Descrizione:
2 DAYS/1 NIGHT
By following secondary and low-traffic roads, the guides will lead you to discover the typical Tuscan hills surrounding Montecatini Terme and the Valdinievole, characterized by their great historic- artistic value, but also by the beauty of paths through the woods. The first stage will be Buggiano Castello, an intimate, silent, exclusive and very scenic town, thanks to its building that are coloured with the characteristic Buggiano Red. The village, authentic in its aspect and urban structure, is famous also for its citrus gardens which are open to the public every two years, between April and May. The XIII-century Palazzo del Podestà, with XV and XVI-century armorial bearings, is located on the main square. Next to the Palace, there is the Romanesque church of Madonna della Salute and Saint Nicolao, founded in 1308; it has an important bell tower with single-storey and mullioned windows, within which there are three naves divided, on one side, by XIII century-capitals with zoomorphic decoration. A XIV century-crucifix and a XII-XIII-century baptismal font are also preserved, as well as several works of Renaissance art. In the upper part you can see the remains of the stronghold and the walls. Nearby is the second village, Colle di Buggiano, immersed into the olive groves of the Tuscan countryside: it’s a small, XVI-century medieval village. It’s located along what was the only road to Lucca and Pistoia and in the Middle Ages it was a popular stopping point for travellers who stopped in the several taverns. Given the high number of knights who used to frequent that road, the Knights of Malta built a small church just at the entrance to the village.
After leaving Colle di Buggiano, we continue through the wood; by crossing the wonderful paths that go up the hill we reach Cozzile, a small and well-preserved village on the hill. The stronghold is known for its castle, Palazzo de Gubernatis, which is well-preserved and climbs up the hill in a very suggestive way. By entering the village through the Porta di Mezzodì, we are faced with a wonderful terrace from which we can enjoy a vast landscape that, on the clearest days, allows to see the sea and the Mount Amiata. From Cozzile, the road goes downhill. By crossing the beautiful Roman road we reach Massa, a medieval village surrounded by olive groves and chestnut woods; it’s the oldest fortified town in the area, with a remarkable historic and artistic heritage. After crossing its narrow streets, we get to the end of the tour through the downhill.
An itinerary of medium difficulty, lasting half a day.
Participation fee upon request.
It includes:
• 1 night in a hotel in Montecatini Terme
• Accompaniment with specialized guide
• Dinner in a typical restaurant in Montecatini Alto
Possibility to book a mountain bike
Book this offer right now