Safari in Miniera

Experience the adventure: explore off-road trails aboard our VM90 vehicles

A combination of culture and entertainment. Safari in Miniera offers several tours accompanied by an expert guide, providing an insight into the history and rich geology of Elba Island through a genuine adventure aboard a military VM90 vehicle along off-road trails.

Three different types of excursions are available, with the option of combining them at reduced prices:

TOUR A - Ginevro, the underground mine
Capoliveri

A fascinating walk into the heart of the earth, exploring valuable magnetite and learning about the hard work of Elban miners. Aboard the distinctive Safari in Miniera jeep, participants will reach some of the most evocative areas of the mining district, as far as the entrance to the Ginevro Tunnel, the only underground magnetite mine open to visitors on Elba Island and one of the symbolic sites of Italian iron and steel history.

After putting on a safety helmet, the underground adventure begins in the same areas where generations of Elban miners once worked.

Two routes are available:

• first level, 6 metres above sea level, illuminated, easily accessible and suitable for all ages;
• second level, 24 metres below sea level, accessible through a sloping tunnel with steps and featuring sections in complete darkness. This route is reserved for visitors over the age of 12.

Admission to the Old Workshop Museum is included.

TOUR B – Calamita: the open-air mine
Capoliveri

A fascinating excursion through the landscapes and countless colours of the Capoliveri mining district, a unique site overlooking the sea. During the tour, participants will visit some of the most representative places in Elba’s mining history: large terraces descending towards the coast, dark and sparkling rocks, wild shorelines and breathtaking views. The distinctive shapes of the old mineral extraction and processing facilities can still be seen in the background.

The experience ends with an enjoyable mineral-search activity, offering the opportunity to learn how to identify the main mineral species found in the area. The guide, together with the audio content provided during the tour, will explain the history, geology and interesting facts associated with the mining district.

Admission to the Old Workshop Museum is included.

TOUR C – The mining school and its minerals
Rio nell’Elba

The tour begins in the historic mining village of Rio nell’Elba with a visit to the Civic Archaeological Museum, where a rich collection of finds, some dating back to the Copper Age, introduces the thousand-year history of the eastern side of the island.

Aboard the VM90 vehicles, participants will reach places rich in history, colours and minerals, where the rocks sparkle and create evocative, almost surreal scenery. The route continues through the experimental tunnel of the mining school. Here, visitors can learn how students were trained in excavation techniques and prepared for work in the mines.

The experience ends with a search for minerals typical of the area, including fascinating hematite and pyrite, known since ancient times as flint.

Admission to the Civic Archaeological Museum of Rio nell’Elba is included.

THE NIGHT TOUR – Red Lake and tunnel
Rio Marina

An evening adventure aboard a military vehicle, under the stars and in the cool night air. Departure is from the Mineral Museum of Rio Marina. With their headlights on, the VM90 vehicles will enter the mining district and reach the famous Laghetto delle Conche, known for the intense red colour of its water and illuminated for the occasion by powerful spotlights.

The route continues along an unpaved road through the woodland as far as Valle Giove. In the darkness of the night, participants will find themselves at the centre of the largest mining amphitheatre on Elba Island, where the almost complete absence of light pollution provides excellent conditions for observing the starry sky. The final stop leads inside the Rosseto underground tunnel. An evocative and unforgettable experience.

Prices

TOUR A – Ginevro: the underground mine (duration approximately 2 hours)
First level Full price €22 / Reduced price (ages 4-12) €15 / Free admission (up to 4 years)
Second level Full price €25 (over 12 years)
Animals: permitted only on the first level, exclusively if small and carried in the arms or in a pet carrier. Supplement €5.
TOUR B – Calamita: the open-air mine (duration approximately 2 hours)
Full price €22 / Reduced price (ages 4-12) €15 / Free admission (up to 4 years) / Animal supplement €5
TOUR C – The mining school and its minerals
Full price €25 / Reduced price (ages 4-11) €13 / Free admission (up to 4 years) / Animal supplement €5
THE NIGHT TOUR – Red Lake and tunnel
Full price €35 / Reduced price €25

Safari packages

A 5% discount is available on subsequent tours for those taking part in more than one excursion. School & Work: Tour A + Tour C
Calamita: Tour A + Tour B
Road to Ginevro: Tour A + Tour B + Tour C
The most comprehensive experience for exploring the mining side of Elba Island: an exciting journey through tunnels, museums, landscapes and minerals.

Booking required

With Safari in Miniera, it is possible to book one or more exclusive tours and customise the experience according to individual requirements. Private excursions are ideal for couples, families and groups of friends wishing to explore the sites and stories of Elba’s mines with greater freedom. Telephone contact is required to arrange a personalised tour.

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