Our journey, step by step…continued
Tip: Ideally, start early in the morning so you have the whole day ahead of you and can enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.
Day 4: The Most Beautiful Day Trip from Florence
First stop: A visit to the Antinori winery in Chianti Classico
One of the most beautiful experiences of our trip was our visit to Antinori nel Chianti Classico, located just 15–20 minutes from Florence. This stunning winery blends seamlessly into the natural landscape of Tuscany, surrounded by vineyards and lush green hills. Even if you haven’t booked a guided tour, you can visit the site for free, walk around inside and outside the winery, and enjoy the unique views of the Tuscan countryside.
Second stop: San Gimignano
San Gimignano is one of those places that wins you over immediately, at first glance. Its medieval towers, cobblestone alleys, and atmosphere transport you back in time. To take a leisurely stroll and see the main sights, you’ll need about 2 to 3 hours. It’s small, but it has so much charm that you won’t want to rush through it.
Must-see spots:
- Piazza della Cisterna, San Gimignano’s most picturesque square, perfect for a break, a coffee, and some beautiful photos.
- Piazza del Duomo, the historic center of the city, where the most important monuments and the distinctive medieval towers stand out.
- The imposing medieval towers, the hallmark of San Gimignano, which give the town its unique identity.
- A short walk to the Rocca di Montestaffoli, where you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the vineyards and hills of Tuscany.
And of course… we can’t fail to mention the “sweetest” highlight: the ice cream at Gelateria Dondoli. It’s the kind of ice cream that fully lives up to its reputation (€8 each).
Another thing that makes San Gimignano special is that it’s full of wine bars and small wine shops. There, we tasted and bought the famous local wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano (€5.50 per bottle). It’s one of those souvenirs that isn’t just a “purchase,” but truly reminds you of the trip every time you open the bottle.
San Gimignano isn’t just about its towers and narrow streets. but it’s also a culinary experience in its own right. Around every corner, you’ll find small shops, delicatessens, and wine bars, brimming with local products. An abundance of cheeses, cured meats, wine selections, and handmade Tuscan goods that make you want to stop at every shop window.
It’s one of those places where you don’t just walk around, but you also taste, smell, and discover. From small tasting platters with local cheeses and prosciutto to glasses of Vernaccia wine, everything blends perfectly with the city’s atmosphere.
The first stop was just right: a little walking, a bit of history, amazing gelato, cheese tastings, and a glass of Tuscan wine, everything you need to kick off a perfect day in Tuscany.
Discover Florence here through its delicious food and world-famous wines. Explore traditional dishes, local specialties, authentic Italian flavors, and the best places to eat and drink during your visit to this beautiful Tuscan city.
Third stop: Siena
Our first stop was Piazza del Campo, Siena’s iconic square and one of the most beautiful squares in Italy. With its distinctive shell-like shape, it forms the heart of the city and hosts the famous Palio di Siena horse race every year.
Right next to it stands the Torre del Mangia, the iconic clock tower, which we climbed to enjoy the panoramic view of Siena’s tiled rooftops and the hills of Tuscany. If you have time, the climb is definitely worth it. The interior is an ideal spot for taking photos.
Next, we visited the impressive Duomo di Siena, one of Italy’s most beautiful cathedrals. Its interior is truly unique, with its distinctive black-and-white marble, intricate floors, and Renaissance masterpieces.
Inside the cathedral is the Biblioteca Piccolomini, a small but impressive space famous for its colorful frescoes by Pinturicchio. The vivid colors and intricate details remain striking to this day, creating the sensation that you are inside a living Renaissance book.
One of the most beautiful things about Siena, however, is putting the map aside and getting lost in the narrow streets of the old town. Small wine bars, traditional restaurants, gelato shops, and picturesque corners create an atmosphere that seems straight out of a movie.
We ended our day with dinner at the famous Taverna di San Giuseppe, where we sampled authentic flavors of Tuscan cuisine. The cost was €40 per person, and it was an experience we think is well worth having if you visit Siena.
If you don’t want to walk all the way up the hill, you can use the escalators located at Parcheggio Santa Caterina, near the historic center.
ACCOMMODATION
For our stay, we chose Agriturismo Fattoria Il Milione Firenze, a wonderful agriturismo just 10 minutes outside Florence, nestled in the lush Tuscan countryside. The stone cottages with their authentic Italian charm, the tranquility of the landscape, and the lush vegetation create a truly atmospheric stay that makes you feel like you’re living in the heart of Tuscany.
One of the highlights of our stay was the lavish breakfast with a view of Florence and the surrounding hills.It’s the perfect way to start your day before setting out on excursions in the area. The fattoria also has a restaurant where you can enjoy dinner by reservation in a very beautiful and peaceful setting.