Just 45 minutes from Florence, the Chianti wine region is the perfect escape for a half-day or full-day adventure. Rolling hills, historic villages, and world-class vineyards make it a must-see for food and wine lovers. Easy AC bus transfers and guided tastings mean you can soak in the Tuscan charm stress-free.

Overview

• Distance from Florence: ~35–45 km (22–28 mi)
  
• Typical travel time: 45–55 minutes by AC bus
  
• On-site visit duration: 4–6 hours to explore wineries, vineyards, and enjoy tastings
  
• Cost range: Moderate; depends on tour inclusions (wine tastings, dinner options)
  
• Best season/time of year: Spring (Apr–Jun) and Fall (Sep–Oct) for mild weather and vineyard colors; afternoons for sunset winery dinners
  
• Meeting/drop-off point: Central Florence pickup (Piazza Santa Maria Novella or nearby)
  
• Key attractions/sites covered: Chianti Classico wineries, vineyards, cellar tours, tasting of regional wines and local products, optional village stop (Monteriggioni or San Gimignano on some tours)

Your Florence to Chianti itinerary

Morning:

Depart from Florence aboard a comfortable, AC coach and head south along the scenic Via Chiantigiana, Tuscany’s famous wine route. Watch the cityscape fade into rolling vineyards, olive groves, and hilltop villages. Your guide shares insights about the Chianti Classico region as you approach your first estate.

Afternoon:

Arrive at a family-run winery and enjoy a guided tour of the vineyards and cellars. Learn about traditional winemaking methods before sampling signature Chianti wines paired with regional snacks and extra virgin olive oil. Depending on your tour, continue to a second estate or enjoy free time to browse countryside shops and soak in the panoramic views.

Evening:

If you’ve chosen a Siena & Chianti dinner tour, continue toward Siena’s medieval old town for an independent stroll through its UNESCO-listed center before heading to a countryside estate. Dine on fresh Tuscan dishes paired with local wines as the sun sets over the vineyards. All tours include return transfers to Florence, ensuring a relaxed and scenic ride back to the city.

Best time to visit Chianti

Weather:
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer the best conditions, with warm days, cool evenings, and lush vineyards at their most vibrant. Summer (July–August) can be hot, especially midday, while winter (November–February) is quieter but cooler, with some wineries operating on shorter hours.

Events:
Visit in September or early October to experience the Chianti grape harvest (vendemmia), a highlight for wine lovers, often celebrated with local festivals. The Radda nel Bicchiere wine festival in June and Chianti Classico Expo in September are great chances to sample top vintages and meet local producers.

Crowds:
May to early October is the peak tourist window, especially weekends when day trips from Florence are most popular. For a more relaxed pace and easier winery bookings, aim for shoulder months (April, early June, or late September) when the scenery is just as stunning but less crowded.

Helpful tips

• Start early: Morning departures mean cooler weather, fewer crowds at wineries, and more relaxed tastings before lunch hours.
  
• Dress comfortably: Comfortable but neat attire fits the relaxed, elegant vibe of Chianti estates. Also, wear sturdy shoes as vineyard paths and cellar floors can be uneven or gravelly.
  
• Pack smart: Bring a water bottle, sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen, especially in summer. A light jacket helps during evening dinners in the countryside.
  
• Pre-book your tour: Most wineries require reservations and limit daily visitors, tours with transfers ensure guaranteed tastings and seamless travel.
  
• Bring some cash: Small family estates and countryside shops may not accept cards for olive oil or wine purchases.
  
• Try local flavors: Don’t miss Tuscan classics like bruschetta, pecorino cheese, and ribollita soup, often served with your wine tastings.
  
• Plan for photos: Vineyard landscapes are stunning, midday and sunset light are ideal for capturing rolling hills and wine cellars.
  
• Allow buffer time: Traffic returning to Florence can be slow in summer, avoid tight evening plans after your tour.
  
• Buy direct: Purchasing wine or olive oil at the estate often includes special discounts or shipping options, perfect souvenirs from Chianti.