The Tuscan Hills
Travel through Tuscany and you will discover the incredible variety of nature this region has to offer: age-old woods, chestnut groves and the gentle hills surrounding Florence and Siena which become a harsher, clay landscape as you head past Siena and towards the upper part of the Arno valley with its rivers and narrow gullies. Explore the area on foot, by mountain bike or on horse-back in close contact with nature.
It is impossible to talk about Tuscany without mentioning the Chianti hills which are famous worldwide for their vines, and roads and hilltops lined with cypress trees. The Pisan hills are part of the diverse, farming territory surrounding Pisa and it is here that you can pick up the so called ‘Strada del Vino’ or ‘Wine Road’. The ‘Strada del Vino’ winds its way through the pretty Pisan hills and is scattered with farms and agriturismos offering accommodation. There are many small medieval towns, villages and hamlets, often spread over the hills, offering not just wonderful architecture but the chance to try local food and wine specialities. Those who prefer a harsher landscape will enjoy the steeper hills and crags round Volterra and the area known as the ‘Crete Senesi’, in Asciano, near Siena. The Crete Senesi are almost desert like with a barren landscape and moon-like craters. It is no wonder that many abbeys and hermitages were built in this area in Medieval times. Between the provinces of Siena and Florence you will find the gentle hills of the Elsa Valley and the medieval town of Colle di Val d’Elsa. Here the 1980’s saw a move away from manufacturing and back to agricultural life and hospitality. Further south in Tuscany are the hills and valleys around the Albegna and Fiora rivers, often covered with chestnut and cork trees or the typical Mediterranean scrub. In the northern tip of this area lies Mount Amiata whilst further south are the peaceful hills of the Orcia valley famous for its never-ending lines of cypress trees and its many medieval and renaissance villages such as Montalcino and Pienza. Here you must try the ‘pici’ (homemade pasta), the sheep’s cheese from Pienza, and the famous Brunello di Montalcino wines. Heading east you reach the province of Grosseto. This territory stills bears witness to ancient rocky settlements, hamlets and medieval fortifications which sprung up close to centres already important during Etruscan and Roman times. Finally, in the heart of the province of Grosseto you will find the gentle hills of the Ombrone Valley whilst close to the border with Umbria are the stunning olive covered hills of the Chiana Valley. These hills are located between the provinces of Arezzo and Siena and between Perugia and Terni and are home to the world famous ‘chianina’ breed of cow. Other local products worth mentioning are the excellent extra-virgin olive oil and honey still produced by families with a strong farming tradition.
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