The ultimate dream for many who visit Italy is to spend time in Tuscany, to wander through medieval hilltop towns and meander along the backroads among the rolling hills stopping at intervals at wineries along the way to sample the local wine and delicacies.
Easily accessed from both Florence and Sienna, a driving tour of Chianti is a great way to experience Tuscany and can easily be done on a day trip. Or, if you don’t have time to dedicate a day to this pleasure then take this route as you travel between the two cities.
We were staying for a few days in each city, and even though we had previously visited Florence we decided to take advantage of the many things Florence has to offer and visit Chianti from Sienna. Sienna is smaller than Florence. It is more relaxed and without the hustle and bustle of the larger city so it set the tone for taking a leisurely drive through the wine country.
The lady at the Visitor Centre in Sienna promised a “stooning drive”. Chianti is 40 minutes from Sienna following Chiantigiana Road which took us along quiet roads, through little townships set among rolling hills filled with vineyards and olive groves. There are eight counties named after the main town in each country. We visited three – Castellina in Chianti, Radda in Chianti and Gaiole in Chianti. Each town was small and unique, filled with its own atmosphere, castles, squares, and natural surroundings. We were amazed at how the towns could be so close together and still be different, and best of all – no crowds.
The roads were quiet and easy to drive along and wineries offering tastings were well signed and inviting. We stopped at the Livernano winery in Radda in Chianti to taste the local Chianti Classic, Rose and L’Anima wines.
A beautiful, relaxed day. We have read so much about the beauty of Tuscany. It’s true!
