Hafen
Porto Santo Stefano

Spend a day at the five-star Argentario Golf Resort and Spa, nestled in the spectacular scenery and luxurious ambiance of Maremma, Tuscany. You can play in the 18-hole course surrounded by the nature in the scenic hills with a light lunch.

Golf (18 holes)

Play a round of golf in the rolling hills of the Argentario Resort, surrounded by vineyards, olive gardens, crystal-clear waters, and wild nature situated in a protected Mediterranean oasis and enjoy an al fresco light lunch on the Club House restaurant terrace overlooking a beautiful lagoon. This package includes the transfers, the Green Fee and a light Lunch. Other Equipment (Trolley, clubs, buggy etcetera) is on request and with extra charge.

After your five-hour visit make the brief return drive to the ship.

Monte Argetario is situated in the south of Tuscany, and is the promontory considered the natural gateway to the Tuscan archipelago, with some close-by islands such as Giglio and Giannutri island, both part of the Tuscan Nature reserve. This tour shows the best locations in the most comfortable way.

Panoramic Drive, Convent of the Passionist Fathers (outside only)

Board your coach for the 30-minute panoramic drive to the convent of the Passionist Fathers, at the summit of Monte Argentario. At an altitude of 273 meters you will enjoy the splendid panorama that can be admired from the square onto the Orbetello lagoon and town. The convent is surrounded by generous vegetation and was built in the late 17th c. The Passionist Fathers live in community and lead a life of study, prayer and missionary activity. Many visitors stop by the Convent’s shop to buy liquours or honey produced locally.

Orbetello Village, Optional Walking Tour (flat), Free Time

After the scenic view  resume your drive to Orbetello. The first inhabitants of Orbetello were fishermen and still today, walking along the lagoon, one encounters traces of the fishing activity, such as the headquarters of the Slow Food presidia – I Pescatori di Orbetello. You will take a walk in the heart of the village to see the Cathedral, the main squares and small alleys leading to the Eastern or Western lagoon. You will walk along the corso, where you will enjoy some time at leisure to explore more on your own or indulge in a Gelato or cappuccino.

Scenic Drive

During your scenic drive in addition to the natural charm of this region, you will have the opportunity to admire the imposing Spanish fortresses that were built in the 16th century on the Argentario monastery: the Spanish fortress in Porto Santo Stefano and Forte Filippo in Porto Ercole. On the way back to the port, you will take a short detour on Via Panoramica, a coastal road that shows two of the Tuscan archipel islands: Giglio and Giannutri islands, both part of the National Park of the Tuscan isles.

Porto Ercole is known for its Spanish forts that were built during the Spanish domination and still characterize the unique landscape of the Argentario promontory.

Hike to Forte Filippo

Your hike will begin at the tender pier, with a transfer to Porto Ercole. You will climb to Forte Filippo, a long winding road towards the top of the cliff, stopping for some lecturers on the way. Once on top, you will be able to walk the entire perimeter of Forte Filippo walkway built for the soldiers who controlled the territory at the time. A large stretch of coast is visible - from the Feniglia strip of land - nowadays a nature reserve - to the southern coast of Tuscany. The premises of Forte Filippo are inhabited so the visit will only be external.

Spanish Fortress, Porto Ercole

The tour will then continue downhill to Porto Ercoleand to the historic centre of Porto Ercole, follow your guide to the Spanish Rocca. See the imposing emblem of the State of the Presidios that dominates the main portal. Glance at the little islands and bays of the Argentario Southern coast and the exclusive villas perched on the cliff.

After your external visit, you will descend with your guide to the old Borgo with its noble palaces and the footprints of artist Caravaggio. Michelangelo Merisi, known as Caravaggio, reached Porto Ercole and actually died here so he is honored by the Town hall.

Scenic Drive

After this rather short and interesting tour, your guide will escort you to the coach for a scenic drive on the promontory. Drive along the Via Panoramica to Porto Santo Stefano and stop for some photo stops, last but not least the Fortress overlooking the port.

After this tour you will have the opportunity to return to the tender pier at your own pace, or stop by a restaurant or cafeteria while you walk back to the pier.

Spend the morning biking on an easy track brings you close to the Argentario nature and wildlife, thanks to its impressive location and to the lagoon acting as a safe haven for birds.

For your comfort, meet your guide at the pier and reach Orbetello downtown with a 15-minute ride by motor coach. At the bike Shop, choose your bike (different models available) and start the ride of approximately 18 km long (2 hours) through the Feniglia Nature Reserve and Orbetello Lagoon, with some photo stops.

La Feniglia Nature Reserve, E-biking activity

You will visit and admire a natural Mediterranean wood that embraces the lagoon on the South side - with an 8 km long road, which crosses the maritime wood hosting many trees and wildlife. The unpaved road was built between 1928 and 1940, and it is forbidden for cars and motorbikes to use therefore, ideal for a bike ride.

Orbetello Downtown, Gelato Tasting

Time for a delicious stop in Orbetello downtown to savour an artisan Gelato (Ice cream), naturally gluten free. After this sweet break, enjoy some free time for a view on the salt lake or shopping in Orbetello village, before returning to your port city.

Discover the highlights of the awe-inspiring medieval town of Massa Marittima, including one of the most truly ancient cathedrals in the world, with elements dating back to the 12^th or 13^th century. Enjoy a guided tour of the village and cathedral and an incredible wine and olive oil tasting to experience the fruits of this rich region.

Drive 90 minutes from the pier to Massa Marrittima and feel as though you have stepped into a Tuscan postcard in this northern part of the Maremma region. Resting on the hill and boasting elements that date back earlier than medieval times to the 10^th century, the well-preserved architecture of Massa Marittima make it a must-see destination and an example of rare urban conservation in Tuscany.

Enjoy a walking tour of this city that rests above its surroundings at the top of a hill just few miles from the Tyrrhenian seashore. Walk the narrow streets to the Podestà Palace and the House of Municipality, which remind visitors of one of the most flourishing moments of its history. By the 14^th century the town gained independence and wealth, to the extent that it minted its own coins. Massa Marittima's surrounding territory is rich in woods and metals, especially silver and copper, which gave origin to a flourishing Etruscan civilization, whose heritage is treasured in the archaeological museum.

The highlight of Massa Marittima is the Cathedral of San Cerbone, an impressive Romanesque-Gothic cathedral with elements dating back to the 12^th and 13^th centuries. See the many representations of animals that grace the windows and exterior of this impressive structure.

On your walking tour learn about the way in which the local community celebrates its three historical quarters; in May and August of each year, the flag waves and traditional costumes fill the streets in a parade commemorating San Bernardino da Siena, one of the Patron Saints of Massa Marittima born in 1380 who competed in the Balestro, the famous local contest of medieval games. In more recent times, the celebrations have evolved to include opera, photography and other artistic elements.

This village is also known for its remarkable and high-quality gourmet products including wine, honey, olive oil, cheese and delectable truffles. After your walking tour, enjoy a tasting of Tuscan red wine and exquisite extra-virgin olive oil.

Enjoy a scenic and relaxing drive (90 minutes) back to port.

Monte Argetario is situated in the south of Tuscany, and is the promontory considered the natural gateway to the Tuscan archipelago, with some close-by islands such as Giglio and Giannutri island, both part of the Tuscan Nature reserve.

Scenic Drive along the Argentario Coast, Porto Ercole Walking Tour

Board your coach for the 30-minute panoramic drive to Porto Ercole, a lovely seaside resort located on the south-east of the Argentario promontory.

Here, you will stop for a walking tour in the old village and fishermen's port. The first inhabitants of Porto Ercole were fishermen and still today, walking along the small port, one encounters old sea wolves intent on repairing fishing nets. You will take a walk in the heart of the village among alleys, squares overlooking the sea and stairways. You will walk along the promenade, where bars and restaurants with terraces overlooking the sea alternate with shops created from what once were fishermen's warehouses. You can still observe the construction sites dedicated to the repair work on the boats, and the landing of fish from the returning fishing boats.

Panoramic Drive, Convent of the Passionist Fathers

In addition to the natural charm of this region, you will have the opportunity to admire the imposing Spanish fortresses that were built in the 16th century: the Spanish fortress in Porto Santo Stefano and Forte Filippo in Porto Ercole. On the way back to the port, you will take a short detour to the convent of the Passionist Fathers, at the summit of Monte Argentario. At an altitude of 273 meters you will enjoy the splendid panorama that can be admired from the square onto the Orbetello lagoon and town. The convent is surrounded by generous vegetation and was built in the late 17^th c. The Passionist Fathers live in community and lead a life of study, prayer and missionary activity. Many visitors stop by the Convent's shop to buy liquours or honey produced locally.

Drive back to Porto Santo Stefano

Monte Argetario is situated in the south of Tuscany, and is the promontory considered the natural gateway to the Tuscan archipelago, with some close-by islands such as Giglio and Giannutri island, both part of the Tuscan Nature reserve.

The Sunset tour is a slow pace activity ideal if you wish to appreciate an atmosphere typical of Italian summers.

Stop, pause and sip some wine: the best things to do at the end of the day when on holiday! Add a beautiful sunset on the Argentario peninsula and the result is a memorable one.

Scenic Drive, Porto Ercole, Torre di Cala Piccola

Board your coach for the 30-minute panoramic drive to Porto Ercole, a lovely seaside resort located on the Argentario promontory. Here, you will stop for pictures and resume the sightseeing drive to Torre di Cala Piccola, a cliff overlooking one of the small bays of the promontory.

Italian Aperitif at Hotel Cala Rocca Piccola

Aperitif will be served on the hotel terrace, a scenic and relaxing place.

You can enjoy a variety of Italian aperitif snacks and sip a glass of wine or prosecco, a Spritz or a soft drink.

Panoramic Drive, Argentario, Spanish Fortresses

After your aperitif your driver will take you along a panoramic road on the North-west coast of Argentario while your guide tells you about the history of this fascinating place and of its beautiful summer resorts. In addition to the natural beauty, you will have the opportunity to admire the charm of the imposing Spanish fortresses that were built in the 16th century when Porto Santo tefano and Porto Ercole became part of the Spanish presidios.

Discover the history, architecture, and charm of Porto Santo Stefano on-foot during this picturesque sightseeing excursion.

Porto Santo Stefano, Guided Walking Tour, Mount Argentario, Mediterranean Sea

Depart the pier for a guided walking tour of the port village of Porto Santo Stefano, the main town on the north-western promontory of Mount Argentario and only one of the three ports on the peninsula. Mount Argentario is a wooded mountain overlooking the blue Mediterranean Sea, a promontory infused with nature, history, and human activities. Porto Santo Stefano has four quarters, in Italian Rioni: Croce, Fortezza, Pilarella, and Valle. Various bays of Porto Santo Stefano enable yachts and sailing vessels to operate throughout the year; these same bays were ideal hideouts for pirate incursions of a bygone era.

Downtown Area, Old Town, Monuments, Four Quarters

Whilst strolling along the narrow, winding streets of Porto Santo Stefano to the downtown area, learn about the history of this old fishing village built on ‘rock’, which developed into a tourist destination famous throughout the Mediterranean. The village of Port Santo Stefano has four quarters, in Italian Rione: Croce, Fortezza, Pilarella, and Valle. Walk to the small port, where fishing boats and yachts wait to sail again. The municipality is here, in the centre of the Old Town, which had developed around a watch tower offering protection to its inhabitants since the 15th century, now the imposing Spanish Fortress.

Spanish Fortress, Saint Stephen Parish Church, Artisan Tools, Gelato Stop

Discover the historic Spanish Fortress, which was built during the Spanish Presidios and offers a breath-taking panoramic view of Porto Santo Stefano; visit the small museum displaying artisan tools that were utilized to craft the boats of the day. Leaving the Spanish Fortress, climb down to the Parish Church dedicated to Saint Stephen, in Rione Croce. Its Latin inscription, ‘Portvm Salvtis Indulgeat’, pleads the Patron Saint to grant a safe port to sailors. Afterward, A final stop is made for a creamy and refreshing gelato. At the conclusion of your tour, commence the short walk back to the pier.

Experience the medieval beauty and charm of Siena on-foot during this picturesque, full-day sightseeing tour.

Porto Santo Stefano, Siena, Skyline, Palaces, Towers, Landmarks

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately two-hour drive to Siena. Often described as the best-preserved medieval city in Italy, beautiful Siena is a medieval ensemble of palaces and towers cast in warm, pastel-colored bricks. The pride of the city is its skyline, which is dominated by the Gothic Cathedral and taut needle of the Torre del Mangia. However, the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo likely captures the most attention and fame, as it has been featured in films, photographs, and advertising campaigns.

City Centre, Contrade, Symbols on Banners and Walls of Buildings

Upon arrival in Siena, leave the coach for the approximately 0.5-mile (about 0.8-kilometre) walk to the city centre. Upon arrival, you may begin your guided walking tour or opt to explore the city at your leisure. Although it looks much as it did in the early-14th century, Siena is no museum. Its medieval Contrade, 17 neighborhoods into which the city has been historically divided, are a vibrant part of modern life. Along the way, you may see symbols of the Contrade; the turtle (tartuca), goose (oca), porcupine (istrice), and tower (torre) are emblazoned on banners and engraved on the walls of building.

San Domenico Church, Cathedral, Piazza del Campo, Free Time, Shopping, Maremma Region

The guided tour features a pleasant stroll through the medieval streets of Siena. Starting from San Domenico Church, walk to the Cathedral and iconic Piazza del Campo, where the famous Palio Horse Race takes place twice a year. Following the walking tour, ample time is made available for independent exploration, lunch and shopping. At the appointed time and place, meet your guide for the approximately 0.5-mile (about 0.8-kilometre) walk back to the coach. Your tour concludes with an approximately two-hour drive back to the pier via the well-preserved natural landscape of the lovely Maremma region.

Explore Porto Santo Stefano at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Porto Santo Stefano at your leisure during this half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Porto Santo Stefano at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car or van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Porto Santo Stefano at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car or van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Experience the natural beauty and the fruits of land and sea on this excursion through the Tuscan countryside, seeing the stunning views of the Orbetello Lagoon, enjoying a wine and cheese tasting at an organic farm and winery, and learn about the sustainable fishing practices of the Slow Food Presidium and the Fishermen of Orbetello.

Drive Along the Orbetello Lagoon

Depart Porto Santo Stefano and make a short and scenic drive along the Lagoon of Orbetello, a natural paradise located in lower Maremma and protected by the World Environment Fund since 1971. The lagoon is not only a picturesque location but also provides an important ecosystem for many species of migratory birds to thrive.

Wine and Cheese Tasting at Organic Farmhouse and Winery

Arrive at Antica Fattoria La Parrina, one of the region's oldest historic farms, located amongst the gentle hills of the Tuscan Maremma. Covering over 200 hectacres, the farm and winery boasts a spectacular landscape with vineyards, olive trees and golden fields growing grain. The farm was originally gifted as a wedding gift of a banker from Florence and has remained with the same family ever since 1830.

As you tour this traditional, organic-oriented farmhouse and winery, learn about its delectable products, including extra-virgin olive oil, wine and more than 20 types of excellent cheese, including La Parinna's prize-winning blue cheese. Be welcomed by your host and visit the barrique cellar and enjoy a tasting of a selection of two of their sought-after wines, along with delicious cheese and bruschetta bread. There is free time to browse or shop at the farm grocery before resuming your drive to Orbetello.

Fishermen of Orbetello

Continue your drive along the lagoon and visit the Orbetello fishery, home of the Slow Food Presidium.

Created to offset a history of overfishing that threatens the lagoon's marine life, the Presidium  protects historic fishing and fish processing traditions, and traditional techniques. Their methods for capturing wild species: sea bass, gray mullet, eels, calcinelli (clams), mazzancolle (shrimp) and femminelle (crabs) help preserve their existence sustainably.

Learn of this sustainable philosophy and enjoy a tasting of appetizers made from these local products. As you snack, learn the history of the Orbetello fishermen and their traditional sea-fish quality products that risk extinction. Your Slow Food experience concludes with a short presentation by a member of the cooperative.

Make the short 15-minute drive to return to the port.

Enjoy some of the most modern and the most ancient wonders of Tuscany on this excursion that takes you to a modern sculpture garden representing the arcane system of tarot, followed by a tour through Capalbio, a village dating back to the Bronze Age.

Tarot Garden

Visit the unique Giardino dei Tarocchi (Tarot Garden), created by artist Niki de Saint Phalle beginning in the late 1970s and continuing until the artist's death in 2002. The visionary and modern interpretations of the ancient tarot system may remind you of the creations by Spanish sculptor and architect Antoni Gaudi.

In fact, the artist took her inspiration from Park Gűell in Barcelona, Spain. At Tarot Gardens, the French artist de Saint Phalle created 22 enormous and beautiful sculptures depicting the journey of the Major Arcana of the Tarot cards, from the Fool to the Universe. The garden was the result of the wish to express Niki's idea of a "small Eden where man and nature meet each other."

Drive 45 minutes from the port to the site of the Tarot Gardens, built on a small plot of land in the wilds of Maremma just a few kilometers away from Capalbio. De Saint Phalle created and personally built the great statues for the garden. The 22 Major Arcana sculptures possess a steel frame that has been covered by concrete and decorated in mosaic fashion with mirrors, glass and ceramic tile.

Admire the imposing interpretation of the Empress, an artistic house was also where Niki lived while working on the garden. The sculpture representing Justice encapsulates another sculpture by Jean Tinguely representing iniquity imprisoned by a huge lock. The Tree of Life, whose branches are snakes, are covered by designs and texts by the artist. You may also admire The Devil, The Magician, The Sun and all other Major Arcana.

Brief visit to Capalbio

After visiting Tarot Gardens, make the short transfer to Capalbio, which has recorded history as far back as 806 AD/CE, when it became the property of Tre Fontagne Abbey. This medieval city is worth a visit if only for its breathtaking view of Maremma from its highest vantage points. See the Fortress of Aldobrandeschi, the tall towers of which are distinctive amongst the red-topped roofs of the surrounding stone homes.

Stroll at your leisure or make a relaxing stop at a café, enjoying the view from the city-walls down onto the valley and seashore just few miles away.

Make the return 45-minute drive to the ship.

Enjoy a full-day excursion touring two of the legendary Tufa Villages (named for the volcanic rock, or Tufaceous rock, that sets the foundation of these places). See Pitigliano and its little sister town Sovana, two ancient villages with homes and buildings that seem to spring directly from the surrounding rocky terrain.

Tour of Pitigliano ("Little Jerusalem")

Drive 90 minutes to Pitigliano and enjoy the breathtaking first impression of Pitigliano, which almost appears to have grown naturally from its rocky foundations. Take a guided walking tour that includes the Jewish quarter, the Jewish museum and synagogue (excluding Saturdays). Alive with the presence of humans for 4,000 years, Pitigliano lies in the heart of the Etruscan region. Known also "Little Jerusalem," the village has been home for centuries (since Roman times) to a large Jewish community after their exile from the city of Rome.

There is free time to explore this place on your own, walking amidst the perfectly-preserved aqueducts and ancient buildings. If you have time, enjoy some of the "Bianco di Pitigliano" DOC wine made here, a straw-colored white wine with a delicate fragrance that is stored strictly in tufa cellars.

Traditional Lunch at Hostaria il Ceccottino (or Similar) in Pitigliano

With a short walk from the Jewish District, Hostaria il Ceccottino (or similar) awaits you for a delicious traditional 4-course lunch with wines.

Tour of Sovana and Scenic Drive

Next drive 30 minutes to a smaller Tufa city, Sovana, which is considered one of the most charming villages in Italy. Sovana dates back to the Etruscan times and through the centuries it has retained its importance as a Roman and medieval centre, hometown of Pope Gregory the VII. Prepare to be transported centuries back in time to Sovana, with its magical, ancient churches, including a cathedral built in the 11th century.

Enjoy free time to stroll and take photographs, and also take in the mystical, light-filled atmosphere of this picturesque place.

As your excursion concludes, make the return (2-hour) drive back to the Argentario port, with view of the quiet Orbetello lagoon and Argentario mountains by the sea.

Journey into the soul of Tuscan winemaking with an exclusive visit to Tenuta Ammiraglia, the striking coastal estate of the legendary Frescobaldi family – vintners to European nobility since the 14th century.

Scenic Drive, Maremma Coastline

Departing Porto Santo Stefano, take in the enchanting scenery on the hour-long drive through the pristine Maremma coastline where the Tyrrhenian Sea meets ancient hills draped in geometric vineyards, cypress groves, and medieval villages.

Tenuta Ammiraglia

At Tenuta Ammiraglia, located in the medieval town of Magliano, marvel at the estate's innovative gravity-flow winery, an architectural masterpiece designed by Piero Sartogo. This stunning structure emerges from the hillside like a contemporary art installation, its living roof and crystal walls harmoniously integrated into the pastoral landscape. Your host reveals how the building's sustainable design captures the essence of modern Tuscan winemaking while honoring age-old traditions. Enjoy an aperitif during the visit.

Wine Pairing Lunch

The experience culminates with an intimate 4-course wine pairing luncheon featuring four distinguished vintages. Sample the estate's acclaimed Vermentino and Syrah wines, each expressing the unique terroir of this sun-kissed, sea-influenced terrain. Following lunch, guests are invited to browse the winery gift shop. This is an unparalleled opportunity to experience the convergence of architectural innovation and viticultural excellence at one of Tuscany's most progressive estates.

Visit a Maremma winery that appears as if out of a dream, with rolling Tuscan hills and massive rows of aging wine barrels in its cellars. Your destination is Le Mortelle Winery run by Marchesi Antiorini, of the Antiorini family that has been engaged in the art of winemaking for over six centuries. In 1385, the owner's ancestor Giovanni di Piero Antiorini became a member of the Florentine Winemakers' Guild ("Arte Fiorentina dei Vinattieri").

On your one-hour drive, discover the stunning, picturesque Tuscan country roads that lead to some of the most prestigious wine estates in the region. Situated on a gentle, sloping terrain, the vineyard boasts 170 hectares (420 acres) of vines including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and several white grape varieties including Vermentino, Ansonica, and Viognier. The estate's sandy, loamy soil creates a unique flavor all its own that harkens one to this sunny, dry region of Italy.

As you arrive at La Mortelle vineyards, appreciate the scenic approach in the breathtaking rural Tuscan landscape. Receive a tour that discusses the way the estate was built; much of it is underground to minimize impact to the environment. Interestingly, the natural bedrock foundation provides temperature and humidity control that is completely natural and effective.

On your tour, taste one of Le Mortelle's white wines (Vermentino, Viognier, Ansonica) accompanied by home-baked focaccia bread and a seasonal fruit grown on the estate's land. Enjoy a guided tour of the wine cellar and learn about the process of wine production from start to finish.

Enjoy an exquisite three-course lunch paired with Le Mortelle red wines Botrosecco (made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc) and the Poggio alle Nane (Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère).

Have some free time to browse the local shop before returning to the ship after an idyllic day discovering the beauty and culture of a classic Tuscan vineyard.