer you to

Grosseto train station where you can catch a

train south to Rome (1h45) or North to Pisa

(2h00) and other destinations.

Meals

The best thing about walking in Tuscany is

undoubtedly the food and this walk is no

different.

Breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and

dinner are not included but dinner is available at

your accommodation or at one of the many

excellent local restaurants. Packed lunches are

available either from your accommodation or

local shops.

Transfers

Private transfers from Orvieto to Pitigliano,

Manciano to Alberese (Uccellina Park), from the

end of your walk on Day 7 to Alberese, and on

your departure day to Grosseto (Day 8) are

included in the price of your trip.

Baggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred between your

accommodation when you move onto your next

overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit

your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per

person.

Equipment

Your information pack has a detailed equipment

list which includes standard walking gear such as

good walking boots or shoes, lightweight clothes,

waterproofs and a day pack.

Time of Year

This trip is fabulous between April and October

but July and August can be very hot unless you

are used to the heat so are generally best

avoided.

Additional Nights

This itinerary can be tailored to your

requirements and we would recommend

additional nights in Orvieto, Manciano and

Maremma Park.

Solo Walkers and Single Rooms

If you require single rooms within your party we

would be happy to accommodate you although

there is a single room supplement payable. This

tour is also available for solo walkers and a

supplement applies.

Extensions

We can also arrange accommodation in

Florence, Rome or even Venice if you would like

to extend your stay in Italy.

Grade

This holiday is graded easy to moderate because

although the daily walks are relatively short. But

keep in mind that the terrain is hilly and summer

temperatures can be high.

Navigation

The route is not way marked but we supply

detailed maps and route notes so you will have

no problem following the route.

Getting to Orvieto

Rome is the closest international airport. From

Rome you can catch the train directly to Orvieto

(which takes approx. 1hr). For train times please

visit the Trenitalia website. In Orvieto you can

take the cable car from the railway station to your

hotel. The cable car runs approx. every 13mins

weekdays from 7:20am until 8:30pm.

TRIP INFORMATION

TRAVEL INFORMATION

TUSCANY: ETRUSCAN TRAILS

ETRUSCAN TUSCANY & SECRET MAREMMA

http://hotelsaturnofontepura.com/http://www.3querce.it/http://www.ilgelsomino.comhttp://www.trenitalia.com

Getting from Maremma Park

We will transfer you to Grosseto train station

where you can catch a train south to Rome

(1h45) or North to Pisa (2h00).

Availability

You can start this tour on any day of the week

between April and October.

Price

Up to date prices are available on our website.

Included:

1 Nights accommodation in 4* hotel

2 Nights accommodation in 3* hotel

4 Nights in high quality agriturismo.

7 Breakfasts

Transfer from Orvieto to Pitligliano

Transfer from Manciano to Maremma Park (and at the end of your walk)

Transfer to Grosseto

Baggage transfer of 1 bag per person

Detailed info pack including route notes, maps and local information.

Support from our local representative and UK office.

Excluded:

Travel to Orvieto

Travel from Grosseto

Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks

Entrance fees

Travel Insurance

Personal Equipment

Entrance fees

Optional Extras

Single and solo supplement if applicable

Additional nights

Responsible Travel

We operate holidays in some of the most

beautiful areas in Europe and try to operate in an

environmentally aware and sustainable manner.

We do this by following our M.A.C.S.

Responsible travel policy.

When you are ready to book you can book

securely online at www.macsadventure.com or

by phone on +44 (0) 141 530 8886.

Financial Security

In accordance with "The Package Travel,

Package Holidays and Package Tours

Regulations 1992" all passengers booking with

Macs Adventure Ltd are fully protected for the

initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all

monies paid to us, including repatriation if

required (this insurance will not cover repatriation

to the country of origin for the passengers

outside of the EU), arising from cancellation or

curtailment of your travel arrangements due to

the insolvency of Macs Adventure Ltd

There is no requirement for Financial Protection

of day trips, and none is provided. This

insurance is only valid for packages booked that

DO NOT include flights. Consumer aware: Your

booking is insured by IPP Ltd and its panel of

insurers. - This insurance is only valid for

passengers who book and pay directly with/to

Macs Adventure Ltd. For further information

please go to www.ipplondon.co.uk This

Insurance has been arranged by International

Passenger Protection Limited and underwritten

by Insurers who are members of the Association

of British Insurers & Lloyds Syndicates.

ABTA Member Statement

Macs Adventure Holidays is

a Member of ABTA. ABTA

and ABTA Members help

holidaymakers to get the

most from their travel and assist when things

don’t go according to plan. We are obliged to

maintain a high standard of service to you by

ABTA’s Code of Conduct.

TUSCANY: ETRUSCAN TRAILS

ETRUSCAN TUSCANY & SECRET MAREMMA

PRICE & AVAILABILITY

HOW TO BOOK

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