ACTIVITIES

Hiking, biking and horseback riding trails

Valdambra is a welcoming land located between the Chianti mountains and the Upper Valdarno, crossed by the stream of the Ambra River. This valley seems tailor-made for those who walk in search of a natural, cultural, historical, artistic and enogastronomic heritage, driven by the desire to discover and savor the tranquility of the land and its traditions.
All this unfolds in a landscape that has embraced the presence of humans for centuries, who helped in respectfully shaping its many forms and forging lasting bonds with the land.

Day after day, the many castles of Valdambra – from Montebenichi to those in Cennina and Rapale – along with the enchanting tower of Galatrona and the remains of the ancient fortification of Ambra and Castiglione Alberti, will unveil their history to their visitors.

Valdambra is also home to ancient places of worship, such as the abbeys of Badia in Ruoti and Badia Agnano, and parish churches like those of Galatrona and Santa Maria in Altaserra.

The trails wind through small villages immersed in the greenery of woods, vineyards, and olive trees, such as San Leolino and Duddova. Along the way, one may also pause in silent contemplation at memorial sites or stop in awe at the foot of a centuries-old tree.

Trails and routes are available for every type of hiker, from experienced to regular ones, and even for those undertaking this activity for the first time, because, as Gary Snider once said, “Walking is the great adventure, the first meditation, a practice of heartiness and soul primary to humankind”.

All paths are also easily accessible on horseback and by mountain bike.

Valdambra, an open-air museum where nature and culture come alive.

Our houses are located near the village of Ambra, in the heart of Tuscany, between Arezzo, Siena and Florence. The Valdambra, with its history, culture and nature, is one of the most ravishing valleys of Tuscany.
Ancient woods and cultivated fields with its scattered farmhouses are still perfectly preserved by the valley, along with vineyards and olive groves that enrich the landscape, making it even more extraordinary.
Several small villages in the area are worth a visit, especially during the summer as every weekend they host a traditional country festival with great food.

In the heart of Tuscany

Valdambra is situated in a strategic position in the heart of Tuscany, providing quick access to some of the region’s most fascinating destinations.
The valley lies just a 30-minute drive from Siena via the highway – the magnificent city of the Palio (a traditional horse race held annually in the main square since 1633). Nearby, Monteriggioni with its ancient city walls, San Gimignano with its towers, and San Galgano which still preserves “the sword in the stone” are ready to be explored.

Heading south from Siena, in just one hour the Tuscan coast can be reached. Tuscany’s sea has long been among the cleanest in Italy, and visitors are spoiled for choice: the medieval charm of Castiglione della Pescaia, the well-equipped beaches of Marina di Grosseto, or the wild beauty of the Maremma Regional Park, a protected natural reserve.

The same highway also leads in the opposite direction, opening the way to visit Cortona, an ancient Etruscan city, Montepulciano, the city of Nobile wine, and then Umbria, until Perugia and Assisi, the city of Saint Francis.

30 minutes away is Arezzo, a city famous for its well-known frescos made by Piero della Francesca, and for Roberto Benigni’s Oscar winning movie “Life is beautiful”.

Further into the Casentino mountains, visitors can explore the Sanctuary of La Verna, founded by Saint Francis of Assisi, and the Hermitage of Camaldoli.

Finally, Florence is easily reachable from the nearby Bucine station – just an hour away by train – making it a convenient alternative to driving into the city and dealing with parking.

In Tuscany the journey is often just as beautiful as the destination. That’s why we recommend a selection of routes to our guests that follow quiet country roads, winding through quaint villages, remote parish churches, and the ever-changing landscapes of vineyards, olive groves, and golden wheat fields.

Just a few minutes from Valdambra lies the heart of Chianti, an area renowned for its wine. Heading a little bit south, there are the Crete Senesi and the Valdorcia, while to the east the prosperous Valdichiana and Trasimeno Lake are situated.

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