Chianti Travel Guide
Travel to Chianti - Rolling Hills, Vineyards and Honey-Coloured Villages
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Epitomising Tuscany, Chianti has gained a place in visitors’ hearts because of its rolling, vineyard clad hills punctuated by cypress trees and honey-coloured villages. Here Renaissance towns such as Florence, Siena and San Gimignano cast their unavoidable spell over the traveller who comes to see great art, walk or explore by bike or car. Rent a room or a villa, taste wines or relax by the poo – whatever you do here in Chianti you’ll be left with cherished memories.
The Chianti region of Tuscany lies on a north/south axis from Florence down to Siena. It gives its names to the superb Chianti Classico wine and is home to hilltop towns such as Greve, Radda and Castellina which form a triangle in the very heart of the region.
The name “Chianti” seems to derive from the Latin “clangor” which means far off sound of a trumpet, a reference to the noise produced by hunting parties. Others believe it is from “Clante”, the name of Etruscan families who lived here between the 7th and 8th centuries BC and to whom the introduction of the vine and it cultivation in Tuscany is attributed.
Attractions in Chianti
The region is typified by the rolling hills of innumerable postcards and its vineyards, and lovely towns. The famous Chianti wine can be tasted at innumerable vineyards and there is a plentiful supply of good quality accommodation in the mid to upper range, however careful planning and booking ahead is essential. Justifiably popular towns to visit include Radda, Greve and Castellina, all with the appellation ‘in Chianti’.
Activities in Chianti
Chianti is the perfect place to embark on an exploration of the Tuscan countryside with walking and, to a lesser extent, cycling popular amongst visitors. Guided walks can be easily arranged through a local Travel Expert, or you can grab a map of the area – the Kompass series are recommended as are the Edizioni Multigraphic series. Alternatively head out on a car tour - enabling you to cover more ground and yet still experience the backroads of the region, pausing at will along the way.
Relaxing
At the end of your day there’s no better way of relaxing than to head to the local vineyard and sample of a few glasses of Chianti Classico.
Getting Around
Explore on foot or by bike. You’ll need to take circular walks and rides if exploring on foot or by bike as there is little public transport that will enable you to get back to your accommodation. Taxis can be pre-booked for walkers, but no such arrangements are possible for cyclists, unless you can make arrangements with your accommodation provider. The alternative is to take a guided tour with a local Travel Expert who specialises in such trips.
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