Chianti countryside OR S.Gimignano & Siena
 

Hi, We are group of 8 on a cruise with stop at Livorno from 9-7pm. We have already visited Florance before so would like to experience something different. We all love to experience culture, food, wine, watching people and seeing villages. We have found a tour co. that offers the above tours each for same price. With our interest and the time we have, which ine do you recommand?
Thanks in advance

<<We all love to experience culture, food, wine, watching people and seeing villages>>

Either would be fine, but for something different, I would choose the countryside. Did they mention what the countryside itinerary includes?

Thanks for your reply, here is what the tour offers:

Chianti countryside
The Chianti countryside is internationally famous for its wines and, together with our drivers, which speaks a fluent English, you will be able to travel towards the evocative Tuscan hills and reach Greve in Chianti, a beautiful village which will be an unforgettable experience to you.

A travel across the vineyards and the acient traditions of the Tuscan land, a travel you will be able to customize to your own tastes, and that will allow you to know friendly people, do some wine-testing and eat in exquisite restaurants immersed in the stunning land of Chianti.

There is too much to see in San Gimignano and Siena to make a one day visit worthwhile. You can get a sense of Greve and a vineyard or two in an afternoon. I wouldn't think you will eat in restaurants, but one nice one for lunch would work in nicely.

IMO, Siena and San Gim are a little too far from Livorno to allow for anything but a quick dash through SG and a couple of hours trying to see all that interests you in Siena. (In the summer, there is often a line to get into the Duomo in Siena.) It's nearly five hours of driving round trip, and somewhere along the way you'll want to eat lunch. You'd see some pretty countryside, however.

Greve in Chianti isn't much closer, but if it's the only stop on the itinerary the day will feel less rushed.

Have you been to Lucca and/or Pisa? You could train to Lucca in under an hour from Livorno, and the station there is just a short walk to the city walls. Pisa is only 20 minutes by train from Livorno. If you hired a car and driver for the day, you could visit both towns in the time you have. It's certainly doable by train as well, but keeping a group of 8 on a train timetable would be challenging IMO.

I am with Jean. It is not easy to see Chianti from Livorno. I would stay closer and see Lucca and Pisa--both worth your time--and you will have more time to enjoy them.

Thanks Everyone. We all have been in pisa so if we hire a private driver, would Greve in Chianti work? what other towns are nice to visit close to Greve?
Any suggestions on private driver?

Thanks so much.

Panzano
Castellina in Chianti
Radda in Chianti
Gaiole in Chianti

You will not have time to visit all. Castellina is lovely but usually crowded.

If the weather is nice, do enjoy a nice lunch in the countryside with a view. Here is a good list of places to eat-

http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/restau...ianti_jane.htm

Have fun!