From the Colline del Vapore to the Colline del Vino in Bolgheri – it’s all about hills

100 km e 1000 m di dislivello totale in salita, per questo tour che dalla terra del vapore geotermico di Larderello, Serrazzano, Canneto e Monteverdi Marittimo, quest’ultimo designato paese “Porta per la Geotermia”, curva dopo curva e collina dopo collina degrada verso la piana della Costa degli Etruschi lasciando alle spalle le foreste di Monterufoli e Caselli, paesaggi della Toscana interna per dirigersi verso il mare. Scendendo vista mare da Castagneto Carducci si imbocca poi la strada provinciale “Bolgherese”, riconosciuta come “Strada del Vino e dell’Olio Costa degli Etruschi”, dove si alternano magicamente disegnati dall’uomo, vigneti ed oliveti specializzati e tenute dai nomi nobili. Siamo nella culla della nuova enologia italiana che ha visto un vino della costa toscana arrivare nell’olimpo dei migliori vini del mondo, il Sassicaia.

Bolgheri è un piccolissimo borgo medievale, la cui storia, è legata a lungo alla famiglia Della Gherardesca. Vi si arriva attraverso il famoso Viale dei Cipressi cantato da Giosuè Carducci nella celebre poesia “Davanti San Guido”. Da Bibbona paese si prende verso Casale Marittimo valicando i Monti della Gherardesca si lascia a sud la Macchia della Magona e immensi panorami verso il mare. Si imbocca poi la S.R. 68 a Ponteginori sul Fiume Cecina per poi risalire a Pomarance dalla Strada del Cerreto. Una sosta nei borghi o nelle aziende consentirà di assaporare gli straordinari prodotti di queste terre e di essere accolti dal calore della sua gente.

Hiking difficulty scale

T - Tourist

Itineraries on small roads, mule tracks or easy paths, with clearly evident routes that do not pose uncertainties or problems of orientation. They generally take place below 2000 m and usually constitute access to mountain pastures or refuges. They require some knowledge of the mountain environment and physical preparation for walking.

E - Hiking

Routes that almost always turn on paths, or on traces of passage in various terrain (pastures, debris, stony ground), usually with signs. They require a certain sense of orientation, as well as a certain experience and knowledge of the mountainous territory, walking training, as well as appropriate footwear and equipment. Normally the difference in altitude is between 500 and 1000m.

EE - Expert hikers

Routes not always marked and which require a good ability to move on various mountain terrains. They can be paths or even faint traces that wind over rough or steep terrain, with steep and slippery slopes, scree and short snowfields that can be overcome without the use of climbing equipment. They need a good mountain experience, firm footing and good physical preparation. It is also necessary to have adequate equipment and equipment, as well as a good sense of direction. Normally the difference in height is greater than 1000m.

EEA - Expert hikers with mountaineering equipment

Routes that require the use of via ferrata equipment (lanyards, harness, heat sink, helmet, etc.). They can be equipped paths or real via ferratas. It is necessary to know how to use the technical equipment safely and have a certain habit of exposure and mountaineering terrain.

MTB difficulty scale

TC - Tourist

Route on dirt roads with a compact and smooth surface, suitable for vehicles.

BC - For cyclists with good technical skills

Route on very bumpy dirt roads or on mule tracks and paths with a rather bumpy but fairly smooth surface or compact but irregular, with some natural obstacles (eg rock steps or roots).

OC - For cyclists with excellent technical skills

As above but on very bumpy and / or very irregular paths, with significant presence of obstacles.

EC - Maximum level for the cycle excursionist

Path on very irregular paths, characterized by steps and obstacles in continuous succession, which require trial-type techniques.