Exploring Quintessential Chianti
It's tempting to spend your time on a Chianti villa rental holiday lying in the sun gazing at the wonderful countryside, but for those who like to be a bit more active there is plenty to occupy you. The sunburnt landscape will offer you the chance to take part in many activities that will allow you to explore the true heart of the country.
Get Active!
Several companies offer horse riding tours and this is a great way to experience the rolling hills of the region around your Chianti villa rental. Everyone from complete novices to experienced riders can enjoy rides to destinations such as the medieval town of San Gimignano. Look out for companies who offer packages including insurance and equipment such as helmets; you might even get a wonderful Tuscan meal thrown in.
If you prefer your choice of transport to have an engine there are plenty of options for you too. The Vespa is the archetypal form of Italian transport and you can take part in a Vespa tour or hire one independently. Another option for petrol-heads is a Quad excursion, which will take you into the wilds of the off-road countryside. And, of course, if pedal power is your thing, there are plenty of places to hire bicycles and travel around this way. If you visit the walled town of Lucca you can cycle around the walls or, for something a bit different, in Florence take a Segway tour of the city.
After all this exercise you will need a way to relax, and one great option is to visit the Hot Thermal Springs in Saturnia. They were used by the Etruscans and the Romans and today there are many spa centres in the area. There are two outdoor waterfalls, Cascate del Mulino and Cascate del Gorello, and they are open to the public throughout the year - and even better are free! Visiting these springs will ensure you will return to your Chianti villa rental chilled out and relaxed.
Food and Wine
This region of Italy is well renowned for its food and wine, and activities are available to make the most of this reputation. Wine tasting is offered in many of the vineyards including the Castello di Vicchiomaggio, which is a castle enclosed by around 130 hectares of vineyard. They produce a Chianti Classico wine and wine tasting is available upon request. Another wine making castle is the Castello di Verrazzano, which was the birthplace of Giovanni da Verrazzo who discovered the Bay of New York. Here you can tour the cellars and taste their wine; both of these castles are near to Greve.
If you are so impressed by the food you want to learn how to make it yourself, why not take part in a cookery lesson whilst in the region? You could learn how to make anti-pasta or homemade pasta or even take part in a pizza making class in Florence, under the watchful eyes of a master pizzaiolo.
Whatever activity tempts you to take time away from the pool in your Chianti villa rental it is sure to be an enjoyable experience. Deciding what to do is the hard part.
Get Active!
Several companies offer horse riding tours and this is a great way to experience the rolling hills of the region around your Chianti villa rental. Everyone from complete novices to experienced riders can enjoy rides to destinations such as the medieval town of San Gimignano. Look out for companies who offer packages including insurance and equipment such as helmets; you might even get a wonderful Tuscan meal thrown in.
If you prefer your choice of transport to have an engine there are plenty of options for you too. The Vespa is the archetypal form of Italian transport and you can take part in a Vespa tour or hire one independently. Another option for petrol-heads is a Quad excursion, which will take you into the wilds of the off-road countryside. And, of course, if pedal power is your thing, there are plenty of places to hire bicycles and travel around this way. If you visit the walled town of Lucca you can cycle around the walls or, for something a bit different, in Florence take a Segway tour of the city.
After all this exercise you will need a way to relax, and one great option is to visit the Hot Thermal Springs in Saturnia. They were used by the Etruscans and the Romans and today there are many spa centres in the area. There are two outdoor waterfalls, Cascate del Mulino and Cascate del Gorello, and they are open to the public throughout the year - and even better are free! Visiting these springs will ensure you will return to your Chianti villa rental chilled out and relaxed.
Food and Wine
This region of Italy is well renowned for its food and wine, and activities are available to make the most of this reputation. Wine tasting is offered in many of the vineyards including the Castello di Vicchiomaggio, which is a castle enclosed by around 130 hectares of vineyard. They produce a Chianti Classico wine and wine tasting is available upon request. Another wine making castle is the Castello di Verrazzano, which was the birthplace of Giovanni da Verrazzo who discovered the Bay of New York. Here you can tour the cellars and taste their wine; both of these castles are near to Greve.
If you are so impressed by the food you want to learn how to make it yourself, why not take part in a cookery lesson whilst in the region? You could learn how to make anti-pasta or homemade pasta or even take part in a pizza making class in Florence, under the watchful eyes of a master pizzaiolo.
Whatever activity tempts you to take time away from the pool in your Chianti villa rental it is sure to be an enjoyable experience. Deciding what to do is the hard part.
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