Two Seas: Kayaking Italy Coast to Coast

Explore a Tuscany that few visitors see. The Maremma coastline has a history that goes back to before the Etruscans. Dominated by the headland of Monte Argentario, kayaking the Siver Coast is characterized by clear blue waters, hidden beaches, and impressive sea caves along a shoreline dotted with fortresses and watch towers that once guarded against attacks by Barbary Pirates. Ashore is a rich agrarian culture that produces a bounty that, combined with fresh seafood, supports a distinctive and compelling regional cuisine.

Lago Bolsena, Europe's largest volcanic lake, is nestled in the heart of Central Italy and is known for its pure crystal-clear waters and submerged Etruscan ruins. The lake is surrounded by lush hills and medieval towns, offering stunning views. The clear waters reflect the sky and the surrounding landscape, creating a tranquil and picturesque kayaking. Around Lago Bolsena are several ancient towns and archaeological sites. We will explore ancient cities like Capodimonte and Marta, which boast historical significance and beautiful architecture. We stay in the town of Bolsena, which is rated as one of Europe's most beautiful towns by Forbes magazine.

Kayaking along the Conero Riviera on the Adriatic coast of the Marche region of Italy is a splendid and unique experience. The Conero Riviera, known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning natural scenery, is a perfect paddling counterpoint to the Tuscan coast. The picturesque coastline is dominated by dramatic views of the Monte Conero, a prominent limestone mountain that rises majestically above the Adriatic Sea. The shoreline here is a fascinating mix of rugged cliffs, secluded coves, and beautiful pebbly beaches often inaccessible by land.
One of the many highlights of the paddling route is the famous Due Sorelle beach, known for its twin rock formations jutting out of the sea. The biodiversity of the marine life here is also a treat, with the clear waters offering a glimpse of a vibrant underwater world.
Ashore, the scenery of Marche is sublime and diverse, with rolling hills crowned by medieval villages, Roman ruins, and a colorful patchwork of fields, orchards, and vineyards.

This trip offers special insight into the micro-regionality that characterizes the truest Italian cuisine. We explore the culture through food and wine and do it in the style we've brought to all of our Italian trips, combining memorable kayaking routes with an insider's view of culture, cuisine and "La Dolce Vita". As always, we've handpicked accommodations, dining experiences, and wine tastings that hit just the right note. The Caldero fish stew of Tuscany's coast has clear elements of French bouillabaisse but with a distinctly Italian flavor and the richly diverse food of Marche that has been influenced by its neighbors – Emilia-Romagna and Umbria, creating a blend of mountain and coastal culinary traditions including Vincisgrassi” (a type of Marche lasagna), “Olive all’Ascolana” (stuffed olives), and “Brodetto di Pesce,” a local fish and tomato-based stew. We'll also have a chance to compare and contrast parings of the Vermentino wine of coastal Tuscany and the Verdicchio of Marche. Both are beautifully balanced white wines distinctive to their region and particularly good with seafood.