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Hills of Volterra:
This region is rich in salt, copper, alabaster and other mineral resources. It has been populated since the ninth century a. D. From a historic and archaeological point of view, it represents one of the most fascinating parts of Tuscany. Formed by almost 3000 years of human labor and appreciated by hikers, painters and photographers, the area of Volterra offers a landscape of incomparable beauty. It is embedded between the valleys of the rivers Era and Cecina, where excellent grapes are grown.
Historic rack railway - Volterra
This hiking trail follows the track of the rack railway, which from 1912 to 1958 connected Volterra (elev. 555 m) with the plains. Hiking along the first part of the track, still in very good shape, we reach to the point where the locomotive inserted the cogwheel to master the 10% incline. Trees, bushes and creepers hem the track, which leads to the former train station of Volterra. The effort to reach this point is rewarded by a magnificent view of a far-reaching landscape around Volterra.
This half day tour is particularly suited to be combined with a guided walking tour or urban trekking in Volterra or with guided wine tasting in the winery of an estate.
Difference in altitude: 450 meters (1476 feet)
Difficulty: medium
Duration: 2.5 hrs.
Pisan FortressWalking through the typical deep green macchia and extended oak woods and passing by old rural stone houses you will come to know one of the most important medieval fortresses of the former sea republic of Pisa. Placed on a white lime stone rock jutting out from the surrounding vegetation, the fortress offers an excellent view on the plains of Pisa and the old Etruscan town Volterra.
Difference in altitude: 320 meters (1049 feet)
Difficulty: medium
Duration: 2.5 hrs.
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