35. Pozzuolo – Paciano

Short and easy stage. The route runs on the ridge between Lake Chiusi and Trasimeno. Rolling hills, all cultivated and rich in vineyards.

After stopping in Pozzuolo, continue walking along the ridge, bearing in mind that the historic route has been almost completely replaced by the current paved road – which you deliberately leave at times to rest your feet. The route dates back to the time of the Etruscans who used it to avoid the marshy and therefore unhealthy areas of the current reclaimed plains around the lakes of Montepulciano, Chiusi, Trasimeno. A landscape to admire, very lively with excellent views of the lakes and the agglomerations of houses on small hills. If well informed, or with a good local guide, you can visit Etruscan tombs and archaeological excavations. From Pozzuolo towards Casamaggiore and then go to Gioiella following the SP 301. Taking the cart track Via La Villa, you come across a small photovoltaic system. From Gioiella you go to Vaiano. (Cyclists go on the Via Bassa-SP 301 up to Villastrada). Following the Via Ripida road, after a few detours you reach the crossroads with the Poggio del Sole road. Taking the SP 301 you reach Villastrada. In the centre, a little further on, it is worth visiting a beautiful ceramic mural, representing the Via Romea sul Trasimeno, made by a local association. There are refreshments here. Immediately after a rare vision of millenary olive trees; then you go further, on the SP 301 up to Cantagallina. We continue to descend; after crossing a small agglomeration of farmhouses, at the bottom of the valley, you follow the railway. Once underpassed, you arrive at the reclamation canal and cross it. Take the road Via Vocabolo Tre Case and continue to climb. (cyclists continue straight on Via Vocabolo Malalbergo, up to Caselle). After crossing the small hamlet of Caselle, you arrive in Paciano through the Porta Fiorentina.

CONNECTION: for those who have stayed in Castiglione del Lago instead, go back to the lakefront, Via Divisione Partigiana Garibaldi and go towards the station. You pass in front of the cemetery, and you pass under the railway. We take the road taken from Pozzuolo to Castiglione del Lago. We go to Ranciano. Then Pescia; go towards Via Palazzetta and then, along a country road, you reach Sanfatucchio. After the locality of Bracacci, go back to the main road that comes from Pozzuolo and go towards Paciano. In total this piece is about 12.5 km. In total, from Castiglione del Lago to Paciano there are about 26 km.