Discovering Oltrarbia

An itinerary that traverses the Oltrarbia, a unique territory that stretches from the Arbia River to the heart of the Chianti Classico region, until touching the ancient route of Via Romea Sanese. The loop is dotted with small historic villages, villas, castles and ancient churches, winding through some 31 miles (50 kilometers) of mostly dirt roads.

To divide the route into two stages, stop in the village of Vagliagli.

Set out from the town of Pianella, with an easy stretch along the paved road to Ponte a Bozzone. Here, a short detour leads to Villa Geggiano, a historic mansion not far from the prestigious Certosa di Pontignano. Follow the dirt road to reach Borgo Scopeto then almost immediately afterwards, arrive in Vagliagli, which takes its name from the wild garlic that grows in the surrounding fields.

From here, continue on to Cignano and Quercegrossa via a solitary dirt road that passes farms and offers spectacular views. Taking the road to Castellina in Chianti, you reach Fonterutoli, where you turn back towards Vagliagli to discover the Etruscan necropolis of Poggino. 

From the hamlet of Vagliagli, reach Dievole, a farm renowned for its wines and encompassing a well-equipped MTB trail, before descending into the Arbia valley until reaching Pievasciata. This is where you can find the Chianti Sculpture Park, an open-air museum where contemporary art and nature come together.

The return to Pianella is smoother. Still, the journey continues to offer wonders such as the ruins of Cerreto and Villa Catignano, with its elegant Italian garden.