Pomarance is the starting point for our hiking and trekking holidays. It is located 1300 km from Brussels and 1450 km from Amsterdam. Tuscany is easy to reach by car or by plane. The motorways in northern and central Italy are of good quality.
There are two international airports in Tuscany: Florence and Pisa. Low cost airlines especially fly to Pisa.
There are several car rental companies in both airports where you can rent a car to drive to Pomarance. Tuscany has a good road network with motorways, express and municipal roads. As soon as you are outside the city, traffic is quiet and driving is relaxing.
Another possibility is hiring a taxi service. The driver will take you to Pomarance by car or by van for about € 130.
Pomarance can also be reached by public transport, although good planning is needed to avoid waiting times. In Pisa or Florence you take the train to Cecina and there a diesel train to the end station Volterra-Saline-Pomarance. This beautiful train journey takes about 3 hours from Florence, 1.5 hours from Pisa.
From Pisa to the centre of Pomarance by bus takes about 1.5 hours. The bus runs once a day. This is also a nice ride, not along the rocky coast like the train, but through the typical Tuscan hilly landscape.
Pomarance is located in the Alta Val di Cecina, a region with a rich past and picturesque nature. Unlike other parts of Tuscany, this zone is unknown to the masses. The landscape consists of rolling, green hills interspersed with high rock formations.
The geological origin of this area, also known as the metal hills, is volcanic. The hills are rich in metal ores. There are also salt mines, hot springs and geysers. The latter are used for energy extraction. Together with agriculture, these form the most important income for the local population. Because of this wealth, people have been able to continuously live in the region. The medieval natural stone villages are still quaint but lively. Various nature parks were created in the 1990s to protect the unique flora and fauna in the maquis. The combination of tranquillity, nature and culture makes this area ideal for a walking holiday along unpaved paths.
Metal hills
Geologically, the region is turbulent and relatively young. Hence the many erratic rocks, minerals and geothermal activities. Since time immemorial, hot springs and geysers have been the source of legends that lend them magical properties. The thermal baths of San Michele were already known in Antiquity for their healing effect. According to legend, a clock fell from the higher monastery and thus the hot springs were created. The picturesque ruin of the building from the 15th century houses several baths with different temperatures.
The geysers from the Devil Valley near Larderello were the first in the world to generate electricity in 1905. Even today, the volcano's geysers (last eruption in 1282) are an important source of electricity.
Several ores and minerals have been mined over the centuries, peaking in the 18th century. In all likelihood, the Etruscans from nearby Volterra were the first to mine copper, salt and boric acid. During the Middle Ages people also found alabaster, brown coal, quartz and magnesium. The mining of ornamental stones boomed in the 18th century. During that period, a railroad was built from the mines in Monterufoli to the lower valley, through forests and over rivers. Today, traces of this mining industry can still be found in the forests. Hidden paths run past old shafts, overgrown mine buildings, derelict railroad bridges and beautiful stones.
Nature reserve Monterufoli-Caselli
Situated in the middle of the metal hills, between Volterra and the coast, the reserve comprises a large, unspoilt area with maquis and oak forests. The area is rich in water and is known for its enormous biodiversity.
Maquis is a typical Mediterranean combination of evergreen shrubs and low trees. It is a dense, fast-growing vegetation that you cannot cut through without a path. This allows nature to take its own course and more than 770 plant species have been counted. Orchids, wild tulips and saffron plants grow among the oaks and on the edge of the forest.
The many rivers with crystal clear water are ideal drinking places for the animals: wild boar, deer, mouflon, badgers, weasels and in recent years even wolves. Do not fear, contrary to what is told in fairy tales, wolves are shy animals and harmless to humans!
Patient, beautiful, eager to learn, loyal, independent, strong and very smart. In short they have a complete personality. We can go on all day long mentioning the positive qualities of our favorite animal, the donkey.
The reputation that donkeys are self-willed animals has to do with their intelligence and cautious nature. Unlike horses, donkeys are not flight animals. Therefore, they cannot be goaded if you want to drive them in situations where they see danger. This stress is more likely to increase their stubbornness. Once their trust has been won, they will show their kind and docile nature.
Donkeys have a shoulder height of between 95 and 140 cm. Their body size means they are easily accessible for children. The large head with large ears and friendly eyes appeal to children.
Another benefit of donkeys is that they like roving for a long time. In addition, they have great endurance and sure footedness. Hence the saying: "A donkey does not hit the same stone twice." A donkey who walks on a rocky road and hits a stone with his front leg will never hit the same stone with his hind leg! That is a plus on mountain trails.
We use donkeys of the "Amiatino" breed from the south of Tuscany of which only a few are left. They are relatively large donkeys with grey fur and a black cross on their shoulders. Their body is lean and muscular with short, sturdy legs. They are stable and docile walkers, ideal for long treks.
In earlier days, they were used in the hills by loggers to bring the wood to the villages. They also brought water from the springs to the villages. Because donkeys don't like negotiating steep and rocky paths, these routes from the springs and the valleys to the hilltop villages were created by the donkeys. Later the roads and paths were paved and houses were built around them. That is why it is said that the street plans of the old Tuscan villages were actually made by the Amiatini donkeys of the past.
Did you know that…
donkeys are curious
a donkey has a gestation period of 11 to even 14 months
a donkey is stronger than a horse of the same size
donkeys have a good memory. Even after 25 years, they can recognise places and other donkeys.
donkeys think independently. They ponder and make their own decisions based on safety.
donkeys have patience with children and are extra sweet to them.
donkeys can live to be up to 50 years old.
Donkeys of the Santa Barbara stables
We hebben 12 ezeltjes op de manege. ’s Winters staan ze allemaal samen in een groot dennebos. ’s Zomers staan ze per twee in een paddock of zijn ze onderweg. Elk dier heeft zijn eigen karakter en bijzonderheden. Diaspora en Camelia: doorzetters en beste vriendinnen, Carolina: allerliefst en gevoelig. Zij waren de eerste drie ezeltjes die we hadden. Paola: wijs en ervaren, Fiamma en Stella: grappig en schalks, Selvaggia en Penelope: jong en speels, Otto: sterk met een goed karakter. Asia is de oudste ezel, haar houden we voor het gezelschap en korte wandelingen. Martino en Moira zijn de jongste dieren, ze werden op de manege geboren in 2018. Nu worden ze volop getraind om te wandelen in de natuur. Daar houden ze erg veel van! We houden rekening met deze eigenschappen bij het toewijzen van de ezels aan een groep of familie om een zo goed mogelijke match te bekomen.
Donkeys in the Nete Valley (Belgium)
NGO Ezelskruid organizes beautiful day trips in the nature reserve in Belgium. For anyone who wants to take a test trip or who is nostalgic to the donkey tour in Tuscany!
Agriturismi are rural holiday accommodations in Tuscany that derive part of their income from agriculture. Most of the old farmhouses, where rooms are rented out, have been restored to their original style. In the kitchens, only local, organic and home-grown produce is used.
All agriturismi locations meet our criteria: hospitality, a rustic environment, good food, child friendly, a good atmosphere and possibly a swimming pool.
In the summer months Altratoscana has its own tents at various agriturismi locations. Spending the night in a yurt under the starry sky enhances the experience of nature and tranquillity. Children find it an adventure! The tents are spacious, white yurts that appeal to the imagination. They are always in a shady spot, near the swimming pool and the bathrooms. Each tent can sleep up to 8 people. There is electricity, lighting and bed linen and towels are also provided just like in any agriturismo room.
The holidays are half board so breakfast and dinner are included in the price. Sometimes "room service" is available: breakfast and dinner are brought to your tent or apartment in baskets. At other tourist farms, meals are served in the agriturismo's dining room.
The breakfasts are extensive, they include: bread, rusks, cakes, coffee or cappuccino, tea and fruit juice. Many also offer homemade preserves, honey, pies, cookies, cheeses and ham. Dinner is typically Italian served in four courses: antipasto (starter), primo (pasta), secondo (meat and vegetables) and dessert. All dishes are typically Tuscan and are prepared with local produce. Usually the wine, olive oil, meat and vegetables are from the accommodation's own farm. If desired, vegetarian dishes can be cooked and a special children’s menu can be prepared.
Donkey trekking in Italy: Are you looking for something sporty and love animals? Would you like to take care of a donkey and combine this with hiking for a few days? In turn they will take care of you by carrying your baggage. Or do you want to get the kids excited about trekking with donkeys in Tuscany?
For young and old, donkeys are the ideal company on walks. They are sweet, patient and strong. Because of this children like to take care of donkeys and to help guide them. As a result, they walk much further than they would normally. If they get tired, they can rest on the back of their new found friend. At the same time, parents enjoy a nice walk through nature and its peaceful surroundings. In short, trekking with donkeys is a perfect family vacation.
All the walks with donkeys depart from Pomarance, a village near Volterra in the heart of Tuscany. During the first day you will learn how to take care of the donkey, handle it and distribute the baggage load. This is followed by a one-hour walk under supervision as an observation exercise. The rest of the day is free to relax by the pool or explore some of the area.
The second day is the actual departure. You walk alone with the donkey through the forests and fields. The routes are well marked on a map and GPS, therefore, minimum knowledge of map reading is sufficient to find the paths.
There are three, five and seven day treks. All tours are exclusively on narrow tracks and paths through nature, every day is different. The routes lead to a waterfall where you can take a plunge, the ruins of a monastery on a hill, an old railway bridge in the forest, a castle, a charming village where you can rest on a terrace, and there’s so much more.
These tours are ideal as a sporting twist is added to a relaxing and cultural holiday in Tuscany. Below are our proposals. We can insert a rest day in all routes.
Walking level **** Average walking distance per day: 7 km Average height difference per day: 100 m Swimming pool at all locations
Day 1
The first day at the stables in Pomarance is the same as the other donkey trekking tours.
Day 2
Departure from the stables. Taking the route along the old alabaster quarries, you will descend from Pomarance to the Trossa River. Along the path are white, marble-like rocks: the alabaster that was dug here was later worked on in Volterra. Once you have crossed the river, it is a few kilometres to the agriturismo destination, a beautiful farm in the middle of the valley. You spend the night in a furnished tent or in a room at an agriturismo with a swimming pool. Walking distance: 6 km
Day 3
A path through the forests of Monterufoli takes you further upstream the Trossa River. With a little luck you will spot turtles and freshwater crayfish at this location. From here a beautiful route meanders through fields and olive groves to your final destination of Pomarance. Walking distance: 8 km
Adio, three day donkey trekking
Walking level **** Average walking distance per day: 11km Average height difference per day: 200m Swimming pool available with all overnight stays.
Day 1
The first day at the stables in Pomarance is the same as the other donkey trekking tours.
Day 2
Departure from the stables. After a nice descent through the fields to the river, the path winds upwards again to Libbiano which is a small hilltop village with beautiful views of the region. On clear days you can see the sea and even the island of Elba. You can stay here for a while to admire the views or go straight for a swim in the pool at the agriturismo. Overnight stay in a furnished tent or in a room. Walking distance: 9 km
Day 3
The walk starts in the shady maquis and the oak forests of the nature reserve. On this hillside, there are many springs where the animals come to drink. There is a good chance you might spot deer on the way! The path crosses the river and meanders through the hills to Pomarance. Along the way you enjoy gorgeous views over the villages which typify Tuscan landscapes. Walking distance: 12 km
Libbiano, five day donkey trekking
Walking level **** Gemiddelde afstand per dag: 6km Average height difference per day: 100 m Swimming pool at all locations
Day 1
The first day at the stables in Pomarance is the same as the other donkey trekking tours.
Day 2
Departure from the stables. The route along the old alabaster quarries takes you from Pomarance down to the Trossa River. Along the path are white, marble-like rocks: the alabaster that was mined here was later worked on in Volterra. You follow the path staying close to the river to the first agriturismo destination. Overnight stay in an apartment or furnished tent at a farmhouse with a swimming pool. Walking distance: 8 km
Day 3
You follow the water course upstream along the deep valley of the Adio River. Above the valley, the medieval village of Micciano perches on a giant rock formation. Near the destination there is a beautiful waterfall and natural swimming pools created by the river. You spend the night in a tent or in an agriturismo room on the edge of the nature reserve, surrounded by beautiful forests, far from civilization. Walking distance: 4 km
Day 4
This tour starts with a walk on a narrow path over the hill tops. The view is breathtaking: from Volterra to the Apennines and the Mediterranean Sea. Afterwards you descend the old road of Libbiano, now a narrow path, past the former spring of the village to the last overnight stay at a working farm with many animals and a beautiful swimming pool. Accommodation is available in a tent or in a room. Walking distance: 3 or 6 km
Day 5
The day starts in the shady maquis and the oak forests of the nature reserve. The route crosses the river and winds through the hills towards Pomarance. Along the way you will enjoy beautiful views over the villages and typical Tuscan landscape. Walking distance: 6 or 8 km
Aneo, five day donkey trekking
Walking level **** Average walking distance per day: 11km Average height difference per day: 200m Swimming pool available with all overnight stays.
Day 1
The first day at the stables in Pomarance is the same as the other donkey trekking tours.
Day 2
Departure from the stables. From Pomarance you will descend to the Trossa River along the route of the old alabaster quarries. You will see white, marble-like rocks along the way. The alabaster of this region was worked on further in Volterra. After following the river for several kilometres you will ascend to the first agriturismo on the hillside. Walking distance: 12 or 14 km
Day 3
This section offers a beautiful trip on a panoramic natural track through the forests of the Monterufoli nature reserve. Along the way you will pass Querceto, a small medieval village known for its wine, shops and intimate terraces. In the neighbourhood of this agriturismo you will come across one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area. You spend the night at the agriturismo in a yurt or in a room on the edge of the nature reserve, surrounded by beautiful forests, far from civilization. Walking distance: 14 km
Day 4
After a few kilometres you will arrive in Libbiano, a hilltop village that offers views of the Volterra region to the sea and the island of Elba. In the distance, on the other side of the green valley, lies the holiday farm for the next overnight stay. This luxurious agriturismo has a unique location. From the swimming pool there are breathtaking views over the nature reserve's valleys! Walking distance: 10 km
Day 5
A short walk will take you to centuries old thermal baths in the forest. Surprisingly the river is lukewarm to the touch. On the hilltop there is a ruin of a hermit monastery. Here you can also some nice picnic areas. The path continues through fields and olive groves finishing at the riding stables of Pomarance. Walking distance: 9 or 11 km
Seven day donkey trekking with a rest day
Walking level **** Average walking distance per day: 13 km Average height difference per day: 250 m Swimming pool at 4 or 5 of the 6 overnight stays.
Day 1
The first day at the stables in Pomarance is the same as the other donkey trekking tours.
Day 2
The departure point for this trek is from the stables at Pomarance. From here you will descend to the river Trossa along the route of the old alabaster quarries. Where you will come across white, marble-like rocks. The alabaster here was dug out and later worked on in Volterra. After following the river for several kilometres, you will climb up to the first agriturismo on the hillside. Delicious food awaits you in this organic agriturismo! Walking distance: 14 or 17 km
Day 3
You will climb an old road to Querceto, a medieval village with a famous wine making castle. After this, you will enter the reserve where you can enjoy a nice walk through the woods and the maquis. At the end of the day you will climb a few kilometres uphill along a beautiful natural track through the fields of the farm where you will spend the night. Walking distance: 12 km
Day 4
The day starts with a steep climb to the panoramic village of Sassa. This old village is certainly worth a visit: it offers a view all the way from the sea to Volterra. This is where the path to the Caselli Nature Reserve begins, which was named after the villa of the same name by a small lake. The route then continues through the forest to an area where semi-precious stones were mined in the 1800s. There are still old mining buildings and a railroad bridge spanning the river. The overnight stay is at the end station of this old railway, nowadays a luxury agriturismo location. Walking distance: 14 km
Day 5
A day of rest ... or maybe not. Today you can relax by the swimming pool, taste wine or look for the remains of an old railway and mines in the forest. This agriturismo is on a beautiful site with vineyards, forests and olive trees. There is also a tennis court, basketball court and a swimming pool for guests. In short, the ideal place to kick-back and relax. Next to the agriturismo is one of the largest vineyards in the area where you can taste the best wines. Nearby are also old mines of semi-precious chalcedony which is a variety of quartz. Ruins of 18th century the mine’s shaft towers and railway bridges can be found in the forest.
Day 6
Today starts with a walk on the main path of the Monterufoli nature reserve past the "Villa of a 100 rooms". This beautiful villa with its rich history is the heart of the nature reserve. Here there is also a spring and a picnic area. You continue to follow the main path until the next agriturismo where you can spend the night in a tent or in a room. The agriturismo is located on the edge of the nature reserve, surrounded by beautiful forests, far from civilization. Walking distance: 12 km
Day 7
The walk starts in the shady maquis and the oak forests of the nature reserve. On this hillside, there are many springs where the animals come to drink. There is a good chance you might spot deer on the way! The path crosses the river and meanders through the hills to Pomarance. Along the way you enjoy gorgeous views over the villages which typify Tuscan landscapes. Walking distance: 12 km
Oude spoorwegbrug in Monterufoli-Caselli
Il Giro, seven day donkey trekking
Walking level **** Average walking distance per day: 14km Average height difference per day: 250 m Swimming pool at 4 or 5 of the 6 overnight stays.
Day 1
The first day at the stables in Pomarance is the same as the other donkey trekking tours.
Day 2
The departure point for this trek is from the stables at Pomarance. From here you will descend to the river Trossa along the route of the old alabaster quarries. Where you will come across white, marble-like rocks. The alabaster here was dug out and later worked on in Volterra. After following the river for several kilometres, you will climb up to the first agriturismo on the hillside. Delicious food awaits you in this organic agriturismo! Walking distance: 14 or 17 km
Day 3
You will climb an old road to Querceto, a medieval village with a famous wine making castle. After this, you will enter the reserve where you can enjoy a nice walk through the woods and the maquis. At the end of the day you will climb a few kilometres uphill along a beautiful natural track through the fields of the farm where you will spend the night. Walking distance: 12 km
Day 4
The day starts with a steep climb to the panoramic village of Sassa. This old village is certainly worth a visit: it offers views all the way from the sea to Volterra. Here, the path to the Caselli Nature Reserve starts, which is named after the villa of the same name by a small lake. The route continues through the forest to an area where semi-precious stones were mined in the 1800s. You will see old mining buildings and a railroad bridge spanning the river. Your overnight stay is at the railway's end station, nowadays a luxury agriturismo. Walking distance: 14 km
Day 5
In the morning you will start the day with a walk on the main path of the Monterufoli nature reserve past the "Villa of a 100 rooms". This beautiful villa with its rich history is the heart of the nature reserve. There is also a spring and a picnic area. You will continue to follow the main path until the next agriturismo location where you can spend the night in a tent or in a room. The agriturismo is located on the edge of the nature reserve, surrounded by beautiful forests, far from civilization. Walking distance: 12 km
Day 6
After a few kilometres of walking, you will arrive in Libbiano, a hilltop village that offers a view of the Volterra region all the way to the sea and the island of Elba. In the distance, on the other side of the green valley, lies the holiday farm for your next overnight stay. This luxury agriturismo has a unique location with breathtaking views from the swimming pool over the valleys of the nature reserve! Walking distance: 10 km
Day 7
After a short walk you will see centuries old thermal baths in the forest. Surprisingly, the river feels lukewarm. On the hilltop is a ruin of a hermit monastery. There are also some nice picnic areas here. The path continues through fields and olive groves to the riding stables of Pomarance. Walking distance: 9 or 11 km
Walking tours in Tuscany, Italy: Do you dream of a walking holiday in the South surrounded by Tuscan nature? Designing a walking tour in an unknown area is often quite a challenge. Maps are hard to find and the question remains whether the paths still exist. You also want to be sure to visit the most beautiful sights, scenes and culture spots in the area.
With our packages for hiking in Tuscany, you have the opportunity to make unique trips in a non-touristy nature reserve and stay the night in the best accommodation. We update our walks annually and can adapt perfectly to your hiking level.
You can opt for a trek with luggage transport or you can pull yourself with the backpack. We provide map material, a GPS track and organize the overnight stays. An extensive breakfast and Italian dinner are always included.
Walking level **** Average walking distance per day: 13 km Average height difference per day: 250 m Swimming pool at 4 or 5 of the 6 overnight stays.
Day 1
You arrive in Pomarance and receive a briefing about the route. You are provided with map equipment and a GPS. Overnight stay in Pomarance at an agriturismo with a swimming pool.
Day 2
The departure point for this trek is from the stables at Pomarance. From here you will descend to the river Trossa along the route of the old alabaster quarries. Where you will come across white, marble-like rocks. The alabaster here was dug out and later worked on in Volterra. After following the river for several kilometres, you will climb up to the first agriturismo on the hillside. Delicious food awaits you in this organic agriturismo! Walking distance: 14 or 17 km
Day 3
You will climb an old road to Querceto, a medieval village with a famous wine making castle. After this, you will enter the reserve where you can enjoy a nice walk through the woods and the maquis. At the end of the day you will climb a few kilometres uphill along a beautiful natural track through the fields of the farm where you will spend the night. Walking distance: 12 km
Day 4
The day starts with a steep climb to the panoramic village of Sassa. This old village is certainly worth a visit: it offers views all the way from the sea to Volterra. Here, the path to the Caselli Nature Reserve starts, which is named after the villa of the same name by a small lake. The route continues through the forest to an area where semi-precious stones were mined in the 1800s. You will see old mining buildings and a railroad bridge spanning the river. Your overnight stay is at the railway's end station, nowadays a luxury agriturismo. Walking distance: 14 km
Day 5
Time for some rest! Today, you can relax by the swimming pool on the holiday farm situated on a beautiful estate with vineyards, woods and olive trees. If you feel like some activity, you can make use of the tennis and basketball courts. Or maybe explore the area where you will find old chalcedony mines, ruins of 18th century shaft towers and deserted railway bridges. If you fancy some wine tasting, next to the agriturismo is one of the largest vineyards in the area where you can sample some of the best wines.
Day 6
Today starts with a walk on the main path of the Monterufoli nature reserve past the "Villa of a 100 rooms". This beautiful villa with its rich history is the heart of the nature reserve. Here there is also a spring and a picnic area. You continue to follow the main path until the next agriturismo where you can spend the night in a tent or in a room. The agriturismo is located on the edge of the nature reserve, surrounded by beautiful forests, far from civilization. Walking distance: 12 km
Day 7
The walk starts in the shady maquis and the oak forests of the nature reserve. On this hillside, there are many springs where the animals come to drink. There is a good chance you might spot deer on the way! The path crosses the river and meanders through the hills to Pomarance. Along the way you enjoy gorgeous views over the villages which typify Tuscan landscapes. Walking distance: 12 km
Oude spoorwegbrug in Monterufoli-Caselli
Il Giro, seven day walking tour
Walking level **** Average walking distance per day: 14km Average height difference per day: 300m Swimming pool at 4 or 5 of the 6 overnight stays.
Day 1
You arrive in Pomarance and receive a briefing about the route. You are provided with map equipment and a GPS. Overnight stay in Pomarance at an agriturismo with a swimming pool.
Day 2
The departure point for this trek is from the stables at Pomarance. From here you will descend to the river Trossa along the route of the old alabaster quarries. Where you will come across white, marble-like rocks. The alabaster here was dug out and later worked on in Volterra. After following the river for several kilometres, you will climb up to the first agriturismo on the hillside. Delicious food awaits you in this organic agriturismo! Walking distance: 14 or 17 km
Day 3
You will climb an old road to Querceto, a medieval village with a famous wine making castle. After this, you will enter the reserve where you can enjoy a nice walk through the woods and the maquis. At the end of the day you will climb a few kilometres uphill along a beautiful natural track through the fields of the farm where you will spend the night. Walking distance: 12 km
Day 4
The day starts with a steep climb to the panoramic village of Sassa. This old village is certainly worth a visit: it offers views all the way from the sea to Volterra. Here, the path to the Caselli Nature Reserve starts, which is named after the villa of the same name by a small lake. The route continues through the forest to an area where semi-precious stones were mined in the 1800s. You will see old mining buildings and a railroad bridge spanning the river. Your overnight stay is at the railway's end station, nowadays a luxury agriturismo. Walking distance: 14 km
Day 5
In the morning you will start the day with a walk on the main path of the Monterufoli nature reserve past the "Villa of a 100 rooms". This beautiful villa with its rich history is the heart of the nature reserve. There is also a spring and a picnic area. You will continue to follow the main path until the next agriturismo location where you can spend the night in a tent or in a room. The agriturismo is located on the edge of the nature reserve, surrounded by beautiful forests, far from civilization. Walking distance: 12 km
Day 6
After a few kilometres of walking, you will arrive in Libbiano, a hilltop village that offers a view of the Volterra region all the way to the sea and the island of Elba. In the distance, on the other side of the green valley, lies the holiday farm for your next overnight stay. This luxury agriturismo has a unique location with breathtaking views from the swimming pool over the valleys of the nature reserve! Walking distance: 10 km
Day 7
After a short walk you will see centuries old thermal baths in the forest. Surprisingly, the river feels lukewarm. On the hilltop is a ruin of a hermit monastery. There are also some nice picnic areas here. The path continues through fields and olive groves to the riding stables of Pomarance. Walking distance: 9 or 11 km
agriturismo Villetta di Monterufoli
Agriturismo Le Querce
Oude thermen
Kerkje van Micciano
Libbiano, five day walking tour
Walking level **** Gemiddelde afstand per dag: 6km Average height difference per day: 100 m Swimming pool at all locations
Day 1
You arrive in Pomarance and receive a briefing about the route. You are provided with map equipment and a GPS. Overnight stay in Pomarance at an agriturismo with a swimming pool.
Day 2
Departure from the stables. The route along the old alabaster quarries takes you from Pomarance down to the Trossa River. Along the path are white, marble-like rocks: the alabaster that was mined here was later worked on in Volterra. You follow the path staying close to the river to the first agriturismo destination. Overnight stay in an apartment or furnished tent at a farmhouse with a swimming pool. Walking distance: 8 km
Day 3
You follow the water course upstream along the deep valley of the Adio River. Above the valley, the medieval village of Micciano perches on a giant rock formation. Near the destination there is a beautiful waterfall and natural swimming pools created by the river. You spend the night in a tent or in an agriturismo room on the edge of the nature reserve, surrounded by beautiful forests, far from civilization. Walking distance: 4 km
Day 4
This tour starts with a walk on a narrow path over the hill tops. The view is breathtaking: from Volterra to the Apennines and the Mediterranean Sea. Afterwards you descend the old road of Libbiano, now a narrow path, past the former spring of the village to the last overnight stay at a working farm with many animals and a beautiful swimming pool. Accommodation is available in a tent or in a room. Walking distance: 3 or 6 km
Day 5
The day starts in the shady maquis and the oak forests of the nature reserve. The route crosses the river and winds through the hills towards Pomarance. Along the way you will enjoy beautiful views over the villages and typical Tuscan landscape. Walking distance: 6 or 8 km
Fontein in dorpje
Aneo, five day walking tour
Walking level **** Average walking distance per day: 13 km Average height difference per day: 250 m Zwembad bij 3 of 4 van de 4 overnachtingen.
Day 1
You arrive in Pomarance and receive a briefing about the route. You are provided with map equipment and a GPS. Overnight stay in Pomarance at an agriturismo with a swimming pool.
Day 2
Departure from the stables. From Pomarance you will descend to the Trossa River along the route of the old alabaster quarries. You will see white, marble-like rocks along the way. The alabaster of this region was worked on further in Volterra. After following the river for several kilometres you will ascend to the first agriturismo on the hillside. Walking distance: 12 or 14 km
Day 3
This section offers a beautiful trip on a panoramic natural track through the forests of the Monterufoli nature reserve. Along the way you will pass Querceto, a small medieval village known for its wine, shops and intimate terraces. In the neighbourhood of this agriturismo you will come across one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area. You spend the night at the agriturismo in a yurt or in a room on the edge of the nature reserve, surrounded by beautiful forests, far from civilization. Walking distance: 14 km
Day 4
Today's walk first leads you to Libbiano. This hilltop village offers panoramic views over the Volterra region all the way to the sea and even the island of Elba. The agriturismo for the next overnight stay is located on the other side of the green valley. This holiday farm has a unique location and offers breathtaking views over the nature reserve valleys, even from the swimming pool! Walking distance: 10 km
Day 5
A short walk will take you to centuries old thermal baths in the forest. Surprisingly the river is lukewarm to the touch. On the hilltop there is a ruin of a hermit monastery. Here you can also some nice picnic areas. The path continues through fields and olive groves finishing at the riding stables of Pomarance. Walking distance: 9 or 11 km
NGO Ezelskruid organizes beautiful day trips in the nature reserve in Belgium. For anyone who wants to take a test trip or who is nostalgic to the donkey tour in Tuscany!
Donkey trekking in Italy: Are you looking for something sporty and love animals? Would you like to take care of a donkey and combine this with hiking for a few days? In turn they will take care of you by carrying your baggage. Or do you want to get the kids excited about trekking with donkeys in Tuscany?
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