Nature, relaxation and dream panoramas; a truly exclusive mix that it is possible to enjoy while riding on horseback or pedalling a mountain bike between Valdarno and Chianti, a trip to rediscover the paradise that has made this one of the most sought out zones in the world. Our excursion leaves from Cavriglia, the “doorway to Chianti”. From the capital, following the provincial mine road, it is possible to reach the town of Castelnuovo dei Sabbioni, set of the Tuscan directed film “Ivo il Tardivo”, where the old uninhabited village can be admired, a unique example of its kind. Climbing towards the small town of Massa it is then possible to arrive at the famous Cavriglia Park. It is a true natural oasis lying on the Chianti hills were several unique animals live. The well-equipped park is over 600 hectares large and is surrounded by a forest of chestnut and beech trees. Mouflon sheep, fallow deer, roe deer and other animals live free inside the park that has numerous trails for walking, horseback riding and mountain bike riding. It is an ideal spot to spend a few hours surrounded by nature and with children. The park, in fact, was created especially for the young who can move about freely and see the types of animals that they may never have seen before from only a few meters away. Ostriches, mischievous monkeys and the famous bears are only some of the animals that can be seen in the Cavriglia Park. Next to the exotic and extravagant animals also live numerous typical local animals: geese, pigs and cows make up a sort of small local farm. Moreover, inside the park is found one of the most noted European centres for the training and development of the donkey, an animal that is too often mistreated but capable of giving an incredible amount of affection.
Once the immersion in nature is completed you can be off again towards Chianti and after a dozen kilometres through a marvellous plateau you will reach the village of Lucolena and from here the town of Dudda where one of the most beautiful churches in the area can be found. After another few minutes of travel we have arrived at our destination, Greve in Chianti is the final stop in our itinerary. The marvellous Piazza Matteotti, with its unmistakeable shape, is the heart of the town. There are dozens of characteristic boutiques that face the square which offer the best traditional local products starting with the unfailing Chianti Gallo Nero wine. It is not by chance that this is the production capital for Bacchus’s nectar.(Portions of this article first appeared in "Toscana & Chianti News")
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