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…
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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.
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.
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.
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!