Among the iconic Italian country thoroughfares is SR 222, Strada Chiantigiana. This road is off the beaten track and passes through Tuscany’s well-known wine country to Chianti’s smaller cities and villages, like Greve, Radda, and Gaiole, which lay between Florence and Siena. It meanders south along a network of secondary, two-lane roads, with scenic rolling hills and Tuscan vineyards before meeting up with the SP408 to connect to Sienna.

The Strada Chiantigiana 100 km drive has some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Europe. Take it easy; be sure to leave enough time to visit the wineries and local restaurants and cafes and to wander through the charming towns and villages that you will come across as you travel.

Greve, 35 kilometers outside Florence, is an indispensable first stopping point on your way, because the region’s largest tourist office is located there. Make sure you get as many brochures as possible, then rest in the Piazza Matteotti at one of the many coffee shops or wine bars, prior to buying a box lunch at one of the many food stores. Visit in September for a chance to take in the yearly wine festival in Greve – a significant Chianti affair.

While you are visiting the heart of Gallo Nero country, keep your eyes peeled for the symbol of a black rooster and, of course, make sure you take a taste of some Chianti Classico wine. You will also find some outstanding medieval castles in the region that you might want to explore.

Travel about 10 km further south, along the Strada Chiantigiana, and you will find the medieval town of Panzano, which is built around the remains of a castle. Light snacks and regional wines are offered at Enoteca il Vinaio, where you can sit on the terrace and view the scenic vineyard. Panzano’s Romanesque San Leolino church, which is just 1 km at the south end of town, sits atop a beautiful hill and has several frescoes that date back to the Renaissance.

Travel a mere 12 km to the south of Panzano to Castellina, a town that sits atop a hill; it served as an important crossroads during the Etruscan era, and was a region that was contested over by nearby Florence and Siena. Etruscan remains located in Panzano consist of four tombs and a well; there are also a bunch of palaces from medieval times still standing.

Travel 20 kilometers east by Volpaia and you will reach the regions of Radda and Gaiole. There are more Etruscan ruins and wine estates located 6 km north of Volpaia. Backtrack on your path and take the turn to Gaiole; there you can tour the Badia a Coltibuono, an abbey that sits amidst a forest of cedar trees. All around the shopping district of Gaiole, you’ll find ancient castles and quaint old chapels. The restored Castello del Brolio is open for visits, and located south of the city. You can see Siena and the hills beyond from here.

Returning to the Strada Chiantigiana, you have another 30 kilometers south until you reach Siena. The heart of the city is pedestrian-friendly; it has a medieval palazzi and many fine specialty shops, small cafes and fine restaurants on both sides of its narrow lanes. Two times a year, on July 2 and August 16, the noted Piazza del Campo is covered with straw and dirt in anticipation of the running of the electrifying bareback horse race called the Palio di Siena.

If you are planning a driving holiday in Italy make sure that you include a drive along the stunning SR 222 Strada Chiantigiana.

Author Bio: Mark Scriven is an online marketing expert and has written many articles on business, travel and the internet. For a wide selection of Italian holiday villas visit Cottages to Castles, specialists in luxury vacation rentals in Italy.

Category: Travel
Keywords: italian drives, Strada Chiantigiana, tour italy