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Base in Florence, tips for day trip in Chianti

Posted by on

Hi! My 22 year old daughter and I will arrive in Florence on June 1 and depart for CT on June 5. We have found a flat in the city center where we will base. I'd like to use one of our days in Florence to tour the Chianti region by car. I've learned it makes more sense to rent at the airport. We'd return it the same evening when we return to Florence. I am able to keep a car in our garage in Florence but I've read too many horror stories about keeping a car in the city so I think it's best to keep it for the day only.

We'd like to spend the day touring the countryside and visiting 2-3 villages along the way that could include Siena, San Gimignano, Montepulciano, Volterra. Or maybe someplace else? Looking to find the authentic Tuscan experience during our day traveling.

I'd really like any advice I can get about this idea...

  1. How much can we comfortably see in one day of touring?
  2. Recommendations on must see attractions or towns?
  3. Recommended routes?
  4. Are we being too ambitious trying to do this by car instead of bus/train?

We're adventurous and don't mind a manageable amount of challenge but this is our first trip to Europe and don't want to get in over our heads either!

Thank you kindly for your support!

Andy

Posted by
907 posts

You have only three days in Florence. I would say enjoy Florence for 2 of those days and then take the train to Siena (or Lucca or Pisa, or anywhere else you want). That is all the time you have. You probably don't want to have a car in Florence anyway, it is more of pain than a benefit. Using the train for a day trip is more convenient for you. I would normally encourage you to have a car and drive around but you just don't have time to do that in my opinion.

Posted by
2216 posts

I think you'd eat up a significant amount of time just dealing with the paperwork of picking up and returning the car. If all you have is one day, look for a small tour of Tuscany you can take from Florence. This usually includes a stop at a winery, which would be a lot of fun. If you have a driver, you could imbibe without worry of DWI.

You could barely see one of the towns you listed in a day, much less 2 or 3. See what kind of destinations are offered. I suggest a tour that concentrates on the countryside instead of city hopping. Avoid any trips that include Siena, it will either get short shrift or you'll burn up too much time there.

Pick a tour that takes a small group, 8 or less or even consider hiring a driver.

Posted by
824 posts

Andy,

I would recommend taking an escorted tour of Chianti rather than renting a car and driving yourself. (I know I'll receive a lot of flack...) Here's my reasoning:

One tours the Chianti region to visit vineyards and wineries. The reason to visit vineyards and wineries is to learn about and sample the wine. Sampling wine and driving don't mix.

We took a small-group (~10 people) escorted Chianti tour conducted by Walkabout Florence (https://www.walkaboutflorence.com/tours/taste-italy-chianti-wine-and-food-safari). The tour begins and ends at the train station (Santa Maria Novella) and lasts about 9 hours. This tour far exceeded our expectations! Three wineries - three wine tastings plus a fabulous lunch at one of the wineries. It was the highlight of our two week trip to Italy.

No standing in line picking up/dropping off a rental car. No worries about ZTL or traffic violations. Let someone else do the driving and enjoy the expert commentary by your tour guide.

Posted by
11613 posts

I like work2travel's idea of a Chianti-area tour, for exactly the reasons stated.

Posted by
2 posts

I think your thoughtful suggestions have changed my mind about hiring a car! The Walkabout Florence Chianti safari sounds like the type of experience I'd hope to create on our own but without the hassle of driving or figuring out where to go. I'd like to be able to visit a couple of Tuscan towns but perhaps less is more. Get two full days in Florence where I understand there is no shortage of sights to see and a full day with a guided tour in Chianti. Perfect!

Posted by
2334 posts

Be sure to look at all the tours offered. There are bound to be some that go to San Gimignano and perhaps the other towns you listed in your original post (which in my mind are in different areas than "Chianti").

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