Tours in Chianti

Just 5km from Greve in Chianti, perched on a hilltop, the farmhouse enjoys a spectacular view over the valley of the Greve region. Ancora del Chianti is only 20 km from Florence and 40 km from Siena, centrally located between the Tuscan cities of art, and therefore an ideal base for those wishing to explore Tuscany.

Suggested Itineraries and Local Excursions

Below are some suggestions of how to make the most of the peaceful countryside, and to spend your days discovering art, history, food & wine, nature and above all…the Good Life!

ITINERARY 1: The Greve valley: Greve in Chianti, Montefioralle, Panzano in Chianti, Castello di Vignamaggio, Lamole, Castello di Uzzano, Castello di Vicchiomaggio.

Only 5km from the farmhouse is the main town of the valley: Greve in Chianti. Here you will find a selection of restaurants, pizzerias, supermarkets, banks, grocery shops with local products and art shops with handmade craftwork. Amenities also include a post office, a public swimming pool, laundry services and a good bus link between Greve and the centre of Florence, so you can visit Florence without traffic or parking issues, which is a luxury! The Greve valley offers castles (Castello di Verrazzano, Castello di Vicchiomaggio, Castello di Uzzano etc), quaint villages (Greve in Chianti, Montefioralle, Lamole, Panzano in Chianti) and above all, working farms and wineries. It is here where guests can visit the wine cellars, taste the famous Chianti Classico Gallo Nero and even participate in the wine making process. There are numerous other activites to immerse yourself in nature: horse trekking in the woods of the Natural Park of Parco Naturale del San Michele, mountain bike tracks and various walking paths.

ITINERARY 2: The region of Chianti Classico and the Gallo Nero (black rooster): Radda in Chianti, Castello di Volpaia, Gaiole in Chianti, Vertine, Castello di Barbischio, Castello di Meleto, Castello di Brolio, San Gusmè, Castellina in Chianti.

The area known as Chianti Classico is divided between the provinces of Florence and Siena and is famous around the world for its prestigious wine production. In addition to the fascinating (…and tasty) visits to the wineries and farms, driving along these country roads you will discover a plethora of small villages and medieval castles where you can still breathe the history of a preserved architecture and uncontaminated nature. We recommend letting yourselves be transported back in time, amidst the narrow streets of these small villages with their craftsmen workshops, delightful markets and traditional restaurants.

ITINERARY 3: The cradle of the Renaissance: Florence and her museums.

The city of Florence is certainly worth a visit and can be reached easily by car or by bus from Greve in Chianti. The must-see sights: Palazzo Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti, Ponte Vecchio; the wonderful churches: il Duomo, Santa Croce, San Lorenzo, Santa Maria Novella; the museums: Uffizzi, Galleria dell'Accademia, Gallerie Palatine, Bargello etc. (we recommend advance booking for museum tickets) and of course the wonderful shopping!

ITINERARY 4: The city of the Palio (famous city horse race): Siena and Monteriggioni.
The scenic route which winds between Greve and Siena will reveal beautifully preserved villages and will invite you into the medieval spirit of Siena and Monteriggioni. Here you will experience a real step back into the past of art, culture and history.

ITINERARY 5: Medieval treasures.

A day trip should be dedicated to visiting the impressive towers of San Gimignano, the traditions of Colle Val d’Elsa and the magnificence of Volterra where you can let yourselves be inspired…!

ITINERARY 6: The independent Republics: Pisa and Lucca.

It is possible to visit both these cities in one day and they complement each other: Pisa with the famous leaning tower with 294 steps to climb, welcomes millions of visitors every year and Lucca offers its wonderful cathedral and a charming and elegant historic town centre.

ITINERARY 7: Arezzo and Piero della Francesca: Arezzo, San Sepolcro and Cortona.

Arezzo is the native city of the poet Petrarca and the historian Giorgio Vasari and is known around the world for its magnificent frescoes by Pero della Francesca in the Basilica di San Francesco and for the main town square, the Piazza Grande, constructed within the old Roman forum. Cortona is a beautiful city in a fabulous location between Arezzo and lake Trasimeno, in the Val di Chiana region, which has maintained its charm as a medieval city.

ITINERARY 8: Brunello and the Crete Senesi: Montalcino, Asciano, Abbazia di Monte Uliveto.

A visit to Montalcino is not complete without a visit to the famous wineries and cellars of the famous Brunello di Montalcino wine and a walk through the medieval old town. In the heart of the Crete Senesi (the area of hills and woodland south of Siena which is a UNESCO site) rises the monastery of Monte Uliveto Maggiore: a magnificent example of Benedictine architecture. Built in 1313, today it remains the most visited religious site in Tuscany.

ITINERARY 9: Noble wines of the Renaissance: Montepulciano e Pienza.

These small cities are immersed in the harmonious Sienese countryside renowned for excellent wine (Nobile di Montelulciano) and Renaissance architecture.

OTHER ACTIVITIES
During your stay at Ancora del Chianti we will be happy to provide information or make reservations on your behalf for the following activities:

• Cookery courses
• Local wine and food tasting
• Olive oil tasting and visits to the farms
• Horse trekking
• Mountain bike hire