We've rented a villa in Greve in Chianti. We know the mid-September dates we are going (14-28) We plan to rent two cars, capable of 4 - 5 passengers each. We know about the no car zones. Some of us are flying into Florence, where we will be picked up by someone from the group and taken to the villa. We have several months to plan activities. What do I/we need to be concerned about? I don't mean the obvious...passports, International Driver's License, at least two ATM/debit cards, notifying banks/cc companies we are going.... but what else should we be considering and plan for? I know this is kind of a general question, but I have a tendency to overlook the obvious. Any thoughts??
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8141 posts
We returned from Chianti in April, 2012. Just be sure to fill up your checking accounts before leaving. With that many people, you'll need plenty of the ole Yankee dollars. Some of the smaller communities in Chianti don't have many restaurants, and some restaurants can be rather expensive. My wife and I just don't eat that heavy, and we did our own cooking for the most part. FYI: They've got two fabulous grocery stores in Poggibonsi, west of where you'll be staying. We found food prices more reasonable than expected. If the budget allows, have you considered finding a local cook to prepare some of your meals at your villa?
It sounds as if you have a good handle on your trip. I'm sure your will have a fabulous trip.
Posted by
Calgary
2297 posts
Does your villa have an outdoor stone oven? Then reserve an evening and prepare your own pizza! We rented a place for our group of 6 and this was one of the best things we did together. I used Jamie Oliver's recipe for the pizza dough, got a wine bottle as a rolling pin (you're in Chianti after all!), and bought all ingredients locally. http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8d924b3127ccec4de43b403ee00000050O00AbtG7do2YuWIPbz4E/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/ http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8d924b3127ccec4df47ac23b800000110O00AbtG7do2YuWIPbz4E/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
Posted by
OP
Rochelle, IL
263 posts
yes, we plan to hire a cook for one meal each week.....that is one of the services the villa owner offers. I don't think there is a brick oven....I will have to check. It would be great to cook a pizza in a woodfired over.
Thanks for the info.