Tips for Drive Through Chianti
 

We will be leaving Florence (on a Saturday) by rental car about 9 am and don't have to arrive at our apartment in Montichello until after 4 pm. (April, 2006). What's the best way for us to enjoy our trip on the S222 through the Chianti region?

Ideas for a great place for lunch, maybe a vineyard (I'll drink my husband's portion), places to stop for great views, a good shop/market to stop for provisions - any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

"What's the best way for us to enjoy our trip on the S222 through the Chianti region?"

Put the windows down, listen to some opera and stop at all the great little towns along the way. Our favorite is Greve.

The area between Florence and Castellini is chock full of scenery and towns. Its is quintessential Chianti. Greve, Panzano, Castellini are all good stops and the views alone are great. You could stop at Villa Vignamaggio just south of greve on the way to Lamole to see a beautiful winery and villa. Its a left turn off of S222 just a few km south of Greve. Sign are toward Lamole but you will pass the Villa first.

The trip south of Siena to Montalchino is spectacular as well and different from the S22.

South of Siena, you take SS326 to SS438. (To Asciano) At Asciano, you get on SS 451 which will get you to Montalchino. Mindblowing scenery all along here.

There is an abbey called Monte Oliveto Maggiore on the way to Montalchino that you should stop to see.

If you go to SLOWTRAV.com this drive is described there. It is also featured in a Frommers book called TUSCANY and UMBRIA BEST LOVED DRIVING TOURS.

Lastly, I ordered regional maps from Initaly.com that we used successfully to chart our course.

Hope this helps.

Thanks buongiorno and chicagolori for your suggestions.

I feel a bit guilty that we'll only have 7 hours or so to spend in the Chianti area, but I thought if anyone could help us make every minute count, fodorites could.

Any other suggestions greatly appreciated.

Chicagolori, which specific report were you referring to? thanks

Note, I think Chicagolori means Montalcino, famous for Brunello. Just in case you are looking for it on a map.

buon viaggio!

correct - that is what i meant. excuse the spelling error. thanks

Its called MY Italy Trip Report and its number 133 of all of my posts.

You might want to take a circuit off to the east of SS222 for a while to pass by some of the castles and fortified abbeys near Gaiole and Radda. http://www.castelli-del-chianti.com/ has detailed itineraries. I guess the Abbazia di Coltibuono is one of the most famous and you could have a very original lunch at their restaurant.

Oh yes! We really enjoyed our lunch Badia di Coltibuono, followed by a tour of their wine cellars and gardens. Need reservations! We also toured Castello di Brolio - outside only allowed -- as the Antinori family lives there.