Signature Experience · Montefiesole · Bardellone Hill

Walk with the Wolves in the Woods near Florence: the Montefiesole Experience with Moses and Arya

An authentic two-hour guided walk along the private woodland trails of Agriturismo Tassinaia, on the panoramic ridge between Montefiesole and Monterifrassine: walk side by side with our two Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs, observe ancestral wolf behaviours and discover the thousand-year history of these Tuscan hills.

Meeting Moses and Arya: the Magic of the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog

Guests arriving at Agriturismo Tassinaia are immediately captivated by the magnetic gaze and noble bearing of Moses and Arya, our two magnificent – male and female – Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs.

Created in the second half of the twentieth century from the cross between the German Shepherd and the Carpathian Eurasian wolf, this extraordinary breed preserves the physical grace, body language and keen senses of the wolf, combined with a deep, loyal bond with its human family pack.

During the walk you will get to know their personalities, the subtle differences between male and female pack dynamics, and fascinating curiosities about a breed that does not merely walk through the woods, but reads every scent, track and shift in the breeze.

An Easy 2-Hour Route Across Bardellone Hill, Montefiesole and Monterifrassine

The walk starts right on foot from our estate gate at Via di Montefiesole 66/A, 500 metres above sea level along the panoramic ridge connecting the historic hamlet of Montefiesole, the locality of Monterifrassine and the wooded slopes of Bardellone hill, in the heart of Pontassieve and Chianti Rufina.

No special fitness level is required: the route unfolds over roughly two hours along country lanes, ancient mule tracks and shaded forest paths, with gentle gradients and an unhurried pace that lets everyone enjoy the views, take photos and ask questions along the way.

The Three Highlights of the Experience

Walking with Moses and Arya is much more than a simple hike—it is a three-dimensional journey:

• Ethology & ancestral wolf behaviours: observe firsthand how two Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs communicate silently through posture and gaze, explore the terrain, wait at trail junctions and watch over the group.
• The thousand-year history of Montefiesole: hear stories about the ancient hamlet of Tassinaia from the 13th century to today, the Romanesque Pieve di San Lorenzo and medieval Valdisieve.
• Authentic Tuscan nature: walk among historic olive groves, oak and cypress woods and sweeping viewpoints over the Chianti Rufina hills.

What to Expect Step by Step

1. Welcome & introduction in the garden: before setting off, we meet in the garden at Tassinaia to get acquainted with Moses and Arya in their home environment, learn how to interact with them naturally and discover the basics of their body language.
2. Entering the private woods & Bardellone trails: leaving the olive groves behind, we step into the quiet forest. Here their ancestral instincts shine: how they scent the wind, follow wildlife tracks and keep visual contact with their human pack.
3. Historical storytelling & panoramic stops: at the most scenic viewpoints along the ridge between Montefiesole and Monterifrassine, we pause to share the history of the castle, the ancient parish church and the Florentine families who shaped these hills.
4. Return through the olive groves: we circle back to the farmhouse along the panoramic country lane, with plenty of time for final questions, souvenir photos with Moses and Arya and relaxation at the estate.

Walking in the silence of the woods alongside Moses and Arya means rediscovering nature’s authentic rhythm: every step, every glance and every rustle among the trees tells an ancient story.

Pairing the Walk with a Stay (or Day of Relaxation) near Florence

The walk with Moses and Arya is one of the signature experiences at Agriturismo Tassinaia and is ideal both for guests staying in our rooms and suites in Montefiesole and for travellers looking for a truly unique activity just 20 minutes by train from Florence (via Pontassieve station).

Many guests love pairing the walk on the same day with a private 2-hour session in our heated spring-water Hot Tub SPA or an on-site tasting of our Montefiesole Extra Virgin Olive Oil and local gastronomic specialties.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Walk with the Wolves