Trip Itinerary
Tuscany Kayaking Adventure
Arrival Rome (FCO)
Your guides will meet you in the lobby of our guest house near Rome's Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport. (FCO) After introductions and brief orientation, we will head to a local restaurant for some fine Roman food and discuss the trip details further.
Overnight: Capitani Guest House
Meals: Dinner
Isola del Giglio - Giglio Campese and Cala del Corvo
After breakfast, we depart for the 90-minute drive northeast into the Maremma region of Tuscany and Porto Santo Stefano, where we board the ferry for a 1-hour trip to Isola del Giglio. Arriving in Giglio Porto, we check in to our waterfront hotel near Torre del Saraceno, one of three towers on Giglio built to defend against Barbary pirates. A 20-minute drive takes us across the island to the beach town of Giglio Campese and our launch point to paddle the wilder southwest coast of the island that features secluded beaches and sea caves all set against the crystal clear turquoise blue water of the Tyhranean Sea.
Overnight: Hotel Saraceno
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Isola del Giglio - Porto Arturo to Punta di Capel Rosso
Today, we paddle the particularly dramatic stretch of coastline from the golden sand beaches of Porto Arturo to Punta di Capel Rosso at the island's southernmost tip. Later in the day, we explore the narrow alleyways of the walled hilltop town of Giglio Castello before dinner and a spectacular sunset view.
Overnight: Hotel Saraceno
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Kayaking Monte Argentario and Porto Ercole
After breakfast, we return by ferry to the mainland and Monte Argentario, named for the slivery appearance of the many olive tree groves on its slopes. Launching our kayaks near the harbor of picturesque Porto Sant'Ercole, we pass the imposing walls of Fortress Filippo, one of three fortresses built in the 16th century to guard the Port against pirates. Gliding through crystalline blue water along the peninsula's cliffs, we explore sea caves, including the stunning Gotta Azzura. After a swim and a beach picnic, we return to Porto Sant'Ercole for a celebratory gelato. Leaving the coastline, we'll drive a short distance inland to a hilltop agriturismo surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. We'll enjoy a farm-to-table meal of classic Maremma Tuscan cuisine this evening.
Overnight: Agriturismo la Capitana
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Val d'Orcia and Montepulciano
For a mid-trip day off the water, we take a leisurely drive through the iconic Tuscan landscape of Val d'Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the hilltop town of Montepulciano. We'll taste Montepulciano Rosso, a wonderful expression of the Sangiovese grape aged in Etruscan caves, and sample the region's distinctive olive oil.
Overnight: Agriturismo la Capitana
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Isola d'Elba - Portoferraio- Punta Capo Bianco and Punta di Sansome
After a one-hour ferry trip from the Port of Piombino, we arrive at the ancient town of Portoferraio on Isola d'Elba. Portoferraio was where Napolean lived during his exile of Elba. This afternoon, we'll kayak the white-sand beach coastline between Punta Capo Bianco and Punta di Sansome, passing the ruins of the fortress of Monte Bello. This evening, there will be time to explore old Portoferraio before dinner.
Overnight: Hotel Airone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Isola d'Elba - Kayaking Marciana Marina to Spiaggia di Sant'Andrea
Today's paddle takes us along the dramatically beautiful and varied coastline between Marciana Marina and Spiaggia di Sant'Andrea. Headlands and hidden beaches make this leg of kayaking on the north coast of Isola d'Elba particularly memorable.
Overnight: Hotel Airone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Isola d'Elba - lido di Capoliveri to Spiaggia dell'Innamorata
Beach after beautiful beach characterizes today's kayaking route along Elba's southeastern shoreline. This evening, we'll enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner in the charming medieval village of Capoliveri.
Overnight: Hotel Airone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Isola d'Elba to Rome (FCO) – Departure
Today, there is an early start, so we can catch the ferry to the mainland and take a last drive through the now-familiar beauty of the Maremma Tuscan countryside to Roma (FCO) airport. With lunch en route, there is a projected drop-off time of 2:00 PM. Arrivederci!
Overnight: N/A
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Testimonial
Jo Frey, WA View TripsI had a wonderful time and I’m so glad I decided to go! All three of my kayak excursions with Tofino Expeditions have been more than vacations, they have been life enriching and educational. A joy, thank you!!
National Geographic Award
Tofino Expeditions was the highest rated sea kayaking adventure travel company in a National Geographic Adventure survey of international outfitters based on:
- Quality of Service
- Education
- Sustainability
- Spirit of Adventure