Self-Guided Tour of Chianti Classico

The Chianti is one of the loveliest little patches of this earth, and what better way to get to know it than by staying right at its heart and roaming among its enchanting villages, vineyards and castles on your own (with the help of detailed route maps, of course!)? This 4-night program includes all the Chianti experiences including tastings of wine, cheese and meats. Costs are kept way down -- and your individual freedom way up -- by using your own car.

DAY 1

• Arrive on your own in the afternoon. Settle into your digs at the 15th-century guesthouse of Verrazzano Castle, overlooking the breathtaking panorama of Chianti vineyards and hillsides.
• Dinner reservations tonight have been made on the panoramic terrace of a nearby restaurant that is revered by the locals and hardly known at all by outsiders (local wine included). Enjoy a pleasant walk under the moonlight to return to your private room.
• Overnight at the castle.

DAY 2, Greve in Chianti – Chianti Classico area

• Homemade Tuscan breakfast at your lodgings.
• Afterwards, you will visit the 15th-century castle, once owned by the family of Giovanni da Verrazzano, who discovered New York bay and much of the eastern coast of the USA. The castle offers a fascinating glimpse of Tuscan aristocratic life through the centuries. Your tour culminates in the world-renowned cellars.
• Lunch is a typical Tuscan affair served on the grounds of the castle.
• This afternoon you are free to discover the quaint medieval castle of Montefioralle and the lively “capital” of Chiantishire, Greve in Chianti. Venture into the underground aging cellar to experience the scents of pecorino sheep cheese; or step into the tasting room of world-famous Falorni butcher shop to try out some typical Tuscan salamis and cured meats.
• Dinner on your own.
• Overnight at the castle.
  

DAY 3, Siena's Chianti

• Homemade Tuscan breakfast at your lodgings.
• Today you're off to Gaiole in Chianti, located in the southern part of the wine-growing area of Tuscany, called Chianti senese. Your destination is a truly enchanted castle, which awaits you at the end of a picturesque driveway lined with cypresses and junipers. The spectacular medieval castle stands amid sun-kissed fields and vineyards, not far from the boundary between the ancient Republics of Siena and Florence. Here you will check in your room.
• In the afternoon you're invited for a private visit to a historic residence nestled amidst evergreen woods and long rows of vines. You can walk through the frescoed cellars and discover the estate's ancient parchments, Roman inscriptions and coats of arms. Be sure to save time to taste their award-winning wines!
• Dinner on your own and overnight at the castle.
  

DAY 4, Radda in Chianti

• Breakfast at the castle.
• This morning you can relax by the pool or take a walk in the chestnut woods or explore the castle grounds.
• Lunch is on your own.
• In the afternoon, hop in the car and drive a few minutes to the quaint village of Radda in Chianti. Stroll along its medieval path beneath houses which have stood here for centuries. Pause in one of the ancient shops for a taste of the local products, perhaps a typical snack of bruschette & prosciutto (ham and toasted bread).
• Dinner on your own and overnight at the castle.
  

DAY 5

• Breakfast at the castle.
• Check out and arrivederci until next time!

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