DAILY EXCURSIONS
DAY 1 / SATURDAY
Guests make their own way in Poggio Corbello and Tabaccaia Farmhouse in Massa Marittima by 4pm. Meeting with the guide, presentation of the week and introduction to the use of E-bike.
DAY 2 / SUNDAY: difficulty * – Lago Accesa-Capanne-Massa M.-Lago Accesa
An easy start! The first day’s ride is aimed at getting to know the E-bike, so it starts off on flat ground, as far as Lake Accesa, where it gradually begins climbing, as we cycle through the mining village of Capanne to the hill which is home to Massa Marittima. We will pay a visit to San Cerbone Cathedral in the old town.
DAY 3 / MONDAY: difficulty ** – Lago Accesa-Massa M.-Pian dei Mucini-Monterotondo M.-Valle del Milia-Massa M.-Lago Accesa
Time to work! Today requires a lot of effort, with the first part of the itinerary on a surfaced road, climbing to Monterotondo Marittimo, where we will visit the Biancane Nature Park, a choreographic area scattered with characteristic geysers, fumaroles and the like. We will then visit a “geothermal” company, where underground energy is used in the production of sheep’s cheese. The second part of the day is dedicated to the ups and downs of the white roads of the Milia Valley, once crossed by a rudimentary mining railway drawn by… camels! Finally, with the aid of our assisted pedalling bikes, we will climb up again, this time to Montebamboli.“Eco” assistance for those who are more proficient and “turbo” assistance for those who need more help… but everyone will return to the hotel together!
DAY 4 / TUESDAY: difficulty *** – Lago Accesa-Massa M.-Gabellino-San Galgano-Chiusdino-Montieri-Massa M.-Lago Accesa
Now or never!After reaching an altitude of almost 700 metres above sea level at Boccheggiano, we will start head back home at the abbey of San Galgano and the hermitage of Montesiepi, with the legends that surround them (we will also see the famous sword in the stone!), which attract tourists from all over the world. Our return journey will take us through Chiusdino, a village of ancient Lombard origin, and Montieri, the name of which means “copper mountain”, in the heart of the Metallifere Hills, cycling along a pleasant stretch of traffic-free road that runs deep through green woods.
DAY 5 / WEDNESDAY: rest day
A well-deserved rest!A free day which guests can spend relaxing in hotel or taking part in one of the many leisure activities on offer. For those who feel like it, we also offer a charming sunset ride.
DAY 6 / THURSDAY: difficulty ** – Lago Accesa-Gavorrano Stazione-Vetulonia-Castel di Pietra-Perolla-Massa M.-Lago Accesa
Back in the saddle! Cycling past the lake of Accesa, a mining settlement with a long history, a place where the Etruscans mined silver and copper, we will touch Gavorrano, another important mining town where pyrite, essential to the production of sulphuric acid, an element on which the development of the early 20th century Italian chemical industry was based, was mined. We will stop off in Vetulonia, one of the twelve Etruscan city-states, perched on a hill overlooking the Grosseto Plain and the River Ombrone, for a visit to the archaeological area, which features numerous tombs and the impressive Arce Walls. Our return will take us past the ruins of Castel di Pietra, a place linked to the story of Pia de Tolomei, mentioned by Dante in the Divine Comedy due to her allegedly tragic death.
DAY 7 / FRIDAY: difficulty *** – Lago Accesa-Montioni-Suvereto-Montebamboli-Massa M.-Lago Accesa
Higher and higher! Pedalling through the olive groves of Tenuta il Cicalino we will soon reach the Natural Reserve of Marsiliana, where we will visit the Maremma horse breeding centre, managed by the State Forestry Corps. Then we will cross the Montioni Natural Park heading towards Suvereto, via the futuristic Petra winery, designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta and built on the River Cornia plain, which is dotted with vineyards. After a visit to the village, the day will end with a small mountain grand prix: the ‘wall’ of Montebamboli, to test the assisted pedalling power of our E-bikes.
DAY 8 / SATURDAY:
The morning of the last day will be at the discretion of the participants, who can spend their time relaxing at the accommodation or going on a short ride, returning to the base by midday. Feedback about the weekly experience and contact sharing between participants, and farewell greetings before departure.
