DAY 26 - AREZZO to CIVITELLA - 16 May 2026

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Leaving Arezzo was easier than getting in, as we had a shared walking and cycle path for the first part. A well-placed bus stop provided shelter when the skies opened up, and a bus even stopped to see if we wanted a lift back to Arezzo!

After a supermarket stop we headed out on a minor road. We were lucky to get a cheese and tomato roll at the Bar Code just before it closed - in fact,  the staff told us not to hurry and asked a local to lock up the outdoor area when we left.

We soon left the road and climbed steeply up a dirt track.  It was great to be back in the countryside again.  There were olive trees, forest and wonderful views behind us.

Arriving in Civitella in Val di Chiani, we did our necessary chores then set out to explore.  As well as the historic structures, there are lots of interesting statues. There is also a memorial garden for the 176 villagers who were massacred in the main square by the Nazis in WWII (in retaliation for the murder by Italian partisans of 2 German soldiers).

Dinner consisted of regional specialities: pasta with vegetables, followed by grilled steak, artichokes and broad beans.

The sun was out as we left Arezzo this morning
This cycleway took us out of the built-up area
Threatening clouds
Those threatening clouds dropped a lot of rain
Some pleasant road-walking today
Lunch at the Bar Code in Battifolle
A building we passed along the way
Climbing up amongst the olives
Past the odd vineyard
We had the road to ourselves for most of the climb into Civitella 
The road to Civitella
Uphill just a bit more
And there it is - Civitella 
Wandering around the Rocca di Civitella 
These flags were being erected all through the village this afternoon - possibly in connection with tomorrow's 23rd annual cheese market
The marquees are set up for tomorrow's cheese market (Mercato del Cacio), which features raw- milk sheep and goat cheeses from local producers
Civitella
Heading down for dinner
Dinner
Bits and pieces. There is a lot of street sculpture in Civitella 
Birds. Hopefully more interesting ones tomorrow. 
Day 26 - Map 

Day:                               26
Distance:                      17.58 km
Walking time:               3 hrs 29 mins
Elevation gain:             400 metres
Cumulative distance:  492.09 km

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