Expect amazing scenic landscapes as well as lots of zigzagging through the old and narrow roads. This is truly a beautiful part of Italy and it is amazing being amongst all the wineries. The drive on the ‚Strada del Vino’ is certainly a great experience. I finished this road trip in Assisi, where you can find the most amazing basilica, the Basilica of St. Francis. Driving the Chianti wine road through Tuscany is certainly a must do in Italy.
Especially after my visit in Florence and Pisa, I was ready for some wine and the little towns of Italy
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The towns on the Chianti Road
The scenery is beautiful. Whether you choose to see the big or the small towns, be prepared to have to walk up the steep and narrow old city streets. That said, it certainly makes up for all the pasta and pizza you are most likely going to eat, while driving through Italy and along the Chianti Wine Road. Not to mention tasting all the wine of course!
P.S. It reminds me a bit of my trip in Bordeaux I did many years later. Read Chateau to Chateau in Bordeaux.
There are plenty of little towns in the Tuscany region of Italy, and you can basically stop wherever you like. You can‘t pick a wrong one. They are all up on a hill, have a stunning church and are generally gorgeous and idyllic. Sometimes I felt like I should really stop there, but at the end you can‘t do them all at once. So, besides a small town called Panzano, my destination on this route was Siena. And Assisi of course!
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Siena and San Gimignano
I found another great Tuscan abode, this time an old monastery, outside of Siena. Staying there for two nights I explored Siena and San Gimignano.
Siena is the bigger town and although it is pretty to walk through, I enjoyed the smaller town San Gimignano much more. Who would have thought. With a skyline of its medieval towers, it looked pretty unique and stunning. Agree?
That said, the outside of the Cathedral in Siena was pretty amazing. Unfortunately I didn‘t go in, as I would have had to wait until the afternoon (it was Sunday morning when I was there). Bad timing and I think the crypt and Basilica inside would have been interesting to see. Maybe next time!
And remember, San Gamignano is certainly not be missed in my opinion.
And so…
Coming to the end of the Chianti Wine Road, and due to a rainy morning, I skipped the little town Montepulciano on this trip (I have been there before with my mum and I loved it). That said, I will definitely be back in this area. Hopefully when the trees are greener.
Although I love the low tourist season in March, I think April would give the scenery even more colours and beauty.
The churches of Tuscany and Umbria
Each church is more beautiful than the other. Being close to the town of Perugia, I also followed the artwork of the painter Perugini. I made a quick stop at the town and basilica in ‚Citta della Pieve’ and then in Panicale. Both little towns in Umbria were very cute. However I couldn’t wait to see Assisi again.
P.S. I did stop in Perugia briefly but it was early morning and rather cold, and so I wasn’t too impressed.
The churches in the smallest towns can be the most amazing ones. Being a fan of art, I particularly enjoy opening the grand doors of some of the churches and being amazed in the most unexpected way. Most of the times I am not allowed to take photos inside, but take my word for it, when I tell you to have a look inside. There is a ‚wow‘ moment almost every time. I even paid 50 cents in one of the churches, to have the light turn on for a few minutes. Amazing!
Continuing my journey towards Assisi, I also (spontaneously) stopped in Santa Maria degli Angeli, to see inside the Basilica “Basilica Papale Di Santa Maria deli Angeli”.
What a stunning architecture, with a 16th century basilica build over the existing 9th century church that Saint Francis actually frequented.
Assisi
Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis (1181–1226) and one of Italy’s patron saints. The Basilica of St. Francis is a massive, 2-level church, consecrated in 1253 and is absolutely stunning. Really! I have been here many years ago with my mum. It was great to be back. I love this town.
I walked a lot in Assisi. The old city is stretching over the mountain for 1.5km one way and I explored it all. I was even walking up the stairs to the castle, and my knee was behaving well. Visiting Assisi should be on everyone’s list when driving the Chianti Wine Road. I am sure I will be back again as well.
Assisi is a must see for everybody!
P.S. You might be wondering about my blogging by now, so here is a live scene for you: I am writing this blog, sitting in my hotel room, at my next destination already (this time it is Rome), having walked over 10km in 4 hours. Totally exhausted, I am enjoying a glass of Chianti (bought during the Chianti Wine Road trip, of course) and finalising this blog. Ready for the next day – Rome and the Vatican City.
(post 89)
