Island Hopping in the Tuscan Archipelago
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 Guides
All itinerary activities with local, expert, English-speaking guidesHotel
4 nights in a comfortable hotel with poolMeals
All breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches and 1 dinnerTransfers
To and from the airport and everything in betweenEquipment
Everything you need for kayaking, cycling and snorkellingSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
What's it like?
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
Key Information
Day 1
To Elba Island!
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
Kayaking
Hiking
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'
Cycling
Snorkelling
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
Hiking
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 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
Hiking
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.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
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 with a combination of flavours and ingredients found nowhere else in Italy. Some of the best known specialities include stoccafisso alla riese (stockfish with garlic, parsley, potatoes, onion, tomato, chilli), sburrita (fish soup with spices and vegetables, accompanied by Tuscan bread) and gurguglione (mixed vegetable pot). You'll get the chance to try some great local restaurants during the trip. The island also boasts some first-class DOC-label wines, which you'll get to sample on a wine tasting included in the trip.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for - please just request this on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Marciana Marina or Marina di Campo
You'll usually spend four nights at the comfortable 3-star Hotel Marinella, located directly by the sea in the quaint village of Marciana Marina. Thanks to its prime location, you'll be within walking distance of great bars, restaurants, shops, markets, a picturesque marina and a lively promenade. The comfortable hotel also offers a pool surrounded by lush gardens as well as a great, traditional restaurant with a sea view. You'll stay in twin or double air-conditioned rooms which include a TV, private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
On some departures, depending on availability, you may stay at the 4-star Barracuda Resort, located in the heart of the vibrant village of Marina di Campo on the southern coast of Elba. This hotel is a 10-minute walk from the beach and offers a pool, stylish rooms a great restaurant. Your host will confirm which hotel you'll be staying at prior to your departure.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
This trip has been rated as Easy
No previous experience is needed for any of the activities, only an average level of fitness and a sense of adventure. Although the itinerary is quite busy to make the most of the time on the island, all activities will be conducted at a leisurely pace and are not particularly challenging. A brief introductory training and safety briefing will be provided for the kayaking excursion, so this is suitable for first-timers. Cycling in Pianosa will be gentle and of short duration (max. 2 hours/15km), with stops and flat terrain throughout. Hiking will mainly follow coastal paths where a few hills can be expected - you should be comfortable hiking up to 2-3 hours, sometimes in hot weather. Snorkelling will be fully guided, but you must be comfortable in the water and able to swim.
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.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Pisa International Airport
12:00 on Day 1
Ends
Pisa International Airport
18:00 on Day 5
Transfers
Due to the distance and transport logistics involved in travel to and from Elba Island (two transfers and a ferry), we recommend joining the set arrival and departure group transfers arranged by your host and included in the trip.
On Day 1 you'll be met in the morning at Pisa Airport. If you fly in on the first day of the trip, please make sure you book a flight that lands by 11:30 at the latest (your host will inform you of transfer logistics and exact timings prior to your trip). If you arrive in Pisa after the included group transfer departs for Elba, independent travel arrangements will need to be made for you at an additional cost. A set departure transfer from Elba back to Pisa Airport is also included on Day 5 and you'll be dropped off at the airport around 18:00. We recommend booking an inbound flight departing Pisa no earlier than 20:00.
If you would like to arrive early or extend your stay, your host can arrange accommodation for an extra cost in Elba, although transport to/from the island needs to be arranged independently (your host can provide detailed instructions on how to reach Elba on request). Alternatively, we recommend booking any extra accommodation in Pisa and take the pre arranged transfer on Day 1 of the trip.
See the Optional Extras section for further details.
Travel options
There are regular direct flights to Pisa airport from major airports across the UK and Europe.
The island of Elba is reached by ferry from the main land at Piombino Port to Portoferraio, Cavo or Rio Marina. There are frequent trains connecting Piombino to the rest of Italy, for example it is two hours by train from Pisa Centrale, and about 2h15mins from Roma Termini.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's included?
- All kayaking, cycling and snorkelling equipment during activities
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Main luggage or duffel bag
- Daypack (20 litres)
- Waterproof liner for kitbag/rucksack, or drybags
CLOTHES
- Breathable, light-weight clothing
- Fleece jacket or similar for the evenings and shoulder season
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Something to sleep in
- Hiking shoes or boots (worn-in)
- Trainers
- Sandals
OTHER
- Your own snorkelling gear (optional)
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Tick removal tool (known to be present on Pianosa)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Reusable water bottle x1 litre
- Biodegradable wet-wipes
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
Additional Night in Elba - Single Room
Payable Before Departure
Additional Night in Elba - Single Room
…
Additional Night in Elba Twin/Double Room
Payable Before Departure
Additional Night in Elba Twin/Double Room
…
Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
…
Amazing Elba
We booked this trip as a family holiday and it didn’t disappoint . Elba is a beautiful island and we were made to feel very welcome. We did some amazing activities and Monica our very knowledgeable guide ensured everything ran smoothly.
Chilled vibe despite the heat.
This is a beautiful location, not full of English tourists with enough activity to manage in the hot weather! (Slightly less distances than listed.)
Had a fantastic time where
Had a fantastic time where it was just the right blend of activity vs relax time. Loved the location where we stayed since there were so little tourists so you really get the beauty without the crowds.
A break from the norm.
Just back from a great 5 days in Elba. Overall I was very impressed by the trip. On the positive, the itinerary was full and the events like mountain biking, Kayaking, Wine Tasting and snorkelling were well run. Monica who was our host and guide was amazing and nothing was too much trouble. The group of fellow adventurers were very different but we gelled as a group and by the end were good friends. The hotel was clean and functional, and the bed was OK, but It was very much a 3 star hotel. It's worth noting these are activity holidays and as such, with a full program, there is little down time to take advantage of the pool or explore the local area. If you want to do this it would be worth adding a day or two to the trip.
Great trip
Some miscommunication in areas..make sure u booked flights and read itinerary..don’t get caught out..nice guides and met great people
Wonderful holiday. Monica was an
Wonderful holiday. Monica was an amazing guide - so friendly and hard working, very knowledgeable. Nothing was too much trouble for her. Such a beautiful island and a great variety of activities. Brilliant accommodation on the beach too!
The day trip to Pianosa
The day trip to Pianosa was my favourite day, it's a really special and unique place. A pretty active itinerary but I knew that was what I was signing up for. Elba is stunning and I felt like I got a good sense of it
This trip was packed to the brim with adventure. We finished each day happy but exhausted. The island is beautiful and our guide, Monica, was fantastic: organised, knowledgeable, fun. The hotel was fine and did exactly what we needed although a little dated in places - if it kept the cost down I think it was the right thing. I personally would have liked a little more free time but we did manage to do a lot in just a few days!
Where has Elba been hiding all my life :) ...
Where has Elba been hiding all my life :) I was very pleasantly surprised by the island and I feel having that inside info and a wonderful guide (Monica) to take us on the journey was just perfect! Pianosa was such a treat and most likely my highlight! Everything was perfectly organised and timed and it was definitely an easy trip. Long days meant we got tired in a good way! Accommodation was basic and clean and fit for purpose. I’d love to go back and this time take all my friends and family.
Fantastic trip - smoothly organised so we could all just relax and enjoy the trip. Local guides were charming and helpful, clear about when and where we were going but unhurried so never felt rushed. Activities were varied and hugely enjoyable. And the group of fellow travellers were were great fun. Will definitely travel with Much Better Adventures again. Thank you!
Nice mix of activities and an amazing group of people. My only complaint is it all went by far too quickly.
A great trip with relaxing adventures in a beautiful corner of the Mediterranean. The water was so clear and the weather incredible for October.
It is a perfect trip to relax and take in all of the history Elba and the surrounding islands offer. All the activities were curated so it felt like you were doing something, but never felt like you had pushed too far by the end of the day. The lunches from the hotel were amazing, and the hotel is perfectly located, with some great restaurants and bars nearby for the evenings.
Monica and the team were great - I would definitely recommend this trip for a nice balance between culture and light adventure.
Really great trip. Elba is a beautiful island and the atmosphere is enhanced by the preponderance of Italian holidaymakers. We are a family group (20 year olds and older parents) and enjoyed the variety of activities (without the stress of organisation!). Nothing was too taxing - although it was quite hot when we were there. So surprised by the beautiful clean sea swims and the variety of fish when snorkelling. Helpful, knowledgeable local guides. The island of Pianosa was a highlight. Highly recommended.
I was really looking forward to visiting Elba and it more than met my expectations. The island is truly beautiful and the people are all v friendly and welcoming with tourists. The itinerary was a perfect mix of activities and visits in stunning surroundings. Alex and Monica our guides were great - really accommodating and informative. From the pick up at Pisa airport everything went smoothly. All the people we met for the different visits / activities were really keen to share their passion with us. The group gelled well with a lovely group of ladies - lots of laughs. I personally loved the vibe of the 3* family-run Italian hotel which was right on the beach and the resort where multi generational Italian families were holidaying. The breakfast had absolutely everything you needed from delicious cake to fruit. In the evening you could choose from loads of bars and restaurants in the pretty church square or all along the seafront and people watch before trying out the delicious ice-cream. It was my first holiday of this type and I am definitely keen to do another.
I really enjoyed my first trip with MBA. ...
I really enjoyed my first trip with MBA.
The trip was incredibly well-organised and it felt like we experienced a lot in a very short space of time. I liked that the trip combined daily physical activities with learning something about the nature and history of the location. The Elba team, especially Monica and Marika, were excellent - it felt like touring with local friends.
Although it is hard to pick one activity that I enjoyed the most, the day trip to Pianosa was definitely a highlight. Before we caught the boat to Pianosa, Monica showed me a new turtle's nest, which was an unexpected treat. On Pianosa, we first cycled around the island and were rewarded with some magnificent views. We were then treated to a snorkelling experience and swam with the fish. Gelato on the way home. What a wonderful way to spend a day.
Great location, activities and guides! Highly recommended if you like outdoor activities combined with cultural travel and deep dive to the local history and natural life!
Beautiful location lovely guides. Some off road biking and hiking experience would help make the most of the trip
As two nearly 70 year olds this was a chance for us to try activities we enjoyed pre - Covid. The group - for the most part much younger than us were welcoming. It was also a chance for us to get know an interesting area of Italy that for us was not well known but which has much to offer.
Great local host and unique experiences
Elba is a hidden gem, with lovely beaches and views. Hotel was basic but clean. Activities were (mostly!) easy, but with two a day you have a relatively busy schedule and less down time in the afternoons/evenings than I expected, with most evenings not arriving back at the hotel until after 5 (although over lunch while out and about there was often a chance to relax for a bit) so days were quite tiring although fun, but could be exhausting if you dont have a moderate fitness level before you go. Lovely guide who was willing to adapt things to how the group was feeling.
A great 4 nights in Elba, wonderfully organised by our hosts. Everywhere we visited was beautiful, we had a great group, great weather and were kept very busy with a variety of different activities, with something for everyone! Would recommend this trip to others!
Great trip, beautiful islands and very relaxing. Interesting mix of activity and historic sites. Awesome group and knowledgeable local guides to share the food, laughter and wine with. 😃
Great trip and awesome to explore the Tuscan archipelago which I'd never heard of. Fantastic mix of urban exploration (more of this likely due to poor weather), delicious seafood and adventurous activities.
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.
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 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 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.
Marta Marinelli, raised in Italy’s serene Prosecco Hills, dreamt 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.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
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.
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.
We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
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.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that 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.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers 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.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. 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.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
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DEPARTURE DATES
Wednesday • 11th September 2024
to Sunday • 15th September 2024
Wednesday • 18th September 2024
to Sunday • 22nd September 2024
