Start off your day this morning with a route through a spectacular scenery that leads you back in time. After a 40 minute ride we will arrive at the Gulf of Baratti region, where we explore the fascinating Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia. Here at the site of the ancient Etruscan city of Populonia, we tour Iron Age ruins dating back several millennia. Populonia was one of the most important cities of the Etruscan civilization and it was the only one, to rise on the coast. This allowed the city to be a commercial and industrial point of reference between the centres of the hinterland and the islands of the Tuscan archipelago, thanks to the presence of many fusion ovens for the metals extracted in the near mines.

As all the Etruscan cities, Populonia knew the decadence with the progressive grow of the power of Rome, also suffered a serious destruction for hand of Silla during the roman civil war against Mario. Already in the 1st century A.C. the city was desert with the houses ruined and the ovens abandoned. In the following centuries there was attempts to reactivate the sea port and the industrial activities connected to it, but the life in the city never took back big vigour, also because of the invasions and piracy raids to which it was exposed. Populonia reborn in the Middle Age when in the 14th century was decided to built a new castle, that still today dominates the hill. You will have a chance to stroll the streets, browse shops, or climb the castle tower for a dramatic overlook of the Elba Island. Continue through the Maremma region to Bolgheri. For roughly one mile, you pass down a lane flanked by majestic cypress trees known as the Cipresso Bolgheri. The entry to Bolgheri also features a castle at the village gate.It has been known of since the 8th century, and it too belonged to the family of the Counts della Gherardesca.

The original structure had a different location: the castle we can admire today is the result of a reconstruction after the arrival in Bolgheri of the army of Emperor Maximilian in 1496. The Castle of Bolgheri was practically razed to the ground by the German soldiers, and the place began to arise again only at the beginning of the 18th century, thanks to the efforts of Count Simone, the founder of the present noble palace.Bolgheri is perfect for Winelovers this town is well-known for its wine produced from the grapes from the surrounding countryside and also for the stables where famous horses are kept.