DEEP IN THE GROUND: the copper mine of Montecatini and the Salt of Volterra
Day Tours & ActivitiesDuration: 5 hours + 1 hour extension for beer tasting (optional)
Rates
HISTORY & MINE
Historical & mining sites in one only day tour! A special tour to discover hidden gems of the Terre di Pisa area!
Montecatini Valdicecina and the mining museum
In the Southern part of the Terre di Pisa is a valley called Val di Cecina, taking the name from the Cecina river that flows through it. We will bring you there to discover some of its hidden gems! The hills of this area have been widely known since the times of the Etruscans for the presence of precious mineral elements such as iron and copper. Already back in the 6th century BC, the Etruscans were mining the area to extract precious metals, and the medieval town of Montecatini Valdicecina became famous for a copper mine built nearby, active from 1827 to 1907. Today, a guided visit to museum of the mine is available: visitors can learn about the extraction system and the life of the miners of the area. People from all Europe used to come here to direct or take part to the extraction works in this extremely important production site.
We will start with a historical introduction to the complex, in order for you to learn about the extraction techniques and the machinery employed. We will then walk inside the mine, going down some passageways to reach an area called “The Belly of the Whale”, in the deep undergrounds. Here we will see the impressive beams used to sustain the underground tunnels and keep the ways out open. This fascinating visit continues to the top of the complex, where we can see the old wooden system used to drag the copper inside the mine to the surface.
Lunch at a typical restaurant in town
After the mine exploration, a well-deserved lunch at a traditional local restaurant offers the chance to savor the flavors of the region. Local wine is included.
The salt mines of Volterra
Not far from Volterra is a little village called Saline di Volterra, which actually means Salt mines of Volterra. Here, since the Etruscan times, huge deposits of fine salt deep in the ground were found and exploited, an extraction that goes on until today.
The salt produced in Volterra is the purest salt of Italy. Inside the salt factory we will admire a majestic salt waterfall in one of the most stunning halls in the premise. The tour will display the story of the extraction and refinement of this precious material from the ancient times, through the decades of the Salina di Stato to nowadays. Lastly, it will be possible to buy this unique salt that comes from the depths of the earth in a very well-equipped bazar of salt-based products.
Optional
1-hour Extension with Beer tasting and matching snacks at the Salt Mines:
€ 20 per adult, 10€ per teen/kid (some snacks and a juice for them)
The brewery uses energy generated during the salt extraction process to craft its beers
What you taste
This is a list of specialties that you are likely to sample as part of the program of this tour. Please, note that the specialties of the tasting session and/or lunch may vary according to the season and the availability of the products in the day of the tour.
In our tour we like showing you places off the beaten track and introducing you to Tuscan people with their personal stories, careers and characters. You will have one of our guides with your party during the whole tour. Please, see below all the guides who can be with you. During this experience you can also meet some of the Tuscan friends involved in the events. Please, see below which friends you are likely to encounter.
The total rate for this activity varies according to the number of people in your party.
Check rates in the table below.
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Deep in the ground: the mine in montecatini and the salt of volterra – RATES 2025 – rates valid on thursdays and fridays only |
|
|---|---|
| NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN YOUR PARTY | TOTAL RATE |
| 2 persons | € 490 |
| 3 persons | € 575 |
| 4 persons | € 660 |
| 5 persons | € 745 |
| 6 persons | € 830 |
| 7 persons | € 915 |
| 8 persons | € 1000 |
| Extra Adult | € 85 |
| Extra Teenager (12-17 yrs) | € 75 |
| Extra Child (4-11 yrs) | € 65 |
| 1- hour extension with beer tasting | € 20 per adult € 10 per teen/child |
| Extra for tours on Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays |
€ 100 to be paid oniste |
Rates include
- Private English speaking guide
- Visit to the copper mine
- Lunch at a restaurant in town with local wines
- Guided visit to the salt factory of Saline di Volterra
- Tax
Rates do NOT include
- Transportation
- Tips to the staff. Not included, not obligatory but very much appreciated
- Optional
1-hour Extension with Beer tasting and matching snacks at the Salt Mines:
€ 20 per adult, 10€ per teen/kid (some snacks and a juice for them)
The brewery uses energy generated during the salt extraction process to craft its beers - Extra: if you want to book this tour on Monday, Tuesday or Saturday there is an extra of €100 to be paid on site. The tour is not available on Wednesday or Sunday.
Transportation is not included in the rates above. For more info on transportation, please see the box “Transportation options”.
This tour takes place in Montecatini Valdicecina, between Pisa and Volterra, 30 km from Selvatelle, 15 km from Volterra, 40 km from Montaione and San Gimignano.
MEET-UP LOCATION:
Unless differently specified, the tour guide meets you at a meeting point near Terricciola.
DURATION:
This program takes 6 hours. Time for transportation not included.
AVAILABILITY:
Available from Monday through Thursday.
LANGUAGE:
This tour is available in Italian, English, French, German, Spanish or Russian.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL:
Medium
CHILD FRIENDLY:
Ideal for children
CLOTHING:
No particular clothing required.
TRANSPORTATION:
This program and its rates do not include transportation and are set on a self-driving base. For further information see the box "transportation options".
The destinations reached during this activity are in the Tuscan countryside, in areas off the beaten track that cannot be reached by public transport. We highly recommend renting a car or a scooter in order to reach them. As an alternative, we can offer a valued service by chauffeured car, van or minibus. Any cost of transportation is to be added to the rates displayed on the rate table of this page.
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