Castellina in Chianti

Some of my favorite places in the area between Florence and Siena known as Chianti. It's not just the name of the wine, but also the area which produces it. Greve is the "capital" of the area, not all the small towns and villages have town halls. Some are what's called a "borgo" a group of homes and perhaps a church. Fun to explore the small off the beaten track places as well. There are so many lovely bars and shops to have simple snacks if you don't want a large sit down meal. People watching is one of my favorite pastimes. Letting it all soak in. The 222 highway is often popular with bike riders as well and there are no bike lanes, so drive carefully, especially on the weekends. Many of the small towns have a market day once a week. Where the mall comes to you. It's always fun to visit a weekly market. More than just food! Clothing, shoes, purses, fabric, kitchen supplies and more. Often a Porchetta truck.

I adore city markets, it's when the mall comes to you. Not just food, but household items and more.

Are you planning a trip to Tuscany? If you’re not, you should deeply consider it! It is amazing. From the mountains to the vineyards, Tuscany is always a good idea. In this guide I share tips, towns, itineraries and hidden gems for having the best adventurous, glamorous and relaxing time in Italy. I also share about things you should be aware of including different tourist traps so you can keep an eye out. This guide is mainly for people who will rent a car during their stay, but you can also make it work without!