Three Days In Tuscany Countryside Blog 2022
Renting a car is a must if you plan to visit the countryside. The Tuscan towns are well connected by either train or bus, however, moving in the countryside with public transportation can be challenging
As an example, moving around the Chianti area by bus is almost impossible or it would require way too much time.
3 days in Tuscany Countryside
With just 3 days I would suggest focusing on the Chianti area
Day 1: Collect your car from the airport (Florence or Pisa) and drive to the Chianti Area. The first place you should visit is the town of Greve in Chianti, the gateway to the Chianti Area and head to the Piazza Matteotti, right in the center of the town. Wander around the streets and stop by one of the many wine shops for some tasting. Have lunch at Il Vinaio, where you can of course taste more wine. In the afternoon have a walk to the Azienda Agricola Manetti Leonardo, one of the best wineries right in town. You will have the possibility to learn more about the area, besides of course more wine tasting. If you still have enough energy, head to the Wine Museum, where, of course, you can taste even more wine. Alternatively, drive to the Castello di Uzzano for a visit and a nice walk between the wineries.
Day 2: This is a day dedicated to the drive in one of the most beautiful areas in the world. In the morning, head back to Greve in Chianti and drive to Montefioralle, a picturesque village between medieval walls perched on a hill. Absolutely spectacular. Then take the road SR222, heading south (Siena) to the Castello di Panzano in Chianti and the town of Panzano where you can have your lunch. In the afternoon keep driving on the iconic SR222 to Castellina in Chianti, another lovely medieval village to explore, door by door. Pay a visit to the local Archeological Museum of the Chianti Area for the interesting exhibition and of course some wine tasting.
Day 3: Another great day to experience the Chianti Area by car. Drive to the Albola Castle for a nice walk in the beautiful hills. You can also visit the winery, including some wine tasting. Then head to the Castello di Brolio, spectacular view and one of the best wines to taste in the region. Organize your lunch at the hard to find Locanda del Tartufaio and in the afternoon drive to the Chianti Sculpture Park for an arty end of the trip.
Accommodations:
- Castello di Bibbione, one of the most amazing accommodations in Tuscany, a real castle with a refreshing pool for those hot days
- The Viticcio is an agriturismo set in a winery where you can spend your time relaxing at the pool and tasting the local wine and oil
- Are you in a big group? Why not reserve the entire Villa La Coccola to feel like a celebrity.
- Three Days In Tuscany For Couples
- You have a couple of options, based on your budget and style
3 days in Tuscany for couples
Florence (Romantic But More Expensive)
The first possibility is to stay in Florence, easily accessible from both the Pisa and the Florence airport. This is one of the most romantic places on earth, especially with the nightlights. True, Florence is the most expensive place in Tuscany, however, you can always find a few budget accommodations, if needed (see a few options in my Florence guide). In 3 days, you can visit most of the city as I described in the “Three days in Tuscany for art and history” above.
You may want, however, to swap one of the days with a Tour in the Chianti Area, where you get to see the picturesque wineries, rolling hills, and taste some wine while you are there. There’s more to it than drinking, it’s about understanding the culture of the area.
Accommodations and experiences:
Florence for couples: Hotel degli Orafi (amazing view), B&B Il Salotto Di Firenze (value for money and great location)
Experiences: Tour in the Chianti Area
- Ponte Vecchio at sunset
- Pisa (Practical On A Budget)
- Pisa is a great base if you are on a budget or you are on a second or third trip to Tuscany.
- It works also very well, of course, if you fly to the low-cost Pisa Airport.
- Pisa is a University town, with a nice young vibe around.
- It is not as picturesque as Florence, far from it, however it has one of the most iconic attractions in the world, the Leaning Tower.
