The Tuscan Volcano Step by Step

What we propose is a tour for hiking enthusiasts.

Designed on the length of seven nights, it offers 6 routes of varying difficulty within the naturalistic scenery of Monte Amiata You stay for the entire period in the same hotel on the slopes of the mountain. It can be carried out with or without a guide. A shuttle service takes care of transfers that last no more than 30 minutes. An accurate program with all tour maps is made available.

Day 1 – Arrival

Arrival at one of our hotels on Mount Amiata and welcome cocktail.
Followed by dinner based on local products: the chef will present traditional dishes from Mount Amiata paired to wines from our area; you will find handmade pasta, chestnuts, mushrooms, wild boar, cured meats, olive oil and all the seasonal products our land has to offer.

Day 2 – Walking around the volcano

This interesting route takes the form of a pleasant walk from Europe’s largest beech forest at 1400 meters above sea level to Santa Fiora, one of the most characteristic villages on Mount Amiata.

1. Route duration: 5 hours (including the village tour) – “easy”
2. Route: 13 km

It will be an opportunity to enjoy the tranquility of the mountains while discovering the cultural highlights they have to offer.

We will begin with a walk inside the shade of beech trees, immersed in the naturalistic environment of Mt. Amiata. Depending on the season, colors and sounds accompaning you will be different: in spring there is a rich presence of wild orchids, while from the end of summer it is not difficult to find mushrooms and chestnuts; in autumn the thousands of colors that envelop the mountain will know how to fascinate us.

There will be plenty of historical points of interest along the way, such as the old “carbonaie” (charcoal kilns) where coal was produced until the last century or the Fonte delle Monache, one of the highest natural springs all around Amiata. Descending to the chestnut trees, the landscape will become richer with large volcanic rocks and panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
You will arrive in Santa Fiora for lunchtime at a small typical restaurant.

Following, urban trekking within the village.

You will close the tour with a drink at a vineria, the quaint place where locals gather to spend time with each other.
This will be followed by a return to the hotel where, after some relaxation, we will have a dinner of typical dishes.

Day 3 – The Chestnut Road

E-bike excursion from Mount Amiata to Saturnia, through wide and spectacular views of the Fiora and Albegna valleys once a communication and connection junction between the territory of Vulci, Amiata and Chiusi; different types of landscapes will accompany us along the way: from the forests, to the Fiora valley with panoramic views of the entire Mount Amiata and the surrounding countryside stretching as far as Sovana and upper Lazio to the Albegna river valley from where, on clear days, it is possible to glimpse the Argentario Promontory and Giglio Island to the typical views of the hills of upper Maremma with olive groves, vineyards and large areas cultivated with cereals.

Upon arrival, guided tour of the village: the town of Saturnia was located at the junction of well-known Etruscan roads; it must have been a modest center that in the 6th century BC, assumed a notable role in the territory between the Fiora and Albegna rivers, due to its position as a communication hub and link between the territory of Vulci and the territories of Amiata and Chiusi.

Following, lunch and then, bathing in the sulfurous thermal waters of the area;

Return to the hotel by taxi/bus and dinner.

Day 4 – Animal trails

Visit to Mount Amiata Wildlife Park along the trail to the summit of Mount Labbro and the Tibetan center of Merigar.

1. Route duration: 4 hours – “medium – difficult”
2. Route: 9 Km

Today will be the turn of the nature reserves that Mount Amiata has to offer.

You will begin with a visit to the Wildlife Park management factory and animal stables. From here you will walk to the summit of Monte Labro (elevation 1193 m), on a buttress of the Amiata volcanic cone. Along the way you will be able to admire evocative landscapes with sparse vegetation that represents the optimal habitat for most of the “endemisms” reported in the area and the numerous animals that inhabit the territory (117 census species of birds, 53 species of mammals, 13 of reptiles and 10 of amphibians: of these 76 are the species reported in the Red Lists indicating vulnerable and endangered species).

Arriving at the summit of Mount Labbro, the guide will tell you about David Lazzaretti and his places, show you the cave, the cross and the panoramic view of the summit of Mount Amiata and the islands of Montecristo, Elba and Giglio. You will go back following the wolf trail.

Lunch in the park restaurant.

After lunch you will set out for the second part of the route, which will take us to Merigar, one of the most important centers of Tibetan culture in Europe, with the beautiful Gompa, the characteristic temple and several stupas and ovens for propitiatory rites.

In the afternoon, return to the hotel and dinner.

Day 5 – The Way to the Thermal Pools

Excursion from the village of Piancastagnaio to Abbadia San Salvatore – Bagni di San Filippo hot spring

1. Route duration: 3 hours – “easy”
2. Route: 6 km

The day will begin with a visit to the medieval center of Piancastagnaio and its Aldobrandesco Castle from which you will enjoy an exceptional view of the surroundings.
From here, following the old mining road, we will reach Abbadia San Salvatore where you will stop for lunch in a delicious typical restaurant. After lunch, visit the old town and monastery, founded in 743 AD by the Lombard king Ratchis. Don’t miss the evocative crypt supported by 36 columns, each with a different capital.

Next, we will visit the Bagni di San Filippo hot springs and the natural waterfalls of “Fosso Bianco” with its characteristic limestone incrustations.

Possibility of bathing in the thermal waters. The area consists of thermal springs whose waters are particularly indicated for the treatment of respiratory, skin, and osteo-articular diseases; there is also a cold water spring, indicated for the treatment of liver and intestinal diseases (hydropinic therapy).

Their use dates back to ancient times, perhaps to Roman times, although the presence of baths is not documented until the 14th century. Nearby is the small town that owes its name to Saint Filippo Bensi, who is said to have taken refuge on Mount Amiata (1269) to escape papal election.

Late afternoon return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 6 – The Wines and Oil of Amiata

Excursion along the wine roads.

1. Duration of the route: 4 hours – “medium”
2. Route: 9 Km

The day will begin with a tour of the village of Castel del Piano.
Known for its Palio (as in Siena), during the 13th century it was part of the territorial domain of the Aldobrandeschi counts of Santa Fiora. Then, in the 14th century it was annexed to the Republic of Siena; the “Statutes” (1393), the September 9 goods and livestock fair (1402) and the first palio chariots date from this period.

After a walk through the center, you will leave for an hiking tour to Seggiano. We will first encounter the beautiful chestnut groves and small gardens of the villagers, then enter the area of vineyards and olive groves. Distinctive features of this route are the special panoramic views: on the right the volcano summit, and on the left the rolling hills of the Val D’Orcia. Views of villages such as Monticello Amiata, Montelaterone, Montenero and Montegiovi will keep us company, all along the way.
In autumn you can taste grapes, apples and chestnuts.

Along the way, surrounded by the calming landscapes of the Amiata, we will stop for a picnic in the countryside.

Return to the hotel will be in the late afternoon, followed by a dinner of Tuscan red wines.

Day 7 – The Amiata Peak ‘Vetta’

Hike to the top of the volcano and visit Daniel Spoerri’s Garden.

1. Morning route to the summit of Amiata, 7 km, 2.30 hours. – “medium”
2. Afternoon visit to Daniel Spoerri’s garden, 3 km, 2 hours.

From the hotel, you will reach the “Vetta Amiata” through a beautiful beech forest track. The last stretch is tougher, but when you reach the top you will have the satisfaction of the magnificent view: on clear days it is possible to see one of the widest views of central Italy: Lake Bolsena, Lake Trasimeno, the islands of the Tuscan archipelago, the valleys of the Maremma and the hills of Chianti. You can also see the Metalliferous Hills, those of Umbria and Sabina (Lazio), and of course Siena.

On the summit is an iron cross, 22 meters high, built in 1910, which is much loved by the local people. Not far away is the sculpture of Our Lady of the Scouts (gives the Scouts protection and peace) and St. Gualbert.

A stop at one of the many huts for coffee before you will take the way back.

Lunch of local products and then departure for Daniel Spoerri’s Garden. It is a large park of installations and sculptures designed by this great artist of Swiss citizenship but Romanian origin. Inspired by the monster park of Bomarzo, Daniel Spoerri’s Garden covers about 15 hectares. Nature, which flanks wide grassy spaces and lush groves, constantly dialogues with bronze sculptures by various artists.

Following, return to the hotel for dinner. After dinner, farewell dance evening.

Day 8 – Departure

After breakfast, check out and depart.

Reductions for groups of 8 or more.
The offer is valid all year round.