A slow travel experience among art, nature, food and wine and centuries-old traditions

I have always lived and ridden in Valdelsa. And for as long as I can remember I hear it being put in the background compared to what is around. There is constant talk, obviously, of Florence and Siena. San Gimignano is seen as a gem, but to be enjoyed as a hit and run experience: tour of the historic center, photos of the towers, ice cream in Piazza della cisterna, and off you go. Monteriggioni is mentioned only marginally. Stop. That’s all. What about the rest of Valdelsa?

I think, unfortunately, that the magnificence of my land is obscured by the great attractions at its extremes. Valdelsa, unknown to the most, is seen as a transit area to go from Florence to Siena and back. So, we lose the awareness of its peculiarities and the emotional rewards it can offer.

I chose to design this project, focused on the enhancement of Valdelsa, precisely to give back to this area an opportunity for revenge. A path dedicated to creating opportunities for new discoveries, new adventures and to generate beauty with what belongs to us.

Around the course of Elsa River, from which indeed the valley takes its name, rise up villages and small hamlets with a still medieval flavour, rich in history and rural tradition that transmit a flowing feeling of peace and tranquility. Here time seems to stand still, or at least, it travels slowly than most of us are used to. The towns are connected by an endless variety of trails, dirt paths and back roads.

You climb and descend. Up and down on the typical Tuscany hills, which have become famous thanks to the huge media attention of the cycling events that take place right next to Valdelsa, such as the Eroica and the Strade Bianche.

You never get bored riding on these roads and the effort made to conquer each climb is repaid by the view that opens before your eyes once you reach the top: endless expanses of vineyards, olive trees dancing to the rhythm of the wind and cypresses that look like paintbrushes ready to paint the sky. And then the fields: so full and colorful in the warm seasons and so bare and marble-like in the cold seasons.

Every time I stop to admire the landscapes of my Valdelsa I feel as if I am in front of a picture, such is the beauty of all this simplicity.

You can learn more about the towns in Valdelsa area by visiting the page “THE VALDELSA”.

But these are the 5 reasons for cycling immersed in the heart of Tuscany:

1.  1. AREA. The typical hilly territory is characterized by large expanses of forest, alternating with arable or cultivated areas with vineyards and olive groves. Far from chaos, pollution and stress, you will find yourself riding surrounded by natural treasures that are a paradise for cycling lovers. You will be fascinated by the views and colors given off by breathtaking sunsets.
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3. 2. HISTORY. Man has been present in Valdelsa since the Bronze Age, passing through the domination of the Etruscans and later the Romans, until it reached considerable importance from the year 1000 thanks to trade and pilgrimages along the famous Via Francigena. Medieval villages, romanic churches and ancient castles can be found in every corner of this territory. Even today it is still possible to ride on those roads of the past, that tell millennia of history in a simple bike journey.
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5. 3. WEATHER. The favorable geographic position of central Tuscany, gives Valdelsa a weather with the typical characteristics of continental and Mediterranean contexts, where the effect due to the winds coming from the Tyrrhenian Sea, mix with that generated by the Apennine dorsal, giving mild winters and sunny and warm summers. This climatic condition makes it possible to ride and enjoy the area throughout the year.
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7. 4. FOOD AND WINE DELICACIES. One of the reasons you must visit Valdelsa is the cuisine. You will find many rich and tasty dishes: appetizers, first courses, main courses and traditional desserts. Among the products to taste we can suggest bistecca, Cinta Senese, cold cuts such as gota and finocchiona, pecorino cheese, truffles, red onion of Certaldo and extra virgin olive oil. All of this should, of course, be accompanied by a glass of wine, whether Chianti, Vernaccia or Vin Santo.
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9. 5. LOCAL TRADITIONS. Valdelsa, like all of Tuscany, is a land of great traditions that have been passed down for generations. As you ride through this area, especially during the warm months, you are probably going to come across festivals, historical re-enactments, markets, patronal festivals and processions. Get caught up in the local euphoria and join in the festivities.