Duncan & Sarah
Things to do
Greve in Chianti
The region is obviously best known for one thing, Chianti! They take their wine seriously here and you'll have countless opportunities to sample the local produce. There are a number of local wineries that offer tastings, although obviously we recommend Viticcio. If red wine is not your thing you'll just have to make do with the stunning countryside and amazing food. Greve itself is a charming little town. There's often things happening on the piazza (if you're lucky like we were the local Vespa society might turn up).
Further afield
Places we would recommend having visited: Florence & Val d’Orcia (for postcard Tuscany). NB: Avoid visiting Florence by car if you can as there are driving restrictions, from Greve in Chianti there is a bus for 4,50 euros each way - you can buy tickets from La Cantina (one of the restaurant recommendations below). Other places of interest: Cinque Terre (for gorgeous coastal cliff villages) & Siena.
Cypress tree lined road
PHOTO SPOT You can walk (15 mins) or drive to this un-named private road from the winery which is lined with cypress trees.
Giardino delle rose
PHOTO SPOT Where Duncan nearly proposed! Take an uphill walk to visit this pretty rose garden and then carry on to a plaza with fantastic views over Florence.
Caffè Le Logge Ristorante Pizzeria
CAFE We come here specifically for the pistachio croissants. Come here for breakfast/lunch and mill around the Piazza.
Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
PHOTO SPOT We haven't had the chance to go inside but we enjoyed spending a hour or so outside watching a grand Italian wedding take place here a few days before Duncan proposed.
Antica Macelleria Falorni
CAFE Come here for a porchetta sandwich and be sure to check out the wine vending machine!
Duomo
PHOTO SPOT The beautiful Florence cathedral.
La Cantina
RESTAURANT Thin and crispy pizza but the real winner is the busy & friendly atmosphere. They make their own wine with the friendly owners grumpy face on the label. Don't order dessert, they'll bring you some sweet bites (and a vin Santo) anyway.
Venchi
GELATO There are many of these Venchi gelateries dotted around Florence, their ice cream is some of the best we've ever had - be sure to try the cremino flavour if you like nutella (we are hoping our caterers can create this for our wedding!)
Vignamaggio
WINERY Local if you have a car. Go here for a stroll around the gorgeous grounds, it's easy to see why there's often weddings held here! Follow up with lunch/dinner, or a wine tasting. This winery also has a shop in the piazza of Greve in Chianti where you can buy their products - we're a fan of their pink packaging to match their iconic pink farmhouse.
La Buchetta Food & Wine Restaurant
RESTAURANT This is where we went for Duncan's birthday the first time we visited Florence. They make pici pasta which gets spun in a wheel of cheese, a yummy florentine steak and an amazing tiramisu - come very hungry! Alternatively if you're after a lunch in Florence there are many places around the city which do porchetta sandwiches!
Enoteca Ristorante il Gallo Nero
RESTAURANT Lots of indoor seating for if we're unfortunate with weather but not only that the Italian food is really excellent! Try their take on tiramisu and you won't be disappointed.
Agriturismo Baccoleno
PHOTO SPOT Park up at this address in google maps 'Strada Provinciale del Pecorile, 53041 Asciano SI, Italy' for a postcard perfect view out to Tuscan hills and cypress trees.
Ristorante Oltre Il Giardino
RESTAURANT Local if you have a car. This restaurant has a very pretty setting.
Podere Il Casale
FARM & RESTAURANT The most incredible dining views and fresh food from the farm. Well worth the drive to if you're in Val d'Orcia. They also host all sorts of tours and cooking classes which would probably be amazing.
Il Vescovino (Ristorante)
RESTAURANT Local if you have a car. Another restaurant with a beautiful view.
Chapel Vitaleta
PHOTO SPOT The cutest lone little chapel.
Montefioralle
PHOTO SPOT Historic hill top town if you're up for an ambitious stroll from the winery, can be hard work in the sun!
Bar Il Casello
REFRESHMENT STOP Pienza has the most beautiful views out from the city over the countryside, this refreshment stop is along the edge of the city walls and next to the street 'via dell amore' where people often stop to take photos.