Suggested full day, 8 hours or half day, 4 hours tour
The beautiful hilly region between Florence and Siena is known as the Chianti district. And you thought it was only the name of the wine? Come on our tour through this stunning part of the country and you will discover that there is a whole lot more to Chianti, than just the wine. (Do not worry though, we will stop and taste some on the way!)
The landscape of this area is characterized by numerous vineyards, orchards, olive groves and rolling hills. There are woods and fields as far as the eye can see, with many villas, churches, monasteries and castles throughout. So popular has this destination become with English-speaking tourists that have decided to buy property here, the area is widely known as Chiantishire!
The word Chianti probably comes from an Etruscan family name. It was them after all who introduced the vine here centuries ago. On this tour we can tailor the programme to suit individual tastes (wine tastes that is!).
For example, we can visit a typical medieval castle such as Castello Vicchiomaggio, encircled by cypress trees on a hill with fabulous views. It is said that Leonardo da Vinci once stayed in the villa, and later on the powerful Medici family held spring banquets here.
Before reaching Greve, the centre of the wine industry, we can visit the charming little hamlet of Montefioralle, birthplace of the Vespucci family. Wine-tasting of course can be organised at various locations throughout Chianti, and after lunch at a typical trattoria the choice is yours: we can suggest more wine-tasting at local farms and wine producers, or a pleasurable visit to the small delightful village of Monteriggioni, built by the Sienese in 1203 as defence against the ever expanding Florentine republic.
Completely enclosed in its 13th century walls with 14 towers, Monteriggioni was described by Dante in his Divine Comedy. Wherever we go in this fantastic part of the world we are sure it will be an unforgettable experience (provided you go easy on the wine that is!).
