The Chianti Region – Your Perfect Home Base in Tuscany!
There’s nothing like Tuscany’s enchanting scenery. The gorgeous rolling hills with impeccably lined rows of grape vines, olive and cypress trees are picture perfect. But pictures don’t do it justice… To really experience the beauty, you have to be there. As we drove through Tuscany, we had to stop the car from time to time, get out and gaze open-mouthed at the surreal and gorgeous hillsides. It was love at first sight!
Having stayed in the area several times now, I’m convinced, the perfect home base in Tuscany is the Chianti region. We’ve been fortunate enough to stay in Tuscany multiple times, twice within the Chianti region, both fantastic. Chianti is centrally located, close to Florence as well as San Gimignano, Siena, Lucca and Arezzo. Pisa is also close by if you feel the need to see the Leaning Tower. The surrounding area is pretty run down. You won’t need to plan more than an hour there. Take a picture, check it off the bucket list. Done.
Chianti Region
Our first Tuscan home was an apartment at the Borgo di Pietrafitta Relais, in Castellini in Chianti . The different buildings that make up the resort offer a variety of rentals, from small apartments to bigger villas. We had a pretty, one bedroom apartment with beautiful views of the grounds and surrounding countryside.
The downtown area of Castellini in Chianti is very quaint. Explore Via del Volte, the underground tunnel which houses art shops, restaurants and boutiques. Visit the old wine shop which has great wine and interesting local crafts. There’s an open air market every Saturday morning.
Castellini in Chianti – Market Day
Getting around this area, you drive on the edge of the mountain, guard rails don’t seem to be a major concern to the Italians… be careful. Driving this road one evening, a deer jumped off the mountain right into the side of our car. Scared the crap out of us and took out the side of our car. Be sure to get the extra car insurance!
Our next stay was in a castle. Castello di Montefugoni offers amazing views of the countryside. Our apartment was at the top, up a steep, winding staircase!! So storybook! FYI; there weren’t any tv’s or phones in the room when we were there a few years back. They do have internet access in a central area of the courtyard. There is a great restaurant on the lower level of the property. There was one chef and one server. They chef couldn’t speak English, but we had a great time with them. A little homemade limoncello, a little sign language, fantastico! This was absolutely the best food that we had in Tuscany!!
Sitting Area at Castilla di Montefugoni
Some other great towns to visit are San Gimignano & Lucca. We’ve decided to stay by San Gimignano on our next trip. Note that many of these cities have a medieval village inside of their city walls, as well as the countryside surrounding the city area. When booking accommodations, these are two completely different vacation possibilities. Either is great, it depends on what you like.
San Gimignano
Your first glance at the city of San Gimignano will remind you of something you might see in Disneyworld. A total tourist trap. Once you get inside the walls of the city, the laundry hanging from apartment windows and children running through the piazza in their school uniforms, remind you it’s not just for tourists. People really live here. Amazing! As you wander uphill through the beautiful, cobblestone streets, the more ‘local’ things get. We absolutely love this town. Don’t forget to visit the scenic park and wine shop at the top of the city.
View from the Park atop San Gimignano, Tuscany
Lucca
If you would like to do some shopping, Lucca, another great medieval walled city is the place. It doesn’t seem possible that once you get inside it’s fortress walls, you’ll find streets full of designer stores and small boutiques and restaurants. This is an interesting city housing Tuscany’s version of a Tanger Outlet. Walk around the city and view all the beautiful architecture. Visit the Palazzo Pfanner, this gorgeous home and gardens was built in the mid 1600’s and is open to the public.
Castello del Trebbio
The wineries are not like we are used to in the states. We tried quite a few. The best was the Castello del Trebbio. We took a tour that included a wine tasting lunch. This is a beautiful castle and old world winery. I’m not sure if the caretaker, Mario, is still around. He’s a strange dude, doesn’t speak much, but certainly made the visit memorable!
Castello del Trebbio Winery
Florence
Florence is really incredible. There is sooo much there. You can go again and again and still have so much left to see and do. A few highlights are The Ponte Vecchia bridge, which is a covered bridge coming in to the city. It’s lined with small shops. By the bridge, visit Harry’s Bar. They have amazing finger sandwiches! As you walk through the city, pay attention to the wonderful street musicians, they are so good you may have to stop and listen for a while. There’s street painters, street performers, open air markets, museums and churches galore. Gelato is everywhere and it’s so good you’ll want it for breakfast, lunch and dinner!
Cinque Terre
This day trip is an absolute must! Five beautiful, pastel colored fishing villages on the Italian Riviera! I can’t even begin to explain the views of the coastline. Just incredible. The hillside is very steep so be ready to get some exercise.
Fishing Village on the Sea at Cinque de Terre
For a little more info on the quirks and perks of the area, visit my prior blog post, Tuscany’s Top Twelve Thirteen Amusing Quirks!
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