Last Updated on 5th October 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
For those familiar with Italian reds, Chianti likely needs no introduction. The rich red wine is synonymous with the rolling hills, endless vineyards, countless castles, and the picturesque nature of the Tuscan countryside. And if you’re staying in Firenze, then getting from Florence to Chianti couldn’t be easier! Here’s an easy Tuscany day trip from Florence.
Though Florence is technically also in Tuscany, many consider the real ‘Toscano’ to be the countryside outside of the city and so this guide is about a trip from Florence to Tuscany.
If you’re visiting Firenze, then be sure to check out our guide on how to spend one day in Florence, how to spend 3 days in Florence, and our suggestions for 7 days in Tuscany. For even more inspiration, be sure to check out our guide to the top day trips from Florence and how to plan a honeymoon in Italy.
Contents
- Introducing Chianti: The Italian Region & Chianti Classico Wine
- What is the composition of Chianti wine?
- Top towns and villages to visit in Chianti
- How far is Tuscany from Florence? How to travel from Florence to Chianti
- Chianti Wine tasting & Tuscany Wine Tours
- Wine and vineyard hotels in Chianti
- A final note…
Introducing Chianti: The Italian Region & Chianti Classico Wine
First things first: What is Chianti? Well, located in the Italian region of Tuscany, the Chianti region is world-famous and can be found roughly between Florence and Siena. The dry wine from the region is also called Chianti’.
The oldest part of the wine-growing area is Chianti Classico and it was this district which was originally dictated by Cosimo III de’ Medici. To ensure that you’ve got a bottle of the real ‘Chianti’ vino, make sure that it is stamped with the iconic black rooster symbol.
Inevitably, as wine production from the Tuscany region increased, so did the Chianti growing area. And so, in 1932, the ancient wine-growing region was redistributed into seven distinct sub-zones.
Chianti Colli Senesi (Montepulciano and Montalcino), Chianti Colline Pisani (The hills of Pisa), Chianti Colli Aretini (The hills of Arezzo), Chianti Rufina (East of Florence), Chianti Montalbano (West of Florence) and Chianti Montespertoli, Chianti Colli Fiorentini (Hills of Florence).
What is the composition of Chianti wine?
In order to be considered a Chianti, each wine must contain at least 70% Sangiovese grape. The wine is rich in flavour and is best tasted and paired together with food. However, nothing beats sampling wine straight from the vineyard, in the very location where it was likely produced.
Top towns and villages to visit in Chianti
While you’ll certainly want to explore the vineyards of the region, it’s worth noting that there are also plenty of towns worth exploring when it comes to Chianti. These Tuscany towns and villages often offer plenty of little museums, foodie experiences, and forgotten churches which are well worth a visit in of themselves.
Greve in Chianti
As one of the largest towns in Chianti, this lively metropolis is often referred to as the ‘Gateway to Chianti’. As such, there’s no shortage of things to see and do, even if you’re not a fan of red wine! Highlights of Greve include its strangely shaped piazza and several beautiful castles.
Castellina in Chianti
Beautiful and off the beaten path, this hidden gem of Tuscany boasts little by way of attractions. Instead, you visit Castellina in Chianti for the charm of the place, and of course, to sample the rich reds which are produced in the surrounding hillside. Close by, there’s also a small archaeological museum which is well worth a visit, as well as a fortress dating back to the Middle Ages.
Radda in Chianti
Often called ‘Ratti’ in German, the history of Radda dates back some four thousand years. Today, the picturesque village is home to the ruins of its historic town walls, plenty of medieval buildings, and a friendly vibe.
How far is Tuscany from Florence? How to travel from Florence to Chianti
Technically, Florence is actually in Tuscany. The distance from Florence to the Chianti area is just 35 km. Since Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region (Toscana in Italian), the Chianti region couldn’t be closer to Florence and a visit can easily be incorporated into a two week Italy itinerary.
As such, there are several ways in which to explore and experience Chianti as a day trip from Florence. Bus, train, and car are all possible modes of transport.
Florence to Chianti by train
Should you opt to take the train, you should know that you won’t get the fully immersive experience of Chianti in the same way in which you would if you drove or took the bus.
This is because train stops are few and far between in many parts of Chianti, which are high up on the hillside and far from any train tracks. As you can see, a Florence wine tasting day trip by train is probably best not the best plan or solution.
In choosing to travel by rail, you’ll simply be able to admire the Tuscan countryside (and vineyards) from the train window as opposed to being able to taste the many wines produced in the vineyards of the region or see the grape-growing vines up close.
Florence to Chianti by car
The most convenient way to explore Toscana is either to rent a car (which will give you a lot of freedom, though you will have to have a designated driver who will miss out on wine tastings) or simply to take the bus (or, most conveniently of all, to book a tour- but more on that later!). Check here for the best car rental prices.
Before deciding which travel option from Florence to Chianti will be best suited to your travel needs, you should now that buses don’t tend to run past early evening, may run at inconvenient times, or won’t go to specific destinations you may want to venture to.
There are also fewer buses at the weekend. When it comes to taking the bus, you can take the SITA bus from Florence to Greve. More information can be found here.
On the other hand, drawbacks of renting a car are traffic in Florence, as well as confusing roads. If you’re from a country which drives on the left-hand side of the road, such as the UK or Australia, then driving can also be confusing.
All said and done, the benefits of having a car are many: being able to reach ‘off the beaten path’ Chianti vineyards, the option to travel what you want, when you want, and the opportunity to stay in beautiful properties across Chianti.
Chianti Wine tasting & Tuscany Wine Tours
Of course, if you don’t want to rent a car, then there’s also the possibility of partaking in a day trip wine tasting tour of Chianti. On my first venture to the Chianti region several years ago, this is precisely what I did and it certainly took away the stress of having to plan everything for myself!
Tuscany Wine Tour from Florence
This well-reviewed one day trip has been created for travellers between 18-35. Included in the day trip are two wine tastings, return transport from Florence, balsamic and extra virgin olive oil tastings, and an English-speaking local guide.
San Gimignano, Siena, Chianti Guided Tour from Florence
Created for those who wish to experience both the villages of Tuscany, as well as the wine region, this day trip from Firenze includes lunch, transport from Florence, wine tastings, and a chance to explore the Monteriggioni fortress.
Tuscan 1 Day: Siena, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, Chianti
If history is your true passion, then this one-day Chianti Classico wine tour from Florence itinerary is made for you. Comprising of a visit to three medieval towns, lunch, return transportation from Florence, and several free guided tours, experience the best of Toscana in one day!
Castle and Chianti Wine Tour – from Tuesdays to Sundays
For those who are in search of a Chianti wine tour from Florence (i.e. Firenze) where history meets culture meets wine, this is the day trip for you. This tour includes wine tasting two local Chianti wines in the grounds of a medieval castle, as well as transportation to and from Florence.
Chianti at Sunset: Small Group Excursion
If you’re in search of an oh-so-romantic experience during your time in Tuscany, then this small-group excursion from Florence is the one to book. Included in the tour is transport to-and-from Chianti, as well as the chance to visit a family wine growing-estate and cellars.
Pizza Cooking Class at San Gimignano Winery
Those who wish to escape the city for a few hours would do well to consider this Tuscan cooking class. As well as transport to and from Florence and the winery, this class includes a wine tasting and wine pairing class.
Prior to the class, there’s a short walking tour of the winery. The class itself includes a pizza preparation course, followed by the chance to sit down and enjoy your creation.
Wine and vineyard hotels in Chianti
If you’re looking to enjoy a little more time soaking up the Tuscan sun and sipping on the local tipple, then you can also opt to stay within the Chianti region. There are a number of breathtaking vineyard escapes in Chianti that make for the perfect escape from it all…
Borgo Pignano: This luxury resort is located in the Tuscan countryside and boasts amenities such as a pool and spa set against the backdrop of an 18th-century villa. There is Wi-Fi and room service. Check prices and availability here.
Relais Borgo san Felice: Boasting beautiful vineyard particularly views (that are particularly spectacular come golden hour), this luxurious Tuscan accommodation offers highlights such as a spa, pool, and restaurant onsite. Check prices and availability here.
Castelletto di Montebenichi: Nestled in the Chianti hills, this palatial-like accommodation has air conditioning, a pool, and parking onsite. Check prices and availability here.
A final note…
If you’re looking for even more inspiration about the boot-shaped country, then be sure to check out our best travel quotes about Italy. And if you need to know more information before heading to the South of Europe, check out our top Italy travel tips.
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Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.