SIENA & CHIANTI COUNTRYSIDE

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GUIDED WALKING TOURS

SIENA AND CHIANTI COUNTRYSIDE PRIVATE TOUR

Travel along the Tiber Valley and Apennines dotted by picturesque hill-towns and after reaching Monte San Savino begin discovering the glorious valleys of the Chianti region where world-renowned Super Tuscans and Chiantis are produced by prestigious old wine estates. Lush vineyards spreading over slopes of burnt-Siena soil and harmonious rolling hills of olive groves dominated by fortified turreted towns surrounded by pinnacle cypresses will emerge you in a timeless and delightful atmosphere effused by scents of wine cellars, olive-oil pressing mills and the essences of colourful meadows and fields. Stop at Castello di Brolio where, in the 19th century, Baron Bettino Ricasoli laid down the laws and regulations of Chianti viniculture. The Middle Ages fortifications of the Ricasoli Estate, owned by the same family since 1167, encloses ancient musty cellars and a neo-gothic baronial palace where visitors can enjoy getting to know the production techniques of the various types of Chianti wines while savouring their qualities. Continue your trip through the heart of Chianti zone to visit the wine areas of Gaiole, Radda and Castellina , ancient 11th century walled fief of the Trebbio noble family and once seat of the medieval Chianti Defence League whose historical emblem, the black rooster, nowadays appears on the labels of all quality Chianti Classico wines.

Visit the Castle of Meleto and then try some of the regional Tuscan cuisine served in a wine-farm restaurant at Badia a Coltibuono, an ex Benedictine Monastery, the other that had a major role in reintroducing farming techniques throughout Europe during the medieval ages. Proceed by a magnificent road passing stunning post-card countryside to Siena, a perfect example of intact medieval town. With your guide you will visit the intricate labyrinth of ancient streets and alleys flanked by Middle Age noble palaces of brick and tufa, marble churches and loggias enjoying the surprising variety of viewpoints of one of the most beautiful cities of Italy . Visit the Duomo, cathedral built from 1136 to 1384, one of the most spectacular in Italy and one of the few built in true gothic style south of the Alps. Admire its remarkable storied floors and the Piccolomini Chapel containing the cycle of frescoes of Pinturicchio aided by the then young Raphael. Descend to the Campo, the town's main square, to see the Fonte Gaia fountain, the 1342 towering gothic communal palace and Mangia Tower, the home of St.Catherine and the Basilica where her head is exposed as a relic. Time to browse to enjoy and to shop for the famous siennese products like "ricciarelli", "panforte" and wild-boar products. In the late afternoon return to Rome.