ROADTRIP: Italy's Chianti country

Welcome to my series of international road trips -- my favorite routes from 5 countries!  

Want to hit the road yourself?  I can help to get you on your way.   

Schedule a complimentary 20-minute get-acquainted call right here!

You've studied the Duomo, marveled at the David, and bartered for Murano glass.  Now it's time to leave Florence and head south into Italy's famed Chianti country.


ITALY ROADTRIP STOP 1:  Greve, the seat of wine country
Rent a little Fiat out of Florence (the Avis shop on Borgo Ognissanti puts you right at the south bridge to exit Florence, but beware the car-free zone because the Italians DO ticket!)

Less than 45 minutes drive and you'll be enjoying Chianti's storied landscape and pulling into Greve, with its overflowing markets and charming enotecos, or wine-tasting bars.

From here, you can get to the vineyards by either walking (or biking) the famous Strade Bianca (or white road) that's been used by farmers for centuries, or by driving, which permits you impulsive stops at little cucinas like this one, along the way!

There are vineyards and also olive farms, and detours (along back ways like the photo, right) will reward you with not only history and culture lessons of the area, but also proper tasting methods for both wine and olive oil.

Buono viaggio!  Chianti Classico!

ITALY ROADTRIP STOP 2:   Truffle Hunt
The old-school Hotel Brufani, perched atop the pinnacle town of Perugia, is the ideal stopover enroute to the truffle farm.  The head north, early the next morning, to meet Emma, the truffle-hunting canine (see her interview, here), hunt for the elusive culinary treats, and then spend a treasured afternoon in the farmer's kitchen, cooking... the savoring... a truffle feast.

Drive late to Sienna for a quick overnight in the horse-racing campo of Tuscany!   Check out this venue for your nightcap!

ITALY ROADTRIP STOP 3:  Etruscan country
Before you head south to the world of the Etruscans, grab a sunrise cafe and treat yourself to a hot air balloon ride over the rolling Tuscan hills. (champagne and classic farmhouse Italian breakfast included!)
Then detour south to Etruscan country:  deep ruts of ancient Etruscan roads, caves, and hot springs.  My favorite is a natural spring.  Yes, you WILL stoop under the fence, walk across a field, change clothes behind a bush, and crawl INTO the river alongside the locals for your free, and superbly atmospheric, soak!

I recommend an overnight in the nearby village of Saturnia, before hitting to road back to Florence.  If you're willing to brave a one-way rental charge, another options is to head straight south to Rome - you're only 2+ hours away!

Melanie is a road trip expert!  Her client, Carol, says: 

You sent us to places and found us routes that we would never would've found on our own!  Thank you!

Melanie can help you, too.  Call her today with your questions:   (609)923-0304