Il Poggiolo is located in the heart of Tuscany, in the area called the Valdarno. It is equidistant from Florence, Siena and Arezzo (30-45 minutes), and just a short drive away from a number of historic monuments, art treasures, picturesque villages, national parks, thermal baths and seaside beaches. A number of designer outlets are also located in the area.

Situated in a wine-producing region known as the “Chianti Putto” (where some of the celebrated “super-Tuscan” vineyards can be found), Il Poggiolo belongs to a region known for its olive oil, local specialties, and gourmet restaurants.

For specific map and location information, see this page.

There is plenty to do within a short drive or train ride from Il Poggiolo!!

Il Poggiolo is located in the heart of the Valdarno. There are three towns within 10 minutes drive (Montevarchi is the largest, Levane, Mercatale, and Bucine are smaller).

It is also roughly equidistant from the larger cities of Florence, Arezzo and Siena, as follows:

• Florence – 35 min by train, 45 min by car
• Arezzo – 20 min by train, 30 min by car.
• Siena – 30 min by car.

Getting to Florence from Il Poggiolo: The nearest train station is “Montevarchi – Terranuova” on the Rome-Florence line. Given the parking problem in all of the Medieval cities in Tuscany, it is often advisable to park your car at the Montevarchi station and just take the train. Ticket one-way to Florence costs €4 (reductions for children under 12 and adults over 65). Taking the train (above all to Florence) for a day trip is a good idea, especially if you calculate the cost of gas and parking (not always easy to find). Cities easily reached by train from Montevarchi include Florence, Arezzo, Cortona, Orvieto, Pisa, Lucca, and even Rome.

Cities & Art

For art historical, travel and lifestyle information on Florence and Tuscany, including the locations listed below, please visit www.arttrav.com, a website written and maintaned by a friend of ours who is a professor of art history. There are plenty of guide books for you to borrow in your accomodation at Il Poggiolo, but for advance planning, arttrav has some recommended books listed here.

The official tourism website for the region of Tuscany has some good “starter information” and inspirational videos to help you plan. Each city and province also has an official site; here are the most relevant to our area:

• City of Florence tourism official website.
• Province of Siena official website
• Province of Arezzo official website

Nature & Relaxation: some things to do

Trekking in both the Apennine Mountains and the Chianti hills (trails courtesy of the CAI – Club Alpino Italiano).

Country Walks: Just stroll out your front door and walk along the country roads in the neighbourhood. See sunflowers turn as the sun moves across the sky, grapes ripening on the vine, olives being harvested in the fall. The village of Mercatale is only 3 km. away, a 45 minute stroll. A slightly more challenging jaunt (5 km.) brings you to the 13th-century tower from which there is a view of the entire Valdarno and Appennine mountain range. And don’t forget to enjoy a cappuccino or gelato at the local café before you walk home!

Natural Parks: the Parco dell’Uccellina south of Grossetto, Pratomagno in the Appennines, and many others.

Thermal baths: Rapolano, Petrolo, Bagno Vignoni, Saturnia and many more.

Swimming: Il Poggiolo does not have its own pool, but there are outdoor pools that can be reached in a short drive. This list was compiled by our younger guests in their order of preference:

• “Croccodile”: Near Arezzo. Artificial waves and water slides and cafés and pizzeria.
• Municipal pool in Montevarchi with diving board and local kids who strike up conversations in halting English.
• “Las Vegas” in San Giovanni Valdarno with water slide and pizzeria-café.
• Pools at Capannole (near Bucine): fewer people, more up-scale (better for adults), with trattoria & café.
• Fresh water ponds nearby are free.

County fairs, Gastronomic fêtes and Town holidays (for patron saints). See list of upcoming “sagre” (town fêtes) in Tuscany.

Historic re-enactments: the Palio of Siena, the Gioco del Saraceno in Arezzo, the Calcio Storico match in Florence, and many more.

Outlet Shopping

Prada Outlet: Località Levanella, 52025 Montevarchi (AR), Tel : +39 055 91 901
Il Poggiolo just happens to be as close as you can get to the Prada outlet, destination for many a visitor to the area.

The Mall: Via Europa 8, 50060 Leccio, Reggello
Tuscany’s first designer outlet mall is located at the Incisa exit off highway A-1 (which you take from Il Poggiolo towards Florence). Stores include Gucci, Armani, Valentino, Tods-Hogans, La Perla, etc. The Fendi Outlet is also nearby.

Valdichiana Outlet Village, Via Enzo Ferrari, 5, Localita Farniole, Foiano della Chiana (AR)
From Il Poggiolo it’s a short drive to this mall in the direction of Arezzo, either on the A1 highway or via SS69. Has major stores, Italian and non-Italian, with 30-70% discounts off tag price. Stores like Guess, Benetton, Sisley, Bata etc. are viable options for lower budgets as compared to the more upscale “The Mall” which is only for luxury goods. There are also some kitchen stores that carry discounted Italian houseware items by Alessi, Lagostina, etc. (website)

Barberino Outlet Village
Recently opened large outlet mall with both luxury and other brands. On the A-1 North of Florence, Barberino exit, follow signs. For details please see their website.

Markets and Food Shopping

Weekly markets : Food, clothes, tableware, handbags and accessories, ironmonger items, etc… very popular with all the locals of all the nearby towns.

Montevarchi Gastronomic Market : The first Saturday of every month (mornings only) hosts Montevarchi’s nationally recognized Gastronomic market, with food specialties from all of Tuscany and Italy.

Arezzo Antique Market: The first weekend of every month hosts Arezzo’s famous antique fair.

Local speciality stores & gourmet shopping: A list of suggested shops is provided in the “Welcome Book”.

Supermarkets: Every Tuscan town has its “Coop” supermarket, which is a real cooperative, owned, staffed, and run by locals. You will get very friendly service there, and that personal touch missing in larger stores. In Montevarchi there is also a large “Ipercoop” supermarket, where it is possible to purchase a vast selection of goods, from food to clothing to furniture and sporting equipment.