Tuscany's secret - San Giovanni Valdarano

Not only is San Giovanni within ready reach of the best towns in Tuscany, but it is also immersed in a wonderful natural environment. You can hike the near mountains of Pratomagno, or cycle to places such as the small lake of Santa Barbara, or the picturesque hilltop village of Loro Ciuffenna.

You can also rent a car to drive delightful country roads such as the Sette Ponti, enjoying beautiful landscapes. In late afternoon you can also relax by walking along the River Arno gardens, or if you are fascinated by medieval monuments you can visit the Romanesque churches of Pieve di Gropina and Pieve di Cascia, or the monastery of Montecarlo.

The Sette Ponti - the ancient "road of the seven bridges" - winds  between the River Arno and the Pratomagno mountain, starting from the Etruscan town of Arezzo and ending almost in Firenze, symbol of the Renaissance. The route takes you through the typical Tuscan countryside regions of Casentino and Chianti, through small towns and villages such as Castelfranco di Sopra.

The gently rolling hills with vineyards, olive groves and mountain woods are a harmony of nature, history and culture. Travellers are surrounded by farmhouses and mansions which produce their own olive oil and wine, natural reserves, the mythical clay cliff formations of the Le Balze and the solemn simplicity of old monasteries and churches. Here you can embrace the particular, serene atmosphere of the typical Tuscan landscape with the region's famous farm produce and cooking.

The Valdarno region of San Giovanni is one of Tuscany's best kept secrets, different from the normal tourist sites and not crowded with   sightseers.

If you want to practice your Italian in genuine territory, this is the right place. San Giovanni Valdarno offers art, culture, nature and a delightfully traditional environment, yet close to all the major city centres.   Furthermore, you will find all conveniences in this small town, such as banks, post offices, restaurants, shops and Internet points.

And in summer particularly, but all year round, many cultural events are organised for the local people. Why not to join them?

If you like nature, hiking, cycling, or horse-riding you can stay in one of the pleasant family-run farmhouses available in the area not far from the school.

For shopping, San Giovanni offers all the bargains and range of the larger cities through its numerous variety of  retail outlets, but with tranquil convenience.  Here you can buy the latest fashion in clothes, bags and other apparel, delicious local products such as cheese, extra virgin olive oil, wine and traditional cured meats.

And each Saturday morning many people from surrounding towns flock to San Giovanni for the colourful and characteristic street market which offers wonderful opportunities to buy fresh fruit and vegetables, on-site roasted chickens, pork, traditional tripe-filled rolls, as well as cheap clothes, shoes, utensils, dress material, plants….

There are many opportunities to explore the area on your own by bike, foot, car, or even bus (for the most adventurous!). Otherwise you can   join "Il Sillabo's" monthly excursion and visits programme and follow our expert guide.

San Giovanni is on the main Roma to Firenze rail route, making it a convenient launching point to all major Italian cities and regions.  Trains to  Firenze and  Arezzo are frequent and quick (30-35 minutes) and Roma is only three hours away by rail. Click here for the train time table.

Arriving by car is equally as easy. San Giovanni is on the
A1 autostrada , Italy's most important super highway, which links the northern and southern regions of the country.