tuscany: etruscan trails

TUSCANY: ETRUSCAN TRAILS
ETRUSCAN TUSCANY & SECRET MAREMMA
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.
SUMMARY
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.
HIGHLIGHTS
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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
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.
Is this walk for me?
Exploring this hidden corner of Tuscany has something 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.
What’s Included?
Accommodation: 7 Nights handpicked accommodation 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.
TUSCANY: ETRUSCAN TRAILS
ETRUSCAN TUSCANY & SECRET MAREMMA
DAY 2
ITINERARY
Day
Route
1
2
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
3
4
5
6
7
8
Total
Pitligliano to Sovana
Km
8.5
9
14
11
15
6.5-14
6471.5
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.
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.
TUSCANY: ETRUSCAN TRAILS
ETRUSCAN TUSCANY & SECRET MAREMMA
Walk: 11km, approx. 3.5hrs
DAY 8
Overnight: Hotel Fontepura, Saturnia
Onward Travel
DAY 6
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.
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.
TRIP INFORMATION
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.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
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.
TUSCANY: ETRUSCAN TRAILS
ETRUSCAN TUSCANY & SECRET MAREMMA
Getting from Maremma Park
Optional Extras
We will transfer you to Grosseto train station
where you can catch a train south to Rome
(1h45) or North to Pisa (2h00).
 Single and solo supplement if applicable
 Additional nights
Responsible Travel
PRICE & AVAILABILITY
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:
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1 Nights accommodation in 4* hotel
HOW TO BOOK
When you are ready to book you can book
securely online at www.macsadventure.com or
by phone on +44 (0) 141 530 8886.
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:
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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.
Travel to Orvieto
Travel from Grosseto
Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks
Entrance fees
Travel Insurance
Personal Equipment
Entrance fees
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
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
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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
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