Greve?
 

Can someone tell me about Greve? I don't want to spend my whole day in Florence (we'll be there on a Monday & museums are closed) & thinking about stopping here. It looks like the location is more convenient than going out to Siena since we have to be back on the ship docked in Liverno. Would prefer spending some time in Chianti area over Pisa, San G or Lucca. We have about 2 hrs to see something else besides Florence. Thanks

The drive from Florence to Greve on SS222 (Chiantigiana--the Chianti Highway--is very pleasant). There are short detours off the main road to places such as Impruneta (impressive church on the main piazza, including glazed Della Robbia terra-cottas); Strada in Chianti; Vicchiomaggio, Castello di Verrazzano; Casstello di Uzzano where you can tour the Italiante gardens. Greve itself is pleasant--the unofficial capital of Chianti--with a central Piazza Matteoti. Just east of Greve is Castello di Montefioralle, a solid stone medieval hamlet. In short--plenty to see and do on a day trip from Florence! With only two hours, I don't know what I would choose!

Gipsy:

2 hours, you say? The best you can do in that short amount of time is to hop the #7 bus at Piazza San Marcos, near the Accademia ("The David")...and head 6 miles straight uphill to little Fiesole. It's a small, lovely town with scenic views of Florence, some well-preserved ruins, and a few nice cafes on the main square. If you're game, a walk back down the hill to the nearest bus stop is very pleasantly gratifying.

To go into Greve would not be practical for such a short time.

Stu T.

Wow..there is SO much else to see aside from museums in Florence! Or maybe you have seen the "sights" on a previous trip...(??) In any case, I agree with Stu..take the trip up to Fiesole. See Santa Croce. Santa Maria Novella. The Carmine.. Do you have only 2 hours in Florence? Are you renting a car?

Most likely, we're going to hire a driver. There are 6 of us, so this should be easy & economical. Fiesole sounds interesting. There are some in my group looking for a scenic drive & that's the only reason I zoomed in on Greve. Is Fiesole drive as pleasant as SS222?

Gpsy:

Bear in mind, the drive to Fiesole is only about 5-6 miles...hardly worth a car and driver. Take the bus for twenty minutes.

stu T.

We are hiring the driver to take us from Liverno to Florence first, then onto another town for a short stay, then back to the ship. We decided since someone in our group may have a problem with walking & taking the public transportation, that this would be best.

Greve is small but very pleasant, particularly on a market day. There is a hotel on the square with a balcony that overlooks the main square. It is a lovely place for lunch. You see everything that is going on without really being seen yourself. Look up as you enter the square, and you will probably see it on your left.

The ristorante and hotel is the Guiseppi Verrazano..family run..excellent mom and pop restaurant with nice views of the oval square. Dunno about the hotel portion. You're right, Ackislander...it's on the left as you drive into town from the north.The colonaded square is quite attractive.

Stu T.

Stu T.