This donkey trek lets you spend a full week on the road in the heart of Tuscany, with short daily distances and a leisurely walking pace. The donkeys carry the luggage, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and take breaks along the way. Halfway there is room for pure relaxation, followed by new panoramas: hillside villages, wide views as far as the sea and even Elba, and quiet paths back to Pomarance.
The route follows the Adio valley, so you really get to know the region without long journeys. You will walk through forests, along rivers, vineyards and medieval villages, and stay overnight in charming agriturismi, often with swimming pool and surrounded by nature.
An ideal trek for those who want to hike for a week, but without haste, with comfort and attention to experience.
Arrival in Pomarance
Your adventure begins in Pomarance with training at the equestrian center. Here you will learn how to care for, load and guide the donkey: walking, stopping and understanding what he likes and does not like. Then you will take a short guided walk to put everything into practice. Overnight stay at a petting zoo and agriturismo with swimming pool.
From Pomarance to the river Trossa
After leaving the stables, you will descend towards the Trossa River along the route of the ancient alabaster quarries. Along the path are white, marble-like rocks - silent witnesses of the alabaster extraction that made Volterra famous. You follow the path along the river until you reach the first agriturismo. Overnight stay in an apartment or comfortable tent, amidst the vineyards, with swimming pool.
Views and medieval charm
Following an old road, you ascend to a beautiful viewpoint with an ancient oak tree. Then you will reach an attractive medieval church surrounded by rolling cornfields. The tour continues past farms, vines and olive groves to a luxurious agriturismo with swimming pool near the village of Micciano.
Forests, panoramas and nature reserve
The day starts with a brisk climb through woods and maquis, followed by a panoramic dirt road. Those who wish can take an additional hike to Micciano, spectacularly situated on a steep rock. Then the trail leads through the forest to a small river. Overnight in a tent or room in an agriturismo on the edge of a nature reserve, far away from civilization.
Rest Day
Today is time to enjoy yourself. Relax by the pool, taste delicious local dishes, visit the farm animals or take a walk to the village or a waterfall at a sulfur spring. Something for everyone during this well-deserved day of rest in one of the region's most charming agriturismi.
To Libbiano
After a few kilometers you will reach Libbiano, a hilltop village with a breathtaking view from Volterra to the sea and the island of Elba. In the green valley below lies the agriturismo of your next night. A unique place, where from the pool you look out over the valleys of the nature reserve.
Back to Pomarance
The last stage passes through shady maquis and oak forests. The path crosses the river and winds further through the hills towards Pomarance. Along the way you will enjoy beautiful views of villages and the typical Tuscan landscape - an atmospheric conclusion to an unforgettable adventure.
You'll hike through forests and hills past rivers and waterfalls, with an agriturismo and pool every day to relax.
