
Island Hopping in the Tuscan Archipelago
- Italy
- 4 nights
Explore the islands of Elba and Pianosa off Italy’s Tuscan Coast, hiking flower-lined trails and adventuring in pristine waters
What's Included?
- Activities & Certified GuidesAll itinerary activities with local, expert, English-speaking guides
- Hotel4 nights in a comfortable hotel with pool
- MealsAll breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches and 1 dinner
- TransfersTo and from the airport and everything in between
- EquipmentEverything you need for kayaking, cycling and snorkelling
- Maximum group size: 14Join small n’ sociable groups of like-minded, active and outdoorsy people – designed to be solo-friendly
From…excluding flights
Highlights
Hike gentle Mediterranean coast paths, discovering the flora, heritage and fishing villages of unspoilt Elba Island
Kayak and snorkel protected turquoise waters teeming with marine life, paddling to secluded coves and along rugged cliffs
Cycle around the paradise island of Pianosa, a protected nature park known as the ‘Caribbean of the Mediterranean’
Kick back and enjoy picnics by dazzling beaches, indulge in an Italian feast, and sample local wines at a hillside vineyard
Itinerary
Day 1
To Elba Island!
HotelTwin shareDinner includedShow Day 1 detailHide detail
Meet your host at Pisa Airport and drive to the coastal town of Piombino for your ferry journey to Elba. Elba is one of seven islands in the pristine Tuscan Archipelago National Park, the second-largest marine park in Europe. Here the crystalline seas, secluded coves and lush mountains remain pretty much off the international tourist radar. Settle in your comfortable hotel, take a walk to the nearby beach, then enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers whilst you hear all about the adventure ahead.
Day 2
Explore the Enfola Peninsula
Kayaking2.5hrs · 3miHiking2hrs · 3mi · 656ft up · 656ft downHotelTwin shareBreakfast and lunch includedShow Day 2 detailHide detail
Rise, shine, and hop in the shuttle for a short transfer to the Enfola Peninsula, where you'll meet with your kayak instructor for a short introductory briefing. Then you'll hit the clear waters, paddling along white cliffs and stunning beaches, exploring caves and natural arches. Stop for a picnic lunch by the beach before stretching your legs with a short coastal hike, walking amongst the Mediterranean flora of this 'garden by the sea'. Back at the hotel enjoy some time at leisure, exploring the local village and its restaurants.
Day 3
The 'Caribbean of the Mediterranean'
Cycling2hrs · 9mi · 98ft up · 98ft downSnorkelling1.5hrsHotelTwin shareBreakfast and lunch includedShow Day 3 detailHide detail
Enjoy an early breakfast before heading to Pianosa, 45 minutes away by ferry. This tiny island in the Tuscan Archipelago was once a maximum security prison, best explored on two wheels thanks to its flat trails. Set off on a bike ride among the intoxicating Mediterranean scrub to discover secluded coves and dazzling beaches. In the afternoon enjoy snorkelling in the protected marine area of Cala San Giovanni. Its Caribbean-like waters are home to cuttlefish, lobsters, sea bream, snapper, moray eels and many other species. Back on Elba Island, enjoy the evening with your fellow travellers.
Day 4
Mineral trails, fishing ports and vineyards
Hiking3hrs · 5mi · 984ft up · 984ft downHotelTwin shareBreakfast and lunch includedShow Day 4 detailHide detail
Head to the south-eastern tip of Elba to visit Capoliveri and Monte Calamite, a historic mining area where the landscape reveals the heritage of the island's iron ore – among the oldest in the world. Hike there along picturesque coastal paths, where wild rosemary grows alongside deposits of magnetite and blue-green malachite. End your hike with an underground visit to the Ginevro Tunnels, where you can retrace the old miners' trails. Visit the fishing town of Porto Azzurro before heading to some local vineyards in the hills, ending your day of exploration over a wine and olive oil tasting. Salute!
Day 5
Explore Bella Portoferraio
Hiking1.5hrs · 2miBreakfast includedShow Day 5 detailHide detail
Make the most of your final day, set out for a morning hike around the historic port of Portoferraio. Famous for Napoleon's Villa and the Cosimo De' Medici Fortress, stretch those legs and explore the little streets with a good gelato in hand, enjoying the last of your time on Elba. Then at noon, it's time to say goodbye to island life, for your ferry to the mainland and transfer back to Pisa Airport for an evening flight.
Practical Stuff
Getting There
- Nearest airport
- Pisa International Airport (PSA)
- Pick up
- Pisa International Airport
12:00 on Day 1 - Drop off
- Pisa International Airport
18:00 on Day 5
What is and isn't Included?
What's included
- Kayaking along the Enfola Peninsula
- Guided coastal hike along the Enfola Peninsula
- Bike ride on Pianosa Island
- Snorkelling in he protected marine area of Cala San Giovanni
- Guided hike to the mining area of Capoliveri and Monte Calamite
- Visit the underground Ginevro Tunnels
- Wine and olive oil tasting in a vineyard
- Guided hike around the historic port of Portoferraio
- Local, expert, English-speaking guides
- 4 nights in a comfortable hotel with pool
- 4 tasty breakfasts
- 3 picnic lunches
- 1 traditional dinner
- Group arrival transfer from Pisa Airport on Day 1
- Group departure transfer to Pisa Airport on Day 5
- All transfers during the trip
- All kayaking equipment
- All cycling equipment
- All snorkelling equipment
What's not included
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. The amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine (opens in new tab), as their insurance offers all of the above.
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Where You'll Stay
Private room upgrades are not available on this trip due to the nature of the accommodation.

Marciana Marina or Marina di Campo
What You'll Eat
Dishes found in Elba make use of simple, fresh ingredients grown on this fertile island, as well as fresh fish and seafood, all influenced by the migration of different cultures to the island over the centuries. The result is a very distinct cuisine…
Optional Extras
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked (subject to availability) for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the estimated price. Please request this at the time of booking. The host would then need to check with the hotel if they have the extra room available, and confirm the rate they'll charge for it; the host would then let you know via your booking with the option to accept or decline this room upgrade.
To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.
All extras must be paid before your trip starts.
Ratings & Reviews
- 2 stars (0)
- 1 star (0)
Category rating
- Food
- 3.0
- Guides & crew
- 4.0
- Accommodation
- 4.0
- Itinerary
- 4.0
Latest Reviews
Customer Photos
Before You Travel
What to Pack

Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.
FAQs
Who at Much Better Adventures designed this trip?
Marta Marinelli, raised in Italy’s serene Prosecco Hills, dreamed of global adventures, inspired by her father's travel stories. Her passion evolved into a career, backed by a decade of studies including degrees in international tourism and destination management. She’s worked in the adventure travel sector since 2012, living in Italy, the UK, and now sunny Portugal.
Over twenty years, Marta has explored over 55 countries, visiting remote areas like Ghana, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Haiti and Nepal’s Upper Mustang region. As a Senior Adventure Expansion Manager at Much Better Adventures, she focuses on creating life-changing experiences, ranging from multi-activity adventures, challenging treks to ultimate adventures in iconic places. She loves the challenge of finding the best local adventure hosts around the world, collaborating on adventures that offer genuine immersion, pushing beyond the beaten path and working on exclusive itineraries that challenge your comfort zone.
What makes her tick? Enabling people to live adventure-rich lives while positively impacting and empowering local communities around the world, generating sustainable opportunities for both the host, guides, community, and the environment.
How much should I tip?
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. The amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
What do I do about drinking water?
The tap water on Elba Island is safe to drink. Please bring along your own reusable water bottle to fill up at the hotels, public fountains and at restaurants to avoid buying single use plastic bottles.
Can I book on my own?
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Who is running the trip?
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
What is the official travel advice?
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers review the practical information available on the UK Government’s FCDO website, where you can find up-to-date advice by searching for your destination(s).
If you are based in the United States, you can also check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.
For customers joining from other international locations, we recommend checking the official travel advice issued by your country of residence, as guidance may vary.
What vaccinations do I need?
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
How are the trips priced?
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates daily, so prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
Why are your adventures only for adults?
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
Who else will be on my trip?
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips typically consist of a mix of solo travelers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves, and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
What's the weather like?
The climate in the Tuscan Archipelago is mild for most of the year. It will be warm to hot during the summer months of July-September with temperatures reaching 25-31 °C. Rain is possible at any time of year, although it's less common between June and September. The average water temperature is about 20°C in May, 24°C in June, 25-27°C in July-September and September and 23°C in October, making it an ideal location for water-based activities such as snorkelling and swimming.
What's the carbon footprint for this trip?
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre program, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 108kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
- A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
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