The Gourmet Trail Revisited

Your adventure begins in the enchanting city of Florence, the heart of Tuscany. Famous not only for its rich cultural heritage, birthplace of the Renaissance and home to masters like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, Tuscany is equally renowned for its stunning landscapes. Our journey takes you through the region’s iconic medieval hilltop villages, rolling hills, lush valleys, and picturesque vineyards, olive groves, and forests that come alive with vibrant colours.

As we walk through the wooded countryside of Chianti and the hills surrounding San Gimignano, you’ll be immersed in the tranquillity of nature. In the evenings, savour authentic Tuscan cuisine. Delight in dishes such as vegetable timbale with basil sauce, bruschetta, guinea fowl in vin santo, succulent porcini mushrooms, handmade pasta, and decadent pastries.

A short ferry ride whisks us to the idyllic island of Elba, one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful islands. Here, the island’s meandering footpaths guide us through charming villages and verdant forests, leading to secluded peaks with breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding paradise. The island’s distinctive Mediterranean vegetation provides a lush backdrop, and after a day of exploration, you can cool off with a swim at one of Elba’s inviting beaches.

Next, we explore the Tuscan coastline of the Maremma, a region of hills, vineyards, castles, and sandy shores. Rich with over a thousand years of history, our trails lead us to fascinating archaeological sites and through fragrant pine forests and coastal Mediterranean flora until we reach the golden beaches.

In the nearby Uccellina Mountains, we visit a medieval Cistercian abbey before continuing to Mount Argentario, a rugged peninsula connected to Tuscany by two thin strips of land. This unspoilt promontory once served as a defensive fortress, and its military past is still visible today. From the charming harbour of Porto Ercole, we ascend through oak forests to the Convento dei Frati Passionisti, a monastery established in 1737. From the summit of Monte Argentario, standing 645 metres above sea level, we descend to the panoramic coastal town of Porto Santo Stefano, the departure point to the alluring Giglio Island.

Giglio, a hidden Mediterranean gem, offers crystalline waters and pristine beaches, ideal for unwinding after a day of walking. The majority of the island is untouched wilderness, enveloped in the heady scents of Mediterranean vegetation. As we journey through the captivating landscapes of Capalbio, the wild beauty will lead us to mystical spots, including the remarkable Tarot Garden, where colourful, larger-than-life sculptures by the renowned artist Niki de Saint Phalle create an unforgettable experience.

This journey through Tuscany and its islands promises an unforgettable blend of culture, nature, and history, with each day bringing new wonders and a deeper connection to this extraordinary region.