One of Tuscany' s secrets
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.
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