Tuscany Tours
Tuscany Tours from Ancora del Chianti B&B
Chianti is where to stay in Tuscany near Florence and Siena for exploring the wine country, tasting amazing local product and relaxation while enjoying busy days of visits.
Just 5km from Greve in Chianti, perched on a hilltop, Ancora del Chianti – Country B&B and Retreat in Tuscany enjoys a spectacular view over the valley of the Greve region. The central location among the Tuscan cities of art make this farmhouse and Chianti bed and breakfast the ideal base for those wishing to explore Tuscany. From the Bed and Breakfast you can plan busy days of sightseeing, driving along the hilly roads dotted with medieval villages, farms and castles where you can stop for a tour and a wine tasting and learn more about our history and culinary traditions and other local products for a memorable holiday in Tuscany.
Stay a week at Ancora Breakfast and discover a new Unesco World Heritage every single day!
Italy has more than any other country in the world and Tuscany with its 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (*) has the most sites in Italy. The first appointed was the entire Historical Centre of Florence in 1982 including all the monuments museums, galleries and gardens, the second was Pisa with Piazza del Duomo in 1987 with the cathedral, the baptister and the monumental cimetery, then historic center of San Gimignano in 1990 and its towers, the historic center of Siena in 1995 with the famous Piazza del Campo, the historical centre of Pienza in 1996, the landscape of Val d’Orcia in 2004 and the Medici’s Villas and Gardens in 2013 scattered in the countryside of Florence.
Suggestions in Tuscany of how to make the most of a peaceful countryside holidays in Chianti with amazing days discovering art, history, food & wine, nature.
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.
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 on the sloping hills. In addition to the fascinating and tasteful 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 for a very pleasant stroll.
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. It is just a 50 min ride from the main bus stop in the village or about 30 min drive by car and some extra time for finding a place to park. 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), the colourful markets of Sant’Ambrogio and San Lorenzo and of course the wonderful fashion 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. All these towns have ramparts and it is a pleasure to stroll freely in the tiny streets admiring the landscape around and the impressive buildings. You can climb up to the top of the midieval towers, you can visit frightening dungeons and you will be surprised but finding a Roman theater right in the middle of town. Here for sure you will 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 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.
ITINERAY 10: Villas & Garden Lovers – The Medici’s Villas (*)
These impressive castles, villas and manors belonged to the Medici Family and were considered countryside residences all around their extended properties. Most of them are close to Florence and present Italian – styled manicured gardens.
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