Italy: The Tuscan Coast & Elba Island

Nestled amidst Italy’s classic heartland of Tuscany, the northern Maremma region invites the
sophisticated traveler to experience a “hidden” treasure favored primarily by Italian vacationers and
locals who maintain the area’s rustic, unspoiled nature. Your journey immerses you in renowned vineyards, olive groves, and tranquil forests of Mediterranean thickwood. Walking in the gentle microclimate of the sweeping valley known as Val di Cornia, you are surrounded by intriguing flora and fauna—wild orchids and macchia (low Mediterranean shrubs) carpeting the habitat of fawns, porcupines, and wild boar. The experience is equally rich in historic and cultural discoveries; from a visit to the ancient village of Bolgheri—entered by walking a famous, cypress-lined avenue and through a red brick castle gate—and continuing via paths near the sea and across hilltop trails opening onto spectacular coastal views.
    Your journey continues on mythical Elba Island, the largest in the Tuscan Archipelago and the third
largest in Italy. Of long historical importance, until the Middle Ages, Elba was occupied over the centuries by Ligurians, Greeks, Etruscans, Romans, and Pisans. Later, the powerful Florentine Medici family took over and built defensive ramparts to protect Portoferraio, its main port. During his short but famous exile, Napoleon resided on the island. This history comes alive as you explore Tuscany’s enchanting coast, with villas and watch towers set amongst white granite cliffs, fragrant silvery macchia, and crystal blue waters.  Accommodations are exclusive and luxurious, an estate in the Tuscan countryside, and a beachfront villa, retreats for rejuvenation and indulgence in Tuscan cuisine and wine with a seaside flair.