Il Viottolo
Il Viottolo
5
Bike ToursWalking ToursNature & Wildlife ToursKayaking & Canoeing
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Full view
About
For more than ten years Il Viottolo excursion centre has been organising outdoor holidays which unite discovering our Islands (from a cultural, archaeological, historical and naturalistic point of view), with sporting challenge and the spirit of adventure, sharpening the senses and increasing knowledge, harmonising with the island environment. We propose hiking, sea kayak, mountain bike and sailing excursions for small groups of a maximum of 8 people, small so we can create a group feeling among the participants. The guides, who accompany you, are all passionate about their work and profoundly tied to our territory. Elba is our island the place where we live and carry out the largest part of our activity. Remaining faithful to our philosophy, we have developed our programmes to include other islands of the Tuscan Archipelago and Corsica.
Elba Island, Tuscany, Italy
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
228 reviews
Excellent
200
Very good
26
Average
1
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Yenom99
Edmonton, Canada30 contributions
Oct 2015
We did the cycling and kayaking excursion and enjoyed it immensely. The tour was very well organized and the equipment was great. There is nothing worse than having a day trip ruined due to lousy equipment but both the bikes and kayaks were in good condition. The guides were friendly and organized and spoke English very well. These guys know their stuff and made sure we stayed out of harm's way when kayaking as it was pretty windy and choppy on the water. One thing that I would recommend is that you will want a towel and also if possible take water socks. You don't want to wear your shoes and walking on the rocks to and from the kayak is rough on the feet! I wish I would have had mine with me! All in all this was a great trip that I would recommend to anyone in decent physical shape.
Written October 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tonya B
6 contributions
Aug 2020
Wild beaches, sunrise over my morning swim, no cars, no internet, no fridge, no mail, no kids, no friends, no colleagues. No appointments, no zoom time, no need to be anywhere or do anything but row, row, row, into the sea, over the waves, slowly, surely, getting into the rhythm. On the fourth day, Zen sets in. The paddle dipping into the sea, gliding along, new companions gliding too, in unspoken formation.
This somehow, is the place we got to thanks to Patrizio our guide. This tour of Elba is so much more than the physical challenge, much more than simply learning (or perfecting) a sport, this tour is deeply cultural. We learn to be human again. Patrizio knows all the nooks and crannies, the twists and turns of the coastline, the currents, the eddies, the winds that might hamper our smooth course, the waves that might rock us too hard. He knows the beaches where, even during Ferragosto (peak Italian summer holiday time) we can set up our tents and be alone with the stars. He knows the bays and the rocky inlets where our kayaks can slide up onto safe ground. And he teaches us too, to relax on the sea, bobbing together, clustered around him as he tells stories - of Napolean, of mines and mineral deposits, of animals and plants, of winds and currents and sea philosophies.
We all move around the island, together, alone, overcoming fears, leaving complexity behind, looking towards land from a new perspective. We don't ask many questions about where we're from, or the work we do, or the loved ones we've lost or left behind. We're creating a moment together, and working hard on just that. Patrizio reminds me that "the sea is the great equaliser". I try and make sense of that quote from Jacques Cousteau with my head. I argue with him about it.
But by the end of the week, I understand it with my heart.
Thank you Il Viottolo. As your name promised, you have set me on a new path.
This somehow, is the place we got to thanks to Patrizio our guide. This tour of Elba is so much more than the physical challenge, much more than simply learning (or perfecting) a sport, this tour is deeply cultural. We learn to be human again. Patrizio knows all the nooks and crannies, the twists and turns of the coastline, the currents, the eddies, the winds that might hamper our smooth course, the waves that might rock us too hard. He knows the beaches where, even during Ferragosto (peak Italian summer holiday time) we can set up our tents and be alone with the stars. He knows the bays and the rocky inlets where our kayaks can slide up onto safe ground. And he teaches us too, to relax on the sea, bobbing together, clustered around him as he tells stories - of Napolean, of mines and mineral deposits, of animals and plants, of winds and currents and sea philosophies.
We all move around the island, together, alone, overcoming fears, leaving complexity behind, looking towards land from a new perspective. We don't ask many questions about where we're from, or the work we do, or the loved ones we've lost or left behind. We're creating a moment together, and working hard on just that. Patrizio reminds me that "the sea is the great equaliser". I try and make sense of that quote from Jacques Cousteau with my head. I argue with him about it.
But by the end of the week, I understand it with my heart.
Thank you Il Viottolo. As your name promised, you have set me on a new path.
Written August 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
851JosieZ
Miami, FL12 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
We were a family with two fairly fit 70 year olds in, 3 adults from 32-43, and one 12 year old.
We requested kayaks for 2 people. We were met promptly at our cruise ship and driven
to the beach that we would leave from. The ride was pleasant and the driver was our
leader for the day. He was very good and made sure we felt comfortable with the kayaks, equipment, etc.
We went to 2 different beaches, had lunch at one of them, and then 4 of us went on
to a grotto. It was a beautiful day and we all enjoyed the visit.
We requested kayaks for 2 people. We were met promptly at our cruise ship and driven
to the beach that we would leave from. The ride was pleasant and the driver was our
leader for the day. He was very good and made sure we felt comfortable with the kayaks, equipment, etc.
We went to 2 different beaches, had lunch at one of them, and then 4 of us went on
to a grotto. It was a beautiful day and we all enjoyed the visit.
Written July 21, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catherine C
Leuven, Belgium74 contributions
Aug 2015
Had a great kayak trip. Wonderfull place, well organised and the guide Patrizio spoke well english and gave us a lot of information about the island and nature while kayaking. Our two children 8 and 11 loved it as well!
Written August 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shmeytan
8 contributions
Jun 2012 • Couples
Guide Ruggero Lipani was amazing and so knowledgeable!
Highly recommended to check this out!
Highly recommended to check this out!
Written June 20, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Shmeytan, thanks for your review and for taking part in our tours. We are happy that this experience has been positive. Sincerely. Il Viottolo - Outdoor Experience
Written September 13, 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
EytanL
Sydney, Australia1 contribution
Jun 2012 • Friends
Amazing Kayak experience on the Island of Elba off the coast of Enfola. The guide spoke excellent English and was super friendly. The route went around the little peninsula near Enfola and included stops on a small beach and snorkelling site where you can see the reef and local fish.
Written June 20, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear EytanL, thank you for your review and for the time you spent with us. We hope to meet you again on the Island of Elba. Greetings from our staff. Il Viottolo - Outdoor Experience
Written September 5, 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nic B
12 contributions
Sep 2017 • Family
We actually visited July 2017 but I'm late writing this 😨 We are a family of 5, of which 3 are older teens, half English, half Italian, so really able to benefit from this great tour. One needs to be reasonably fit for 2.days of kayaking and chilled enough to deal with sleeping in a tent on a beach, but for us it was great fun and one of the highlights of a great week in Elba. Beautiful water and scenery, great food and wine, and friendly and safe guides - perfect!
Written August 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pierre B
Sevres, France406 contributions
Aug 2015 • Solo
Discovered through Il Viottolo's website, I subscribed for a one week tour early August (8-16) and was totally enthusiastic about it: the guide Vittorio is the most professional as well a friendly guide, never leaves a beach without previous info through mobile phone connected to his colleagues around the island.
We were 13 boys and girls + 2 guides, from all around Italy, even three without any previous experience in kayak. The rythm is dense but with stops every hour or two, about 140 km in seven days, nothing impossible and always on the safe side.
Nice places being visited, rough accomodation with tents on a different beach every night but the most fascinating sunrise and sunset sequence moving around the wildest areas of the island. Some limited bad weather or rough sea experiences, but always kept within maximum security conditions of navigation. In two words: to be discovered, as a thrilling but fully accessible experience.
A more detailed account with technical details of the whole journey to be found on my blog :
http://pierrebayle.typepad.com/pensees_sur_la_planete/2015/08/elbe-en-kayak-1.html
http://pierrebayle.typepad.com/pensees_sur_la_planete/2015/08/elbe-en-kayak-2.html
We were 13 boys and girls + 2 guides, from all around Italy, even three without any previous experience in kayak. The rythm is dense but with stops every hour or two, about 140 km in seven days, nothing impossible and always on the safe side.
Nice places being visited, rough accomodation with tents on a different beach every night but the most fascinating sunrise and sunset sequence moving around the wildest areas of the island. Some limited bad weather or rough sea experiences, but always kept within maximum security conditions of navigation. In two words: to be discovered, as a thrilling but fully accessible experience.
A more detailed account with technical details of the whole journey to be found on my blog :
http://pierrebayle.typepad.com/pensees_sur_la_planete/2015/08/elbe-en-kayak-1.html
http://pierrebayle.typepad.com/pensees_sur_la_planete/2015/08/elbe-en-kayak-2.html
Written August 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane H
Copenhagen, Denmark117 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
We went sea kayaking with Il Viottolo, and it was great fun. Our guide, Patrizio, was very nice, and good at instructing people.
These kayaks are extremely sturdy. Both my boyfriend and I have kayaked quite a lot before, and these kayaks are the most sturdy ever seen. They are great for first time kayakers. You will not fall into the water, no matter how hard you try.
These kayaks are extremely sturdy. Both my boyfriend and I have kayaked quite a lot before, and these kayaks are the most sturdy ever seen. They are great for first time kayakers. You will not fall into the water, no matter how hard you try.
Written August 6, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lulu S
Shrewsbury, NJ9 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
My family of 4 were beyond excited to sail while visiting Elba Island. I emailed Stefano well in advance and the trip was confirmed. We drove 20 minutes to meet Stefano in the port of Marino di Campo...parked, lugged our stuff to bring on the boat...and he wasn't there!!! Called the company and waited another 20 minutes to find out his is at another marina 1/2 hour away!! Lugged our stuff back to the car and drove. Repeat...not there!! Called again...company gave us his girlfriend Alices phone number to call?? Crazy!! No follow up phone call, no apology. My son was beyond heart broken!! Spent 1/2 of a day of my short 3 days on Elba wasting time!!!!
Written July 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Buonasera Laurie,
mi dispiace molto per quello che è successo durante la vostra vacanza all'Isola d'Elba.
Come centro escursionistico "Il Viottolo", non possediamo barche a vela, noi incarichiamo un azienda specializzata nella vela, per svolgere questo tipo di attività .
Durante lo scambio di informazioni tra me (Vittorio) e lei, mi sembra non ci siano state incomprensioni.
Da quando le ho dato il contatto diretto con l'armatore, io non sono stato più a conoscenza dell'organizzazione dell'escursione, e mi dispiace veramente molto che non siate riusciti a trascorrere la giornata in barca che tanto desideravate.
Le assicuro che verificherò personalmente come sono andate le cose, e nel caso in cui ci fosse stata una leggerezza da parte di Stefano, provvederemo a non avere più rapporti lavorativi e a cambiare partner per le escursioni in barca a vela.
Written August 1, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mia figlia verrà in gita tra due settimane con la classe e farà un'escursione in Kayak, tenendo conto del mese cosa consigliate di usare come abbigliamento?
Written September 29, 2023
Sono un principiante mai usato un kayak, posso venire a fare un escursione o bisogna fare una lezione di addestramento?
Grazie
Written July 17, 2020
ciao..le nostre escursioni sono per principianti, la cosa fondamentale è saper nuotare.
Written July 18, 2020
Can I use my personal kayak to do kayaking
Written June 29, 2020
Hi, can we book a kayaking trip voor half a day with two adults and two teenagers somewhere next week on Elba?
Written July 28, 2018
hi Kim
can it go well on Tuesday 31/07 at 9 am starting from Marina di Campo? duration 2 hours cost € 25 adults € 10 children under 12 years
Written July 28, 2018
Hello.
Me and my wife would like to do a half-day sea kayaking in the island around mid September.
I have an extensive experience with sea kayaking while my wife has none.
We would like to know what are the options that we have and where can we tour the island. Are there several routs available?
Thanks, Izhar
Written August 8, 2017
hi
We do kayak in Marina di Campo in sunday and tuesday, and in Enfola (near Portoferraio) wensday and friday. during 2 hours and the price is 25€ for person
Written August 9, 2017
How much is the combined kyak/bike tour? How difficult is the bike ride? fairly level and on what terrain? can you pick up at boat?
Written August 2, 2016
We only did the kayak tour as we (the older ones - 70 & 73) were worried about inclines and not very conditioned when it came to hills and bikes.
We did email the company ahead of time and they were very good at responding so you might try that.
Written August 3, 2016
hey how r u ?
i am planning to come to elba island on the 13,14 of august
can you provide me with more details for you trips , and how to make the best of the island it 2 day i would really appreciate your help
thanks
Written June 21, 2015
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