Driving the Chianti wine road through Tuscany is a must in Italy.
Expect amazing scenic landscapes as well as lots of zigzagging through the old and narrow roads. However, as in France I didn’t stop at all the wineries. Actually none, as it all is pretty repetitive if you are not a wine connoisseur as well as the drink driving factor. But the drive on the ‚Strada del Vino’ is a great experience. I finished this roadtrip in Assisi where you can find the most amazing basilica, the Basilica of St. Francis.
The towns on the Chianti Road
The scenery is beautiful. Whether you pick big or the small towns to see, 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. Not to mention tasting all the wine of course!
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 idylic. 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.
Siena + 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.
Certosa di Pontignano Residenza d’Epoca
Siena is the bigger town and although it is pretty to walk through I enjoyed the smaller town San Gimignano much more. 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). I think the crypt and Basilica inside would have been interesting to see. Maybe next time! And San Gamignano is certainly not be missed in my opinion.
Coming to the end of the Chianti Wine Road and due to morning rain 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.
P.S. I did stop in Perugia for an hour but it was early morning, rather colder and so it didn’t impress me too much.
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 had to pay 50 cents in one of the churches to have the light turn on for a few minutes.
Cathedral Siena
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 walked a lot in Assisi. The old city is stretching over the mountain for 1.5km one way and I explored it all. Even walking up the stairs to the castle (my knee was behaving well). Assisi was always my favourite (I have been here 18 years ago with my mum) and so I was looking forward to coming back. I am sure it won‘t be the last time.
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!
