Val di Chiana Tour of Perfect Villages – art, harmony and hidden life
A slow journey through Tuscany’s most harmonious villages: Lucignano, Foiano della Chiana, Castiglion Fiorentino, Monte San Savino and Cortona. Discover authentic beauty with Podere Grotta Antica.
Alessio
Val di Chiana Tour of Perfect Villages
art, harmony and hidden life
There’s a Tuscany that whispers instead of showing off.
A land of soft hills, quiet villages and timeless shapes — the Val di Chiana Aretina,
where every corner feels balanced, calm, and full of grace.
This itinerary is for travelers who love authenticity, small stories, and beauty that doesn’t need a spotlight.
[ Castiglion Fiorentino ] [ Lucignano ] [Foiano della Chiana ] [ Monte San Savino ] [ Cortona ]
[ Castiglion Fiorentino ]
[Lucignano ] [Foiano della Chiana ] [Monte San Savino] [Cortona ]
Castiglion Fiorentino
the terrace of time
Built on what was once an island, Castiglione del Lago overlooks the water from its stunning medieval fortress.
Its streets twist through stone archways, terraces, and the scent of lake cuisine.
Here, ferries depart for the islands and paths follow the shoreline through olive trees and reeds.
👉 Tip: climb the Leone Fortress at sunset — the light over the lake turns golden and infinite
...
Lucignano
the spiral of love
A ten-minute ferry ride feels like traveling back in time.
Isola Maggiore is a tiny fishing village frozen in the past, where stone houses, old nets, and olive trees tell stories of solitude and devotion.
You can walk around it in less than an hour, surrounded by peace and light.
👉 Tip: visit the House of the Captain of the People and follow the panoramic path to the statue of Saint Francis — from there, the lake seems to breathe.
...
Foiano della Chiana
the village of colors and joy
Elegant yet authentic, Passignano is the lively heart of the Trasimeno.
Fishing boats sway gently, cafés hum with laughter, and the evenings fill with music and good wine.
Perfect for a relaxed afternoon or an aperitivo by the water.
👉 Tip: try the tegamaccio, a traditional fish stew — simple, rich, and full of lake flavor.
...
Monte San Savino
the bronze masters’ town
The largest of the lake’s islands, Isola Polvese is a natural park,
an oasis of trails, medieval ruins, olive groves, and shaded coves.
It’s the perfect spot for a swim, a walk, or a quiet picnic among the reeds.
👉 Tip: take the Water Lily Path up to the old castle — between reflections and wind, it feels like walking inside a watercolor painting.
...
Cortona
the horizon of the soul
Away from the crowds, San Feliciano still breathes like a fishing village,
with boats drying under the sun and nets folded on the docks.
Nearby, Monte del Lago stands high above the water — tiny, peaceful, and breathtaking.
👉 Tip: stop here at sunset — the lake turns pink, the air stills, and silence becomes beauty.
Castiglion Fiorentino
the terrace of time
Overlooking the valley like a watchful guardian, Castiglion Fiorentino is a blend of art, warmth, and history.
The Vasari Loggia offers one of the most perfect views in Tuscany,
and the town’s quiet rhythm makes it a peaceful first stop.
👉 Tip: visit the Civic Archaeological Museum, then climb to the Cassero Tower for a golden sunset over the valley.
...
Lucignano
the spiral of love
Built in a unique spiral shape, Lucignano is a masterpiece of medieval harmony.
Its narrow streets seem to dance around the hill, and in the town museum rests the Golden Tree,
a Gothic reliquary that celebrates eternal love.
👉 Tip:stop in the main square for a coffee — here, time truly slows down.
...
Foiano della Chiana
the village of colors and joy
Lively yet authentic, Foiano della Chiana is a cheerful Tuscan village known for its ancient Carnival — one of Italy’s oldest.
But even beyond the festival, it’s full of warmth, craft shops, and genuine flavors.
👉 Tip: visit a papier-mâché workshop where artisans still handcraft the giant floats: living folk art at its finest.
...
Monte San Savino
the bronze masters’ town
Elegant and serene, Monte San Savino breathes Renaissance grace.
It’s famous for its bronze artisans and the quiet beauty of its streets and arcades.
👉 Tip: ask to visit a historic foundry — seeing molten bronze become art is unforgettable.
...
Cortona
the horizon of the soul
Ancient, spiritual, and full of light, Cortona remains one of Tuscany’s most soulful cities.
Beyond museums and churches, it’s the small things that matter —
the smell of olive oil, the sound of footsteps on stone, the sunset on the rooftops.
👉 Tip: walk up to the Hermitage of Le Celle, hidden in the woods, where silence feels sacred.
After a day among perfectly shaped villages,
coming back to Podere Grotta Antica feels like completing a circle.
The air smells of olive wood and dusk, and the peace of the Chiana lingers like a soft memory.
📍 Distances from Podere Grotta Antica (Chiusi)
Castiglion Fiorentino ~50 min · Lucignano ~45 min ·
Foiano della Chiana ~35 min ·
Monte San Savino ~50 min · Cortona ~45 min