Lower Valdarno – Tuscany: between the Arno, hills and industrious villages in the heart of lesser-known Tuscany. The Lower Valdarno extends between the provinces of Pisa, Florence and Livorno, along the lowest course of the Arno river. It is a varied landscape where cultivated plains, wooded hills, Romanesque churches and lively towns alternate. A more industrious and everyday Tuscany, but no less fascinating. 🌿 Between the river and the hills: The territory is marked by the presence of the Arno, which flows through fields, wetlands and small reliefs. To the north rise the hills of Cerbaie and Montalbano, while to the south the landscape opens up towards the Valdera and Pisano. Ideal places for walking, cycling and birdwatching. 👉 Tip: Ride along a stretch of the Arno Cycle Path: a slow and evocative way to explore the area up close. 🏘️ Villages and cities with a Tuscan heart: The main centers – such as Empoli, San Miniato, Fucecchio, Santa Croce sull'Arno and Castelfranco di Sotto – combine history, art and manufacturing tradition. Hilly villages, medieval churches and a strong link with craftsmanship, in particular that of leather and leather. 👉 Tip: Visit San Miniato to admire the fortress, stroll through alleys and discover the flavors of the local white truffle. 🥾 Trails and hidden nature: The Lower Valdarno also offers green areas and nature reserves such as the Fucecchio Marshes, the largest wetland in Italy. A paradise for hikers, nature photographers and those looking for silence away from the most crowded circuits. 👉 Tip: Explore the Marshes in spring: paths on walkways, observation huts and great biodiversity. 🍽️ Traditional cuisine and local flavors: The cuisine of the Lower Valdarno mixes Florentine and Pisan influences: crostini, tripe, bread soups but also dishes based on game, mushrooms and hill cheeses. The white truffle of San Miniato is one of the excellences of the area, celebrated every autumn. 👉 Tip: Book a dinner in San Miniato during the truffle season: each dish becomes a small gastronomic event. 🛏️ Where to stay: The Lower Valdarno offers farmhouses surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, B&Bs in hilltop villages and small structures in the historic centers. A strategic base to explore Pisa, Florence and Lucca in a day. 👉 Tip: Choose accommodation in the hills between San Miniato and Vinci to enjoy quiet, scenery and central location. Here the Arno flows through fields and hills telling of an industrious Tuscany, made up of lively villages, discreet nature and well-rooted traditions.