The sun beats down in haste. And with it, the buzz of a late spring pours through the windows. The green hills of Chianti, the only secret that still keep the land- wine-based forged without squeezing, stretches on the horizon. And the vines, weary of carrying the weight of its fruit, Vintage claim. It's September. Tuscany is the. Field of rebirth; land of vines. A dream of intertwined paths leading to leaning towers, Gates of Paradise, lattices between rocks and sea battles in places knightly crescent. From Siena to Florence… Y Pisa. From green to blue. From the rolling hills to the markets of bustling cities that have made this region of northern Italy in a place of passage for visitors and traders from Etruscan times.
The rows of cypress-brought, precisely, these people in the s.VIII to. C.- welcome in every village. They also make their way into Villa Barberino, place of departure and return of each day. This inn, located in the middle of the Arno Valley, is a few miles from the birthplace of the Renaissance and has been, also, a modest gap in the route of the Chianti. Two advantages: Michelangelo's David and a wine tasting are the same distance. But the day does not require opt for one of two options. There is time to enter the Uffizi and admire Botticelli's Venus languid. And also to go to «I latini», en the Way Packages, a Florentine steaks to taste -piece of grilled meat about half a kilo- accompanied by a bottle of Chianti wine with two liters, exactly. In short, a clear homage to the god of excess in every way. Because Florence, with its colorful display of beauty, can be overwhelming. Walking through its streets is almost like doing the halls of an art gallery. Sculpture and architecture jostle its way into every corner. Above all, en la Piazza della Signoria, a museum carved centuries ago chisel blows of sleeping in the open. Without violating the moldings and exposed to wind and weather encountered, irreverent, the Palace Vechio, the grandeur of Florence Duomo swirls in the; one in which Brunelleschi, Donatello, Giotto and Michelangelo combine their essences to create a show only describable from the subjectivity of the retina itself. It will have to judge the lair goldsmiths and jewelers pendant, area for the gold trade, hanging over the river: and Old Bridge.
The route between vineyards
With his eyes still dazzled, Florence is at the back. It's time to return to the inn to trace the plan the following day. The sun strikes again. And lights the way of Chianti. Castellina, Strike, Panzano, Radda…. Montefioralle, Gaiole… Each and every one of these locations they spread to the left and right of a sudden and savage road in which the trees are threatening to erect foliage still intact.
If I had to choose one word to describe his people would be vividly. If we were to stay with one of its most emblematic, certainly, Piazza del Campo would.
Every corner of the Chianti, area that gives name to one of the most famous wines of Italy, worth a stop; a thought. Medieval structure, its underground corridors, the steep cobbled streets, the sympathy of the buttocks… join the traveler in a real peace at times at times induced, once more, by the stock of land. All in the same way, all respectful of history and tradition, each of these peoples has a personal touch. And a common thread: wine. Brolio, locality in which there are vineyards dating back to 1007, has been the lifeblood of the region since the Baron Bettino Ricasoli Iron, second primer minister of Italy, perfected the formula for Chianti 1800. (Before, in 1384 was founded the League of Chianti, leading to a way of understanding that caused bloody land dispute between Florence and Siena). Pero Greve, the only city in the region situated on a hill, has nothing to envy: heraldic shields of the most important families hang in the Palazzo giving a noble and chivalrous to the whole environment. Abbeys, walled towns… We must also stop in the walled town of Panzano and see the castle and church. The fort was a bastion defending the Florentine troops in bloody battles against the armies of Siena and the Crown of Aragon. And 1478, the troops of King Ferdinand II of Aragon took the city embelmática. His church, pink marble, the town crown. Just to your left is a small bar where you can taste the wines of Tuscany while admiring its endless vineyards. All in all fifty kilometers which includes the region of Chianti. Is the least known of Tuscany and is, perhaps, the most authentic.
Without abandoning the road, the SS222 capricious path- we Siena, a beauty more sober and unknown Florentine and, so, more rewarding. With up and down narrow cobbled streets, Siena retains the spectacular Gothic and Renaissance grandeur. If I had to choose one word to describe his people would be vividly. If we were to stay with one of its most emblematic, certainly, Piazza del Campo would. And if, also, I had to choose a time to contemplate their beauty, we are left with the atardacer. The shades of red and ocher, decaying fruit of the luminosity of the sun, make this place, crescent-shaped, seems carved in gold. A curiosity: every street in Siena adopts the colors and the shield of brotherhood that live in it. Until there are seventeen. A maximum of ten of them, twice a year and draw, put on their best clothes to participate in the Palio, knightly race held in the middle of the square of the crescent.
Imbued with stories of yesteryear, the senses are now calling a break: the sea. Aimed at Marina di Pisa, the first stop before reaching the beaches of Liguria, obviously, Campo dei Miracoli, the field of Miracles- Pisa. The Leaning Tower custody, from the bottom, This beautiful architectural. Built on sandy alluvial soil of the tower tilt -45 meters- era, practically, inevitable. The baptistery, another gem of the set, Italy is the largest. Another reason to stop by the field of miracles, by excessive tourism, looks like a pilgrimage, but worth a visit. The view asks for your brackets: the sea. Sets enclosed rocky, the beaches of Marina di Pisa is almost personal. There is no arena in which extended. However, the stone, grayish hue in conjunction with the blue give the retina just what you need: the sea.
The road
There are low cost flights from Spain, 50 euros return, with different companies. The drive from Rome, Milan and Bologna motorway and is a good opportunity to meet Italy (certainly recommend this option).
The trip
A nap
-Villa Barberino, a thirteenth-century old palace full of charm and ideal for rest. It's halfway around (Florence, Siena, rue the Chianti, Siena…) and has ensuite rooms (more expensive) and small apartments (discounts). It has a pool and a very good restaurant. We must ask the owners to teach them the fascinating and ancient cellar of the house. a highly recommended place. (www.villabarberino.it).
-In Florence there is a complete range of accommodation for backpackers who roam the 40 euros per night. Many are near the cathedral and have a decent bathroom and bed (the traveler who has been in several dare not recommend any, as they are quite similar). Bucar is best to look online and the best (there are).
A table set
In Florence we must inevitably go to the restaurant Gobbi 13. It is simply a luxury gourmet. It is an authentic trattoria, decorated in the Italian and the food is a delicacy. The paste of the house is excellent and the atmosphere charming. Yes, it was a secret city is beginning to become famous and should be reserved. Located in the center, en the Way of Porcelain, 9 and your phone is(+39) 055 284015.
-In Florence you also have to go to “Il Latini”. This is a fun, which is shared table and wine, and eat amazing steak alla fiorentina (grilled meat for the hungry). It also is very popular, especially on weekends. Via the Palcheti, 6. Such. (+39) 055 210916
Highly Recommended
-Definitely rent a car and tour all of Tuscany. San Gimignano, Volterra, Luke… some locations are not included in the report and not to be missed. Tuscany is a place to get lost, try to see landscapes and absorb some of its art and history. Do not take just visiting the beautiful Florence and the most known around (Siena, Pisa…). Make that route and then swept away by the map.
-If you have time, is to 120 km, vayan a Bolonia. It is an amazing city, with a spectacular heritage and food culture is almost (in VAP do a story typical of this wonderful city unknown).
