Maremma Tours

Wild, rugged, windswept. Maremma is still the area of Tuscany where it is most difficult to tame nature. In this region squeezed between the sea, mountains (Mount Amiata, the Colline Metallifere) and the vast plains where grazing buffalo and horses are part of the landscape, you can still find authentic local cowboys: the Butteri. Maremma is a land where the wind still brings the smells of the Mediterranean, but nature is not the only attraction: some cities such as Massa Marittima and the elegant port of Castiglione della Pescaia, are rich in history and certainly worth a visit. Maremma is a perfect destination both for travellers who like to drive along quiet roads and for those seeking high standard clear beaches and tourist facilities.

ITINERARY 5: “La Volterrana”
km 95.9 / 1-2 days

San Gimignano
Known as the "city of beautiful towers”, San Gimignano is a destination not to be missed by travellers, with its ancient streets, the warm colours of its medieval buildings and the gentle Tuscan countryside that surrounds the town. The "Parco della Rocca” is worth visiting as it offers a splendid view of the surrounding countryside, the Collegiate Romanesque featuring frescoes by Domenico Ghirlandaio and the thirteenth-century church of St. Augustine, enriched during the fifteenth century with frescoes by Benozzo Bozzoli.

Volterra
Described by poet D'Annunzio as the "city of wind and rock", the Etruscan town of Volterra has attracted many artists such as Stendhal and Luchino Visconti because of its grim, severe appearance. Volterra has much to offer to visitors: from the thirteenth century Palazzo dei Priori, to the beautiful Romanesque cathedral and the impressive Renaissance fortress. Part of the charm of the city is also due to its proximity to the so-called "Cliffs", a spectacular geological attraction that occurs in deep gorges and ravines around the city.

Massa Marittima
The town of Massa Marittima is located in an ideal location, perched on the slopes of the Metalliferous Hills and surrounded by the wild countryside of Tuscany. The central square is home to most of the artistic attractions: The Cathedral of San Cerbone, the Palazzo Comunale and the Palazzo del Podesta. But the city has many buildings and medieval streets to explore, especially at the top, where you can see the Tyrrhenian Sea in the distance. In May and August the city hosts the famous "Balestro del Girifalco", a shooting competition in costume that immerses visitors in a medieval atmosphere: particularly faithful reproductions of costumes of the time and also authentic crossbows are used by contenders, just like those used during the fifteenth century.

ITINERARY 6 : “Mari e Monti”
km 112 / 2 days

Siena
A city that needs no introduction, with a unique atmosphere. The severe palaces and steep alleys of the old town have remained the same since the middle ages when Siena was an independent republic. A large part of the ancient pride is still present in the attitude of its citizens, which is expressed fully on July 2 and August 16 of each year during the famous Palio, perhaps the oldest and most authentic popular celebration in Italy. At the heart of the city is the magnificent shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, dominated by the high Torre del Mangia and considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe for architectural harmony and balance. However, Siena also offers beautiful churches and museums in addition to its ability to surprise even the most hurried visitor with unforgettable views. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Abbazia di San Galgano
The Abbazia di San Galgano is a splendid example of a Cistercian abbey, consecrated in 1288. It was an important centre of faith until the middle of the 15th century, after which time it gradually became derelict, being used as a farm during the 18th century. Since the nineteenth century began The restoration of the abbey to preserve the original structure began during the 19th century. The lack of roof and the scenic location makes it one of the most impressive monuments of Tuscany. Recently, the abbey has been used to host events, concerts and beautiful lighting has made the site even more fascinating.
Next to the magnificent ruins stands the beautiful chapel of Montesiepi which dates back to the thirteenth century. The chapel preserves the mysterious "Sword in the stone", a real sword of the 12th century stuck in the floor, which, according to a legend, belonged to San Galgano himself. The story of Galgano - a knight who abandons his weapons symbolically passing from the sword to the cross - closely corresponds with the myth of Excalibur, King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

Massa Marittima
The town of Massa Marittima is located in an ideal location, perched on the slopes of the Metalliferous Hills and surrounded by the wild countryside of Tuscany. The central square is home to most of the artistic attractions: The Cathedral of San Cerbone, the Palazzo Comunale and the Palazzo del Podesta. But the city has many buildings and medieval streets to explore, especially at the top, where you can see the Tyrrhenian Sea in the distance. In May and August the city hosts the famous "Balestro del Girifalco", a shooting competition in costume that immerses visitors in a medieval atmosphere: particularly faithful reproductions of costumes of the time and also authentic crossbows are used by contenders, just like those used during the fifteenth century.

Castiglion della Pescaia
A medieval city on the sea: who could want anything more? Castiglion della Pescaia is a seaside resort famous for environmental and costal protection, it has a well-preserved medieval centre built around the castle. The sandy beach, surrounded by vast pine forests, offers a typical Mediterranean landscape. Castiglione della Pescaia owes its great popularity among tourists as it has the reputation of being an elite summer destination, especially because of its crystal like sea.