Arezzo - Cortona

The Val di Chiana is in the province of Arezzo and the most extensive valley of all in the Appennine range.
It is a 500 sq.km cultivated 'garden'. Hannibal stocked his whole army with grain here in the 3rd century BC.
The towns not to miss are Castiglion Fiorentino, Cortona and Lucignano.
The first two look over the valley, the latter is built in a concentric defensive pattern. Very atmospheric.
The gastronomic tradition of this zone near Cortona reflects the slow passing of the centuries and is best symbolized by the breed of white cattle called the Chianina.
They were around in ancient times and even mentioned by Virgil. As a result Cortona is the official capital of bistecca alla fiorentina.
The cows are still bred on the slopes of the Val di Chiana from where they take their name.