The Chianti Classico olive oil DOP designationChianti Classico olive oil with DOP status (Denominazione di Origine Protetta, protected designation of origin) Chianti Classico Olio DOP Production of extra virgin olive oil, and, even more so, oil with DOP status (Denominazione di Origine Protetta, meaning protected designation of origin), requires commitment to and respect for very [...]
Chianti Classico Olive OilCharacteristics of the olive oil produced in the Chianti Classico zone of Tuscany, Italy Chianti olive oil The Chianti Classico zone in central Tuscany is famous for the exceptional quality of its extra virgin olive oil as well as for its wine. Nearly all the Chianti Classico vineyards cultivate olives in addition [...]
Vacation apartments near the village of La Panca, In Chianti, TuscanyAgriturismo La Sala is an 18 hectare olive oil farm located near the hamlet of La Panca in the beautiful and tranquil Cintoia valley of Chianti, 15 minutes from Greve in Chianti. The agriturismo offers four apartments, each accommodating 2 or 2(+1) persons. Children under […]
Annual Events in TuscanyEvents, festivals, fairs, exhibitions and historical re-enactments in Tuscany Tuscany is famous for the number and quality of its festivals and events. Why are they so many and so good? Several reasons. One is that annual folk festivals such as grape and wine festivals as well as religious holidays have lasted longer [...]
San Quirico Val d'Orcia What to see when you visit the charming town of San Quirico Val d'Orcia La Collegiata, the beautiful romanesque church on the main piazza of San Quirico San Quirico Val d'Orcia is a town of great charm that is often overlooked by visitors to the Val d'Orcia. San Quirico is of [...]
Lucarelli in ChiantiWhat to see in the hamlet of Lucarelli in Chianti Lucarelli is a hamlet of just a few houses, a church, a restaurant and a trattoria, located on the road running from the Via Chiantigiana between Panzano and Castellina, towards Radda in Chianti. The Ristoro Lucarelli trattoria The Pieve di San Giusto in [...]
Greve in Chianti - things to see and doGreve in Chianti activities, architecture, villas, castles and other sights The whole area of Chianti around Greve is packed with castles, even more so than other parts of Tuscany, in addition to walled villages such as Montefioralle, Vertine and Volpaia, fortified abbeys and farmhouses that have developed [...]
Badia a Passignano in ChiantiThe Abbazia (Abbey) of Badia a Passignano in Chianti, Italy. The Badia a Passignano is located on the road running from Greve in Chianti through Montefioralle towards San Donato and Sambuca, and in fact was probably built there because of the importance of this route in mediaeval times. The Abbey is [...]
Tuscan winesTuscan wines, Chianti Classico wines, "Super Tuscans", Brunello, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Tuscan wines, particularly Tuscan red wines, have improved out of all recognition during the course of the past 45 years. This generalisation applies almost universally throughout the Region of Tuscany to the extent that one no longer has to search for a [...]
San Polo in ChiantiThe village of San Polo in the Chianti Classico wine zone of Tuscany, Italy San Polo in Chianti San Polo in Chianti is located in the Rubbiana valley, in the north east of Chianti, within a half hour drive of central Florence. San Polo is an ideal place to stay for anyone [...]
Barberino Val d'ElsaThe charming town of Barberino Val d'Elsa in the Chianti area of Tuscany Barberino Val d'Elsa Although is is mentioned in a document dating from 1054, Barberino Val d'Elsa developed as a township in the first decades of the 13 C after the Florentine destruction of the city of Semifonte in 1202. After [...]
Radda in ChiantiTourist information about the wine village of Radda in Chianti, Tuscany Radda in Chianti, along with Gaiole and Castellina, was one of the three founding towns of the Chianti league and is to this day located on a ridge between the Val d'Arbia and the Val di Pesa, within the Chianti Classico wine [...]
Catered meals at your Chianti vacation accommodationsChianti personal chef catering at your accommodation in Tuscany I'm Elisa Berghi and this is my cooking service where I and, when necessary, my assistant come to your accommodation and prepare a full lunch or evening meal from the ground up using fresh local produce and home-made ingredients. Whenever [...]
Vitigliani Relais & Spa luxury villa accommodations in ChiantiLuxury villa accommodations in Chianti with whirlpool-spa, Turkish bath (hammam), gym and swimming pool. Gourmet chef on call. Are you looking for accommodations in Tuscany with whirlpool (Jacuzzi), Turkish bath (hammam) and gym? For a complete wellness experience in a luxurious setting with magnificent views in every [...]
Three country apartments for 2, 3 or 4 persons with swimming pool in the hills above Greve in Chianti, TuscanyCasa Mezzuola is an agriturismo in Chianti, Tuscany, that offers three apartments each for two to four persons, each with a private entrance and garden. The agriturismo forms the tiny hamlet of Mezzuola in the Chianti […]
Gaiole in ChiantiThe Chianti village of Gaiole in Chianti Gaiole in Chianti is a village located in the "Chianti castles" area on one of the roads running from central Chianti to the Val d'Arno. This area is characterised, obviously, by numerous picturesque castles, both intact and ruined, together with several beautiful pievi (parish churches) and [...]
Useful Tuscany Tourist InformationUseful tips on the things of interest for every visitor to Chianti Visitors to Tuscany are spoiled for choice when it comes to things to see and do in this beautiful region of Italy. And there are a few things to be aware of in terms of having your vacation tarnished. View [...]
Panzano in ChiantiPanzano, the Tuscan hilltop town in the middle of Chianti Panzano in Chianti makes an ideal base for your holiday in Chianti. It is located exactly halfway between Florence and Sienna, with a comfortable bus connection to Florence (one hour). The altitude of Panzano ensures that it avoids excessive heat during the Tuscan summer. [...]
Castelnuovo BerardengaThings to see and do in Castelnuovo Berardenga During the days of the Republic of Sienna, the territory or district of Berardenga was the area between the headwaters of the Bozzone torrent and the Ambra river, and between upper Chianti and the Biena river as far as Taverne d'Arbia. Today, Castelnuovo Berardenga marks the [...]
"Il Villino" farmhouse vacation apartments in ChiantiAgriturismo "Il Villino", a winery located 2 km from Castellina in Chianti, offers two vacation apartments, each for 3 (+1) persons plus a larger villa suitable for families Il Villino vacation apartments near Castellina in Chianti Agriturismo "Il Villino" is located near Castellina above the valley that runs towards [...]
Sunflower Tours – wine tasting toursGiovanni Sirabella is a licensed, English-speaking tour guide / driver who is familiar with a great many of the most interesting vineyards and wine-producing estates in Chianti and other parts of Tuscany. He has several itineraries ready for you, and of course will design one according to your wishes. His […]
Place to stay in Panzano for 2 to 4 persons: "Agriturismo Felciano"Vacation apartment in Tuscany, located near Panzano in Chianti, midway between Florence and Sienna. Accessible by bus. Agriturismo Felciano holiday cottage at Panzano in Chianti "Agriturismo Felciano" is a winery and olive oil producer located about 750 m from Panzano in Chianti which offers [...]
Tuscan Specialities - fashion, food and winesShopping for typical and unique items in Tuscany - fashion, leather goods, ceramics, food items and wines Tuscany is famous not only for fine wines and fabulous food, but also for a wide range of artisanal work, especially handmade leather fashionwear and fashion accessories. Top fashion labels are available [...]
VolterraVolterra, Italy, a charming mediaeval Tuscan hilltop town Volterra is a charming Tuscan hill town that was "discovered" by a popular author of travel guides a few years back and more recently became the setting for a series of vampire movies. Despite the consequent upsurge in tourism, Volterra is still a "must visit" for anyone [...]
Colle di Val d'ElsaThe town of Colle di Val d'Elsa in Tuscany Colle di Val d'Elsa has a congested and uninteresting new town in the valley which often causes visitors to miss its small but attractive old town on the ridge above, overlooking the River Elsa. The main piazza of the old town of Colle [...]
Holiday homes near Montefioralle in Chianti Village Apartment near Montefioralle and Greve in ChiantiCasa Forese vacation rental is an apartment for 2 adults (and 1 small child) in a recently restored house at the foot of the walls of Montefioralle. It has a large, flat, enclosed garden, an excellent location and a very reasonable price. […]
Romanesque parish churches of ChiantiA tour of the Romanesque parish churches (pievi) of Chianti, Italy Chianti, the picturesque wine region that extends between Florence and Siena, is known worldwide for its unique landscape - hills dotted with castles, villas and farm houses, and vast expanses of vineyards and olive groves, the source of Chianti Classico [...]
Il FerroneThe village of Il Ferrone, a major terracotta manufacturing area in Chianti Il Ferrone is a village in Chianti on one of the two popular routes from Florence to Greve in Chianti, and is a major centre of terracotta manufacturing in Italy. Indeed, Ferrone, as it is commonly known, is famous world-wide for a [...]
How to choose vacation accommodations in ChiantiWhere shall I stay during my visit to Tuscany? Where shall I stay during my visit to Tuscany? That's one of the important questions every visitor has to consider, preferably well in advance of the trip. The question actually has three aspects: where shall I base myself in Tuscany, [...]
Food and wine in Greve in ChiantiTuscan specialities, food outlets and restaurants in Greve in Chianti Greve in Chianti is the market town of the Chianti Classico wine zone and so, not surprisingly, a great place to buy both wine and typical Chianti food products. Indeed, if you stay at an agriturismo, a working farm [...]
Sights of Massa Marittima and the Maremma in Tuscany, ItalyDon't miss a visit to Massa Marittima, gateway to the Maremma Massa Marittima Duomo Massa Marittima sunset Massa Marittima Balestro del Girifalco
Best location for a base in TuscanyBest place to base yourselves for your vacation in Tuscany Finding the best place to base yourselves for your vacation in Tuscany can play a big role in just how much you enjoy yourself while you're here. I always recommend keeping the number of places you stay to a [...]
Moving around in ChiantiTips on the different forms of transport available to visitors to Chianti Visitors to Tuscany and Chianti in particular have a number of options for getting from one place to another. It's definitely possible to see a lot of Chianti without having your own car but renting a car provides much easier [...]
Owner direct vacation rentals in TuscanyRenting your holiday accommodation directly from the owner Tuscan holiday home - rent it from the owner directly For many, probably most, visitors, we recommend owner direct vacation rentals in Tuscany. The reasons for renting from the owners directly are as follows: When you talk to a vacation rental owner [...]
Abbeys, basilicas, monasteries, hermitages and parish churches of Tuscany The Abbeys, Basilicas and Monasteries of the Tuscan countryside and villages are sometimes overlooked as we enthusiastically feast on the masterpieces in the churches of Florence, Sienna and the other "art" cities of Tuscany. The Abbazia di Sant'Antimo (Abbey of Sant'Antimo) In fact there are abbeys [...]
ImprunetaImpruneta and terracotta manufacture in Tuscany Impruneta is located just outside the Chianti Classico wine zone and in fact is much more famous for terracotta manufacture than for wine, despite holding on of the most entertaining grape festivals in Tuscany on the last Sunday of September. Two gigantic terracotta vessels manufactured in Impruneta Impruneta is [...]
Chianti vacation villasVillas and villa vacation apartments and hotels in the Chianti Classico wine territory Vacation villa in Chianti The term "villa" is used fairly loosely in the Tuscany tourism sector. In fact a true Tuscan villa is a very large house, usually the headquarters of a farm with multiple dependencies, often somewhat Georgian in [...]
Stay in Chianti near FlorenceHow to enjoy a vacation in the Chianti countryside and still easily visit Florence Lots of visitors to Tuscany would like to be able to visit the great art cities, especially Florence, but would prefer not to stay there, especially during the hot and crowded summer months. Many also do not [...]
The gods, goddesses and mythology of the EtruscansThe gods and goddesses and other mythological characters of the Etruscans with their Roman equivalents Many of the names listed here are Etruscan spellings (and pronunciations) of Greek and native Italic names, but some names are entirely Etruscan. An Etruscan tomb fresco Achlae: Greek river god, Achelous Achle, [...]
Chianti - what is Chianti wine?Chianti wine - what is it and where does it come from? Bottles of Chianti Classico wine displaying the black rooster (gallo nero) seal. When the name Chianti is used in relation to wine in a general context, it often means Chianti Classico wine which is a red wine produced [...]
Vacation accommodation near Lucolena in Chianti La Ghiandaia vacation accommodations with swimming pool, near Lucolena in ChiantiLa Ghiandaia vacation accommodations offers five beautiful vacation apartments for 2 to 8 persons. Each apartment has a separate entrance, a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom and private area for outside dining. The agriturismo enjoy wonderful views of the Chianti […]
All about ChiantiAll about Chianti.Info, information portal for the Chianti Classico wine area of Tuscany Here we provide information for visitors to the Chianti area of Tuscany - a guide not only for tourists but also for residents of this part of Italy, indeed all of Italy. What makes Chianti a favoured destination? Activities, excursions, [...]
The EtruscansWho were the Etruscans and where did they come from? The origins of the Etruscans - indeed almost everything about them - remains mysterious. It is even unclear when they first arrived in the Italian peninsula and whether an entire people migrated or only what became a ruling caste. Recent genetic studies of both [...]
Sights of the Chianti town of Barberino Val d'ElsaHere's a preview of some of the things to see in Barberino Val d'Elsa and nearby in Chianti Castello della Paneretta Barberino Val d'Elsa Barberino Val d'Elsa is located on a high ridge between the valleys of the Rivers Pesa and Elsa. Barberino owes its existence to [...]
Italianate gardens of the villas of TuscanyTuscan villa formal gardens Italianate gardens of the villas of Tuscany have been an integral part of the Tuscan villas since Renaissance times when they first made their appearance as conscious attempts to create for wealthy and influential Florentines the ideal place for humanist debate, based upon ancient Roman [...]
Map of ChiantiTourist map of Chianti plus the rest of Tuscany and Umbria Click the markers on the map of Chianti for information and links to interesting localities throughout Chianti, Tuscany south of Florence and in Umbria.
Val di GreveVal di Greve - the valley of the river Greve in central Tuscany The Greve river (fiume Greve), 43 km in length and among the best known rivers of Tuscany, arises on the hill known as Querciabella, in the Chianti hills just below Lamole, where it is fed by the springs of Fonte [...]
San Casciano in Val di PesaWhat to see and do in San Casciano in Val di Pesa, Tuscany, Italy San Casciano Val di Pesa San Casciano is a small town and also a county on the north-western border of the Chianti Classico area of Tuscany. It can be reached by bus from central Florence in [...]
Castello di VicchiomaggioCastello di Vicchiomaggio in the Val di Greve, Chianti, Tuscany Castello di Vicchiomaggio The origins of what is today the Tuscan villa known as Castello di Vicchiomaggio are obscure. There was a military presence at this site at least as far back as the 9 - 10 C, probably initially put in place [...]
San GimignanoVisit the tower houses of San Gimignano, Italy San Gimignano tower houses San Gimignano, a small town in the Province of Sienna in Tuscany, Italy, is, of course, famous for its tower houses. At its peak, the richest families of San Gimignano had erected as many as 72 tower houses as symbols of their [...]
San Donato in PoggioThe Chianti village of San Donato in Poggio, Tuscany San Donato in Poggio is a mediaeval village of great charm located near the Via Cassia, the highway that runs along the western boundary of the Chianti Classico wine zone from Florence to Sienna. In modern times, the Via Cassia has been superceded [...]
TavarnuzzeTavarnuzze, a Chianti town on the outskirts of Florence Tavarnuzze is a smallish town within the county of Impruneta. The Greve river flows through it. The Florence American Cemetery and Memorial site is located near Tavarnuzze and can be reached by SITA bus from Florence. The site covers 70 acres and is open to the public daily [...]
“Agriturismo Felciano” owner-direct holiday cottage near Panzano in Chianti, Tuscany • On or near Piazza Matteotti, within Greve in Chianti: Apartment “Saverio” vacation apartment for 4 (+2) persons directly on the main piazza of Greve in ChiantiApartment “Saverio” is a large and comfortable vacation apartment for 4 (+2) persons located on the first floor looking […]
Sunflower Tours specialised in tours and transfers directly from Livorno cruise shipsGiovanni Sirabella is a licensed, English-speaking tour guide / driver who is familiar with a great many of the most interesting vineyards and wine-producing estates in Chianti and other parts of Tuscany. He has several itineraries ready for you, and of course will design […]
Sambuca in Val di PesaThe historical village of Sambuca in Val di Pesa, Tuscany The small town of Sambuca in Val di Pesa is documented from 1053, but due to bombing during WW II is now mostly modern and forms a centre of light industry. However, the ancient bridge and some nearby mediaeval buildings are [...]
Massa MarittimaThings to see and do in when you visit Massa Marittima Massa Marittima is an under-estimated Tuscan destination: it is what Volterra was five years ago - an "undiscovered" Tuscan hill town full of interest and charm. Massa Marittima was founded by the Etruscans, like many cities in Tuscany, and is located in the [...]
Greve in ChiantiGreve in Chianti, the vacation centre of Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy Greve in Chianti Greve in Chianti, generally known simply as Greve (pronounced "greh-veh") and often so indicated on road signs, is the tourism centre of the Chianti Classico wine area that covers most of the territory between Florence to the north and [...]
Real estate for sale in ChiantiVillas, farmhouses, vineyards, apartments and other properties for sale in Chianti, Italy Currently there are excellent properties for sale at reasonable prices in the Chianti area of Tuscany, Italy. These range from villas (true Tuscan villas as opposed to simply stand-alone houses - bear this difference in meaning in mind [...]
Food and wine in TuscanyThe Pleasures of Tuscan Food and Wine One of the many pleasures of a visit to this part of the world is the chance to enjoy Tuscan food and wine in its "native environment". As everyone knows, a Tuscan meal is divided into several classical and invariant stages - antipasti, pasta, [...]
Bistecca alla FiorentinaFlorentine grilled steak - how to prepare it, how to eat it Not all tourists realise that grilled steak is very popular in Tuscany and, under names such as carne alla brace or carne alla griglia, no doubt has been, in one form or another, since time immemorial. One of the most traditional [...]
Lamole in ChiantiThe hilltop hamlet of Lamole in Chianti in central Tuscany The hamlet of Lamole, famous for its Chianti Classico wines, is situated high up in the Chianti hills near Greve in Chianti and Panzano in Chianti. Lamole is a popular vacation location on account of its fabulous views and its temperate summer weather. [...]
Pienza in the Val d'OrciaSights and history of Pienza in the Val d'Orcia of Tuscany, Italy A visit to Pienza provides unalloyed pleasure to anyone who enjoys Renaissance architecture, italianate gardens, Tuscan food - particularly pecorino - and splendid vistas. Pienza shares the unspoiled Val d'Orcia with Montalcino, Montepulciano and San Quirico and owes its [...]
Best place to stay in the Chianti regionThe hills around Greve and Panzano in Chianti provide best value for your vacation in Chianti Many visitors to Tuscany settle on the Chianti region between Florence and Siena as a place to stay, in part because of its central location which makes it a good base for [...]
Wine vacation in ChiantiEnjoy an oenological holiday in Chianti Chianti Classico wine grapes A wine vacation in Chianti - why not? Well, if you're an oenophile, wine will very likely be one of many enjoyable aspects of your vacation in Tuscany, especially Chianti. While the art cities of Florence, Sienna, Lucca and Pisa will demand [...]
ChiocchioThe village of Chiocchio on the road between Florence and Greve in Chianti Chiocchio is useful as a base for exploring the parts of Chianti near Florence and for those who want to stay in the country while being able to visit Florence easily. Chiocchio has an ARCI Circolo for coffee and sandwiches and there [...]
Porcini mushrooms in ChiantiCollecting, cooking and eating porcini mushrooms in Chianti, Tuscany What are porcini? Funghi porcini, commonly referred to simply as "porcini" ("piglets", probably based on their appearance; singular "porcino") are large, edible mushrooms of the species Boletus edulis. English speakers often refer to them as "porcini mushrooms". Common names for Boletus edulis vary [...]
Practice Italian in ChiantiImprove your Italian with lessons from a professional Italian language teacher in Tuscany Why not learn some Italian or improve your Italian skills during your holiday in Tuscany? Italian lessons in Italy Lorella Federico offers Italian lessons at all levels for individuals and small groups visiting Chianti. Lorella, who is a professionally [...]
MontefioralleThe fortified village of Montefioralle near Greve in Chianti, Tuscany Montefioralle The small village of Montefioralle is one of the best-preserved and most interesting mediaeval fortified villages in Chianti, indeed in the whole of Tuscany. The original name of Montefioralle was Monteficale - the village claims an entire verse under that name in the Ninfale [...]
Chianti ClassicoChianti Classico wine - the wine of the historical Chianti area of Tuscany The expression Chianti Classico is reserved for wines produced in a roughly oval-shaped area of mostly hilly country located between Florence and Sienna in Tuscany, Italy. To be designated Chianti Classico DOCG, the wines must be produced from sangiovese grapes at [...]
Holiday homes near Volpaia in Chianti Village vacation apartment in an old watch tower in Volpaia, ChiantiApartment “Il Cassero” is a newly-restored vacation apartment for 5 persons located in an old tower keep in Volpaia. The apartment used to be the house of the gate keeper in mediaeval times. The accommodation consists of a kitchen, […]
Autodromo di Vallelunga Racing CircuitAutodromo Vallelunga Superbike and Formula One Racing Circuits near Rome A racing bike on one of the Vallelunga Superbike and Formula One Racing Circuits Vallelunga Superbike and Car Racing Circuit is located in the country near Rome, Italy. Note that public transport to the track is essentially non-existent so you should [...]
The best gelato in Chianti at Gelateria di Castellina in ChiantiThe best gelato in Chianti at L' Antica Delizia, the Gelateria di Castellina in Chianti Gelateria di Castellina The ice cream (gelato) made and sold at the geletaria L' Antica Delizia in Castellina in Chianti, now renamed Gelateria di Castellina, is commonly said to be [...]
Holiday homes near Castellina in Chianti “Il Villino” Chianti vacation apartments near Castellina in ChiantiAzienda Agricola “Il Villino” is a Chianti Classico winery located 2 km from Castellina, offering two vacation apartments, each for 3 (+1) persons.The swimming pool offers a wonderful view over the valley with Sienna in the distance.The location is elevated and […]
All about Greve in ChiantiSights of Greve in Chianti, the market town of the Chianti Classico wine zone Greve in Chianti is a small and quite charming town located, unusually for a Tuscan village, on the floor of the valley of the Greve stream. It has always been a market place but only in the [...]
The pleasures of outdoor dining in ChiantiPossibilities for eating al fresco with friends and family during your visit to Chianti The combination of love of family life, a pleasant climate and a passion for food makes dining in the open air extremely popular in Chianti, as throughout Tuscany. The chance to experience the pleasures of [...]
Tavarnelle in Val di PesaThe village of Tavarnelle in Val di Pesa and its surroundings in Tuscany, Italy Tavarnelle is mostly modern architecturally but is the location of the Church of Santa Lucia al Borghetto, the most interesting architectural sight within Tavarnelle itself, being a rare example of Tuscan Gothic architecture. The gothic Church of [...]
Pieve a PacinaAn ancient parish church near Castelnuovo Berardenga The parish church at Pacina (Pieve a Pacina), located near Castelnuovo Berardenga, is worth a visit by anyone interested in the Romanesque churches of Chianti. It is documented from a remarkably early date (650 AD) and has a very unusual, cylindrical campanile which is probably a remnant of [...]
The History of ChiantiChianti from the Etruscans, Romans and Lombards through mediaeval times to the conflict between Florence and Siena, the mezzadria and modern Chianti The Chianti hills have been inhabited for millennia, making the history of Chianti rich and varied. The mild and healthy climate, the forest abounding in game and the fertile soil [...]
