Path of the Olive Groves by bike

This path suggested by La Chianina Asd, the organization that every year organizes the event La Chianina Ciclostorica, will let us discover some of the most beautiful landscapes in Tuscany, through sunflower fields, farms and bucolic atmospheres. 

The Valdichiana is a land of good eating and good living. Among its products of excellence is extra virgin olive oil, so the "Percorso degli Olivi" (Path of the Olive Groves) was created to allow every cycling lover to experience this tradition and culture by getting on a bike in a typically Tuscan rural and peasant landscape.

The itinerary starts from Marciano della Chiana, a place of ancient battles and custodian of medieval art and finds its heart in the climb to the village of Civitella that, with its city walls and castle on the top of the hill, is one of the most identifying places in the valley.

Leaving the elegant profile of the Marciano Tower in the distance, we first move toward Badicorte and then toward Montagnano, a small town in the territory of Mount San Savino.

Passing through cultivated fields dotted with leopoldine (rural houses) that tell of the strong agricultural vocation of this land, we pass by Frassineto and continue in a direction which is basically parallel to the Canale Maestro della Chiana, until we reach State Road 73, which intersects Via di Mugliano.

At this point we take the climb toward Civitella in Valdichiana. From an architectural viewpoint, it is the classic example of medieval village rich in beautiful views on the Valdichiana, located in a strategic position, very close to Arezzo. From Etruscan origins, through Longobard rule, to the contention between Arezzo and Siena, to World War II, the streets of the historic town center and the majestic Rocca tell us a centuries-long history.

Passing by Civitella, we ride over the hills sloping toward the Valdichiana, until we reach Oliveto, a tiny hamlet hidden within an ancient city wall. Just outside the historic town center, we can enjoy the view of the imposing Villa Oliveto, surrounded by a romantically-inspired park, with remarkable specimens of cedar and holm oak, characterized by a winding path from the main façade to terraces planted with olive trees. 

We therefore begin to approach the starting point again. We cross Albergo and the surrounding countryside in Spoiano, to then find ourselves riding the initial kilometers again. Our ideal loop thus closes in Marciano della Chiana, at the end of an impressive 52 kilometers.