Italy: Florence, Tuscany, and Elba Island – a magnificent mix for our Trekking in Tuscany Fitness Adventure. 

The Trekking in Tuscany Fitness Adventure kicked off in a cold and rainy Florence – a wondrous city where the rich history and beauty is hard to truly capture in words. For most of the CREW, (Community of Real, Everyday Women), it was their first adventure, and all were very excited to make new friends and embark on the journey together. 

Our first activity was a guided tour through the enchanting streets of Florence, followed by lunch at a warm and cosy restaurant serving fresh, homemade Italian food. This was the first of many delicious home cooked meals that are hallmarks of the Tuscan experience, though CREW Leader Jane maintains the fresh jam tart from Florence was the absolute best!

As firm new friends, the CREW headed by private bus into the countryside; through the rolling hills of Tuscany, past quaint hilltop towns, and then settled into their peaceful farmstay accommodation. Each evening they were chauffeured to the restaurant down the road where they dined on scrumptious meals made from food organically produced at the farm. Rustic stone and terracotta buildings, cypress trees lining the road, views of rolling hills and a wine from the local winery – it was quintessentially Tuscany and felt like a dream.

The Tuscan backdrop was picturesque, as the CREW donned their trusty wet weather gear to explore the misty and muddy terrain. The first hike set off through fields towards an old church in the same area where the movie Gladiator was filmed. While no one found any Roman sandals in the mud, and no Gladiators either, they could certainly imagine this bygone era with the hints that remained. It was easy to see how the Romans were experts in water collection, both in the 7km hike through the sweet hilly town of Siena, and in the spa town of Bagno Vignoni, where everyone enjoyed soaking their feet in the soothing warm water of the thermal springs.

On a long, winding track to Sant’Antimo, the CREW paused to reflect on the scenery and enjoy each other’s company, while taking a moment to honour ANZAC Day back in Australia. The history is everywhere in Tuscany, and the CREW brought in some of theirs to share together too.

The town of Montalcino was a huge hit with the CREW, who were lucky enough to sample some of the local Brunello wine that the region is famous for. Not to mention the gelato, and the shopping. It was a leisurely indulgence to relax before moving off the mainland and heading over the Tyrrhenian Sea for the next exciting chapter of the Trekking in Tuscany Fitness Adventure.

The sea change of the Tuscan Archipelago brought with it sunshine and new terrain as the CREW alighted in high spirits on Elba Island, where Napoleon was first exiled (and escaped from) more than two centuries ago. The accommodation was an endearing seaside hotel, where the CREW based themselves between exploring the many coastal hikes punctuated with dazzling blue water, Mediterranean architecture, and plenty of rocky trails.

A quick jaunt to the nearby island of Pianosa again brought out the imagination of the film buffs, where the large gates reminded them of Jurassic Park. Thankfully, they discovered no signs of dinosaurs on the small desert island. Though it’s quiet these days, Pianosa – like all of Tuscany – enjoys a rich history dating back to the Etruscians and still shows the signs of its Twentieth Century occupation as a penal colony. Without prisoners or dinosaurs interrupting the peace, the CREW spent a glorious afternoon exploring the island hikes and swimming in the cool waters on a white, sandy beach.

The big crescendo hike of the Trekking in Tuscany Fitness Adventure was the most challenging of the itinerary: ascending Monte Capanne – the highest point on Elba Island, towering over 1000m above sea level with an almost perfectly round base. The CREW approached this challenge with great festivity as they set off from the beautiful town of Marciana in perfect weather. They were hikers ready to conquer a mountain, and now also friends celebrating the birthday of their valued CREW member – a special occasion which always adds to the magic of our Adventures. 

They wound their way steadily up Monte Capanne, only slowing down for the last section which was steeper and more technical. They rounded the final bends approaching the summit to a parade of cheers from those who had hitched a ride on the chairlift.

At the summit of Monte Capanne, there were hugs, tears, and photos shared by all as they basked in their triumph. The view was utterly incredible from the top, looking over the sparkling seas where the tiny island of Pianosa was in sight (still no dinosaurs could be seen from the sky).

A brilliant achievement from all the CREW! Everyone enjoyed the chairlift ride back down the mountain and toasted each other with champagne at the bottom. With some time to spare before the traditional Celebration Dinner and Awards Evening began, the merry band of mountain conquerors treated themselves to a swim to refresh.

The Trekking in Tuscany Fitness Adventure wrapped up with yet another divine dining experience, with many of the friends staying on to explore together before flying home. They squeezed the absolute most out of their Adventure, through friendship, exploration and celebration of all things Italian. 

Until the next adventure,

Ciao Bellas