Italy: Sail & Bike Tuscany

Boarding takes place from 6 pm in Porto St. Stefano, a vibrant harbor town on the Monte Argentario Peninsula’s northern coast. Those who arrive earlier are welcome to check their luggage in after 2 pm — and then treat themselves to a relaxed walk through the old town’s romantic pastel-hued streets. You’ve made it! Or perhaps you still have some more time on your hands? Then definitely take a stroll up to the Spagnola fortress, which has watched over the city since the 17th century. By that point, you’ll have worked up a decent appetite, and — perfect timing — your first onboard meal will let you meet your new travel partners, tour leaders and crew before you bed down for the night in your cozy floating hotel.

From Porto St. Stefano your first bike tour takes you to the historic town of Orbetello. With a little bit of  luck you can admire the spectacular swarm of flamingos in the WWF natural oasis Laguna di Orbetello. Afterwards your cycle tour will take you to the ruins of the fortified Roman town of Cosa and later through the Duna Feniglia nature reserve, whose beautiful pine forest will enchant you. We cycle mostly on cycle paths and return to Porto Santo Stefano where the Atlantis awaits our arrival for a crossing to Talamone.

After breakfast we start on a tour through rolling landscapes characterized by grape vines and olive groves. Past the Poggio Perotto Lake you arrive in the medieval town of Magliano di Toskana. The picturesque town with its striking city gates and walkable city walls invites you to linger. On the way back to Talamone, whose bay is very much appreciated by kiters and windsurfers, the beautiful Tuscan landscape shows its most beautiful side once again. Before dinner on board you will be invited to a tasting of typical Tuscan wines.

This morning is used for the crossing to Elba, on which you can get an introduction to sailing in favorable winds and set sail together. After Sicily and Sardinia, Elba is the third largest island in Italy and impresses with its charm, lush nature and rich history. After a light lunch on board, you go ashore. Your afternoon tour through the varied island leads to Capoliveri and along a wonderful panoramic road. In the evening take the opportunity for a stroll through the charming little harbor town Porto Azzuro.

A somewhat longer cycle tour from Porto Azzuro to the north of the island of Elba awaits you. After the coffee break in Rio nell’ Elba you will arrive at one of the most impressive view points of the trip. At Voltereio you look at the bay of Portoferreio, the capital of the island. After lunch it is only a few kilometres to the beautiful bay of Enfola.

Today the queen’s stage awaits you! You cross the island by bicycle. After visiting the mountain villages of Marciana you get to the highest point of the tour at Monte Perone. Then it’s only downhill to the village of San Piero in Campo, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch with a view onto your boat. After the tour you take a refreshing bath – directly from your ship. Then the sails are set with the destination: Island Giglio. The Isola Giglio is located in the very south of the Tuscan Archipelago and is a scenic jewel. Mountains, forests, untouched nature, crystal clear sea!

The Island Giglio lies in the far south of the Tuscan Archipelago and is a true gem. Mountains, forests, untouched nature, crystal clear water! You go ashore in Campese in the west of the island. The destination of your today’s cycle tour is the medieval town of Giglio Castello, enthroned high on the island of Giglio like an impregnable castle. A fast descent takes you to Giglio Porto. Enjoy the last cruise on board the Atlantis as you set sail in the direction of Porto St. Stefano. A celebratory evening meal in the company of fellow travelers, crew and guides offers a great atmosphere in which to enjoy the last evening together reflecting on the week.

Enjoy one final breakfast on board, before disembarking at 9 am. Now the choice is yours — head home with a wealth of marvelous Tuscan memories — or stay longer in Tuscany to make even more!