VBT Bicycling Vacations
Country Walkers
Sequestered on the coast of southern Tuscany, Maremma is one of the most tranquil, least developed parts of Italy. This hidden gem has truly remarkable sights to enjoy, and many of its wonders are on full display for those adventurers who take our Tuscany by the Sea biking tour.
Let's take a closer look at three of the most interesting attractions you can experience in Maremma, Italy:
1. A Glimpse into Tradition: The Butteri of Maremma
The unhurried pace of life in Maremma is a product of its unique butteri heritage, which dates back thousands of years to the Etruscans. These horseback-mounted Italian cowboys raise and herd cattle and sheep on working ranches that dot the countryside. Although this agricultural tradition isn't as robust as it once was—there may be only a few dozen true butteri left in the Maremma region, according to Travel + Leisure magazine—these horsemen still make an honest living from their sweat, their soil and their livestock.
For travelers from the U.S. heartland, seeing a cowboy in the heart of the Tuscan countryside is truly a sight to behold. Visitors can briefly break away from their VBT tours to embark on agritourism expeditions, where participants ride alongside the cowboys as they go about their work.
2. Pleasures on the Wine Roads
You don't have to be a sommelier to know that Italy is one of the world's premier wine-producing nations. But did you know what Maremma has some of Italy's most esteemed wineries? You can check out quite a few of them on your trip by traversing the Strada del Vino de Montecucco in Grosseto. Discover Tuscany pointed out that vineyards in only 10 comuni, the Italian equivalent of townships, along this particular route produce varietals worthy of the Montecucco name: Cinigiano, Arcidosso, Castell'Azzara, Castel del Piano, Civitella Paganico, Campagnatico, Roccalbegna, Santa Fiora, Seggiano, and Semproniano. The Montecucco wine road is also not far from the Cave of the Archer. The cave contains an illustration dating back at least 5,000 years (to 3,000 B.C.).
3. Natural Therapy in Saturnia
No vacation is complete without some true unadulterated leisure time. But instead of a spa, why not relax in the hot springs located in the town of Saturnia? Once a site of great importance to past civilizations (the Etruscans, Greeks, and Romans), Saturnia is now best known for its natural thermal baths, which are, according to Tuscany's official tourism website Visit Tuscany, a consistent 98 degrees Fahrenheit and free to enter for all.
To learn more about our Italy vacations, click here. If you would like to speak with one of our Tour Consultants, please call 800.245.3868. They are available Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. EST and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
