Valdichiana Aretina: Three ways to experience the area at a leisurely pace

One of the ways to explore the valley’s hills include guided e-bike tours, which connect the fortified historic villages via scenic trails and low-traffic secondary roads. 
As you ride, you’ll be surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, starting from the foot of Cortona or crossing the countryside of Castiglion Fiorentino: even the uphill stretches become an opportunity to stop and observe the landscape from a different perspective.

As summer comes to an end, the woods in the Valdichiana area become the ideal place for truffle hunting. 
Accompanied by expert truffle hunters and their dogs, you can take part in the search, walking among oak trees and along trails while learning to recognize the signs on the ground. 
You follow the dog’s lead until he pinpoints the right spot and starts to dig, revealing a truffle hidden beneath the soil. 
It’s an experience that offers a closer look at an activity that has been linked to the area and its traditions for centuries.

Cooking also provides a way to connect with the traditions of the Valdichiana Aretina area. Cooking classes dedicated to the flavors of the area allow you to learn traditional local techniques and recipes. 
Under the guidance of local chefs, you’ll learn to appiciare - or hand-make pici, thick Tuscan spaghetti made with flour and water. 
The menu follows the seasons and highlights some of the area’s most iconic products, from Valdichiana Aglione to fresh truffles harvested that very day.