TracysTravels: Italy and the Chianti Region

TracysTravels: Italy and the Chianti Region: " The borders of the Chianti region are not clearly defined but in general it extends over the provinces of Florenc..."

Italy and the Chianti Region

    

The borders of the Chianti region are not clearly defined but in general it extends over the provinces of Florence and Siena.  The Chianti area in Tuscany is one of the most beautiful in the whole region, as well as the most well-known with visitors from all around the world coming to enjoy the beauty of this region.

   

One of the highlights of my trip to Florence was an afternoon/evening trip to a winery in the Chianti region.  This tour was booked through Viator and as arranged picked up on time and whisked off to the beautiful countryside.   We visited one of Chianti's most renowned castle-farm wine-growing estates. Here, you'll receive insights into the local wine-growing traditions and sample three prestigious wines: Chianti Classico, Chianti Reserve and Vin Santo dessert wine. The wines are accompanied by local traditional snacks. We walked around the gardens of this old rustic castle before sitting down at tables with our new found friends from around the world to enjoy the wine and snacks

This was not just a sample but bottles brought to our table to share.  We were then able to purchase products to take home with us. You will end the day with a traditional Tuscan dinner (accompanied by excellent Chianti wine) in the magical atmosphere of an old village among the Tuscan hills.  Some great spots to take photos and lots of laughter and fun, I would certainly recommend this tour and it was great value. 

On another day trip whilst staying in Florence we also went to Siena and San Gimignanao.  Siena of course is known for the famous  Palio di Siena (known locally simply as Il Palio) which is a horse race held twice each year on July 2 and August 16 in Siena,  the main square is a great place to sit and watch all the characters passing by.  The Siena Cathedral is wonderful and the colours of the marble  grey and black need to be seen to be  believed.You are able to wander through the cathedral and see the glorious  mosaics on the floor and the cathedral's valuable pieces of art including The Feast of Herod by Donatello, and works by Bernini and the young Michelangelo make it an extraordinary museum of Italian sculpture.  

      




Whilst a quick visit to San Gimignanao was made, this is a lovely old village with shops to explore and a visit to the torture museum of witches taking you through the dark ages where torturing of the witches was common place was quite interesting to see.

 

 

The rolling hillside, green and lush dotted with olive groves, sunflowers and quaint villages offering cooking and language schools is a must for everyone to visit.

Enjoy your visit to the Chianti Region

http://www.viator.com/