Tuscan Maremma Grand De-Tour

DESCRIPTION

The Tuscan Maremma Grand De-Tour is a cycling experience designed to immerse you in the most authentic and wild heart of the Tuscan Maremma and beyond.

This multi-day itinerary, ideal for cyclists equipped with gravel or trekking bikes (both traditional and e-bikes), will take you through landscapes of rare beauty, medieval villages steeped in history, Etruscan archaeological sites, and astonishing natural phenomena.. The route is designed to be enjoyable and not overly technical, favouring low-traffic paved secondary roads and dirt roads, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride in harmony with the landscape. Prepare for an adventure that combines sport with cultural and sensory discovery, retracing ancient routes and discovering the true soul of this fascinating land.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

General Difficulty: Medium-Difficult (for cyclists with good physical preparation)

Prevalent route type: Mixed (low-traffic paved secondary roads and well-beaten dirt roads, ideal for gravel or trekking bikes)

Duration:16 days

Total length: 783 km.

Day 1: Arrival in Grosseto and hotel accommodation

Day 2: Grosseto – Castiglione della Pescaia

Distance: 63 km
Difference in altitude: 578 m D+
Difficulty: Easy-Medium

Description:Start your journey by exploring the Medici Walls of Grosseto, a true urban park. Cycling directly from Grosseto you reach the archaeological site of Roselle, an ancient Etruscan and Roman city. The stage continues with a panoramic climb towards the village of Vetulonia, one of the richest Etruscan city-states, from where you can admire the imposing Tomb of the Pietrera. The path descends towards the Nature Reserve of the Diaccia Botrona, a protected area where you can spot the pink flamingos The day ends at Castiglione della Pescaia, a quintessential seaside village.

Day 3: Castiglione della Pescaia – Cala Violina

Distance: 55 km
Difference in altitude: 615 m D+
Difficulty: Medium

Description: This coastal hike takes you along the ancient Street of Cavalleggeri, a 16th century path that was once used by soldiers. Cycle through the thick Mediterranean scrub until Cala Violina, one of Tuscany's most famous beaches, renowned for its sand that sounds like a violin. A unique sensory experience before returning home.

Day 4: Castiglione della Pescaia – Massa Marittima

Distance: 54 km
Difference in altitude: 758 m D+
Difficulty: Medium

Description: Leave the sea and head inland. Along the way, you can take a refreshing stop at Accesa Lake, where you can swim and visit the free Etruscan archaeological area. The final stretch enters the Metalliferous Hills, a landscape shaped by centuries of mining activity, before reaching Massa Marittima, with its magnificent Garibaldi Square and the Duomo.

Day 5: Massa Marittima – Monterotondo Marittimo

Distance: 40 km
Difference in altitude: 864 m D+
Difficulty: Medium

Description: A dive into the heart of geothermal energy. This itinerary takes you to Monterotondo Marittimo, The door to the Biancane Natural Park, an almost lunar landscape with steam and pools of boiling mud. Here you can feel "the breath of the earth" and the power it releases. A visit to the MUBIA Museum is a must, where you can experience the adventure of a journey to the centre of the earth.

Day 6: Massa Marittima – Pari

Distance: 64 km
Difference in altitude: 1.164m D+
Difficulty:Medium-Difficult

Description:Today you will enter the wild heart of the Metalliferous Hills cycling towards hidden villages such as Prata, linked to the figure of Pia de' Tolomei, and Tatti, a village that preserves its medieval appearance. Once you arrive in Roccatederighi, you can admire a unique view of the Maremma. The route then passes through Casal di Pari, birthplace of Aurelio Galleppini, illustrator of the famous comic strip Tex Willer. The day ends in Pari, a historic village located in a panoramic position, perfect for enjoying the peace and the view of the Farma and Ombrone river valleys

Day 7: Pari – Campagnatico

Distance: 43 km
Difference in altitude: 615 m D+
Difficulty: Medium

Description: An exciting stage that combines wellness, history, and culture. It begins with a descent towards the renowned Petriolo Thermal Baths, whose sulphurous waters at 43°C invite you to restorative bath. Along the way, you will discover the fortified village of Paganico with its medieval walls and the imposing Cassero Senese. The stage culminates in Campagnatico, a village that stands out on a hill and boasts a deep connection with literature, having been mentioned by Dante Alighieri.

Day 8: Campagnatico – Santa Fiora

Distance: 53 km
Difference in altitude: 1.166 m D+
Difficulty:Medium-Difficult

Description: This is the stage of the gradual ascent towards Mount Amiata. You will cross Cinigiano, the heart of the "Montecucco Wine Land," one of the three blends that characterise the wines of the Maremma, all strictly Sangiovese-based. You'll continue through enchanting medieval villages such as Monticello Amiata and Arcidosso, linked to the figure of the "Prophet of Amiata", David Lazzaretti. The route ends in Santa Fiora, a medieval jewel famous for its ancient pool Peschiera and for the precious ceramics of the Della Robbia.

Day 9: Santa Fiora – Monte Amiata and Monte Labbro

Distance: 44 km
Difference in altitude: 1.531 m D+
Difficulty:Difficult

Description: A circular hike for mountain lovers. Tackle the challenging climb to the summit of the extinct volcano of Mount Amiata, and you will be rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree view. The route continues towards Merigar, an international centre for Tibetan Buddhism, and Mount Labbro, dominated by David Lazzaretti's iconic Giurisdavidica Tower.

Day 10: Santa Fiora – Pitigliano

Distance: 43 km
Difference in altitude: 679 m D+
Difficulty:Medium-Difficult

Description: Leave the mountain forests and enter the evocative kingdom of tuff. The route leads you to Sorano, known as the "Matera of Tuscany", and the mysterious Vie Cave, ancient Etruscan paths dug by hand into the tuff. The journey ends in Pitigliano, the "Little Jerusalem", a unique village, built on an impressive tuff cliff and famous for its historic Jewish community.

Day 11: Pitigliano – Montemerano

Distance: 40 km
Difference in altitude: 898 m D+
Difficulty: Medium

Description:This stage combines history and wellness. You will cross Sovana, one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy", with its imposing Etruscan Necropolis. After having faced the legendary Pirate Wall, a very steep climb dedicated to Marco Pantani, you can relax in the regenerating waters of the Mill Waterfalls nearby Saturnia Thermal Baths. The final pedal stroke takes you to Montemerano, a charming, perfectly preserved medieval village.

Day 12: Montemerano – Orbetello

Distance: 66 km
Difference in altitude: 697 m D+
Difficulty: Medium

Description: A stage that is a mosaic of villages and unique artistic and natural features. You will pass through Manciano, the "Spy of the Maremma", and the fairytale Capalbio, the "little Athens". You can stop at the Tarot Garden by Niki de Saint Phalle and all'Burano Lake Oasis, the first oasis managed by WWF in Italy. The route continues towards the ruins of the Roman city of Cosa, and ends alongside the Orbetello Lagoon, famous for its pink flamingos.

Day 13: Monte Argentario Loop

Distance: 44 km
Difference in altitude: 750 m D+
Difficulty:Medium-Difficult

Description:This stage offers breathtaking views of Monte Argentario. The ride takes place on the Panoramic Road, which offers spectacular views of the sea and the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. The route leads to Porto Ercole, a seaside village previously under Spanish rule and the mysterious death of the painter Caravaggio. Continuing on to Porto Santo Stefano, a lively port town and returning to Orbetello.

Day 14: Giglio Island

Distance: 44 km
Difference in altitude: 940 m D+
Difficulty:Difficult

Description:This is a complete immersion in Giglio Island, reachable by just a comfortable ferry ride away from Porto Santo Stefano. Once you disembarked at Giglio Porto, the route winds inland, offering a surprising variety of landscapes and breathtaking views. The main challenge is the climb to the medieval village of Giglio Castello, a true treasure trove of history, where you can explore its narrow streets and enjoy breathtaking views that encompass the entire island. The itinerary continues towards the Capel Rosso Lighthouse for panoramic views from the top of cliffs overlooking the sea. After the effort, you can enjoy a relaxing break at Cannelle Beach, before returning to the port.

Day 15: Orbetello – Scansano

Distance: 61 km
Difference in altitude: 976 m D+
Difficulty:Difficult

Description:This stage marks a pivotal point in the journey, taking the cyclist from the blue of the sea to the green of the Morellino hills. The steady climb is rewarded with spectacular views of the Argentario coast. Along the way, you can admire the walls of Magliano in Tuscany and the historic ruins of the Abbey of San Bruzio. The stage ends in Scansano, the capital of Morellino di Scansano, a wine whose origins date back to the time of the Etruscans.

Day 16: Scansano - Grosseto

Distance: 69 km
Difference in altitude: 478 m D+
Difficulty: Medium

Description:The final stage is a magnificent return to the starting point. From the Morellino hills, a long descent will take you to the seaside village of Talamone, linked to Garibaldi (an Italian general known for his crucial military and political role in the unification of Italy) . The route continues along the Maremma Natural Park, an island of wild and unspoiled nature. The final segment winds along a quiet cycle path along the Ombrone River, before reaching Grosseto and completing the loop beneath its Medici Walls.

Included services

15 nights in a hotel/farmhouse/B&B with breakfast included in a double room
luggage transport
Return ferry ticket to Giglio Island
gpx tracks of the individual stages
Initial online briefing before the trip
telephone assistance

Not included

lunches
Dinners
tourist tax (to be paid directly at the property)
entrance fees to museums and parks
Anything not expressly indicated in "Services Include"

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Tour Details

Duration: 16 Days

Starting from: Grosseto

Arriving to: Grosseto

Lenght: about 783 Km

Tour operated by

From 2,950.00 € per person

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