In search of a "drunk road". Tuscany
Do you want to visit the birthplace of classic Chianti, the legendary Italian wine that became famous already in the 13th century? Then get ready: departure early in the morning from Marina di Scarlino towards Florence - here you are already in Impruneta. After admiring the beautiful Sanctuary of St. Mary, you will enter the "Chianti Road" towards Siena, following the state road no. produced during the years of the best harvests. Do you want to feel the spirit of the Middle Ages? Then we invite you to Montefioralle, one of the most beautiful towns in Italy, where you can stroll through the silent streets and ancient vineyards. This wonderful area is fraught with other surprises. A few more kilometers - and here you are already in Volpaille - a beautifully preserved medieval town, famous for its castle and magnificent enoteca (if you can, go there in May, when a million fragrant roses bloom in the city). And finally, the last stage of our journey is Radda in Chianti, the headquarters of the Consortium of Classical Chianti. The last attraction of the town is the rural church of San Giusto in Salcho: feel the harmony of the architecture of the 11th century.
Scarlino
Scarlino is a town nestled on the slopes of Monte d'Alma. It is here that for the first time the Maremma appears before you in all its splendor - an endless green space that merges with the blue of the sea on the horizon. Scarlino, small but charming medieval town, is located a few minutes from the beautiful complex Marina di Scarlino Yacht Club & Residences. The history of the town, which began before the 10th century AD, is connected with the history of the noble Aldobrandeschi family. For a sense of history, walk along the medieval walls to Rocca Aldobrandesca, and then immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the old streets or the pristine setting of the beautiful Roman church of San Donato, which was mentioned in historical records as far back as 1188.
Cala Violina
We are talking about a miracle that is located almost under your windows. Cala Felice beach club is an elegant structure where you can relax while enjoying the beautiful sea and sun. Are you unable to resist the call of the sea, irresistibly attracting you to adventure? Then you should rent an inflatable boat and visit Cala Violina ("Fiddler Bay"), the amazing beach of Maremma Grossetto, located a short sail from Marina di Scarlino. Do you want to know what the musical name of this beach is connected with? Try to walk on the finest sand of this delightful cove: in quiet days the accompaniment for your walk will be the gentle sound emitted by the sand, reminiscent of the sounds of a violin. It is worth recalling that Cala Violina cannot be reached by private road transport, but in the summer there is a shuttle.
Alternatively, you can reach Cala Violina on foot along a 4 km trail that starts at the restaurant "Il Cantuccio", located in the area of Il Puntone, Garibaldi seafront, and continues towards the Tourist Port. After the barrier, trail number 1 begins, which runs through the Mediterranean vegetation. After 2 km you can see the amazing jagged rocks and clear green waters of Cala Francese and Cala Martina, and after another 2 km you will see Cala Violina in all its glory.
Tuscan archipelago
Every day you can admire the delightful sight - the appearance on the horizon of Marina di Scarlino of the outlines of the island of Elba. Just like that, in the breeze of the dawning day, an exciting and a little sports travel by the seven wonders national park Tuscan archipelago. In this piece of paradise, crystal clear waters and sea depths await you, at the sight of which thoughts of treasure hunting come to mind, as well as picturesque beaches, wildlife and evidence of living history. Our starting point is the island of Elba and Cape Enfola with amazingly clear water. Or maybe you want to get to know the island better and visit the house where Napoleon lived during his exile in 1814? Would you like to continue your journey by sea? Then you just have to choose any of the many routes. Here, for example, the island of Giannutri with a wonderful seabed, then the island of Giglio and the island of Montecristo, described in the famous novel by Alexandre Dumas, the island of Capraia with a settlement of the Roman period and a monastery, and finally the island of Pianosa and the island of Gorgon, already mentioned by Dante in the XXXIII song of Hell dedicated to the tragic character Ugolino della Gherardesca. But you don't have to worry - you are in paradise.
Siena And Surroundings
Siena - perfect place to get acquainted with the history and cultural heritage Tuscany. Now you are already driving in the direction of Siena - the heritage of UNESCO, an unsurpassed treasury of art, culture, cuisine, which has no equal in the whole world. Just an hour and a half from Marina di Scarlino, Piazza del Campo is at your feet. First stage? Magnificent cycle of frescoes "Allegories of good and bad government", painted by Abrogio Lorenzetti in 1337 for the Council of Nine Palazzo Pubblico. Or do you prefer Duccio's Maesta, a treasure kept in the Cathedral Museum (Museo dell'Opera Metropolitana del Duomo)? In any case, mark two dates in your diary: July 2 and August 16. It is during these days that the famous Siena Palio takes place, which you should definitely visit. But before summer comes, would you like to continue your wonderful journey by visiting one of the most beautiful and rich regions of Italy? Just south of Siena, the wonders of the Renaissance await you in Pienza and the masterpieces of Italian winemaking: Italy's finest wines are the superb Super Tuscans from Montalcino and Montepulciano. You can also travel north to enjoy the enchanting beauty of the castle of Monteriggioni, built by the inhabitants of Siena at the beginning of the 13th century, to look into Colle Val d'Elsa, an ancient city located on the Frankish Road, or to San Gimignano, a real medieval Manhattan with with its incredible towers dating back to the origins of history.
Maremma Experience
In this piece of paradise everything is perceived in a special light: nature, history, art, architecture, cuisine, winemaking. Because you are in the Maremma, one of the treasures of Italy. At the heart of this large area lies the Marina di Scarlino Yacht Club & Residences, and it is here that amazing discoveries await you every day.
Want to learn about the origins of Italian civilization?
Then we will begin our story with the Etruscans, one of the most mysterious and amazing peoples of the Mediterranean. You will travel through the majestic necropolises and ancient towns towering on tufa rocks: for example, Pitigliano, which is also called “little Jerusalem”, Sovane and its magnificent cathedral of the 11th century, or Sorano, which is an amazing labyrinth of streets, courtyards and niches, carved into the rock. These few kilometers contain centuries of history.
Want to get an unforgettable experience?
Then visit Volterra, where the wonders of the Guarnacci Museum await you, first of all, the magnificent "Shadow of the Evening" ("L'ombra della sera"), named so by Gabriele D'Annunzio. Would you like to make a quick transition to Mannerism? Just a few steps - and you are already in the Pinacoteca in front of the masterpiece "Descent from the Cross", written by Rosso Fiorentino in 1521.
Do you want to completely relax and not think about anything?
A few kilometers from Scarlino are the famous Terme di Saturnia, which were highly valued already in the days of the Roman Empire. It is enough to spend just one day in thermal springs, whose temperature is 37 °, and you will completely relax and find great well-being.
Are you interested in the Romanesque period?
Then you must be in a place just steps away from Marina di Scarlino Yacht & Residences. We are talking about the city of Massa Marittima and the charming Cathedral of San Cerbone, the true pearl of which is the "Madonna and Child" (1316), attributed to Duccio di Buoninsegna. A little further - the most interesting "Sources of Abundance". On their walls grows, like a forbidden fruit, the original "Tree of Fertility" - a fresco of 1265, to which all expectant mothers made a pilgrimage.
Do you want to relax in the bosom of nature?
The Maremma National Park is a virgin forest stretching for many kilometers, pine groves, pastures and beaches with dazzling white sand, awarded the European diploma, which is awarded to protected areas. At your disposal is a piece of paradise with an area of 9800 hectares, located between Principina a Mare and Talamone. Here you can admire the Mediterranean vegetation, take a walk, by bike or on horseback. This oasis of beauty hides small and large masterpieces of art and nature, such as the Abbey of San Rabano, an ancient Benedictine monastery, which then passed to the Knights of Jerusalem. It is here that adventures worthy of a movie await you.
Florence
Only one thing can be said about this city - it is a whole world full of amazing surprises waiting for you at any time of the year and in any situation. Here you will find a completely different world. Do you want to devote a whole day to museums? In the Uffizi, masterpieces of great masters await you, starting with Giotto and Botticelli, ending with Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Titian. Are you looking for a more private environment suitable for reflection? Then take a walk through the silent monastery of St. Mark, which houses a painting by Beato Angelico (fans of Savonarola should definitely visit his cell). Do you have an unbridled desire to look at the works of Raphael? If so, then head to Palazzo Pitti. Or, on the contrary, slow down and take a romantic walk along the Arno and Ponte Vecchio or along the paths of the Boboli Gardens. Unforgettable shopping awaits you in the magnificent boutiques of Via dei Tornabuoni, which is the epitome of refined taste and Italian elegance. Before returning to the coast, dedicate at least an hour to the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum and its amazing creations that have graced the feet of world stars such as Greta Garbo, Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland and Audrey Hepburn. And of course, this museum is dedicated to you, as evidenced by Salvatore Ferragamo's "Vintage" line.
Wines of the Maremma
Wine is one of the main treasures of Tuscany and, in particular, the Maremma. Just a few steps from Marina di Scarlino, the wonderful wine and gastronomic route called "Road of wine and taste among the hills of the Maremma" (Strada del Vino e dei Sapori Colli di Maremma) begins, which lies among the natural beauties of the province of Grossetto. On your way you can taste all the wealth local cuisine and wines from thirteen cities of the Maremma: Campagnatico, Capalbio, Grossetto, Isola del Giglio, Magliano in Tuscany, Manciano, Monte Argentario, Orbetello, Pitigliano, Roccalbegna, Scansano, Semproniano. In each of these cities you will find wines with a strong character, such as Morellino di Scansano, Bianco di Pitigliano, Montecucco Bianco and Montecucco Rosso, Monteregio di Massa Marittima Vin Santo, Novello di Montereggio di Massa Marittima" and "Parrina Rosato al Sovana Rosso Riserva". One sip - and you rise up, feeling like a great sommelier, enjoying an unforgettable experience from a great combination of cuisine and wine. It's on the table, gentlemen!
Golf
A short drive from Marina di Scarlino, not far from Gavorrano, the Il Pelagone Golf Club was opened. Here you will find one of the best golf structures in Tuscany. The magnificent course, which offers a picturesque view of the hills of the Maremma, has 18 holes. Nearby there is a convenient training field where you can prepare for major sports competitions and show decent results.
There are several places that you not only want to see, but also where you definitely want to live, and not in a hotel, but always in a house, and for the house to be old, the view from the window is wonderful. One of these places is Tuscany, more specifically - Chianti Valley. This region is strongly associated with Florence, Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano, beautiful cities, where the great architects of the Cinquecento and other eras worked, but there is another Tuscany - rural, farming, where the main characters are vines, olive trees and an amazing, incomparable landscape. Hills, valleys ... and again hills and valleys, and so on ad infinitum, leaving in the azure sky.
So, no overnight stays in Florence, only the Chianti Valley and only apartments in a beautiful old house. We have already had to book houses in Provence through the system http://airbnb.ru/ and http://www.homeaway.com/. I talked about this experience in detail in my article Our house in Provence. But it was August, the super-high season, and there were many problems, and we arrived in Tuscany at the beginning of April and, as our hostess said, we were the second in this season who settled with her. Therefore, this time we booked simply through www.booking.com without any problems. The problem was only in the best choice, and, fortunately, there was no mistake - the farm turned out to be just great http://www.agriturismosanleo.it/ .
According to the owner, the oldest buildings were over 1000 years old. Now everything has been restored and sharpened for the reception of tourists. All apartments have their own entrance, terrace with outdoor table and chairs, each has a kitchen with stove, dishwasher and refrigerator. Inside there are one or more bedrooms, air-conditioned throughout, but the decor retains the style and spirit of a farmhouse. There are only 9 apartments and they are designed for a different number of guests (from 2 to 6).
There is a swimming pool, but it was not open at the beginning of April. There are olive trees all around, some of them very old.
The farm specializes in the production of olive oil. In the breakfast room there is a winter garden and old olive processing equipment. You can order a tour during which you will be shown the estate itself and modern oil production (45 minutes, 10 euros per person). The hostess speaks English.
Breakfast is not included in the price, but you can order it separately. Seven euros will cost sweet Italian, but paying another five euros, you will get prosciutto, cheese, boiled eggs or scrambled eggs, olives. Everything is very high quality and there is a lot of everything, but the price of 12 euros for breakfast is somewhat annoying, given that the room has a kitchen, and the nearest supermarket is 5 km away.
The Internet is possible only in the version “under the door at the office of the hosts”, but maybe this is for the best.
Dinner is served on the farm on Saturdays. For 25 euros you are offered a variety of snacks, chicken from your own poultry house and red house wine. But we took snacks, wine and Florentine steak (Bistecca alla fiorentina) - a huge piece of beef (1 kg) for two. It turned out to be 35 euros per person. Everything is delicious and very homemade.
Conclusion: Everything is just wonderful! In Tuscany, you have to live just like that - closer to nature. The only thing you need to be prepared for is that there are very winding and narrow roads, constant ups and downs, for those who get sick, I would advise you to come to the Chianti Valley with a supply of anti-sickness funds.
If you want to go on a trip around Europe organized by me, see the current offers for joining groups on my website www.dmitrysokolov.ru
Dmitry Sokolov
- Unusual trips to Europe http://www.sokolovcz.ru/
- Our boarding house in South Moravia http://www.pansionnalednicke.ru/
- My travel blog
If you were offered to drive along the Chianti wine road in search of a "drunk road", would you agree? So I had no reason to deny myself such an adventure. So what is behind this beautiful description What is this road famous for?
2. "Drunken road" - business card Tuscany, the Orci valley and the city of Montichiello to which it leads. Asphalt belt planted with cypresses, descending from the most picturesque hills, is included in the UNESCO heritage. Her images adorn magnets, spoons, postcards, stamps. locals sometimes they even pray for it. As a guide, I'll post a postcard. This is what we went for.
3. Traveling in Tuscany was given with great difficulty. Leaving Florence, we turned onto the Chianti wine road and headed for miracles. It would seem, what is so difficult? Go, you just have to go.
4. But the trouble is that the landscapes of Tuscany are insanely beautiful. And instead of the road, you want to look around, the speed drops to a minimum, cars honk behind you, you trudge like a stoned drug addict. In 30 minutes I drove only 20 kilometers, took a hundred photos and began to understand that we might not be in time. But I just didn't want to go any further. I could stop at every bush, stone, vineyard
5. The closer we got to the Val d'Orcia, the harder it was to press the gas.
6. People who are in love with landscapes, romantic natures simply should not be allowed into Tuscany. There is a chance that the psyche will be disturbed, and they will not want to return to their native country.
7. At a certain moment, a thought came to me, but did the "drunken road" surrender to me at all? You might as well stay here. Enjoy the views, uncork a bottle of dry white and experience Zen.
8. There are no problems with bottles. Along the road there are local shops where you can buy quality homemade Tuscan wine. How difficult it is to move on!
9. If you understand wine, then such cities as Montalcino and Montepulciano will be reflected in your ears with a gentle echo, your hands will reach for the glass themselves, and your lips will whisper I want.
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10. Oh, it’s not for nothing that this path is called the wine road, because 80% of the territory of Tuscany is covered with vineyards, and local wineries have received world fame and gold medals from all kinds of noble drink competitions.
11. Did I already say that it is very difficult to drive and not stop?
12. During the Renaissance, students of the Sienese art school honed their skills on local natural landscapes. The paintings still reflect the beauty of Tuscany. But how is it possible not to become an artist, a poet or a winemaker here?
13. Could not stand it. He abandoned the car and ran into the fields.
14. If there is beautiful landscapes, delicious wine, then you can live here. We must pay tribute to the Italians, not to spoil the beauty of these places, but even to embellish - art. Soon I will tell you about a couple of local towns. They deserve a separate story.
15. Almost arrived. There is little left. Here she is already drunk dear, only the view from above. Did you drive in vain?
16. But first, a couple more landscapes.
17. Almost finished postcard or magnet. I'm thinking of ordering for friends and giving them as gifts. It's a good idea to give magnets of your own production with your photos. Or I'll collect a collection and give it to New Year all calendar.
18. I didn’t drive in vain. Oh, not in vain. He denied himself wine, swallowed saliva, hurried at stops. Not in vain.
Siena (Siena) - Chiantigiana (Chiantigiana) - Firenze (Florence) - 70 km + 0 euro
It's time to say goodbye to Siena. We never saw our Dionisio again. They left him a farewell note with gratitude and the keys on the table. The door was slammed shut.
Then our path lay in Florence, but not along the highway, but along one of the most beautiful roads Chiantijana. On the map she has №222
. The plans were to visit a couple of towns along the way and, of course, wineries fattorie and buy a real Chianti Gallo Nero.
It makes no sense to talk about the beauty of this road. Some sources write that this is the most beautiful road, at least in Italy and even Europe. I'm not ready to agree with this, there are more beautiful. But the fact that she has a unique charm is undeniable.
After about 26 km from Siena, we stopped at picturesque town Castellina-in-Chianti (Castellina-in-Chianti). We walked along the covered passage Via delle Volte. It is small but charming, with many museums, designer shops and leather shops.
From the transition went to the city center. 
In the center of the city there is a magnificent restored castle. Restored so much that its antiquity is not felt. 
Local wine and olive oil are sold on every corner, for example Bottega del Vino Gallo Nero (Via della Roca 10).
But we decided not to buy anything in the cities, we wanted to maximum approximation to the natural, that is, they decided to call in some kind of farm. There were a lot of signs along the way. "VenditaDiretta"(direct sales). On one such we turned. For quite a long time we drove along a terribly dusty country road among the fields and already doubted that we would meet at least some kind of civilization. And, finally, we unexpectedly arrived at some small village and a rather pleasant building, where we understood the sales department of the farm Santo Stefano. We were greeted by a friendly young girl and a man. They told us about their wine, gave everything to taste, including olive oil, for which they served slices of delicious bread. 
Of course, we gladly bought both Chianti and white wine and oil. By the way, the Russians have not wandered to them yet. They say that mostly French, British and Germans come.
Then we drove into Greve-in-Chianti. There is a wine festival here. Somehow the town was not impressed and we drove further to the castle Verrazzano (Castello di Verrazzanj), which is 4 km from Greve in Chianti. The castle also sells local wines and olive oil. The castle itself can be reached only with a guided tour and at a certain time. We took a picture of it from behind the bars, wandered around the area and admired the magnificent views of the Tuscan hills. 
not reaching Strada-in-Chianti there is also a castle Castello di Mugnana, the best-preserved medieval castle, around which there are also many fattorie, but we did not stop by there, but turned into another farm Tenuta Poggio ai Mandorli.
Auntie met us, took us to the cellar, listed the wines and offered to try one of them, and it was impossible to try expensive wines (more than 10 euros). We were surprised by this situation, but since we were not going to go anywhere else, we bought a couple of bottles from her. But among themselves they called her a greedy aunt. Apparently, the proximity to Florence had an effect, and she was not at all surprised by the Russian visitors, she says that they often stop by. That's where the dog is buried! They must have tasted her well.
From this farm we went straight to Florence. I must say that on this day, despite the short run, we completely got out of the time schedule and arrived in Florence in the evening, closer to 5 pm.
We immediately went to piazzale michelangelo, which offers a beautiful view of the city with the bulk of the Duomo and the tower of the Palazzo Vecchio, the Arno River with a series of bridges, including the Ponte Vecchio. 
There is a huge free parking lot on the square, a lot of cars. And it was still very hot 41 degrees! In an open area on a hill, it is unbearable heat. 
The time was approaching evening, it was necessary to settle. We booked a hotel "Hotel City" (Via Sant "Antonio, 18), which is located in a very convenient location, close to the railway station, the Medici Chapels, a few steps from the Duomo. Reviews about the hotel were great, which was confirmed in reality. A cozy homely suite of two rooms, with air conditioning, windows to a quiet courtyard, an excellent bathroom with everything you need, a good breakfast and wonderful staff cost us 185 euros per night + 3 euros / person tourist tax. Parking is paid, the hotel has its own parking spaces at the station, it costs 25 euros / day, you can leave and check in as many times as you like. For the center of Florence during the peak season, this is normal. And for us, exhausted by the Siena Palio, everything seemed like paradise.
But we had to get to the hotel. It was complicated. All the time they got on ZTL. They circled, circled, spat and drove into the zone, parked not far from the hotel. But it turned out everything was fine. They brought us to some base and said that since we live here, we will not be fined. And so it turned out later.
We quickly settled in and went for a walk. Since Katya and Viktor had already been in Florence the day before, we each scattered in our own direction.
First I went to Churches of Santa Maria Novella which was designed and built by Dominican friars. Completely work on the construction of the church ended in the second half of the XIV century. The marble facade of the church by Leon Battista Alberti appeared in 1456-1470.
The most interesting detail in the interior of the church are the pylons in the form of a bunch of columns, on which lancet arched vaults rest. The church of Santa Maria Novella contains a large number of works of Florentine art of the XIV-XVI centuries by Vasari, Ghirlandaio, Brunelleschi, Giuliano da Sangallo, Ghiberti and other masters. 
From this church I went to the Duomo Cathedral - Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
I immediately bought a ticket to Baptistery of John the Baptist for 5 euros to see the famous dome of the Byzantine mosaic of the 13th century and no less famous doors, the panels of which were created by Andrea Pisano and Lorenzo Ghiberti according to biblical scenes. 
After that I went for a walk. How to describe your feelings that arose as a result of the walk? And I had a feeling of confusion. I wandered the streets and realized that I was confused and ... depressed. For the first time, the city did not let me into its soul. As if the city has its own protective shell, and I am behind it outside. I sat down on the steps near some building and wanted to cry, and even better - go home. Through the force, she went a couple more steps and met with Katya and Viktor. We walked until dark, but the feeling that you were a stranger did not disappear. Katya gave a good definition to Florence: Florence is a block. 
The next day, for 12 days, we bought tickets to the Uffizi Gallery. Bought in advance through the site for 11 euros + 4 euros reservation. Therefore, in the morning I had to definitely climb the dome of the Duomo, visit the Duomo itself, then get ready, load my things into the car and run to the gallery.
In the morning the streets were still deserted, but there was already a long line at the entrance to the dome, which was moving quite quickly. The ticket cost 8 euros. 
In order to enter the cathedral itself, you need to go down from the dome, go outside and stand in line again. There is no need to be afraid of the queue, it moves quickly. The entrance is free.
The dimensions of the Duomo are amazing: 153 meters long and 90 meters wide. Today, Santa Maria del Fiori is the fourth largest cathedral in the world, second only to St. Peter's in the Vatican, St. Paul's in London and the Milan Duomo.
The Cathedral has a museum that stores two priceless canvases - "Lamentation of Christ" by Michelangelo and "Mary Magdalene" by Donatello.
In spite of great amount people in the cathedral, I nevertheless enjoyed it very much and examined it with interest. 
We quickly checked out of the hotel and walked to the Uffizi Gallery. Walking along Via De' Tornabuoni, we looked into the church, which is located at the intersection with the street Via degli Agli. We noticed this church in the evening, but it was closed. Why she attracted our attention, I don’t know, she didn’t differ in anything outwardly remarkable. Moreover, it is bypassed by guidebooks and on tourist maps at best, it is simply marked with a cross without a name. So we went into it without knowing the name. Now I already know what it is Church of Saints Michael and Gaetano. Church of the 16th century. We were struck by the interior decoration with the use of magnificent textiles, as it turned out, the 18th century.
I highly recommend visiting her. It was only here that I felt that Florence had slightly opened its door for me. 
In the gallery, as warned, there was a huge queue. But for those who have tickets paid for, there is a separate entrance, completely without a queue. We spent 3 hours in the gallery. Among the treasures kept in the Uffizi Gallery are masterpieces by Giotto, Caravaggio, Titian, Leonardo da Vinci, Rubens, Perugdio. Only in this Florentine museum can you see the famous work of Michelangelo depicting the Holy Family, as well as the works of Raphael, the Adoration of the Magi by Gentile da Fabiano, the Birth of Venus and Spring by Botticelli. The best works of the greatest masters of the Renaissance - that's what the Uffizi Gallery is today. We saw all this, trying with all our might not to fall into a stupor from culture shock.
From the windows of the gallery also open beautiful views on the river Arno and Ponte Vecchio, there are places to stay. 
So ended the first acquaintance with Florence. I concluded for myself that Florence is one of the cities that must be seen from the inside, where there is interesting architecture, but the main treasures are inside museums, cathedrals, galleries.
Chianti is exactly what you think. The wine fully reflects the peculiarity of the region. It can be used to assess how sunny days in Chianti, how rich the aromas of its herbs, how pure the air and how measured life. Landscapes of Chianti are endless vineyards, interrupted only by the houses of their owners, well-groomed greenery, hills lined with bushes one after another. For lovers of such idyllic pictures, they even built a special road that will lead through the best wine-growing lands directly to the birthplace of the famous Chianti - Brolio Castle.
Scattered throughout the region are ancient towns, where the atmosphere of rural life under the sun's rays has been preserved. The beauty of these places was appreciated by Leonardo da Vinci, it is hardly by chance that he painted the famous Mona Lisa here. According to one version, Mona Lisa was originally from Chianti.
Flights to Chianti
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How to get to Chianti
By plane
The airport, which serves the Chianti region, is 1 km from the center of Pisa and 80 km from Florence. There are no direct flights from Moscow, so you will either have to be content with transfer flights via Rome or other European cities or use ground transportation.
By train
Net railways connects the cities of the Chianti region with each other and with neighboring provinces. Florence and Siena can be reached from Rome and Milan in a couple of hours.
Hotels in Chianti
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The Chianti region is strewn with hotels and guesthouses, the choice depends solely on the preferences of tourists and their transport capabilities. It is convenient to travel between towns by car, and then you do not need to become attached to large settlements. In this case, you can choose a picturesque house away from the noise, feel like the owner of vineyards, wake up and watch orderly rows of plantings from the window. Many hotels are occupied by old mansions, in which you can also pretend to be at least a duke. At the same time, it is not necessary to empty your treasury clean.
The minimum expenses for living in Chianti - from 40 € per day for two. For this money, you can get a simple room in a house or hostel, for example, in Greve (Residence Casprini da Omero) or Gaiola (La Fonte Del Cieco, Villa Vittoria Gaiole In Chianti). In Gaiola, you can also stay like a king in the five-star Castello di Spaltenna Exclusive Resort & Spa (from 200 €), several similar places at once - in Castelnuovo Berardenga.
The cost of three-fours varies from 80 to 300 € per night.
Shopping in Chianti
Wine. Wine. And again wine. You can even take it out in boxes, most importantly, check it in as baggage, meeting the standard of your airline. However, difficulties may arise at the entrance to Russia. According to the current customs rules, you can import into our country no more than 2 liters of spirits per person. In addition to wine, Chianti produces grappa, limoncello, cognac. Marking - a red label with a black rooster in the center - indicates high quality. Good wine costs from 10 €.
In addition to alcohol from Chianti, you can bring local olive oil, cheeses, sausages and delicacies from wild boar meat.
Wine tasting in Chianti
Any institution will offer visitors local wine. But some places are especially loved by Italians and the interest of foreign tourists.
In Panzano, queues line up for Antica Cecchini. This legendary butcher shop is famous for its Florentine steak, where the owner reads passages from Dante's Divine Comedy and pours homemade wine from his private cellars. In the butcher's shop Dario Cecchini hangs autographs of fans of his creative approach to carcass and work: Dustin Hoffman, Jack Nicholson, Elton John and other celebrities.
There are two Michelin-starred restaurants in Castellina, where the chefs prepare dishes that best pair with Chianti from different vintages.
In Radda, you can look into the castle of Volpaia, where tasting tours are held with a sample of freshly squeezed olive oil. Of course, they won't let you go without a glass of wine either. The drinking place will be an old church turned into a bar, or a picturesque garden.
In the Meleto castle in Gaiol, after a tour of the castle and the winery, they offer to taste wines, grappa, cognac, accompanied by an appetizer of locally produced cold cuts. There is also honey and organic olive oil. Everything can be bought right there.
