Antica Trattoria Papei

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.

The city of Siena is one that will exceed your expectations. Built in the 1200's, this Tuscan hill town will transport you back to the Middle Ages. Siena is well-known for its cuisine, art, museums, medieval architecture, and the Palio, Siena's iconic semi-annual horse race. In this guide we’ll be sharing the best way to do Siena all in one day.

An insiders view of Siena