INTRODUZIONE
The "Alta Valdera" is a homogeneous territory South-East of Pisa close to Volterra next to the Florence and Siena provinces, which is consequently strategically located within a special artistic background. The hot springs (Casciana, Uliveto and Montecatini), and the coast resorts are easy to be reached trom here.The landscape is varied and uncontamined: from pleasant plains we pass to hills rich with secular woods, chestnut woods and the typical Tuscan vegetation that according to the seasons changing do characterize the panorama with charming effects. At the foot of these hills the Era river windingly flows. Capannoli, Chianni, Lajatico, Palaia, Peccioli, Terricciola, each with its own traditions and cultural peculiarity, enriched by small villages, still full of human and artistic witnesses, are important mosaic tesseras that give pleasant opportunity to the demanding visitor. Many itineraries can be made: especially the artistic one is characterized by the old Romanesque Parish Churches in which the land is rich (Palaia, Fabbrica, Peccioli, Chianni) and by the contemporary art works by national or foreign artists.To this you have to add the pleasantness of a staying in Farm Holiday resorts of this area, that complete the characteristic Tuscan food with high quality wine and oil. During some moments of the year tourist is granted the visit to cellars and the tasting ot the local Chianti D.O.C.G. and S.Torpé wines and is given the opportunity to take part to the manifestations concerning the tradition and the typical products of this land beaten by the seasons rhythm. For they who like to make sport in the nature, itineraries ere availabie to be covered by foot, MTB and horse going through the Valdera territory.The landscape is characterized by the numberous country­houses, which were Pisan and Florentine noble families' residences, some of which still belong to them. Amusement and cultural deep studying moments are possible by visiting the prehistoric park, the zoological museum, the astronomical observatory and the museums of the paesants' civilization and work. These are some of the characteristic aspects of the Alta Valdera , a land rich with human and artistic witnesses within an enchanting and serene environment which assures an unforgettable holiday.