1st DAY: PIOMBINO/PORTOFERRAIO
Arrival of the group in the afternoon or evening at the port of Piombino. Start of our services. Boarding operations for the Island of Elba. After approximately one hour the ferry arrives in Portoferraio. Hotel accommodation in Porto Azzurro/Capoliveri area, dinner and overnight stay.
2nd DAY: RIO MARINA– LENGTH: 30/40 KM (depending on the location of the hotel) – DIFFICULTY: EASY
After breakfast, meeting with the guide (if reserved) and departure for the first mountain-bike excursion. Departure to Rio Marina, through Porto Azzurro along the provincial road. The route will be developed along colourful paths in the iron mines between Rio Marina and Cavo. The itineraries in the ancient mines allow to capture the different aspects linked to the world of iron from Elba and the connection between minerals and humans. Along the route, the guides will show the different varieties of mineral and the extraction techniques used in different periods. The group will cross the main sites of the mine of Rio Marina, along the roads once used for the transportation of the extracted minerals. The route connects different mineral sites: Cantiere Bacino, located on north-west of Rio Marina, Cantiere Valle Giove sited on the slopes of Monte Giove, Cantiere Falcacci on south-west and Cantiere Conche. Free time for lunch or light lunch with typical products (if reserved). In the afternoon, return in the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
3rd DAY: CAPOLIVERI – LENGHT: 20/25 KM (depending on the location of the hotel) – DIFFICULTY: MEDIUM
After breakfast, meeting with the guide (if reserved) and departure for the first mountain-bike excursion. Departure to Capoliveri. The trip starts from Piazza del Cavatore (164 mt on the sea level), along the ancient road to the mines, which is asphalted for around 1 km, then it is unpaved. The view is unique and picturesque: in the blue setting of the sea, surrounded by nature, they can breathe the fragrances of brooms and admire the colours of the Mediterranean maquis in bloom. The route runs along Monte Calamita. On valley floor the group can admire the bays of Morcone, Pareti and Innamorata, with its little Gemini islands and Golfo Stella. On clear days are visible also the islands of Pianosa, Montecristo, Giannutri and Giglio, with the Corse to complete the postcard. They reach the Palazzo del Compendio Minerario of Monte Calamita, where the colours change from brown to dark red, due to the presence of iron minerals. The group continues until the farm “Le Ripalte”, from where descends along the road to Ginevro. It is possible to see from above the beaches of Stagnone and Capo Calvo and the pond of Sassi Neri. The route proceeds with series of ups and downs, coasting the beaches of Buzzancone, Calanova, Calagrande, Ferrato and Straccoligno. Return to Capoliveri along the asphalted road for ca. 3 km, with the only difficult part (10%) at the end of the route. Free time for lunch or light lunch in a restaurant with Elba traditional dishes (if reserved). In the afternoon, return in the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
4th DAY: PORTO AZZURRO
After breakfast, meeting with the guide (if reserved) and departure to Porto Azzurro by bike. Visit of a farm with trekking through the vineyards and tasting of a DOC wine from Elba Island. If there is enough time, walk through the historic centre and the beautiful promenade of the nice village dominated by the Spanish Fort “San Giacomo” which today hosts only prisoners. Free time for lunch or lunch in a restaurant (if reserved). In the afternoon, transfer to the port of Portoferraio, boarding operations and departure for Piombino. End of our services.