Parco della Maremma o dell'Uccellina is just a few kilometres away from Poggio Pelliccia. The National Park is truly beautiful and offers opportunities to enjoy the magnificent landscape of the region which ranges from swamps to heather, pine groves and Mediterranean scrubs. The national park also protects various rare and wild fauna, such as wild horses, boar, deer, eagles, herons, ospreys and more. Some areas can be toured on horseback, bikes or canoe. To appreciate fully the beauty of the park it is recommended to make more than one visit. There are several trails one can refer to and entrances to the trails start from Alberese and Talamone. The best was to get there is through the SS1 to Rome exit Alberese. The park offers several opportunities to the public for hiking and riding. The entrance to the park has rather strict rules and it tends to get rather crowded in the summer. Use of the car is strictly prohibited in the park. The main two entrances are at Alberese and Talamone (further south), however the two parts of the parks are not connected. There are 9 main trails which visitors have to stick to, lasting from 2/3- 6 hours. A bus is available from Alberese and will take you to Pratini. From there you can reach the beach, which is about twenty minutes walk from there. You can start most of your hikes from here too. A list of tracks are available for your convenience at Poggio Pelliccia, or at the Tourist offices at the entrances of the park. Other general rules typical of National Parks apply. Useful references such as at www.provincia.grosseto.it/turismo/escursioni www.girando.it/parchi/toscana/parco_maremma will give you some background info and maps. How to get there: South: SS1 until KM 166 exit Alberese North: SS1 until Km 174 exit Alberese Busses from Grosseto are available. Please contact RAMA Tel 0564 454169.

Monte Argentario. Monte Argentario, majestically overlooking the sea, embraces beautiful beaches and pine groves and some attractive old towns. Probably naturally formed by the Tyrrhenian currents, the archipelago has now two symmetrical sand bars connecting the rugged, mountainous island to the mainland. It is very popular and certainly worth a visit. Argentario does not have fantastic beaches but it offers the visitors many attractions and natural beauty that make the area very sought after Orbetello, once Etruscan and probably the biggest port in Etruscan times, you can still feel traces of its past. Its lagoons are partly been protected and run by the WWF (World Wide Fund). The area is attracts breeding marine life and other protected species and the reserve will be closed to visitors during nesting periods in between April and October.

From the causeway from Orbetello to Argentario you can go north or south and have a scenic route around the island (gita panoramica). Roads are however not paved all the way round, so you will need an four wheel drive. Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole. They are the most developed towns of the Argentario area. Despite all the most recent development and tourism, some of the flair of the area still shines. Porto Santo Stefano is a fashionable resort and the ferry terminal to Giglio Isle. Porto Ercole is a tiny fishing harbour and has a more intimate and genuine appeal. Surrounded by a Spanish Fortress and a overlooked by a fine old town.

Punta Ala (also in "the sea" section). Punta Ala is one of the trendy resorts of the Tuscan coastal areas. It is very sought after for its location, fine sandy beaches and views of the gulf. It attracts golf and polo enthusiasts and upmarket clientele.

Capalbio and the Giadino dei Tarocchi. Despite being very near to the borders with Lazio, and a few km from us, these two destinations are well worth noting. Capalbio is six km inland and is one of the loveliest villages in Southern Tuscany and well worth a trip. Giardino dei Tarocchi is somehow very unusual. You reach both destinations from the SS1 to Rome. This is a project from Niki de Saint Phalle, known for works made in Paris. Giardino dei Tarocchi is a monumental sculpture aimed at meditation too, representing each of the 22 key tarots' arcane. It is not yet fully completed but there is already enough to keep you entertained with works in ceramics, concrete and mirrors. Some are over 50 ft tall. If you happen to be in this area do not forget to visit Cosa with its Etruscan remains and the Lago di Burano. Burano is run by the WWFN as nature reserve. Parks, Activities and - walks and hiking Parco della Maremma.