Excursion Tastes of maremma: la parrina farm & orbetello lagoon tour at Porto Santo Stefano

Experience the natural beauty and the fruits of land and sea on this excursion through the Tuscan countryside, seeing the stunning views of the Orbetello Lagoon, enjoying a wine and cheese tasting at an organic farm and winery, and learn about the sustainable fishing practices of the Slow Food Presidium and the Fishermen of Orbetello.

Drive Along the Orbetello Lagoon

Depart Porto Santo Stefano and make a short and scenic drive along the Lagoon of Orbetello, a natural paradise located in lower Maremma and protected by the World Environment Fund since 1971. The lagoon is not only a picturesque location but also provides an important ecosystem for many species of migratory birds to thrive.

Wine and Cheese Tasting at Organic Farmhouse and Winery

Arrive at Antica Fattoria La Parrina, one of the region's oldest historic farms, located amongst the gentle hills of the Tuscan Maremma. Covering over 200 hectacres, the farm and winery boasts a spectacular landscape with vineyards, olive trees and golden fields growing grain. The farm was originally gifted as a wedding gift of a banker from Florence and has remained with the same family ever since 1830.

As you tour this traditional, organic-oriented farmhouse and winery, learn about its delectable products, including extra-virgin olive oil, wine and more than 20 types of excellent cheese, including La Parinna's prize-winning blue cheese. Be welcomed by your host and visit the barrique cellar and enjoy a tasting of a selection of two of their sought-after wines, along with delicious cheese and bruschetta bread. There is free time to browse or shop at the farm grocery before resuming your drive to Orbetello.

Fishermen of Orbetello

Continue your drive along the lagoon and visit the Orbetello fishery, home of the Slow Food Presidium.

Created to offset a history of overfishing that threatens the lagoon's marine life, the Presidium  protects historic fishing and fish processing traditions, and traditional techniques. Their methods for capturing wild species: sea bass, gray mullet, eels, calcinelli (clams), mazzancolle (shrimp) and femminelle (crabs) help preserve their existence sustainably.

Learn of this sustainable philosophy and enjoy a tasting of appetizers made from these local products. As you snack, learn the history of the Orbetello fishermen and their traditional sea-fish quality products that risk extinction. Your Slow Food experience concludes with a short presentation by a member of the cooperative.

Make the short 15-minute drive to return to the port.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Tuscan cheese and wine tasting, Antica Fattoria La Parrina farmhouse and winery, Orbetello Lagoon, Maremma countryside, Slow Food Presidium and the Fishermen of Orbetello, snacks

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of activity, with approximately 1.2 km of walking and five steps to navigate (though these can be avoided with a slightly longer walk). There are cobblestone surfaces at Orbetello and uneven natural terrain at the farm, making this tour less suitable for individuals with mobility issues or in a wheelchair. Wear comfortable flat footwear suitable for walking outdoors. Sunscreen and insect repellant recommended. U.S. Dollars are not accepted, bring Euro currency or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Space on this tour is limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.