Whenever we visit a new destination, we often find ourselves saying “This is my new favorite place in the world!” Well, the Chianti Region of Tuscany was no different. Whether it has to do with the picturesque medieval villages, the rolling green countryside – or if it’s just the Chianti Classico wine talking – the region certainly knows how to charm.
Tuscany is widespread and not easily accessible via public transportation, so we definitely recommend renting a car and making daily road trips a part of your itinerary. Our car was from Economy Bookings and was perfect for exploring without limitation. We stumbled upon heaps of small Tuscan villages devoid of any tourists, as absolutely picture-perfect as could be. A car also makes it much easier to tote around all the wine you’re bound to pick up while doing all those Chianti tastings! But don’t take our word for it. Have a look at these photos that are bound to have you dreaming up your next road trip under the Tuscan sun in no time:
30 Photos That Will Make You Want To Take A Road Trip Through Tuscany
Driving through the Tuscan Countryside in Chianti
Plump grapes almost ripe for vinification
So much wine!
The classic Black Rooster symbolizes the prestigious Chianti Classico variety of wine is made here.
The quiet medieval town of Colle di Val d’Elsa
The scenic highways are just begging to be explored
The residents of Siena prepare for the Paleo, a highly competitive horse race
Fans cheer on their neighborhood riders during the Paleo
San Gimignano, also known as the Manhattan of Italy
Multiple Gelato World Champion and owner of Gelateria Dondoli
You can’t go to Tuscany and not have gelato…. every single day.
We recommend staying in the central town of Poggibinsi. While not a particularly charming town, it is the perfect place to base your road trip. There are plenty of charming villas to choose from and we opted for a beautiful Airbnb rental with views of San Gimingando out our window! Our host Alessandra was absolutely wonderful and gave us fantastic recommendations on what to see and do in the area. She was the one who recommend L’officina della Cucina Popolare in nearby Colle di Val d’Elsa for us and we suggest you have at least one of your dinning experiences her. We ate a lot in Italy and this was hands down our favorite meal. Be sure to make your reservation early as sometimes you need to book days in advance.
Have you ever visited Tuscany? Did you find it as charming as we did?
A huge thank you to Economy Bookings for making our amazing Tuscany road trip possible!
Great photos! I wanted to lick the cone of gelato! We so enjoyed those when we visited Italy!
Mmmm, just thinking about the gelato makes me want to hop on the next flight to Italy. ;-)
A Cruising Couple recently posted…5 Reasons to Visit Paris in the Spring
OOH!! That gelato! What gorgeous photos – inspiring!
JessieV recently posted…How to forage, cook, and eat pawpaws
Thanks so much, Jessie! Hopefully you’ll get to try the gelato for yourself one day. ;-D
A Cruising Couple recently posted…5 Reasons to Visit Paris in the Spring
Definitely a wine region I want to visit!
Roshan recently posted…Chichen Itza, 2011
For sure, Roshan! There are few better places for wine lovers to go. ;-)
A Cruising Couple recently posted…5 Reasons to Visit Paris in the Spring
Wow, just wow! I am so upset that I missed Tuscany, these photos make me even more upset. (enough to drown my troubles in Italian wine)
rebecca recently posted…The real myth of the Giants Causeway
Haha, lucky for you, there’s nothing that a little Italian wine can’t fix. ;-) You’ll just have to put Tuscany at the top of your list for next time!
A Cruising Couple recently posted…5 Reasons to Visit Paris in the Spring
Wow! that looks amazing you guys, I really want to go to Italy and Tuscany in particular. Love the looks of the car, what kind was it? I think having a vehicle is the only way to go :)
Dariece recently posted…Sunset Sunday: September 27th
Yes, I totally agree! You can experience so much more when you have the freedom to simply stop at will. I hope you get to go back to Italy, and def Tuscany! :-D Unfortunately, I don’t remember which car that was… that’s Dan’s stuff. ;-) But, we didn’t have much of a problem scoring a nice one, so hopefully, it will be the same for you. :-D
A Cruising Couple recently posted…5 Reasons to Visit Paris in the Spring
Nice stuff! It makes me want to book a car today and head off! I love being able to just cruse around and stop where and want. I guess you could say the freedom of exploring the country instead seeing it from a bus window!
David recently posted…5 Adventures You Must Have in Lisbon- Portugal
Couldn’t agree more, David! Freedom to stop and explore at will is what will make your vacation extra special. Road trips are one of the best ways to see a country. :-)
A Cruising Couple recently posted…5 Reasons to Visit Paris in the Spring
Awesome photos. I like your advice about renting a car, though I think my wine drinking would be more limited. :)
Ryan Z recently posted…5 Unusual Chianti Food Pairings – This Italian Wine isn’t Just For Pizza
Yes that’s true – always make sure to have a designated driver ;)