Things to do in Chianti: the 10 best experiences

Horseback riding with the possibility of a picnic on the Cerbaie Hills starting from Castelfranco di Sotto.

The experience is designed specifically for couples on a private basis and consists of a horseback ride surrounded by nature and, if selected, a picnic with typical Tuscan products set up directly in the park during the outing.

The outing takes place in the Cerbaie Natural Park on the Via Francigena, the historic pilgrimage route from Canterbury in England to Santa Maria di Leuca in Puglia.

During the horseback ride, you will be accompanied by an experienced guide who will lead you along the entire trail. The hike is suitable for everyone.

The truffle hunting in the woods and truffle lunch experience in San Gimignano will give you an unforgettable day, ending with a tasting lunch, perfect for groups of friends and enthusiasts.

The experience will begin with a brief introduction to the history of the property and then move on to a truffle hunt in the woods, during which you will be accompanied by an experienced truffle hunter.

The tour will end with a special tasting menu :

- Truffle hors d'oeuvre: selection of our products
- Tagliolini with fresh truffle
- Eggs al tegamino, the quintessential classic truffle dish
- Dessert surprise
- Wine, water and coffee included

We recommend comfortable clothing and hiking boots.

Discover with a horseback ride the fantastic hills in the countryside around Lucca.

1h route:

during the horseback ride you will pass through an olive grove, go through a forest and arrive at a vantage point with spectacular views of the hills.

1h30 route:

during The second route you will instead cross the forest arriving at a point from where you can admire the plain of Lucca.

The horseback ride is suitable for everyone, no experience is needed.

During the horseback ride in the Pisan Hills. You will have a choice of one-hour or two-hour hike.

The views are very beautiful and open to the Pisan Hills.

A minimum of experience is recommended for the horseback riding trip. Helmet is provided at the facility and jeans and sneakers are recommended as clothing.

The horseback ride behind Forte dei Marmi, in the middle of Versilia, is easy and suitable for everyone. The ride starts from Montignoso, a town a few kilometers from Forte dei Marmi, and continues to Lago di Porta, next to the Forte Golf Club.

This walk is quiet and even those who have never ridden a horse, or have little experience, can do it. Very nice to explore Porta Lake on horseback.

If you choose to go rafting in Bagni di Lucca on the LimaIl River, you can rent a packraft, a lightweight boat that is practiced solo or in small groups. Four different tours are available for this experience:

Rafting 3h

3.5Km long excursion with a duration of 3h30minutes. Children can participate from 5 years old. You will raft on the Lima where you will find rapids and can take dives.

Packrafting 3h

3Km hike with a duration of 3h. This is one of the most exciting hikes in Tuscany, during which you will immerse yourself in the beauty of the Middle Lucchese Valley while diving and sliding.

Horseback riding in the Sienese Hills in Tuscany can last one or two hours, and has the riding stables as its starting point. Nearby there are many woods through which you will be led.

Favorite destinations to reach are several hermitages, such as churches and monasteries, including Eremo di Lecceto or San Leonardo al Lago (2h). The latter is located on the Via Francigena, a beautiful scenic road with views of the Sienese hills.

Little curiosity: the Via Francigena is a pilgrimage route that in the Middle Ages joined Canterbury to Rome, site of St. Peter's tomb, and this to the ports of Puglia, where it was possible to embark to the Holy Land.

Wine tasting in San Gimignano at a family-run estate surrounded by Tuscan nature.

You can choose from 4 types of tastings:

As you want them

This tasting begins with a short walk through one of the vineyards where the guide will give you information about the estate along with several trivia about the vine. Once back you can then choose 4 wines to taste from the 7 types produced.

4 wines for a few

This tasting will allow you to taste 4 "special" wines since less than 1,000 bottles of each are produced per year. The wines are: "Ximon” Toscana Bianco IGT, “Donna Lucia” Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, “Centodue” Toscana Rosso IGT, Chianti Riserva DOCG.

4 DOCG wines

In this tasting you will taste the most classic wines of the Tuscan tradition, including Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, “Donna Lucia” Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG, Chianti Riserva DOCG.

The Fantastic 7

During this tasting you will taste all 7 wines that are produced by the estate, specifically: Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, “Donna Lucia” Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, “Ximon” Toscana Bianco IGT, “Il Rosato della via vecchia”, Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG, Chianti Riserva DOCG, “Centodue” Toscana Rosso IGT.

During the vespa tour of Chianti from Castellina, you will have the opportunity to rent vespas for an entire day, as a couple or with friends to explore the Chianti hills.

The experience is unique, one of the most beautiful in the area, and you will spend a day immersed in green fields, or among vines ripe in autumn.

The wasps are easy to ride so even beginners can use them, only a B-type license required.

If you decide to participate in this Vespa ride, you will be immersed in the beauty of Tuscany and experience an adventure you will remember forever.

Gasoline is not included and will have to be paid on site.

A wine tasting with a visit to the Tenuta degli Dei in Chianti is the perfect opportunity to spend a relaxing time surrounded by the picturesque Tuscan vineyards.

The meeting begins in front of the Church of San Leolino, a three-nave basilica that preserves valuable works of art from the Tuscan artistic tradition.

The tour continues with a visit to the vat cellar, where the vats in which the fermentation of the wines takes place, and the barrique cellar, which houses the fine French oak barrels in which the wine rests until it reaches perfect maturity.

Next, you will reach the Estate, where the tasting will take place. In the dedicated room, you will have the opportunity to taste five wines: a white wine, a rosé, a Chianti Classico and two IGTs, accompanied by a small sampling of local cured meats and cheeses.

You can choose between the tour in Italian and English.

Minors and those not participating in the tasting do not pay and will receive a tasting of local products.

In case of food allergies or intolerances, you can contact the property after booking.

Finally, the estate is pet friendly, welcoming your four-legged friends as well.

The horseback riding tour among the vineyards and tasting in San Gimignano will take place among the unforgettable panoramic views among rustic farmhouses and vineyards in the area.

It is a horseback tour of the estate, nearby vineyards and the forest around San Gimignano (1 hour).

Afterwards there will be a short lecture on wine and vineyards, after which there will be a full wine tasting and then, if selected, lunch outdoors in the garden.

Horseback riding in the hills of the Sienese Chianti is a unique experience that allows you to admire the striking views of Tuscany.

On arrival at the stables you will be greeted by experienced equestrian guides who will hand you the’equipment and safety devices to be able to ride a horse.

Before leaving for the ride you will go to the sand rectangle where the guides will explain the basics of horseback riding.

At this point you will be ready to set off and reach the hills of the Sienese Chianti region, where you can admire unique landscapes and discover more about local products: wine and oil.

There will be no lack of little pearls of history and anecdotes that will make the walk even more enjoyable.

Comfortable clothing with long pants and closed shoes is recommended.

Wine tasting in San Gimignano at a family-run estate surrounded by Tuscan nature.

You can choose from 4 types of tastings:

As you want them

This tasting begins with a short walk through one of the vineyards where the guide will give you information about the estate along with several trivia about the vine. Once back you can then choose 4 wines to taste from the 7 types produced.

4 wines for a few

This tasting will allow you to taste 4 "special" wines since less than 1,000 bottles of each are produced per year. The wines are: "Ximon” Toscana Bianco IGT, “Donna Lucia” Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, “Centodue” Toscana Rosso IGT, Chianti Riserva DOCG.

4 DOCG wines

In this tasting you will taste the most classic wines of the Tuscan tradition, including Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, “Donna Lucia” Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG, Chianti Riserva DOCG.

The Fantastic 7

During this tasting you will taste all 7 wines that are produced by the estate, specifically: Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, “Donna Lucia” Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, “Ximon” Toscana Bianco IGT, “Il Rosato della via vecchia”, Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG, Chianti Riserva DOCG, “Centodue” Toscana Rosso IGT.

During the vespa tour of Chianti from Castellina, you will have the opportunity to rent vespas for an entire day, as a couple or with friends to explore the Chianti hills.

The experience is unique, one of the most beautiful in the area, and you will spend a day immersed in green fields, or among vines ripe in autumn.

The wasps are easy to ride so even beginners can use them, only a B-type license required.

If you decide to participate in this Vespa ride, you will be immersed in the beauty of Tuscany and experience an adventure you will remember forever.

Gasoline is not included and will have to be paid on site.

The quad bike excursion in the countryside between Volterra and San Gimignano è a unique experience that combines adventure, nature and Tuscan culture.

This tour traverses hills, woods and country roads with panoramic views and breathtaking scenery. You will begin the l'excursion with a brief introduction to ATV riding and safety measures.

Following that, the adventure can begin! This type of experience è the ideal for nature lovers looking for an adventure off the beaten path, to discover an authentic and adventurous side of Tuscany that goes beyond the classic tourist routes.

The tours can be one hour or one and a half hours and are suitable for all levels of experience and families even with children, as long as they are over 5 years old.

A wine tasting with a visit to the Tenuta degli Dei in Chianti is the perfect opportunity to spend a relaxing time surrounded by the picturesque Tuscan vineyards.

The meeting begins in front of the Church of San Leolino, a three-nave basilica that preserves valuable works of art from the Tuscan artistic tradition.

The tour continues with a visit to the vat cellar, where the vats in which the fermentation of the wines takes place, and the barrique cellar, which houses the fine French oak barrels in which the wine rests until it reaches perfect maturity.

Next, you will reach the Estate, where the tasting will take place. In the dedicated room, you will have the opportunity to taste five wines: a white wine, a rosé, a Chianti Classico and two IGTs, accompanied by a small sampling of local cured meats and cheeses.

You can choose between the tour in Italian and English.

Minors and those not participating in the tasting do not pay and will receive a tasting of local products.

In case of food allergies or intolerances, you can contact the property after booking.

Finally, the estate is pet friendly, welcoming your four-legged friends as well.

The walk with alpacas in the Florentine Hills is a pleasant experience in the midst of woods and fields on the outskirts of Florence, accompanied by the sweetest alpacas. During the loop trail, about 3 km long, you will learn about all the alpacas you will walk with.

After the walk you can stop on the meadow and enjoy the spectacle of the alpacas in the wild.

We recommend that you wear comfortable clothes and sports or hiking shoes.

The horseback riding tour among the vineyards and tasting in San Gimignano will take place among the unforgettable panoramic views among rustic farmhouses and vineyards in the area.

It is a horseback tour of the estate, nearby vineyards and the forest around San Gimignano (1 hour).

Afterwards there will be a short lecture on wine and vineyards, after which there will be a full wine tasting and then, if selected, lunch outdoors in the garden.

The quad bike excursion in the Tuscan Maremma and aperitif will allow you to visit picturesque landscapes, admire breathtaking views, learn about local scents and guster Maremma snacks.

For this quad bike tour you have the possibility to choose the route of 1 hour or 2 1/2 hours.

The 2-hour one also includes a barbecue in the woods with grilled sausages, cheese and local wine.

Alternatively è you can choose a visit to the "La Pierotta" winery, where participants can taste some of the fine wines produced by the winery, accompanied by an aperitif of local products.

Remember to bring with you:

.

•    Trekking shoes
•    Bandana or scarf in summer (can be purchased locally)
•    Gloves in winter
•    K-way in winter and mid-season (can be purchased locally)

The ATV rental è is suitable for people of all skill levels and guarantees a fun and adventurous experience. It takes place in the Bandite di Scarlino area, where participants will have the opportunity to admire beautiful landscapes and discover unusual places.

During the hike, there will be some technical parts, fords and fun climbs, but nothing too challenging. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to enjoy the local scents.

This experience è an excellent opportunity to discover the culture and traditions of Maremma and to taste some of the best wines and products of the area.

For all Fridays in the fall and winter months, è a minimum of two quads is required for reservations.

Horseback riding by the sea in Maremma departing from Marina di Grosseto, perfect for an alternative day out as a couple or with friends.

The experience begins at the stables where you will be assigned horses and provided with the equipment to ride a horse.

Once you leave, the hike lasts about 2 hours through the Tombolo Pine Forest, San Leopoldo Canal, backdune area, dunes and beach. 

Horseback riding in the countryside of the Maremma Grossetana will allow you to discover the nature of the Tuscan hills.

The activity begins at the riding stables in Castiglione della Pescantia where the instructor will teach you the basics of riding and then you will go out for the horseback ride.

Two-hour rides are available in which you will discover the picturesque views of the Maremma.

At the end of the hikes, you can also enjoy an aperitif while enjoying the surrounding picturesque landscapes.

To participate in the excursions è required sportswear with long pants and closed shoes.

2 walks per day, from 09:00 to 11:00 or 17:00 to 19:00 between June 15 and September 15. Outside these dates, subject to availability.

Horseback riding with the possibility of a picnic on the Cerbaie Hills starting from Castelfranco di Sotto.

The experience is designed specifically for couples on a private basis and consists of a horseback ride surrounded by nature and, if selected, a picnic with typical Tuscan products set up directly in the park during the outing.

The outing takes place in the Cerbaie Natural Park on the Via Francigena, the historic pilgrimage route from Canterbury in England to Santa Maria di Leuca in Puglia.

During the horseback ride, you will be accompanied by an experienced guide who will lead you along the entire trail. The hike is suitable for everyone.

Horseback riding outside Volterra gives you a relaxing experience along a route of white roads through the rolling Tuscan hills.

Once you arrive at the stables, you will be greeted by an instructor who will provide you with a safety helmet and basic information about saddling the horse and the type of riding.

During the evaluation lesson (lasting about 30 minutes), you will learn how to hold the reins and understand the horse's behavior outside the arena.

Afterwards, you will set off on a 1-hour horseback ride through the rolling hills surrounding Volterra. You will be accompanied by an equestrian guide.

It is possible to go out on the walk in groups of up to 4 people at a time. This experience is suitable for everyone, even those new to horseback riding. To participate, you must be 14 years of age or older and weigh less than 90kg.

You are required to wear long pants, long socks and closed sneakers.

This experience is subject to favorable weather conditions and terrain suitability.

Cooking course to learn how to make pasta and later taste it with a lunch or dinner.

The experience begins with a theory lesson on how to make pasta, during which you will begin firsthand to mix the ingredients.

During the entire experience you will be guided by experienced chefs who will teach you all the techniques to succeed in making pasta at its best and you will try with your own hands to create 3 different types of pasta: ravioli filled with ricotta, maltagliati and tagliatelle.

Next, the pasta prepared during the course will be cooked and served, enhanced by traditional seasonings and accompanied by good locally produced wine.

To ensure your safety, è it is necessary to communicate any food allergies or intolerances by contacting the facility following the reservation.

The experience can also be conducted in English.

The truffle hunting in the woods and truffle lunch experience in San Gimignano will give you an unforgettable day, ending with a tasting lunch, perfect for groups of friends and enthusiasts.

The experience will begin with a brief introduction to the history of the property and then move on to a truffle hunt in the woods, during which you will be accompanied by an experienced truffle hunter.

The tour will end with a special tasting menu :

- Truffle hors d'oeuvre: selection of our products
- Tagliolini with fresh truffle
- Eggs al tegamino, the quintessential classic truffle dish
- Dessert surprise
- Wine, water and coffee included

We recommend comfortable clothing and hiking boots.

Truffle hunting with tasting or lunch around Volterra.

Accompanied by an experienced truffle hunter and his trained dogs, you will walk in search of truffles in the hills outside Volterra. During the outing the guide will answer all your curiosities about this practice and the history of the area.

To enrich your day, you can also choose 2 more comprehensive options:

Truffle hunting with small tastings

By selecting this option, you will be able to extract the truffle yourself and enjoy it through small tastings, accompanied by the’excellent locally produced wine.

Truffle hunt with lunch or dinner

By selecting this option, you will be able to extract the truffle yourself, and enjoy it later at the Farmhouse restaurant, where a full lunch or dinner will be served with the harvested truffle, accompanied by’excellent locally produced wine.

The experience can also be conducted in English.

To carry out the experience it is recommended to have appropriate sportswear with closed sneakers. In case of uncertain weather a waterproof jacket and rain boots are recommended.

We would like to remind you that the activity is subject to favorable weather conditions.

Picnic based on typical Tuscan products with a view of the hills of Volterra.

The experience will take place at the fragrant lemon house where your picnic will be served.

The picnic includes

•    menù complete from’appetizer to dessert based on Italian and Tuscan specialties that vary according to the season
•    one bottle of wine for every 4 people
•    water

The experience è subject to favorable weather conditions. In case of bad weather, the picnic can be eaten indoors at the restaurant.