Type: Charming Towns, Free Time, Scenic Drive, Wine Tasting
Length: 8 - 9 hours (traffic pending)
Walking: Difficult - uneven surfaces
Mobility: Folding wheelchairs OK, some sites may be inaccessible (advance notice required)
Guide: Driver Guide
Language: English

Livorno Shore Excursion - This tour visits the Chianti Wine Region where you have the chance to explore small medieval villages and sample Tuscan wines as you travel. This area is considered the most picturesque in Tuscany.

Your driver guide will meet you at the pier in Livorno and you start your day driving through the rolling hills of Tuscany and into Italy's most famous wine-producing area. During your tour, you stop to visit wine producing villages, such as Greve in Chianti, Castellina in Chianti, Radda in Chianti or Panzano where you are encouraged to visit the local enoteca (wine shops) which offer wine tastings.

Between each village you drive through vineyards and pass hilltop castles. Many of these castles are wineries and some are have wine rooms open to the public to enjoy their wine.

Castellina in Chianti has more of a medieval feel than others in the region. Its history dates back to the Etruscans when this was a major population center. The Via della Volte is a tunnel street that has windows overlooking the valley below. Just outside of town on the road to Radda is a perfect example of an Etruscan tomb, Ipogeo Etrusco di Montecalvario. It is a green hill surrounded by pine trees and topped by a pair of cypress trees. There is a stone walled tunnel that leads to the burial chambers.

Greve in Chianti is the unofficial capital of the Chianti Region. It came to prominence in the 13th and 14th centuries as a major trading center. The town square (which is more of a triangle) is filled with dozens of wine and gift shops and caf̩s. It is the host of the Chianti wine festival each September.

Radda in Chianti is a medieval hilltop town which is enclosed by large defensive walls. The town has existed since the 9th century and for generations was the seat of the Chianti League.

Panzano in Chianti is an attractive town located on a high ridge almost exactly halfway between Siena and Florence. Here you will see parts of its castle incorporated into the church and a nearby tower.

After a day of exploring this charming region, you return to the pier in Livorno.