The Val di Merse
Along the river Merse lies what is today one of the greenest and quietes areas in the province of Siena, although the Middle Ages saw it with an important role in the economy of the Sienese Republic thanks to its resources from the woods and the river. Witnessing this past are the several wheat-mills and wool and iron factories of which many traces are still visible, as well as the abbeys which were the centres of those activities. The shady paths of this protected area (Natural Reserves of Alto Merse and Basso Merse) offer the best solution against the summer heat, perhaps combining the walk with a refreshing bath in the clear waters.
The Crete Senesi
The hills to the immediate south-east of Siena are characterized by a completely unique landscape, where the clay ("creta") has been modelled by time and nature giving way to extremely fascinating morphologies: the "calanchi" and "biancane". In the middle of this harsh and poetic countryside stand, beyond the many hamlets and farmhouses ("poderi"), two great heritages of the religious and artistic past (still present in the first case): the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore and that of Sant'Anna in Camprena.
The Chianti
The historical border lands contended for centuries between Siena and Florence alternate large forests to manicured vineyards and olive groves, often with the traditional terraces and dry walls. The main historical centres as Radda, Castellina and Greve in Chianti are linked through quiet paths to the many churches and castles spread out all over the countryside. In the immediate surroundings of Siena many ancient villas testify the presence of the Sienese nobility; with their Italian gardens or romantic parks in English style, they have been the set for numerous films.
The Val d'Orcia
Not by chance a UNESCO heritage, the hills along the Orcia river offer a great variety of landscapes dotted with numerous historical centres rich in art, hamlets, colourful fields, woods and streams. White roads or small paths take from one place to the other in a continuous flow of breathtaking views.
Nature & Tour Guides members of the Association of Nature Guides in Italy (A.I.G.A.E.) and in Tuscany (A.G.A.T.)
