Unveiling the wonders of Chianti, Italy.
Chianti, located in Tuscany, Italy, is undeniably a captivating destination that offers a multitude of experiences for travelers. With its breathtaking scenery, renowned Chianti Classico wine, and picturesque landscapes, Chianti is a true feast for the senses. From the rolling green hills adorned with endless stretches of vineyards to the rugged olive groves that dot the countryside, this region is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs alike. In addition to its natural beauty, Chianti also boasts charming small stone villages that exude an authentic Italian charm.
To fully immerse yourself in the magic of Chianti, we recommend 3-5 days to explore this enchanting region. Renting a car is the ideal way to discover hidden gems and the true essence of Chianti. However, it's important to note that including car rental in your budget is crucial to make the most of your time in Chianti.
This area truly embodies all that is quintessentially Italian. Its idyllic landscapes, renowned wine, and picturesque villages make it an absolute gem in Tuscany. Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a taste of authentic Italian charm, Chianti is a must-visit destination that will undoubtedly leave you with unforgettable memories. We hope you love reading and seeing all that we did and what you can do.
10 TIPS WHEN PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO CHIANTI
Have an idea of what you want to do & roughly set out your budget
Research and book ahead of time
Always book to stay at an Agritourismo - the most authentic accommodation source
Factor in the Italian Siesta and plan your days around this - majority of restaurants and shops close between12:30 & 15:00
Get up and going early - plan where you will eat lunch and travel times to these places
Book wine tours & tastings in advance
Compare accommodation options on both their website and booking.com for the best rates
Rent a car - Book here
Do less than more - Enjoy the scenery, roads and sites - don’t try overdo it and fit it all in. Italy goes slow in the countryside, role with it :)
Look for parking areas in advance - especially in the bigger towns/cities (eg: Siena)
Best time of year to visit Chianti
We have visited Tuscany three times, twice in the month of October. This region becomes even more charming and attractive in autumn, with the landscape transforming into vibrant shades of gold, rust, and amber. It’s like a postcard, no matter which way you turn. We were lucky to have good weather both times, with plenty of hot days, perfect for leisurely walks through picturesque vineyards and beautiful hilltop towns. If you prefer cooler temperatures, the guide mentioned above can help you plan an itinerary that suits your preferences. We highly recommend taking the opportunity to experience Tuscany in all its splendid autumn glory.
- A few things to consider when planning your flights -
You need to know where you're departing from, where you can go from there, your travel dates, flight availability, and your budget. For our trip, we flew from London Heathrow to Pisa, but last year we went to Florence. It entirely depends on your plans. We recommend doing some research instead of booking the first flight you find. Skyscanner is a great website that compares flights to any destination.
We found Pisa really easy, it's a small airport, so going through customs is a breeze, and the car rental center is just a short walk from the Arrivals terminal. You can also take a shuttle bus, but walking is great after being on a plane for a couple of hours.
WHERE TO STAY
We chose to stay at two different Agritourismo’s. If you’re not familiar with this, it’s a popular accommodation form whereby you stay on an working wine farm, often providing wine tours, food and other services…
OUR FIRST AGRITOURISMO | QUERCETO DI CASTELLINA
We’ve been wanting to visit Querceto for a while now and we were so pleased to have found availability for 3 nights. This family run Agritourismo is a dream. Hosted magnificently by Mary & her team, we would could not recommend Querceto enough. As always, plan ahead as they fill up quickly.
All information can be found on their website, but the reasons we loved our stay was:
The proximity of the farm to surrounding towns is brilliant
Authentic, comfortable accommodation & of course delicious wines grown on the farm, (our favorite was the Livia)
Peaceful and magnificent views no matter which way you look
Attentive staff yet you don’t feel bothered - felt like a home from home
There is self catering options for the nights you don’t feel like eating out and would rather stay home
They offer lunch pairings with wine, wine tours & cooking classes with Laura in the family home. The most authentic, wholesome experience. You have got to do it.
OUR SECOND AGRITOURISMO | BORGO ARGIANO
This is a magnificent boutique wine resort situated in Southern Chianti. The accommodation was absolute perfection, when we arrived we were welcomed with a glass of rose and given a tour of the grounds to help settle in.
We chose this for a couple of reasons, we were celebrating our 4th wedding anniversary and so this was a spoil for such an occasion. Although this was on the upper end of our budget, we would highly recommend booking in. Situated on a hilltop with breathtaking views, Borgo Argiano really does have it all. The only minor draw back is the location… It’s situated quite far from the areas we wanted to tour which meant more time in the car but when the surroundings are so beautiful, you can look past that draw back. We thought we would mention it though as driving on the small bendy roads can get rather tiring, so this is something to bare in mind when booking.
The room was beyond comfortable & magnificently decorated. In the communal area they offer an honesty bar system whereby you can help yourself to their range of wines, soft drinks as well as a home barrista machine if you want to get fancy with your coffee.
What to do in Chianti
During our trip to Tuscany last year, we discovered Chianti and were eager to return and explore more of this region. Although we didn't get to do everything, here are some towns, restaurants, and wine farms worth visiting. In South Africa, we were used to being able to visit wine farms for tastings and food without prior booking. However, in this part of Italy, it's important to book in advance, even just a day or two ahead. This will greatly improve your chances of getting in. We made the mistake of taking chances, but please learn from our experience. This region is very popular, and reservations fill up quickly.
TOWNS TO VISIT
When exploring the picturesque region of Tuscany in Italy, be sure to visit the captivating towns of San Gimignano, Montepulciano, Siena, Castellina in Chianti, Radda in Chianti, Pienza, and the impressive Badia di Passignano, also known as the Abbazia di San Michele Arcangelo a Passignano. Each of these charming destinations offers its own unique charm and appeal, from the medieval towers dominating the skyline of San Gimignano, to the renowned wine cellars and vineyards in Montepulciano and more. Immerse yourself in the rich history and beauty of these towns, and don't forget to indulge in the delectable local cuisine and world-class wines while experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the Tuscan people.
As already mentioned, we celebrated our 4th year of marriage while we were in Chianti. As a delightful surprise, Tim had arranged a hot air balloon flight over the magnificent rolling hills and enchanting medieval towns of Tuscany. It was an experience that we will cherish forever!
RESTAURANTS & WINE EXPERIENCES
Osteria Uscio & Bottega
Ristoro Di Lamole
Osteria di Fonterutoli
Mormoraia (this is also an Agritourismo - if your budget allows)
Osteria alla Villa
Divino ristorante Chianti - the best panini you’ll ever eat
Pisa, On Route
We had a late flight out of Pisa at the end of our week in Tuscany, so yes we did go and explore, albeit very briefly. We went to the leaning tower and grabbed a bite to eat, before heading home after another spectacular week in Italy.
To end off, if you found this guide on this incredible country intriguing and informative, we would love to hear how it has motivated you to take the plunge and plan your next adventure. Your feedback is highly valuable to us, as it allows us to enhance our future guides and ensure we continue to provide you with the best possible insight. We appreciate your time and support, and remember to stay tuned for more guides in time to come!
