Podere Piana is nestled in the heart of an area rich in history, nature, and art, just a short distance from Florence. We are located in the picturesque hilly area of Reggello, surrounded by authentic landscapes, ancient villages, and places of outstanding natural beauty. This is the ideal destination for those seeking relaxation in the Tuscan countryside without giving up the proximity to great cities of art. Whether you love the most famous itineraries or discovering hidden gems, here you will find endless possibilities to build your own unique experience. From strolls among the olive trees and shopping trips to the ancient Romanesque churches scattered throughout the territory: every direction tells a different story of Tuscany.
Podere Piana is nestled in the heart of an area rich in history, nature, and art, just a short distance from Florence. Whether you love the most famous tourist itineraries or are looking for hidden, authentic corners, we are here to help you design your perfect holiday.The village of Donnini is perfect for a relaxing stroll, perhaps stopping by the small lake or visiting the beautiful Pieve di Pitiana (just 800 meters from our estate), which offers a splendid view over the valley. Heading towards Reggello by car, you will encounter ancient bridges, panoramic views, and Romanesque churches, including the famous Pieve di Cascia in Reggello (20 minutes away), which houses Masaccio's famous Triptych.Horseback Riding: Just a few meters from our farmhouse, you'll find the stables of our friend Laura, "Club le Roverelle". She will be delighted to guide you in the saddle along our countryside trails. Feel free to ask us for info to book an appointment with her and her horses!
We are very close to the Forest of Vallombrosa, with its famous thousand-year-old Abbey nestled in the beautiful setting of the Casentinesi Forest National Park.Trekking to Vallombrosa on foot: If you are a keen walker, you can reach the forest directly on foot from the estate! Head out onto the road and turn left until you reach the top of the hill, then turn left again. After about a hundred meters, following the signs for Vallazzi, take the dirt road. You will find a forest path that will lead you to the paved road to Tosi. Once in the village, you will find signs for Vallombrosa: at the crossroads turn right and continue walking along the path in the woods or on the main road. Once you arrive in Vallombrosa, you can continue to the village of Saltino: from the "Belvedere" you will enjoy a breathtaking view that stretches all the way to Florence.
Le Balze di Reggello: Just a short distance from us, you will find Le Balze, spectacular clay canyons formed by erosion. Besides offering a unique landscape, it is said that Leonardo da Vinci was so fascinated by them that he used them as the background for his Mona Lisa painting. From here, you can take the ancient "7 Ponti" road to reach Arezzo along a scenic route, or use the convenient highway.La Schiacciata della Consuma: Heading up the road towards La Consuma (in the direction of Casentino), you absolutely must stop to taste the famous "schiacciata ai porcini" (flatbread with porcini mushrooms) baked in a wood-fired oven. Continuing along the road, you can explore the villages and castles of Casentino: Poppi, Montemignaio, Stia, the Pieve di Romena, up to the sacred sites of Camaldoli and La Verna, linked to the life of St. Francis. These are fresh places in summer, rich in history and never crowded.
Just a few kilometers away lies Mugello, famous for its motorcycle racing circuit but also for its splendid medieval villages like Scarperia, Firenzuola, and Marradi. Driving towards Borgo San Lorenzo (either via the highway or the beautiful local road), you will pass Pontassieve, Rufina, Dicomano, and Vicchio, where you can visit the birthplace of Giotto. On the way back, we highly recommend a stop at the Nipozzano Castle or the Enoteca Il Quartino of the Marchesi Frescobaldi for a wine tasting at sunset.
Podere Piana is the perfect starting point to discover the real Tuscany amidst the splendid Chianti hills. Alternatively, you can catch a train to visit Florence; the S. Ellero train station is just 6 km away. What is there to see in Florence? Everything! We are just 20 km from the city. It truly is a city rich in art and history: the Vasari Corridor, the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza del Duomo, the Opera del Duomo, museums, and so much more..
Podere Piana is the ideal base for exploring the region's most famous destinations:Chianti Classico: Drive towards Greve in Chianti, Impruneta, and the wine villages.Siena and Val d'Orcia: Taking the Firenze-Siena highway, we recommend visiting Pienza, Montalcino, and Montepulciano for their exceptional cheeses and wines, alongside classic medieval gems like Monteriggioni and San Gimignano.Spa & Relax: If you have time, head out to Lake Trasimeno in nearby Umbria, or rejuvenate at the beautiful free hot springs or thermal establishments of Chianciano, Bagni di San Filippo, or Saturnia.Sea & Art Cities: You can easily plan a day trip to the coast to visit Pisa and Livorno, or spend a visit exploring the beautiful cities of Lucca, Pistoia, or Montecatini Terme..
In Tuscany, we love to eat crostini, cured meats, and cheeses, accompanied by a good glass of Chianti wine, for traditional parties, dinners, or during an aperitivo. Some traditional Tuscan dishes are based on stale bread because they are simple recipes from the peasant tradition.But the absolute must-eat is the steak: the Florentine steak (Bistecca alla Fiorentina), strictly cooked rare! There are many restaurants nearby that we can recommend, ranging from traditional cuisine to simple pizza. Alternatively, you can buy excellent meat directly in the village of Donnini and cook it on our guest BBQ.
Fashion lovers will be delighted to know that The Mall, a world-famous luxury designer outlet with a vast selection of Italian and international brands (including Armani, Gucci, Prada, and many others), is located just 10 kilometers from Podere Piana. Nearby you will also find GROOVE, which features several shops, a great pizzeria, and a bar. You can find other outlets in the surrounding areas, such as the VALDICHIANA OUTLET or BARBERINO OUTLET, though you will need to take the highway to reach them.
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