The boutique hotel Ilio in Capo S. Andrea invites guests to go "bio watching" in order to discover the different forms of wildlife that inhabit the evergreen woods in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. This new form of eco-tourism will be popular with young and old alike

Over recent years, the term biodiversity has been much in vogue amongst environmentalists and naturalists. It indicates the heterogeneous nature and vast number of animal and plant species inhabit our peninsula and are peculiar to each individual region, but that the majority of people do not even know about. Because of this, alternative tourism is growing, offering excursions to woods, flower-filled meadows, lakes, rivers and streams, sea shores and rocky peaks, as well as visits to cities and monuments or seaside resorts. This new form of tourism helps people to rediscover the extraordinary wealth of nature. Trees, flowers, rocks, grasses, insects, birds and mammals become the object of observation and classification: this is "bio watching", one of the eco-activities offered by the Hotel Ilio in Capo S. Andrea on the Island of Elba. The excursions, accompanied by environmental guides from the Tuscan Archipelago National Park and specialist instructors, start with bird spotting, observing wild birds, and move on to look at all forms of life and their natural habitats. This full immersion into the colours, scents and sounds of Mediterranean flora and fauna will win over adults and children alike. With a local map, guides to the different forms of wild life, comfortable shoes and clothes for long walks, k-way, notebook, rucksack with food and water and a pair of binoculars, you are ready to start off on this unusual but exciting adventure. "Bio watching" is not just a hobby; it is a journey into the heart of a new earthly paradise. And Elba is certainly one of the best places to do it. The Hotel Ilio invites guests to try out this experience during April, May and June, when nature shows itself in all its spectacular biodiversity.

Trips:
Half day bio watching trips cost 30 Euros, full day trips cost 40 Euros (minimum 2 people). All the trips are led by environmental trip guides with insurance cover; the trips include a minibus service from the hotel to the starting point and vice versa.

Ilio prices:
Per person per day, depending on room type and season:
Green: from min. € 37.00 (with breakfast) to max. € 83.00 (half board)
Garden: from min. € 39.00 (with breakfast) to max. € 85.00 (half board)
Blue: from min. € 41.00 (with breakfast) to max. € 87.00 (half board)
Tuscan: from min. € 47.00 (with breakfast) to max. € 93.00 (half board)


For further information:
Hotel Ilio Capo S. Andrea 24 - 57030 Marciana - Isola d'Elba
Tel. 0565.90.80.18 Fax 0565.90.80.87
Website: www.ilio.it