Itinerary
Galciana → (near) Vergaio
Start from the square of the
Parish Church of San Pietro and head west along flat local roads until you skirt
Vergaio (a western district of Prato). Edge-of-urban environment with stretches of residual countryside.
Continue southwest along secondary roads and pedestrian/cycle paths to
Iolo (a residential center with services and bus stops), where you can take a short break near the
Parish Church of San Pietro.
Iolo → (near ANPIL La Querciola)
From the southern outskirts of Iolo, turn west toward
Caserana/Quarrata to skirt the edges of the protected wetland area of
La Querciola (without entering it: stay on the surrounding roads and embankments). The oasis is a mosaic of reed beds, water bodies, and fields, between the Ombrone River and drainage canals; a cultural reference point is
Casa di Zela.
From La Querciola → Bonistallo
Head back east following the Ombrone and
cross the river via one of the bridges (depending on the variant and safety conditions): –
Ponte all’Asse (SR66), more direct for climbing to
Bonistallo; – alternatively, follow the embankments to
Ponte Manetti (a historic pedestrian/cycle footbridge) and then climb to Bonistallo via hillside roads.
Bonistallo → Medici Villa of Poggio a Caiano (arrival)
From Bonistallo (a hillside viewpoint with the
Church of San Francesco in Bonistallo), descend toward the center of Poggio a Caiano to the Medici Villa “Ambra” and its park.
Medici Villa of Poggio a Caiano (departure)
From the steps of
Villa “Ambra” head northwest skirting the park, then take the hillside roads toward
Petraia (local signs / “Strada vicinale della Petraia”). The villa is one of the UNESCO sites of the Medici Villas and Gardens.
Ascent to Petraia
The route climbs through
olive groves and farms to the small hillside village of
Petraia, a historic hamlet in the municipality of Poggio a Caiano, set on a panoramic knoll.
Petraia → Le Casacce (Poggio alla Malva)
Descend along paths and gravel roads toward
Poggio alla Malva skirting the locality of
Le Casacce (holiday homes/agriturismo in a panoramic position). Here the landscape opens over the Arno River and the amphitheater of Montalbano.
Le Casacce → La Croce
A gentle climb along ridge tracks to the pass/road junction known as
La Croce (local toponym), the gateway to the
Carmignanoside. Wide views over the vineyards and olive groves of the Carmignano DOCG area.
La Croce → Via Francesco Redi parking area (Carmignano)
Descend toward the built-up area to the Via Francesco Redi zone (La Serra/Carmignano), where there is a parking area serving the healthcare facility and nearby lots. It is a good orientation point before entering the historic center.
Final stretch with a gentle climb to reach
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II: the
Museum of Grapes and Wine is located beneath the town hall, in the heart of Carmignano. End of the route in front of the museum entrance.
