A Travel Guide to Chianti, Tuscany for First Timers
After spending some time exploring Florence, we made what turned out to be the best travel decision of our Italian adventure: extending our stay to spend a few days in Chianti. I seriously cannot get over how beautiful this place is. The vineyards, the old castles, the way the light hits everything just right, it’s insane how pretty it is.
Trust me when I say this: skip the crowded day trips from Florence and actually stay in Chianti. Those few extra days allowed us to truly soak in the slower pace, wake up to vineyard views, and experience this enchanting region the way it deserves to be experienced.
Before you go: Traveler essentials
Get an eSim on Airalo to stay connected. Use code JESSIC6325 when you sign up or check out. Click HERE.
Get travel insurance on Safetywing to stay protected while traveling. Click HERE.
Getting from Florence to Chianti
Our Route: We traveled from Florence Santa Maria Novella station to Montevarchi, then took a 30-minute taxi ride to our castle accommodation. We bought our train ticket on Trenitalia.com. The taxi cost approximately 70 euros one way, definitely not budget-friendly, but worth every penny for the convenience and scenic drive through the countryside.
My Strong Recommendation: Rent a car. Seriously. While we didn’t rent one ourselves (we arranged a private driver for our stay), having your own car gives you the freedom to explore all the little towns, check out different wineries, and just drive around without worrying about schedules. Plus the drives are gorgeous.
Note: I’d love to share our private driver’s details, but out of respect for their privacy (they got overwhelmed with inquiries when I shared publicly before), please email me directly if you’d like their contact information.
Where We Stayed: Castello di Spaltenna
This place is absolutely incredible. Castello di Spaltenna is a five-star castle hotel that’s honestly like nothing I’ve ever experienced. Waking up in an actual castle with vineyard views was unreal. If you’re going to splurge anywhere, this is the place to do it.
Wine Tasting at Castello di Meleto
This was such a cool experience. For 45 euros per person, we got to taste their wines and take a tour of their actual medieval castle. The guide knew so much about the history and the winemaking process, and obviously the wine was delicious. Doing a tasting with those views was pretty special. Just make sure to book ahead because they do fill up.
Essential Things to Know Before Visiting
- Geography matters: Tuscany is a region, and Chianti is an area within it. Understanding this helps when planning your itinerary and transportation.
- A car is essential: I cannot stress this enough. Rent a car. Taxis are scarce and expensive (as we learned!), and public transportation is limited. Having a car transforms your Chianti experience, giving you the freedom to explore charming villages, hidden wineries, and scenic viewpoints on your own timeline.
- Bug spray is your best friend: Pack insect repellent and use it generously, especially during warmer months. The beautiful countryside comes with mosquitoes and other bugs that can quickly dampen your outdoor dining and vineyard strolling.
- Book winery tours in advance: Popular estates fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Don’t leave your wine tasting experiences to chance – book ahead to avoid disappointment.
- Embrace the pace: Everything moves slower here. Restaurants don’t open until 7:30 PM, shops close for long lunch breaks, and nobody’s in a rush. Don’t fight it, just go with it.
- Pack comfortable walking shoes: You’ll be walking on cobblestones, gravel, and uneven paths a lot. Your feet will thank you.
- Learn basic Italian phrases: Even just knowing “grazie,” “prego,” and “scusi” makes a difference. People really appreciate when you try.
- Cash is king: Smaller places prefer cash and ATMs aren’t everywhere in the countryside, so come prepared.
Conclusion
I’ve been a lot of places and Chianti is one of the most beautiful I have ever been. It’s one of those places where you immediately start planning your next trip back before you’ve even left. Take my advice: stay longer than you think you need. This place is truly incredible. Just go.
PS: I’ve been to Italy so many times. If you’d like to read my experience on how to plan trips to other parts of Italy, check out this guide.
Safe travels.
