Day Trips From

Day Trips From
Day Trips from Florence

Tips and Advise fro day trips from Florence by Road to Travel Inc.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Exploring Cinque Terre

Want to see as much of Italy as possible on your vacation? The five villages of Cinque Terre are only a two-hour drive away from Florence.

Riomaggiore, the most southern of the villages, is a good starting point for a quick tour to this magic corner of Italy. Stroll along the small beach, pop in to one of the local bars for an energising espresso coffee an you are ready to set off on a hike. All five villages of Cinque Terre are linked by an 11-kilometre long hiking trail with spectacular sea views. “Via dell’Amore”, the stretch of the trail connecting Riomaggiore to Manarola is an easy 45-minute walk on the cliffs above the turquoise waves.
Riomaggiore

Manarola is small, you can walk up and down the main street in 20 minutes. Check out the local museum devoted to sciacchetrà, the famous delicious dessert wine made in Cinque Terre. The village is home to the wine cooperative where 300 local growers bring their harvest. Linger on the by the sea looking up the neat terraced vineyards clinging precariously to the cliffs. Up there you can spot one of the world’s smallest monorails that is used for transporting grapes from the vineyards.

Via dell Amore

When you are ready to continue your journey, hop on the train to Vernazza. This picture-perfect town has great seafood restaurants and cosy cafes where you can enjoy local dishes. Vernazza was badly hit by flash floods in 2011 but the town is slowly getting back on its feet.

Vernazza

If you have time and sun is shining, relax on the tiny beach and swim between the fishing boats before heading off to explore another little gem of Cinque Terre – Portovenere. This historic town is packed with treasures: ancient churches, medieval buildings, Roman ruins. Breath in the fresh sea air, sip a glass of wine and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere before heading back to Florence.



Photos via Flickr by: Sean Munson, Ellie LoNardo, Sarah Tzinieris.

Chianti Wine Region

The Chianti wine region offers a great getaway from the hustle and bustle of Florence. Picture-perfect green hills, olive groves, medieval villages and, of course, long stretches of vineyards producing some of the best wines in the world. If you only have a day to explore the famous vineyards, head to the Chianti Classico area that lies between Florence and Siena. Its original borders were decreed by Cosimo de' Medici III, Grand Duke of Tuscany, in the 18th century and included the beautiful villages of Castellina in Chianti, Gaiole, Radda and Greve.


Chianti vineyards
 
The iconic Black Rooster on the label is recognisable across the world of connoisseurs as the symbol of Chianti Classico, a premium wine with its distinctive characteristic aromas that have been perfected over many centuries of winemaking traditions. Despite the relatively small size of the Chianti Calssico zone, each area lends different characteristics to the wine. The Chianti Classico from Castellina tend to be more delicate while the Greve area produces wines with concentrated flavours. That could be a great excuse to visit at least one winery in each area!

Gaiole in Chianti

Often called “the gate into Chianti”, Greve in Chianti is perfect for a  day trips from Florence. The town is famous for its triangular central piazza where a weekly local market has been running for many centuries. Apart from Chianti Classico, in local restaurants and delicatessens here you can also find excellent “Super Tuscan” wines and highly-prized local olive oil.

Castellina in Chianti

Further south lies Castellina in Chianti, which origins date back to the Etruscans. Its strategic position meant that the town had a rich glorious past. Its massive castle and opulent palaces built by Florentine and Sienese aristocracy are a testimony to those days. 

Gaiole in Chianti is another idyllic town with breathtaking views over the Tuscan hills, an 11th century castle and ancient churches brimming with artistic treasures.


Photos via Flickr by: Magnus Reuterdahl, Antonio Cinotti, Ryan Snyder.