This was Day 7 of our ride through Tuscany. Starting out in Volterra, we rode 65km (41 miles) to the island of Elba. The ride started with a quick descent down from the city into the valley below. The five mile downhill run presented us with awesome views of the valley and mountains far to the north. In the distance we could see Elba and the blue Med trying to grab our attention. We were riding toward an area of Tuscany called La Maremma which is the coastal area along Tuscany's western side. The ride took us through fantastic vineyards and rugged hills before ending at the neat little town of Bolgheri where we grabbed some panini. We then had to take a shuttle to the ferry which hauled us over to Elba. Some of the best (our guides say world's best :)) red wines are produced in this area at a vineyard known as Ornellaia. I guess they must be pretty good judging by the barbed wire fences and very big dogs guarding them. But, the grape harvesters did lit us try a few. Very tasty eating. Bolgheri was an awesome little town with a bar and panini store. Neat little place that I really wish I had had more time to explore (that was the theme of this trip I think).
We had some considerable issues when we got to the the port at Piombino. We all boarded the ferry at were just beginning to relax after getting some beers when we were told we had to get off right away. Something was wrong with the ramp and they wanted everyone off the boat. We all rushed to get off and then our guides rushed us onto another ferry. Debra, Yvette, and I almost missed the second ferry when we didn't understand what time it was leaving. We ran from across the docking area and got on just in time. . .to be told to get off again because it was the wrong ferry! Oh well . . .we eventually got on the right one and ended up in Portoferraio where we rode the bikes to the hotel. Heavy tourist traffic that was a little more than I liked, but other than that we made it successfully over to the hotel Villa Ottone. Great hotel, rather pricey, kind of isolated, and no working AC, but the staff was fairly nice and the beach was great. The beach had a bar on it and there was a piano bar overlooking the harbor. Great stuff!
We had some considerable issues when we got to the the port at Piombino. We all boarded the ferry at were just beginning to relax after getting some beers when we were told we had to get off right away. Something was wrong with the ramp and they wanted everyone off the boat. We all rushed to get off and then our guides rushed us onto another ferry. Debra, Yvette, and I almost missed the second ferry when we didn't understand what time it was leaving. We ran from across the docking area and got on just in time. . .to be told to get off again because it was the wrong ferry! Oh well . . .we eventually got on the right one and ended up in Portoferraio where we rode the bikes to the hotel. Heavy tourist traffic that was a little more than I liked, but other than that we made it successfully over to the hotel Villa Ottone. Great hotel, rather pricey, kind of isolated, and no working AC, but the staff was fairly nice and the beach was great. The beach had a bar on it and there was a piano bar overlooking the harbor. Great stuff!
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