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In the heart of Tuscany, the
Etruscan coastline represents the continental part of the province of
Livorno. In this area of sea and nature, art and history live together in a
unique, harmonious picture.
The sea, first of all:
crystalline, with never-ending beaches, of cliffs covered with
welcoming
pines. This is a corner of the Mediterranean which is alive with life.
Nature: an incredibly rich
environment, which is full of parks and
protected areas, this is an ecological oasis in which animal refuges populated by rare and precious species abound and where there is dense vegetation of deep pine forests and
woods.
The countryside: rich in colours and
fragrances, the "Strada del Vino", it is covered by
noble vineyards and olive
groves, the wines and olive oils from this area are famous over the entire world.
Between the sea and the mountains, the other magical route of the Etruscan coast
begins. This is the one which brings us to discover architectural
treasures, of art and culture, guarded by this earth: from
Etruscan sites, with archaeological settlements exposed to the sea breeze and
precious little museums which gather together important
exhibits, historical towns, Medieval jewels still
intact. These places bear witness to a rich history.
The beaches, the cliffs and the clear sea, the pine forests, parks, and the protected
oases, the architectural treasures, the mild climate all year long, have made this area very famous and
sought-out. Here one is greated with warm-hearted and efficient
hospitality.
Along the Etruscan coast the fertile countryside extends from the seaside all the way to the hillsides. It is crossed by many pathways which winds through the olive tree groves, through the chestnut, holm-oak and cork forests. These are ideal pathways for trekking, for excursions on mountain bike, horseback riding and for gathering mushrooms and chestnuts.
Villas, farmhouses and farmsteads, which are found on the edges of the countryside are now places for agritourisms, offering wonderful places to rest.
Here, the "Strada del Vino", along which we find renowned products such as
"Sassicaia", runs between the hills and the sea. Its route unites the areas
"D.O.C." (where the highest quality wine is produced) of the Etruscan coast,
Montescudaio, Bolgheri and the
Val di Cornia. Here we find villages and small towns, parish churches and castes, all in the heart of the Tuscan countryside.
The famous "Sassicaia" is, like the "Ornellaia" a world-renowned wine. It is the central point of a network of small, high quality wine growers. Their roots are deep in the history of the region and in the culture of this area.
It is possible to discover them in the farms and wine cellars, accompanied by local salamis and typical
cheeses.
In the farms and agriturisms, which we find all along the
"Strada del Vino", it is also a pleasure to taste products which are organic, olive oil "D.O.C." (of the highest quality), as well as honey and sweets which are most characteristic of the area.
There is also a renewal of an ancient and important tradition of horse
raising, with stables and riding grounds in the fresh grassy meadows.
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