Tuscany

A PERFECT FARM HOLIDAY IN TUSCANY

The classic image of a Tuscan farmhouse can be none other than that of a cluster of ancient stone buildings set in woodland on the higher slopes of the Chianti hills, or in the greens and golds of the valley vineyards – the perfect place to find peace and quiet. Add to this the richness of the grapes and olives, the quality of the locally-grown vegetables and the sweetness of the fruit, all genuine products of Tuscany, many of which bear prestigious and protected labels, and what more could you want.

Chianti

Chianti has for centuries been one of the best known and most fiercely loved parts of Tuscany, famous all over the world.

While having no precise borders as such, it is fundamentally all of the land which lies between Florence and Siena, and this leads to many references, especially when dealing with wine, to either Florentine or Senese Chianti.

Those who visit Chianti are treated to a succession of unique landscapes, featuring in turn gently rolling green hills, stretches of vineyards and patches of olive groves, delightful small villages, ancient parish churches and stone houses.

These extraordinarily beautiful sights have been photographed time and time again for cards, magazines and posters, yet we never tire of seeing them.

Greve in Chianti

Florence Siena has a completely different feel to Florence, both due to its location on a hill and its architecture and town planning. Where Florence can inspire respect and veneration, Siena inspires love. It is a masterpiece, designed so that the buildings would live in harmony with the landscape. Surrounded by walls which still stand today, accessible through great gates such as the Porta Camollia, full of dips and grooves, the streets wind their way to the Piazza del Campo, the heart of Siena and all Senese people. Siena is to be explored on foot as no traffic, except for public assistance, can drive through the old town. This makes its labyrinth of streets all the more fun as you choose which alley to duck down or which narrow lane to climb up. A surprising number of she-wolf and suckling children statues can be seen, bearing witness to Siena's link to ancient Rome, and a guide book or internet download is necessary to understand the extraordinary mix of history and legend that is Siena: not least the Palio horse race round the oyster shaped square and the ensuing madness of the Contradaioli, the fiercely loyal locals born in the different Contrade, little cities within the city. Cards and posters of the golden vineyards may be found in all parts of the world today, but noone can truly say they have lived a Chianti experience without first visiting Greve in Chianti. Walking into the square with its unusual triangular shape takes your breath away; charming arched porticos line the sides, offering protection from sun or rain both to locals and to those who come from outside to taste the wine and enjoy the atmosphere. This small yet busy market town goes about its daily business without letting on that it was part of a centuries-old feud between Florence and Siena. When you leave Florence and head towards Siena along the Chiantigiana road, you find that Greve in Chianti stands at a crossroads from where you can go on towards Siena, left to the valley of the Arno or right towards the valley of the river Pesa. Already as you drive through Grassina on the outskirts of the city of Florence you sense a change in the air, you catch the first glimpses of vineyards which are just a taste of what is to come. Ever more grapes, signs offering wine for sale and free wine tasting opportunities line the roadsides as you venture deeper into the Chianti countryside.

Its position close to Florence yet well away from the bustle of the city, linked to main yet still quiet country roads, with easy access to major arteries leading to cities like Rome or Pisa, make Greve the ideal base for a holiday. You can choose between a villa steeped in history or a secluded farmhouse, or even a simple B&B, all of which allow you to plan visits and explore other parts of the area.

Our mission is to make you feel at home while far from home, To provide you with an unforgettable holiday, Allowing you to relax and enjoy all that Tuscany and chianti have to offer.

Florence

So many words have been written about this city that it hardly seems necessary to add more. Suffice it to say that any visitor to Chianti must set aside time to explore this jewel of the Renaissance, the capital of Tuscany.

The centre is home to many of the most famous sights, such as the Ponte Vecchio and the Cathedral, with museums treasuring Michelangelo's David and Botticelli masterpieces that are a genuine once in a lifetime experience – always so much more extraordinary than you ever expected in real life.

However, there is more to the city than its over-visited tourist sights, so explore the tiny back streets, eat in a genuine local trattoria and find the ice-cream that is not advertised in the tourist offices to taste the real Florence.

Siena

Siena has a completely different feel to Florence, both due to its location on a hill and its architecture and town planning. Where Florence can inspire respect and veneration, Siena inspires love.

It is a masterpiece, designed so that the buildings would live in harmony with the landscape. Surrounded by walls which still stand today, accessible through great gates such as the Porta Camollia, full of dips and grooves, the streets wind their way to the Piazza del Campo, the heart of Siena and all Senese people. Siena is to be explored on foot as no traffic, except for public assistance, can drive through the old town.

This makes its labyrinth of streets all the more fun as you choose which alley to duck down or which narrow lane to climb up. A surprising number of she-wolf and suckling children statues can be seen, bearing witness to Siena's link to ancient Rome, and a guide book or internet download is necessary to understand the extraordinary mix of history and legend that is Siena: not least the Palio horse race round the oyster shaped square and the ensuing madness of the Contradaioli, the fiercely loyal locals born in the different Contrade, little cities within the city.

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT

Tuscany is full of fascinating towns and cities, with great buildings and magnificent works of art. Pisa is a must for the Piazza dei Miracoli with its leaning tower, while Lucca will charm with its splendid moat and walls. Closer to Chianti, San Gimignano, Volterra, Arezzo and Monteriggioni are all within easy reach, while further afield you can venture off to explore the Cinque Terre, Pienza, Val d’Orcia, Cortona and many other places.

For the more adventurous and lovers of nature, you can hire a Vespa or an old Fiat 500 to explore the area, take a ride on a horse or on a bicycle, or find a local guide for a walking tour where close encounters with local food and drink are guaranteed, and sometimes local wild life too, in the shape of deer or wild boar.

SHOPPING FOR FASHION IN TUSCANY

Barberino Designer Outlet

The Outlet village at Barberino, is situated high in the Mugello on the slopes of the Appennines, just a short distance from Florence. It is a delightful place to shop and relax, with marvellous views across the valley of the river Pieve.

The Mall Outlet Village

The Mall is known as the most fashionable Outlet in Tuscany. A short drive from Chianti across and down into the valley of the Arno, this luxury shopping village is in Leccio, near Incisa Valdarno.

Valdichiana Outlet Village

L’Outlet Village Valdichiana, centro degli acquisti di qualità a Foiano della Chiana, si trova in provincia di Arezzo. Immerso nello splendido paesaggio della Val di Chiana, tra le province toscane di Siena e Arezzo, l’Outlet Village è ben collegato con l’Autostrada A1 e la superstrada Siena-Perugia.