Tuscan villas and Chianti wines
Tuscany rolling hills, medieval villages and Chianti wines have always been on our bucket list. The warm Italian hospitality, good food, and picturesque landscapes contributed to lasting memories.
We visited Tuscany, located between Florence and Rome, by rental car. I shared more about our visit to Milan, Florence, and Rome in my previous letter.
Pisa
Our first stop in Tuscany was Pisa, and our accommodation was in the small town of Pugnano. I fell in love with the old Italian villa that originated in the 16th century as a farmhouse.
The rooms are very spacious, and the decor is genuinely Italian. There are two wedding reception halls with wooden floors, giant murals, and beautiful crystal chandeliers.
We enjoyed a bottle of Chianti wine in the villa’s garden as we watched the last golden rays of the sun disappear over the Tuscan vineyards. Breakfast consisted of sweet Italian tarts and cakes displayed on a table with a pure white tablecloth.
Chianti Wine Region
The Chianti wine region is home to Italy’s best-known wines. Canola fields provided colour between the carefully tended rows of vineyards and olive groves. In summer, sunflowers and grains take over the role.
Along the road are wine cellars to taste wine and olive oil. We stopped in the village of Greve de Chianti. Boutique shops, workshops and restaurants surround the town square.
The region is known for its Agriturismo, which offers the opportunity to stay on one of the working farms. We spent the night on a farm near Panzano, where they prepared meals with their local produce.
In Panzano, we had lunch under the beautiful, purple-coloured wisteria with the Tuscan countryside as our view.
San Gimignano
The medieval villages built on the hills are characteristic of the Tuscan area. San Gimignano takes you back with its fascinating medieval architecture and towers.
The drive to San Gimignano tested our marriage. The area is hilly, and the many winding paths are very narrow. After my numerous map misinterpretations, Charl got frustrated with finding ways to turn around!
The destination was worth it! We enjoyed gelato with the other tourists on the steps of the old well in the town square.
Saturnia hot springs
From the Chianti region, we drove south through the Val d’Orcia area. The landscapes are picture-perfect, with rolling hills and distinctive cypress trees.
Pictures of Cascate del Mulino, of Saturnia, enticed me. The milky blue natural hot springs at different levels are amazing. The water is 37 degrees and mineral-rich with healing properties.
We stayed in Manciano and slept peacefully. It was a relaxing way to conclude our Tuscany trip.
Cari saluti
Emsia