Tuscany Vineyards without a Car? Yes You Can!
Anyone who plans to travel to Italy probably has an agenda to experience some of its most famous attributes – the breath-taking landscapes, smooth gelato, exciting historical landmarks, vintage Vespas whizzing down narrow streets… There’s so much authentic charm to discover in Italy, but one thing that all culture-loving adults should have at the top of their list is an off-road safari tour of some of the famous Tuscany vineyards.
And not only do you not need a car to explore the Tuscan wine scene, you can go off-road, across the rolling vineyards in our own unique safari vehicle! Nowhere else has a wine culture quite like Italy, and if you’re at all interested in this much-loved drink, we know that you’ll be hankering to taste it at source. Let us do the driving so that you can do the sipping.
We’re proud of our customised four-wheel drive vehicle that gives our clients a unrivalled perspective on the local vineyards as it transports you to a world of traditional Italian food and drink before you can say ‘Chianti’!
Villa le Corti
Located between Florence and Siena, this winery boasts both beauty and history. Its thousand-year heritage and astonishing 250 hectares of land certainly make this one of the most impressive Tuscany vineyards – and one best explored on a guided safari tour. While navigating the Villa Le Corti Estates in our safari bus, you’ll discover the beautiful traditional villa and courtyard, impressive park and Italian garden and of course, the 49 hectares of vineyards. You’ll definitely want your camera to hand during this part of our wine safari!
The Produce
While the scenery and history is wonderful, that’s not all you’ll be looking to enjoy (and if it is, you’ve booked the wrong tour). For many years, Sangiovese grapes have been grown here in order to produce the rich Chianti Classico, and the estate also produces extra virgin olive oil. During your excursion you’ll have the opportunity to taste Villa Le Corti’s aged wines alongside some cured meats and cheeses – the Italian way!
"A Must Do in Florence!"
“We did this tour and it truly exceeded our expectations! Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic, making this day informative and so much fun. We were driven to three different wineries which were unique and beautiful in their own ways. At each one we were given three different types of wines to try and an assortment of bread and cheeses.”
Five stars on TripAdvisor, BeyondBlueViews
Rignana
Part-way through the tour, you might think you’ve already seen it all when it comes to beautiful Tuscany vineyards. That is until you reach Rignana, of course! With a modern yet still rather authentic feel, this estate is Italian charm at its finest. Rustic wooden architecture complements the bright, spacious design of the building, and the surrounding olive groves and vineyards will make you feel wonderfully detached from the busier side of Tuscany.
The Produce
Also famous for its delicious wine and olive oil, Rignana proudly grows a variety of grapes including Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. This winery not only produces classic Chianti wine, but also Riserva and Rosé. You’ll have the opportunity to try a number of their favourite products while visiting on the Chianti Safari Tour.
Rignana’s olive oil, made from freshly-picked olives from nearby groves, has low acidity and is the perfect partner for any chef. Add a splash to your Italian dishes and you’ll have a real, authentic taste of the region.
"Wholeheartedly Recommended"
“Great day exploring 3 different wineries, with good selection of tastings accompanied by excellent Tuscan food. We also learned about recognising good olive oil, which was a great bonus. Gloria, our guide, was amazing with a great sense of humour and a vast knowledge about the region.”
Five stars on TripAdvisor, Anna Furbank
Lamole di Lamole
The exploration of the best Tuscany vineyards isn’t over yet! Lamole di Lamole is another must-visit, and since it can be difficult to find, it’s always best to travel on a tour with a local guide and a coach driver who’ll drop you off on the doorstep. Set deep in the countryside about ten kilometres from Greve, this location is picture-perfect to say the least. You’ll be completely surrounded by the vibrant greens of the Tuscan hills, away from the tourist scene and well and truly off the beaten track. Could there be any better setting in which to experience and learn about authentic Italian wines?
With the tour vehicle being specifically designed for off-road travel, you’ll be able to take in all this natural beauty in a completely unique way! You won’t find an experience quite like this anywhere else.
The Produce
This estate produces a type of Chianti wine that is highly distinctive from the classic flavour, and it has been said that this distinct taste is produced by the rich and unspoilt terrain in which the grapes grow. Two of Lamole’s wines have even won awards – if that doesn’t convince you to give it a taste, nothing will! As well as the classic Sangiovese grape, Trebbiano, Malvasia and Merlot are grown here among a few others.
Tuscany vineyards aren’t often quite as diverse as this, which is why we love finishing off our tours here. Guests not only taste the Chianti Classico, but also get a feel for some of the region’s more unusual variations. Pair these delightful drinks with some delicious nibbles provided by the estate and by the end of the experience, you’ll feel like a true Italian.
“Gloria was a wonderful guide – full of good humour and very knowledgeable about the wines and oils we tasted. The scenery was stunning, the beverages were very good, and (unlike some tasting experiences) the food was actually excellent too.”
Five stars on TripAdvisor, Pam and Lynne
Whether you’re a true wine connoisseur or simply a lover of Italian flavours, our Chianti Safari simply must be added to your holiday itinerary. Enjoy an off-road experience sampling the authentic flavours of the region, explore historical cellars and take home as many bottles as you can carry of the drink for which Italy is best known. We can’t wait to see you there!
We Are Walkabout Florence
If you’d like to find out more about our trips through the Tuscany vineyards and range of other exciting excursions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. When it comes to Italy, we’re the real experts, and we can promise you a completely unforgettable and authentic experience no matter which tour you choose!
Recommended Tours
Chianti Safari: Off-Road Tuscany Wine Tour from Florence – https://www.walkabouttours.com/florence/tours/chianti-safari-off-road-tuscany-wine-tour-with-lunch-from-florence
Sample the finest Tuscan wines on this unforgettable trip through the country’s glorious vineyards.