We will be staying in a Villa outside of Florence for 2 weeks. We are planning our day trips from the Villa. I would like some advise on a Day Trip. Villa to Greve, Panzano, Radda, Gaiole, Villa. I have researched several winery's and things to see in the different towns. The mileage I figured from Google maps is about 100 miles round trip. Is this to much to see and do in one day? Also and restaurants for lunch and dinner that someone would recommend?
Posted by
Woodbury, MN, USA
46 posts
Mark,
We did a similar circle but from Siena. Siena, Castellina in Chianti, Radda, Vertine, Lunch in Gaiole, Isodi winery in Monti and back to Siena. We took a tour from Roberto and didn't feel rushed at all. We spent time at an Etruscan tomb, took time walking thru Vertine, nice lunch, and then the Winery tour. We didn't leave until 9 am and were back in Siena by 3:30 or 4. If you are driving, you will have the opportunity for more stops. Lee
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11 posts
Even if you have a car it might be worth considering a tour if you want to visit the wineries. The law in Italy is even more strict than in the US with regards to drinking and driving. Panzano is fairly small, or at least the part of town worth visiting is, and doesn't take more than half an hour to see the church and take in the views. The restaurant in the piazza -Sassolini- is worth the trip alone and I'd recommend eating here rather than one of the busier restaurants in Greve-in-Chianti (nice as they are). If you are short on time I would miss out Gaiole but definitely keep Radda in the plan. One thing to remember is that googlemaps may give the correct figure in miles, but a hundred mile trip along the winding hilly roads in Tuscany would be the same as 200 miles of smooth, flat highway. I certainly wouldn't make the day any longer. If you decide on going for a winery tour from Florence have a look at the Slow day in Tuscany http://www.slow-days.com . It is part wine tour, part cultural day and visits some of the villages you have on your list.
Posted by
phoenix
52 posts
I'll second that for the Slow day in Tuscany. Great day. For restaurants in Greve-in-Chianti 'Il Portico' tucked away in the corner of the piazza is one of the most authentic, however the views from the balcony dining at Ristorante Giovanne da Verrazzano and the food itself are first rate. http://www.20inchianti.it/restaurants/ristorante-giovanni-da-verrazzano.php Take a look at their video and you'll see what I mean.