Detailed description (English): TRAIN: Firenze – Vicchio
You’ll depart from the Santa Maria Novella train station in Florence and take the regional train to Vicchio (the meeting town in the region of Mugello). On the regional train, you’ll travel like a local, where trains are reliable, quiet, and facilitate a calm escape from city-life. On the regional train, you’ll be introduced to the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside with olive trees and vineyards. You’ll see the Arno river briefly to your right, and then Sieve river to your left. The valley of the river Sieve will be visible in front of you and it is directly located near the famous Vineyard Chianti Rufina. In this area - locals cultivate grain, grow sunflowers, and raise livestock. We’ll arrive in the area outside of Florence called Mugello which is the land where the Medici family had its origins, the birthplace of Giotto, and home to Beato Angelico. You’ll notice that many famous Italian painters, writers, and artists were deeply connected to the Tuscan countryside and this was visible in their works. Mugello is called the “Garden Paradise”.
You’ll arrive at the Vicchio train station and you’ll be able to see the Apennines in front of you, ready to explore the mountains by bike.
BIKE: Vicchio-Ronta
You’ll be fitted for a bike and will have the opportunity to bike in Tuscan countryside, away from traffic and industries. The scenic and peaceful rural area , with cultivated fields, vineyards, olive trees, farmouses, stately villas, and Romanesque churches, will be breathtakingly picturesque. You’ll be able to see the familiar chessboard colorful land plots, and hills of the countryside which will be reminiscent of your favorite movies that take place in Tuscany.
Cycling is the ideal way to experience this area authentically and without disturbing the environment. Along the way, we’ll stop at the famous church of San Cassiano in Padule, visit a farm that collects saffron and produces honey, and see vineyards.
As we move past the river Sieve’s valley, you’ll be able to see the mountains of the Apennines, and you’ll see oak wood trees and chestnut crops! We’ll finally arrive at the village of Ronta where the tour ends. From there you can explore the area or take the train back to Florence.
TRAIN: Ronta – Firenze
Target group(s): all cyclist
Objectives: Connect the city to the countryside and mountainous area bypassing traditional traffic, and avoiding paths potentially unsafe for bicyclist. Promote the eco-tourism in a rural area using ecological means of transport.
Expected Outcomes: 100 people the first year
Partner: Tuscany Region, Comune di Vicchio