San Gimignano & Chianti

San Gimignano is one of the most picturesque Medieval Tuscan villages, built on a hill top overlooking the valley. Still bearing its 14 stone watch towers, it’s one of the most visited spots in the region.

So… in order not to feel like “tourists” – desperately looking for the less tacky souvenir – I do suggest you to enjoy a walk through the centre in the early morning – before 11 am – or late in the afternoon – between 5 and 7 pm – or, even better, at night when you’ll experience this spectacular dwelling at its best. Winter time you’ll have the whole town just for yourself in an unforgettable silence, in the summer instead, you’ll be simply “disturbed” by the eco of little groups of locals gossiping, sitting along the street, for people watching.

San Gimignano is mostly living because of its tourism. Wine, saffron and some talented artists help the business, but its major income is through us. It will be difficult to find an unspoiled tavern or restaurant to stop at, or a picture corner never shown on the web jet, but if you try to be there at the right time, you’ll find a spectacular atmosphere, an extremely well preserved example of Medieval art and one of the best Gelato in the world! (Dondoli, the one with no table outside, Piazza della Cisterna)

An interesting walking tour in San Gimignano will take us for one or two hours, to explore the funny stories of the Middle Age, local habits and activities, scenic views and tiny artists’ workshops. We’ll enter a 13th century courtyard for a look at its interesting frescos (paintings on wall), we might decide to go and climb the Torre Grossa (the big tower) for a spectacular picture, we’ll hike to the fortress at the top of the hill, for a relaxing break. With those of you who are interested in early Renaissance art, we’ll pop into an isolated and well preserved church, before a refreshing glass of Vernaccia white wine and a yummy Bruschetta . Come and experience San Gimignano with me! We’ll do our best to see it “behind the stage”.

Once there you can decide to enjoy the tour just around the centre (approximately 2 hours) or to proceed with me to the Chianti region for a visit to authentic hill top dwellings and great wineries.

We might stop at an Etruscan tomb to explore the excavations, we might spend half hour with a professional wine-maker to get the sense of the high level of technology behind the production of world famous labels. It will be an authentic way to get to know Tuscany!