Between Florence, Arezzo and Siena are the Chianti hills: the ideal place to visit splendid villages and castles, for wine tastings, to spend a weekend of relaxation and culture, surrounded by nature. In the post, we recommend an itinerary by car.
There are places that remain etched in the eye for their landscapes or for their villages, others are remembered for the scents, let alone for the sounds and still others for the food tasted. Tuscany is one of those regions that remains impressed on all 5 senses. With the post we suggest you some unmissable stops for a weekend in Chianti.
Weekend in Chianti
Even just a weekend is enough and surely the memory will remain imprinted within you. If you are looking for an area where you can spend a few days in peace, surrounded by nature, the Chianti area will know how to satisfy you. The Chianti hills, are located between the provinces of Florence, Arezzo and Siena. It is produced in this area the most famous wine of Tuscany, the Chianti. In addition to wineries, good food and idyllic landscapes, you can visit some less known but very suggestive villages, with fabulous views.
Weekend in Chianti: an itinerary
To visit the whole Chianti area it would take at least a week, because, extending over several provinces, the area is very large. We want to recommend an itinerary that allows you to savor the atmosphere of these places in a few days.
All the cities of Chianti are easily accessible by car, motorbike and public transport.
From the train station Santa Maria Novella of Florence, buses leave for all cities, even if with infrequent rides, we recommend that you take the tour by car.
Itinerary by car
Our itinerary starts from Florence, where, following the signs for the "Chiantigiana", you will find yourself immersed in vineyards, wineries and villages. Along the way it is a must to visit one of the wineries that you will find to make one wine tasting, before starting with the visit of the countries.
Visit to the towns
1. Greve in Chianti
The first town you come across is Greve in Chianti, considered the door of Chianti. Allow yourself a few hours to discover this small village, not very big, but very suggestive. Not to be missed Piazza Matteotti, the heart of the city, shopping and market center. The square has a triangular shape and here are some local craft shops and the historical one Ancient Butcher Falorni. After visiting the square, we recommend that you visit the Wine Museum to learn more about the traditions and history of this land. This museum can only be visited with guided tours (every day at 11:30 am and 17.00:XNUMX pm) that depart from the Falorni Enoteca, where you can also enjoy a tasting of wines and other local products.
2. Panzano in Chianti
Return to the Chiantigiana and head towards another very nice village: Panzano in Chianti. Start visiting the country from Piazza Gastone Bucciarelli, full of bars and restaurants (you can stop here for lunch to taste the dishes of Tuscan cuisine), and from here get lost in its narrow streets. Do not miss the walls, the only remains of his medieval past. After having lunch, head not far from the town center, towards the Romanesque parish church of San Leolino, one of the most beautiful in the Chianti area.
3. Castellina in Chianti
We continue our itinerary in Chianti arriving in Castellina in Chianti, a city rich in history, from medieval and Etruscan origins visible at the Archaeological Museum. You can admire the remains of the ancient towers, which once had the task of protecting the city. Climb up the main one, the Rocca, and admire the landscape on the countryside. After seeing the landscape from above, take a walk in the tunnel which is located under the walls surrounding the city center, here you will find some artisan shops. If you are interested in history, not far from the historic center there is an Etruscan tomb, Montecalvario, open to the public.
Weekend in Chianti: a park to visit
4. Chianti Sculpture Park
Chianti is not only vineyards and villages, but also parks and art. The Chianti Sculpture Park encompasses all of this. The park is located in Pievasciata, not far from Castelnuovo Berardenga, here art and nature come together. The Chianti Sculpture Park is ideal for spending a few moments of tranquility and is suitable for young and old, we advise you to spend a few hours (admission to the park is subject to a fee).
Villages and castles
5. San Gusmé
After relaxing in the park, continue the visit of Chianti passing through San Gusmé, a small fortified village in the municipality of Castelnuovo Berardenga, it is very small, but it is worth a visit. To see the statue dedicated to Luca Cava which was used to give information to people on the location of fertilizers for gardens.
6. Brolio Castle
We continue our itinerary following the tracks of the streets of the Eroica, a road that every year hosts a cycling race with vintage bikes that takes place in October. Following the path of the Eroica, we arrive at Brolio Castle of the Ricasoli family. The inside of the castle cannot be visited, but with a small contribution it is possible to take a walk in the gardens, visit the vineyard and have a wine tasting at their wine shop.
7. Radda in Chianti
We conclude our itinerary returning to Florence, always following the white road of the heroic, we arrive in Radda in Chianti. The city is small and can be visited in a short time, but not to be missed are the city walls, the Granducale icebox, where you have a beautiful view.
Finish your visit to the House of Chianti Classico with a wine tasting.
With this itinerary it is possible to savor part of the Chianti area leading to
home a nice memory of a weekend.
