Tuscany: Birds, Wine, and Culture

Depart from home airports in the evening, red-eye flights to Rome.

Night: In the air

After arriving in the early morning, we’ll transfer to the hotel for time to relax. In the evening, we’ll meet the local guide and receive a briefing on the trip over a delicious dinner.

Night: Maremma area

Meals: D

Today will be dedicated to birding around Orbetello Lagoon and visiting Monte Argentario. The lagoon, one of the most unspoiled natural areas in Tuscany, is home to a large population of Greater Flamingos and Black-winged Stilts, both of which breed among the grasses. Protected by the World Environment Fund since 1971, the area has been inhabited since the Etruscans in Antiquity.

Monte Argentario, connected to the mainland by two artificial strips of land, is popular for its unique landscape and mild climate. The city of Porto Ercole has been recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy since 2004, where the tombs of Spanish rulers can be found in the crypt of Sant’Erasmo.

Night: Maremma area

Meals: BLD

Today we’ll take a day trip to Giglio Island to explore the island habitats and coastal birding. Located just over nine miles off the mainland, Giglio is covered by vineyards and ancient ruins that track the island’s history from its position as a Roman military base to peaceful village life.

During the crossing, we’ll keep our eyes peeled for Scopoli’s and Yelkouan shearwaters flying alongside the boat, while Yellow-legged Gulls leisurely follow behind.

Night: Maremma area

Meals: BLD

Today we’ll visit the small towns of Pitigliano and Sorano. Built into tuff, formed from volcanic ash, these villages have looked over the surrounding landscapes for centuries. From the Etruscans to the Medici to modern times, the villages have carefully preserved their history. Pitigliano, known throughout history as Little Jerusalem due to its active Jewish community that has been present for over 500 years, has many historic Jewish sites, including a cellar where kosher wine was produced. Sorano is home to the imposing Orsini Fortress, which offered protection to the village for hundreds of years, and is now home to a museum highlighting the long history of the region.

Night: Maremma area

Meals: BLD

We’ll leave early and make our way towards Sienna, stopping at Diaccia Botrona Nature Reserve along the way. Considered the most important wetland in Italy, over 80 species of birds nest throughout the reserve, including Eurasian Curlew and Common Shelduck. Once we’ve explored the reserve to our hearts’ content, we’ll continue our journey to Sienna, one of the most famous cities in Italy.

Night: Sienna

Meals: BLD

Today we’ll bird around Lago di Chiusi and Lago di Montepulciano. Combined, these two lakes are the remnants of a vast marshland that spanned the region until the Medicean era.

Marking the border of Tuscany and Umbria, Lake Chiusi is home to an ancient legend stating that on clear nights, the beautiful goddess of the heavens would come down to look at herself in the water. No deeper than 16 feet, the lake is a popular birdwatching destination home to nesting species, including Purple Heron and Osprey. Montepulciano Lake, also on the border of Tuscany and Umbria, is home to species difficult to find elsewhere in Italy, including water lilies, rare orchids, and rare ferns. Eurasian and Little bitterns breed in the reeds, while Great Crested Grebe and Pygmy Cormorant are common sightings as well.

In the afternoon, we’ll return to Sienna, where we’ll have a guided tour of Sienna, including its famous Duomo. With construction starting in 1215, the Duomo was worked on by famous Italian artists, including Donatello and Bernini. For over 700 years, it’s been central to the Sienese identity.

Night: Sienna

Meals: BLD

We’ll have a scenic day through Val d’Orcia, famous for its rolling hills and incredible landscapes. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, the landscape is strongly associated with the Renaissance, especially through the influence of Sienna. Comprising farms, villages, and towns, the region reflects the need for defense along with agricultural prosperity and mercantile wealth.

One of the main highlights of the day will be a visit to Pienza. The birthplace of Pope Pius II in 1405, it was transformed after his election in 1458 into the ideal Renaissance town. With incredible examples of Renaissance architecture, including Piazza Pio II, the town was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Our visit will include lunch and a taste of local wines.

Night: Sienna

Meals: BLD

After breakfast, we’ll check out and head north towards Garfagnana, stopping at Padule di Fucecchio along the way. Italy’s largest inland marsh, Fucecchio, has a network of paths that extend along dirt roads, riverbanks, and asphalt. Along the edge of the marsh, you’ll encounter stilt houses and other buildings designed for a variety of uses. African Sacred Ibis, introduced to this part of the world, are common throughout the marsh, alongside the native Glossy Ibis. Eurasian Spoonbill, Western Marsh Harrier, and Cetti’s Warbler are just some of the many other species that can be found around the marsh.

Our base for the next couple of days will be Garfagnana, where valleys and forests remain untouched by man.

Night: Garfagnana

Meals: BLD

Today we’ll explore the Northern Apennines, part of the mountain range that runs along Italy’s central spine. Who knows what wildlife we may find!

Formed around 20 million years ago, the Northern Apennines are the source of the Tiber, of which Rome was founded on the eastern banks of millennia ago. The mountains protect ecosystems that have survived human interference, including some of the best preserved forests and montane grasslands across all of Europe.

Night: Garfagnana

Meals: BLD

Today we’ll spend the whole day around the Apuan Alps. Well-known for its marble, which has become the focus of conservationists, the area is home to over 300 bird species, including Red-billed Chough and Golden Eagle. There’s a wide variety of other plants and animals to be found, including wolves, while vast caves can be found below ground. One of the largest natural arches in Italy can be found in the region, while expansive lakes, both natural and manmade, provide hydroelectric power to most of the region.

Night: Garfagnana

Meals: BLD

After breakfast, we’ll head to the airport for our flights home, with memories full of the beautiful birds and scenery and stomachs full of incredible Italian wines.

Meals: B