Mk Tours Travel - Iconic Italian Drives - Strada Chiantigiana

With scenic rolling hills and Tuscan vineyards before meeting up with the SP408 to connect to Sienna, two-lane roads, it meanders south along a network of secondary. Which lay between Florence and Siena, and Gaiole, radda, like Greve, this road is off the beaten track and passes through Tuscany's well-known wine country to Chianti's smaller cities and villages. Strada Chiantigiana, among the iconic Italian country thoroughfares is SR 222.

Be sure to leave enough time to visit the wineries and local restaurants and cafes and to wander through the charming towns and villages that you will come across as you travel; take it easy. The Strada Chiantigiana 100 km drive has some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Europe.

Visit in September for a chance to take in the yearly wine festival in Greve - a significant Chianti affair. Prior to buying a box lunch at one of the many food stores, then rest in the Piazza Matteotti at one of the many coffee shops or wine bars, make sure you get as many brochures as possible. Because the region's largest tourist office is located there, is an indispensable first stopping point on your way, 35 kilometers outside Florence, greve.

You will also find some outstanding medieval castles in the region that you might want to explore. Make sure you take a taste of some Chianti Classico wine, of course, keep your eyes peeled for the symbol of a black rooster and, while you are visiting the heart of Gallo Nero country.

Sits atop a beautiful hill and has several frescoes that date back to the Renaissance, which is just 1 km at the south end of town, panzano's Romanesque San Leolino church. Where you can sit on the terrace and view the scenic vineyard, light snacks and regional wines are offered at Enoteca il Vinaio. Which is built around the remains of a castle, and you will find the medieval town of Panzano, along the Strada Chiantigiana, travel about 10 km further south.

There are also a bunch of palaces from medieval times still standing; etruscan remains located in Panzano consist of four tombs and a well. And was a region that was contested over by nearby Florence and Siena, it served as an important crossroads during the Etruscan era, a town that sits atop a hill; travel a mere 12 km to the south of Panzano to Castellina.

You can see Siena and the hills beyond from here. And located south of the city, the restored Castello del Brolio is open for visits. You'll find ancient castles and quaint old chapels, all around the shopping district of Gaiole. An abbey that sits amidst a forest of cedar trees; there you can tour the Badia a Coltibuono, backtrack on your path and take the turn to Gaiole. There are more Etruscan ruins and wine estates located 6 km north of Volpaia. Travel 20 kilometers east by Volpaia and you will reach the regions of Radda and Gaiole.

The noted Piazza del Campo is covered with straw and dirt in anticipation of the running of the electrifying bareback horse race called the Palio di Siena, on July 2 and August 16, two times a year. Small cafes and fine restaurants on both sides of its narrow lanes; it has a medieval palazzi and many fine specialty shops, the heart of the city is pedestrian-friendly. You have another 30 kilometers south until you reach Siena, returning to the Strada Chiantigiana.

If you are planning a driving holiday in Italy make sure that you include a drive along the stunning SR 222 Strada Chiantigiana.