 Day to day program
 Campo Gulf and the villages of San Iliaro et San Piero (3h, + 250m, 9 miles)
Morning : transfer from Florence to Piombino and boat crossing. Unpacking and warm-up loop to the villages of San Ilario and San Piero which hang over the gulf di Campo. Elba always sways between the sea and the mountains, country life and tourism. Within a few miles the scenery, the world, if not the civilization changes. The villages have kept their baroque churches, oratories and colourful houses huddled against each other facing the sea. Our first ride will follow beaten tracks amidst a Mediterranean vegetation. The tracks are made of red earth and edged with brooms. The landscape is green and strewn with umbrella pines. To the south the harbour of Marina di Campo is always lively with tourists.
Evening in Marina di Campo.
 Mount Capanne and Marciana (6h, +750m, 15 miles)
Marciana lying on the north slope of Mount Capanne seems far away from the sea. The vegetation is very thick and the shepherds met on the way are definitely mountain people. Yellow baskets suspended in mid-air carry the tourists to the top. Lovely old paths criss-cross the forest under this strange airy ballet. What pleasure to cycle along these hanging paths, through the villages of Poggio and Marciana which overlook the sea, get lost in the wynds, and climb on to get closer to the giant (530m) still under the cover of the thick forest. A beautiful narrow road winds around the east slope of Mount Capanne. Eventually a lighter route leads us to the first villages of the south slope, amazing landscape of big granite boulders and red earth.
Evening in Marina di Campo.
 The tour of Monte Calamita peninsula (4h, + 220m, 13 miles)
Transfer to Capoliveri. This is the most beautiful part of the island covered with a magnificent pine forest on the edge of beaches and overlooking the gulfs of Porto Azzuro and Stella. We will have an easy ride with lots of breaks to jump into the clear waters. Capoliveri (165m) looks like a mountain village, capital of the peninsula whose highest point is Mount Calamita (412m). The track follows the sea down to Cape Calvo, then winds up steadily towards the lovely villa of Ripalte standing among the pines. The view of the sea is gorgeous. An overhanging track follows the outline of the west coast whose creeks and tiny fishing villages may lead us into temptation. A gentle way will take us back to Capoliveri where we will enjoy the last sunny hours on the terraces or the shade of the entangled streets.
Late afternoon in Capoliveri. Evening in Marina di Campo.
 Ascent to Mount Capanne (1018 m)
Mount Capanne rising to 1017m overlooks the west part of the island. It is a real mountain looking like a volcano and providing amazing views of Corsica and the Tuscan archipelago. On the top Tibetan prayer flags fly in the blue sky, bouquets of parables rise up, a white walled refuge sparkling with light keeps watch. The scenery which mingles Corsica with Italy is unusual. We will give our bottom a rest and start walking up. It is a long climb whose reward is the great view and the promise of a nap. You need a good book, a pair of binoculars and lots of water. On the way back we will take our time and visit the pretty villages of Marciana and Poggio. Evening in Procchio.
Evening in Marina di Campo.
 From Porto Azzuro to Rio nel Elba (5h, +600m, 11 miles).
Leaving Porto Azzuro we will head eastwards and make a loop which will delight sports as well as contemplative people. Breathtaking views, paths overhanging the sea and routes following the ridge looking over the sea on both sides. Two villages poles apart : Rio nell'Elba standing on the spine of the Cima del Monte (200m) and Porto Azzuro, lively with its tourist harbour, boutiques, ice-cream makers facing the pier. Tracks and small roads follow the outline of the east coast from Porto Azzuro, then climb towards the village of Rio nell'Elba gently, offering great views all the way. Further up we will cross over the ridge and swing over the other side still looking to the sea. Nicest part of the hike : 2 miles single track to reach the gulf of Portoferraio and eventually Porto Azzuro.
Late afternoon in Porto Azzuro. Evening in Marina di Campo.
 Villa Napoléon and the gulfs of Lacona and Stella (5h30, +520m, 14 miles)
At the very heart of the island, at the foot of Monte San Martino, hidden in a huge thick park stands Napoleon's villa, a golden jail for an emperor who kept dreaming of space and glory. Our loop will start from Procchio and follow the island spine which goes from east to west before reaching Mount San Martino and enter the park without the tourists' knowing. After this foray into History we will carry on to the east towards Monte Oretto and finish off our round trip by cycling along the gulfs of Stella and Lacona. On the way back we will have a quiet ride along beautiful beaches before getting back to Monte San Martino and Procchio. Late afternoon in Procchio.
Evening in Marina di Campo.
 Walking along the coastal path of Biodola Gulf
On our last morning we will walk the 2-mile coastal path linking the beaches of Guardolia and Biodola for a last swim in the Mediterranean in peace and quiet. Then we will head for the bustling island capital. Free visit to Portoferraio in early afternoon. Boarding for Piombino.
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