Seven-Day Itinerary to Discover Mugello: Nature, Villages and Tuscan Traditions

Among green valleys, ancient villages, and authentic flavours, the Mugello region represents one of the most genuine corners of Tuscany. In this week-long guide, we offer an itinerary designed to help you discover, day by day, the best this land has to offer: from the trails of the Casentino Forests to the calm shores of Lake Bilancino, passing through historic villages, art, Medici villas, and local markets. A journey that blends history, nature, food and wine, and relaxation — enriched by some of the most interesting events scheduled for the month of August.

The journey begins with a unique experience in the heart of the Casentino Forests National Park, one of the oldest and most unspoiled protected areas in Italy, also known for its spiritual heritage. Here lie the so-called Sacred Forests, once places of hermitage for saints like Saint Francis and now a paradise for hikers and lovers of deep nature.

In this extraordinary setting, on August 4 and 5, 2025, there will be two immersive days with illustrator Mattia Sarti, creator of Mugello Comics, who will lead a creative workshop in the woods. The activity is open to everyone: using mixed techniques and line drawing, participants will explore the emotions and impressions inspired by the landscape and translate them onto paper through art.

The village of Dicomano retains an authentic soul, suspended between archaeology and spirituality. Begin the day with a visit to the Frascole Archaeological Area, where remains of an Etruscan settlement emerge.

Don’t miss the Parish Church of Santa Maria, with its elegant Romanesque forms and Renaissance artworks, and the Oratory of Sant’Onofrio, home to frescoes and panel paintings from the Tuscan school. For lunch or dinner, stop by a local trattoria to enjoy potato tortelli, local cold cuts, and a glass of Chianti Rufina, produced on the surrounding hills.

Wednesday brings a dive into art history in the town where Giotto, the great 14th-century master, was born. In Vicchio, nestled in the Mugello hills, you’ll find the charming House of Giotto in Vespignano, now a museum and cultural centre. The simple and cozy building is currently hosting a special event: the exhibition "In the Footsteps of Giovanni Fattori, Prince of the Macchiaioli", open until November 30, 2025.

The exhibition honours Giovanni Malesci, a painter from Vicchio and direct student of Fattori, on the 200th anniversary of the Macchiaioli master's birth. Malesci inherited his artistic legacy, portraying the Tuscan landscape with sensitivity and rigor. The exhibition, held right at the House of Giotto, is a silent dialogue between generations of artists tied to Mugello, to the light and colours of its countryside.

Thursday is the perfect day to experience Borgo San Lorenzo in its most authentic spirit. Early in the morning, the town comes alive with its traditional weekly market. Among the stalls, you’ll find artisanal cured meats, zero-kilometer cheeses, fabrics, utensils, and small handmade items.

In the afternoon, visit the Chini Ceramic Museum, which preserves fascinating Liberty-style ceramics created by the historic family of artists and artisans active between the 19th and 20th centuries.

But the real novelty of summer 2025 is the launch of the “Thursday Market”, a new space dedicated to farm products, culture, and community. In the afternoon, you can shop sustainably directly from farmers and local producers, while in the evening, the market will turn into a true community event with farm-to-table aperitifs, live music, cultural talks, and performances by local associations.

Friday is dedicated to Scarperia, one of the most captivating villages in Mugello, and listed among “Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages”. Dominating the historic centre is the Palazzo dei Vicari, a majestic building that testifies to Florence’s ancient power in the region. Its towers, inner courtyards, and heraldic coats of arms tell stories from centuries past.

Scarperia is also famous for its centuries-old knife-making tradition: the village’s workshops offer handmade knives, unique pieces crafted using ancient techniques still passed down through generations.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the Palazzo dei Vicari, including access to the ancient walls. And for those seeking something special, the panoramic aperitif “on the battlements” is the perfect opportunity to sip a glass of wine while admiring the sunset over the hills.

Saturday is dedicated to Renaissance beauty, with a visit to the Medici Villa of Cafaggiolo, one of the oldest and most enchanting residences of the Medici family. Located near Barberino di Mugello, this villa — now a UNESCO World Heritage Site — was the favored retreat of Cosimo the Elder and Lorenzo the Magnificent.

The guided tour offers a dive into a world of geometric gardens, frescoes, historical furnishings, and courtly stories, giving a privileged glimpse into the daily life of the Florentine elite between the 15th and 16th centuries.

After a week of discoveries, walks through medieval villages, art, flavors, and landscapes, Sunday is the perfect time to slow down and enjoy a day of relaxation in nature. The Lake of Bilancino, with its clear waters and surrounding hills, is the ideal place to end the itinerary in Mugello.

Spend the morning strolling along its shores, renting a bike, or simply relaxing on the beach, while the more adventurous can try canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, or sailing, with various activities offered along the lakeside.

For those seeking peace and quiet, the Gabbianello Nature Reserve, a WWF oasis just minutes from the lake, is perfect for a short walk among local flora and fauna.

Seven days in Mugello are enough to fall in love with its authenticity — but not to exhaust its treasures. This itinerary is just a taste of a region that continues to surprise at every turn: from the silence of the forests to the lively squares of the villages, from artworks to the simplicity of a shared meal.

Whether you're passionate about history, nature, culture, or good food, Mugello always has something to offer. The invitation is to slow down, observe, listen — and let yourself be guided by the discreet beauty of this Tuscan land.

During your journey, you can stay in Collichiari accommodations to experience even more authentically the traditions and daily life of Mugello.

In partnership with Trading Estate Service Srl