The Sentiero della Bonifica
Sentiero della Bonifica cycle and pedestrian path which joins Arezzo to Chiusi is about 62 km along Valdichiana equipped for those who wish to travel slowly, either by bike or on foot.
The Canale Maestro della Chiana
The Canale Maestro della Chiana’s cycle and pedestrian path which joins Arezzo to Chiusi is about 62 km long, and is equipped and protected for those who wish to travel slowly, either by bike or on foot. The ancient road used for both canal and lock maintenance is, in fact, a natural track without any height or level differences which makes it particularly suitable for family sporting tourism, and can be ideally combined with the railway line which serves the Val di Chiana between Arezzo and Chiusi.
Apart from its history and its landscape, this cycle path that crosses the Val di Chiana, is characterized by its important tourist identity in the sense that it is an area that can be fully used and enjoyed; this is frequently the case of other European cycle paths, made for those who wish to travel slowly, using the bicycle as a means of getting to know the area properly. Its essentially flat land renders it ideal for families with children. In other words, the well-known Tuscany of hills and mountains that usually calls for legs which are used to altitude changes, opens out and becomes a friend even to those cyclists who are not particularly or athletically trained. The Canale Maestro della Chiana’s cycle and pedestrian path acts also as an opportunity of coming into close contact with the locals and their homelands, who can tell you all about their area, rich in the production of wine, oil and fruit.
By following the cycle paths, you can discover wine cellars, squares, oil mills, craftsmen, all ignored by traditional tourist itineraries. It is a sort of preferential route towards the heart of a valley, passed through by many but little known by those who cross it by car or train, heading towards a Tuscany that is still to be discovered and appreciated. This route, combined with train transport, enables you to cover the whole way without having to go back over your own steps; and the services available (bike rental, luggage transport, help centres and specialized tourist-accommodation facilities along the way) create a cycle path which is a point of reference in the heart of Tuscany, and which can easily be reached by train arriving at the stations of Chiusi Chianciano Terme and Arezzo. Short detours off the main route allow you to make a real journey of discovery through the art cities of Montepulciano and Chiusi, Arezzo, Castiglion Fiorentino and Cortona.
La ciclopedonale del Canale Maestro della Chiana è anche un’occasione per entrare in contatto diretto con luoghi e persone che raccontano il territorio con importanti produzioni come vino, olio e frutta. Seguendo la ciclabile si scoprono cantine, piazze, frantoi, artigiani ignorati dalle rotte tradizionali del turismo. Si tratta di una sorta di via preferenziale verso il cuore di una valle frequentata ma sconosciuta da chi l’attraversa in auto o in treno, verso una Toscana tutta da scoprire e da vivere. Il percorso in linea, abbinato al trasporto integrato con il treno, permette di effettuare l’intero tracciato senza dover tornare sui propri passi e i servizi dedicati (noleggio bici, trasporto bagagli, punti assistenza e strutture turistico-ricettive specializzate lungo il percorso) rendono questa strada ciclabile un punto di riferimento nel cuore della Toscana facilmente raggiungibile in treno con le stazioni di Chiusi e Arezzo. Brevi deviazioni dal percorso principale permettono di effettuare un vero e proprio viaggio di scoperta in città d’arte come Montepulciano e Chiusi, Arezzo, Castiglion Fiorentino e Cortona.
THE SENTIERO DELLA BONIFICA - VALDICHIANA
To travel slowly along the Canale Maestro della Chiana [Master Canal of the Chiana area] between Siena and Arezzo signifies discovering the quality of a land which man’s genius has recuperated from out of the water. But not only. Etruscan civilization’s magical roots lie in the midst of this broad valley.
The Val di Chiana is an area in perpetual movement and the century-old land reclamation is a symbol of its continuous transformation.
Engineers, mathematicians, hydraulic experts, cartographers, agronomists and architects all collaborated in the land reclamation of this territory: from Leonardo da Vinci to the Arezzo born Vittorio Fossombroni, a brilliant technician who worked on the project for over 50 years, right up till his death in 1844. The Canale Maestro della Chiana is an historical hydraulic engineering achievement which even nowadays, plays an important role in this area. In ancient times, the “Clanis” river flowed, through the Paglia river, towards the Tevere, thus flowing southwards. Around the 11th century, the valley begun to turn into marshland due to the land around Chiusi slowly rising because of tectonic movements and erosive materials deposited there. Therefore, the “Clanis” river was unable to flow smoothly towards the Tevere River and instead, flooded the valley for the next five centuries. The first attempt to resolve this situation was carried out by the Medici, and was then continued by the Asburgo - Lorena family, the Grand Dukes of Tuscany, so thus began the transformation of this valley. The land reclamation and the realization of the ‘Canale Maestro’, across reclaimed areas, canal bridges, tunnels, drains and locks, changed the direction of the water which now flows northwards to eventually flow into the Arno. The result of this, after this area being marshland for centuries, is nowadays one of the most fertile Italian valleys: it spreads over 185 sq. km, 80 of which have been reclaimed and drained out of the marshes, and are protected by embankments, extending for 630 km.
As a consequence, you can cycle along a truly ‘noble’ pathway, shaped by man and by mother nature, working together in total harmony. A different concept of time is this cycle path’s essential factor, in the sense that the joy of going slowly is rediscovered and in the sense of travelling back through time to the distant and enigmatic past of the Etruscan civilization. But the present is, too, to be discovered, on the footsteps of this fascinating past history, along a route which starts from Chiusi in the labyrinth of Porsenna, the Etruscan king who dared to challenge Rome and actually conquered it, right up to Arezzo’s Chimera, a famous bronze statue dating back to the 4th century B.C. (now in the Archeological Museum of Florence). This Etruscan journey takes you through legends and mysteries, thousand-year-old Walls and necropolises at Cortona and Castiglion Fiorentino: places where it is easy to lose oneself in intriguing questions which come to mind about a population which, many centuries before Christ, already knew how to express themselves as a modern people, going beyond the limits of time. “Live” traces of the ancient Etruscan Curtun [Cortona] are visible in the 3rd-2nd century B.C. ‘Tabula Cortonensis’ [the Cortona Tablet]; this Tablet is one of the most important documents of Etruscan civilization. It is, in fact, a contract that certifies the sale of lands between Cortona families, proving the intense agricultural and commercial activity of the times. Impressive sandstone blocks can still be seen in the Walls of Castiglion Fiorentino, another Etruscan capital and an important place on our journey.
Thus, history but also nature makes up this border area of Tuscany where the mirror-like waters of the lakes of Chiusi and Montepulciano, rich in flora and in fauna, registered in the C.N.R [National Research Council] as important biotopes, represent an extremely interesting natural oasis for touring cyclists who are also bird watching enthusiasts.
Valdichiana: discover the area
Accommodations in the area
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- Cortona (Arezzo)
Rocca di Pierle
Set within the green hills of Tuscany, a few kilometers away from the old Etruscan town of Cortona farmhouse Rocca di Pierle is the perfect place to find peace and tranquility in contact with the pace of nature.
Booking ONLINE
Completely renovated Tuscan farmhouse with 3 rustic-style apartments. For groups possibilities to rent the whole villa. -
- Montepulciano (Siena)
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15 km from Valdichiana
Agriturismo le Caggiole
Immersed in the verdant countryside around the noble town of Montepulciano, that boasts ancient Etruscan origins, Le Caggiole Estate is perfectly located for exploring Tuscany's most prized treasures.
Booking ONLINE
In a relaxing and cosy atmosphere uests are offered three comfortable, quiet double rooms with private bathrooms and two comfortable apartments for two persons and for small family groups. -
- Siena (Siena)
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42 km from Valdichiana
Agriturismo Marciano
Agriturimo Marciano : an exlusive opportunity, two holidays at the place of only one. stay in the country and life downtown. Marciano is located near the walls of the Middle Age town of Siena.
Availability request
Five confortable double rooms and a suite with a beautiful sight on the Siena Duomo -
- Greve in Chianti (Florence)
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50 km from Valdichiana
Villa Chianti 7 beds
Villa Chianti is a private villa for rent in Chianti area with pool and garden that can accommodate up to 7 people.
Availability request
An oasis of peace and tranquility with views of the Chianti valleys not far from the main tourist attractions of Tuscany. -
- Bagno a Ripoli (Florence)
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52 km from Valdichiana
Villa Valdarno 12 beds
Villa Valdarno is a typical Tuscan farmhouse located in a secluded and peaceful area in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, among vineyards and olive groves, and enjoys a privileged panoramic view of the Florentine Valdarno.
Availability request
The ideal solution for groups of friends or acquaintances who wish to spend their holidays in Tuscany with the comforts of a detached villa with swimming pool and large garden. -
- Colle Val D'Elsa (Siena)
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63 km from Valdichiana
La Pieve
La Pieve, charming farmhouse located on the hills of Val d'Elsa, between Volterra and San Gimignano, along the Via Francigena, in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, with its luxuriant nature and rich history.
Availability request
Framed by olive trees and a wood, it fosters a direct dialogue with nature in complete relaxation where they contemplate and enjoy the stillness in private and unique spaces. -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
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66 km from Valdichiana
Agriturismo la Lucciolaia
In the vicinity of the medieval centre of San Gimignano, nestled in the rolling hills of the gorgeous Tuscan countryside, Agriturismo La Lucciolaia is perfectly located for exploring Tuscany's most prized art towns.
Availability request
This ancient farmhouse has been recently renovated and divided into eleven double rooms and two Suites, where the magic atmosphere of past times is perfectly blended with modern comforts. -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
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67 km from Valdichiana
Agriturismo Villa il Palagetto
Agriturismo Villa il Palagetto located in the vicinity of the medieval centre of San Gimignano, nestled in the rolling hills of the gorgeous Tuscan countryside.
Availability request
Provides comfortable accommodation in 6 double bedrooms and two Suites -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
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72 km from Valdichiana
Agriturismo Cesani
Azienda Agricola Biologica Cesani is an organic farm nestled in the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, in the tiny country hamlet of Pancole, 6 km to the medieval town of San Gimignano.
Availability request
Azienda Agricola Biologica Cesani is an organic farm nestled in the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, in the tiny country hamlet of Pancole, 6 km to the medieval town of San Gimignano. -
- Firenze (Florence)
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73 km from Valdichiana
Marignolle relais & charme
The charming Marignolle Relais & Charme, nestled the hills of Florence, is the ideal solution for those who want a place of excellence and relaxation and love peace and privacy without the amenities of a luxury hotel.
Booking ONLINE
Marignolle Relais & Charme is especially appreciated by travelers looking for style and tradition by offering deluxe rooms or junior suites in a refined, with superior comforts and impeccable services that make this relais an excellence of Florence. -
- Castiglione della Pescaia (Grosseto)
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97 km from Valdichiana
Villa Roccamare Castiglione della Pescaia 12 beds
Beautiful and characteristic villa with stone finishes located in the exclusive Roccamare area in Castiglione della Pescaia.
Availability request
Surrounded by the green of the pine forest and the total privacy with 2000 sqm park equipped with relaxation area and barbecue is located about 400 meters from the sea and has a private beach. -
- Castiglione della Pescaia (Grosseto)
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100 km from Valdichiana
Villa Punta Ala 9 beds pool
Beautiful villa with swimming pool surrounded by greenery and tranquility of the exclusive tourist destination Punta Ala and small attic used as service personnel only 300 meters from the sea of Tuscany.
Availability request
This ideal solution for those who want to spend their holidays near the beautiful sea of Punta Ala with the comforts of an exclusive villa. -
- Lucca (Lucca)
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125 km from Valdichiana
Historic Villa Lucca 12 beds pool
Historic villa 14 km from the center of Lucca immersed in the green of the Tuscan vineyards and olive groves, it has a private swimming pool and a large park.
Availability request
Set on 350 square meters in a dominant position offers a unique view of the hills of Tuscany. -
- Massarosa (Lucca)
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137 km from Valdichiana
Stone Farmhouse Massarosa 8 beds pool
Stone farmhouse in typical Tuscan style skilfully and elegantly renovated in a dominant position on the hills of Massarosa with spectacular views that reach the sea of Tuscany. The farmhouse has a swimming pool with whirlpool.
Availability request
Perfect solution for those that search the real authentic Tuscany staying in the hills but not far from the Versilia sea. -
- Viareggio (Lucca)
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139 km from Valdichiana
Villa Torre del Lago 5 beds
Typical Tuscan farmhouse for rent in Torre del Lago, Massaciuccoli area with 3 bedrooms and 5 beds, just 1 km from the Tuscany coast.
Availability request
Ideal solution for small groups or families looking for a villa for rent not far from the sea in a context of absolute privacy.
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