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.

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’quad bike excursion in the Val di Lima, in the mountains above Florence in Tuscany é an’activity’that makes you experience the nature of the’Tuscan-Emilian Apennines in a fun way, together with the performance Quad Yamaha Kodiak 700.

1-hour excursion - Livizzano:

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•    Departure: Livizzano Base Camp
•    Trail Duration: 11km - average 1 hour
•    Altitude: 600m

You will start the hike from the mule tracks, dirt roads, fords and small streams of ‘Livizzano’, continuing then along wooded trails that will allow you to return to the starting site.

3-hour hike (half day) - Monte Prato Fiorito:

•    Departure: Livizzano Base Camp
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•    Trail Duration: 33km - average 3 hours
•    Altitude: 600m to 1200m (elevation gain: 600m)

You will again start the hike from the mule tracks, dirt roads, fords and small streams of ‘Livizzano’.

The hike will then continue along wooded trails that will allow you to reach the spectacular views that await you on the slopes of Mount ‘Prato Fiorito’ at 1200m altitude.

5-hour hike (day) - Botri Gorge:

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•    Departure: Livizzano Base Camp
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•    Trail Duration: 40km - average 5 hours
•    Altitude: 600m - 1200m - 900m (total elevation gain: 1200m)

Also in this option you will start the hike from the mule tracks, dirt roads, fords and small streams of ‘Livizzano’.

The hike will then continue along wooded trails that will allow you to reach the spectacular views that await you on the slopes of Mt. ‘Prato Fiorito’ at 1200m altitude.

The tour will then continue to the Orrido di Botri nature reserve where you will stop for lunch. Lunch consists of a set menu and must be paid for on site (15€ per person):

•    Tuscan appetizer
•    Bis of pasta
•    Water
•    Caffè 

For each selected tour, a briefing and initial test are provided before departure to explain how to use the ATV, so that you can ride it with ease and in complete safety.

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 participate in the Garfagnana rafting experience on the Lima, you will have the opportunity to decide between 2 different experiences, classic rafting and packrafting.

Classic rafting This experience consists of a 4 km long descent on the Lima stream. During the adventure there will be a rafting guide who will allow you to learn more about the river environment and the magical world of rafting. The activity includes a stop at the footbridge waterfall for photo ops, 5m plunge at the old hydrometer and aquatics test in rapid. Technical equipment is provided and helmets have attachments for your action-cams. You can have the experience from November to May.

Packrafting

The activity consists of an easy perscorso of about 3.8 km duration with the "Packraft," a portable, lightweight and surprisingly sturdy one-person inflatable boat designed to navigate in any type of aquatic environment.

Experience the thrill of riding a Packraft through rapids and nature in the beautiful Mediavalle of the picturesque Serchio River just a few steps from the renowned Devil's Bridge. Clear water, thrills, breathtaking views and rapids await you.

All technical and safety equipment for activities is provided on site.

Open from March to July and September to November.

Riverplay in Garfagnana at Strette di Cocciglia is a guided tour of a wild and natural canyon.

You will be completely immersed in nature, the route is characterized by three scenarios; the upper part of the "Golette" basins with clear water carved by the force of the stream into the rock, the middle part where the narrows open up and we meet the small rapids and finally the final large canyon the "Blue Lagoon" with crystal clear water and underwater caves up to 12m deep.

Along the way you will have the opportunity to go diving, natural slides, the "washing machine" slide, small rapids, swimming, playing in the waterfall bubbles, adventure and lots of fun.

Horseback riding in Volterra, near Florence, amidst the rolling Tuscan hills and Berignone forest, è a very pleasant and relaxing outing.

Horseback rides can last one hour, one hour and thirty minutes or three hours depending on your preference. All walks are also suitable for beginners.

The trails are very scenic, amidst hills and nature in total relaxation. The 3h walks also include a snack.

The walk is conducted in groups with a’instructor. The minimum age required for the walk è 14 years. The maximum weight of the participant è is 95Kg.

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 San Gimignano horseback ride and lunch is a pleasant experience among the beautiful views of San Gimignano with lunch at Il Vecchio Maneggio farmhouse, in the hills just outside the town.

The walk starts in the morning or afternoon. During the trek you will have the opportunity to love learning about horses thanks to the guides who will accompany you on the tour.

Before or after the walk, depending on the time you choose, you will stop at an agritourism to enjoy a lunch or dinner with a special menu. It includes bruschetta with locally produced extra virgin olive oil, penne with Tuscan meat sauce or tomato, dessert of your choice, wine, water and coffee.

Lunch is at 1 p.m. and dinner at 8 p.m. (lunch present in the experience only in the period between April and September)

You will be provided with all riding equipment, including helmet (mandatory). Recommended clothing includes long pants and closed shoes.

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.

Lunch among the vineyards and wine tasting in San Gimignano is a very romantic experience in Tuscany. It is also available for dinner and includes a walk through the vineyards, during which you will be shown the technique of harvesting grapes. Afterwards you will be given a lesson on wine, from winemaking techniques to how to preserve a vineyard.

This will be followed by a tasting of wines and typical Tuscan products among the rows of the estate vineyard, with lunch or dinner served. The experience consists of a vertical tasting of 15 Tuscan products.

Lunch or dinner will be accompanied by the tasting and the following courses:

•    Aperitivo with typical Tuscan cold cuts and cheeses and bruschetta.
•    Tuscan Ribollita or Lasagna with truffles
•    Roasted meat with side dish
•    Cantuccini with Dessert Wine or Vanilla Ice Cream with Balsamic.

Available upon request are vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menu.

The horseback ride in the Tuscan countryside from Rignano sull'Arno, includes a group tour on horseback at the slowest gait (pace), saddle fitting and field practice before departure are included.

Upon arrival you will be asked to sign insurance forms, followed by a full explanation on the ground, on "riding the horse," and on safety, and then you will set off for the ride that will develop according to the package you choose.

Once you feel comfortable, you will begin the actual walk through the Tuscan hills. During the tour, you will take in the natural beauty of the Tuscan countryside, with its rolling hills and green fields. Your riding instructor will guide you through scenic trails, giving you the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of stunning scenery.

If you have chosen to do only the one-and-a-half hour ride, the ride will end at the stables where you can get off the horse and rest.

If, on the other hand, you have chosen to add the tasting (total time about 3 hours), the walk will take place through the countryside among vineyards, olive groves, cultivated fields and farmhouses that characterize the Tuscan landscape. It will then end in the park of the historic villa Torre a Cona. This is followed by a short walk (3 minutes) to reach the entrance of the villa where clients will be met by the villa staff. Here the guided tour to the small museum and cellars of Torre a Cona will begin, where the production processes from vine to bottle will be explained. This will conclude inside the old barn, with a tasting of four of the Villa's production wines accompanied by a plate of local cheeses. At the conclusion you will be taken back to the stables by van. The experience lasts about 3 hours (including about an hour and a half in the saddle).

Either way, horseback riding in the Tuscan hills is an unforgettable experience that will introduce you to the beauty and culture of Tuscany.

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.

Horseback riding in Siena is a unique opportunity for prinipianti to get closer to horseback riding while enjoying a wonderful view of Siena and the Sienese hills.

After cleaning the horse together with the equestrian guide, you will be taught how to mount the horse and how to walk in total peace. You will then have the opportunity to stop at the organic farm for a tasting of typical Tuscan products.

The walk takes about 1 1/2 hours and can be organized as a group or exclusively.

You can walk in the morning or at sunset and the minimum age required to participate is 14 years old.

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 San Gimignano horseback ride and lunch is a pleasant experience among the beautiful views of San Gimignano with lunch at Il Vecchio Maneggio farmhouse, in the hills just outside the town.

The walk starts in the morning or afternoon. During the trek you will have the opportunity to love learning about horses thanks to the guides who will accompany you on the tour.

Before or after the walk, depending on the time you choose, you will stop at an agritourism to enjoy a lunch or dinner with a special menu. It includes bruschetta with locally produced extra virgin olive oil, penne with Tuscan meat sauce or tomato, dessert of your choice, wine, water and coffee.

Lunch is at 1 p.m. and dinner at 8 p.m. (lunch present in the experience only in the period between April and September)

You will be provided with all riding equipment, including helmet (mandatory). Recommended clothing includes long pants and closed shoes.

Horseback rides in the Crete Senesi, Buonconvento, can be an hour or an hour and a half, and have the riding stables as their starting point.

The horseback rides follow routes through the countryside that will allow you to pass by some ancient villas and cypress avenues.

What are you waiting for? Book this experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories!

Wine tasting and winery tour in the Crete Senesi in Tuscany can be done with 4 different tours to choose from:

Classic tour

This tour includes a visit to the historic Fèlsina winery, where you will be taken on a journey to discover the wines produced by this winery. During the tasting, you will have the opportunity to taste four of their most representative wines, selected to offer you a true sensory experience:

•    Classic Method Brut Sparkling Wine: a sparkling wine produced with the classic method, characterized by a refined effervescence and a dry and harmonious flavor.
•    I Sistri Igt Toscana (100% Chardonnay): a dry white wine produced with the Chardonnay grape variety, with an elegant and complex character.
•    Chianti Classico Docg Berardenga (100% Sangiovese): a red wine produced with the Sangiovese grape variety, typical of the Tuscan region, with an intense and tannic flavor.
•    Chianti Classico Riserva Docg Berardenga (100% Sangiovese): a high quality red wine produced with selected Sangiovese grapes, aged in oak barrels for at least 24 months, which gives it an intense and complex character.

Jeep Tour

This private tour offers an experience that will lead you to discover the vineyards of Fèlsina through a jeep tour on the dirt road. Along the way, you will be accompanied by a specialized guide who will explain the methods of vine cultivation and wine production, while you admire the magnificent Tuscan hills.

The visit will continue at the Rancia estate and vineyard, where you will have the opportunity to learn first-hand about wine production processes and observe the vineyards and winery. Here, you will be offered a tasting of four of Fèlsina's representative wines.

Classic tour and lunch

The classic tour with lunch takes place exactly like the classic tour, but allows you to combine the tasting of 4 wines with a 3-course lunch consisting of farm and local products.

Jeep tour and lunch

The Jeep tour with lunch takes place exactly like the Jeep Tour, but allows you to combine a three-course lunch of farm and local products. In addition, you will also be offered a tasting of four mono-cultivar oils, produced by Fèlsina and selected to offer you a true sensory experience of the Tuscan territory.

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:

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

The activity begins at the 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.

Walks of 1 1/2 or 2 1/2 hours are available in which you will go and discover the picturesque views of the Maremma. A minimum of previous experience is required for the 2 1/2-hour rides.

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

Sportswear with long pants and closed shoes is required to participate in the hikes.

Horseback riding by the sea in Maremma is an adventurous and exciting experience in the pine forest and on the beach starting from Marina di Grosseto.

There are two modes for the walk:

•    1-HOUR WALK IN THE PINETA - Excursion where you explore the Tombolo Pine Forest, the San Leopoldo Channel, the backdunal area, and the dunes. The horseback riding excursion will be done at pace, and is therefore also suitable for beginners. Each walk will always have one guide for every 2 people.
•    2-Hour Private Walk IN THE SEA RIVER - Souvenir walk tailored for couples or friends. Hike in the Tombolo Pine Forest, San Leopoldo Canal, backdune area, dunes and beach.

Board a comfortable motorboat and visit Giglio Island, Giannutri and the most hidden coves and islets of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Departing from Castiglione della Pescaia, you can choose from three types of tours, lasting about 8 hours and 30 minutes:

Giglio and Giannutri

•    Embarkation starting at 8 a.m.; at 8:30 a.m. we set sail! (check in by 8:10 a.m.)
•    sailing along the coast of Maremma and Parco dell'Uccellina to Talamone and afterwards along the north coast of Argentario.
•    Shortly before 11 a.m. disembark at Giglio. It can be visited freely or with Toscana Trekking guides, booking visits with them while sailing
•    at about 2 p.m. set sail for Giannutri.
•    at about 2:45 p.m. arrival in Giannutri, where it will be possible to take more guided tours or engage in swimming.
•    at 4 p.m. we set sail from Giannutri to return to Castiglione (7:30 p.m.), after a short technical stop at Giglio.
•    Tour stops may vary depending on weather conditions and skipper's decisions.

Cash payment of the Municipal Disembarkation Fee for Giglio Island of €3.00 per person and Giannutri Island Access Fee of €2.50 per person is required before departure.

The half-day boat trip to Cala Violina departing from Scarlino is a perfect tour to explore the famous Maremma cove.

You can choose from 3 different tours.

Morning

The morning tour starts at the port of Scarlino at 9:30 am. The first stop will be Cala Violina. Here it will be possible to have a breakfast consisting of typical Tuscan products. It will then continue to Cala Martina and Cala Civetta. This tour is suitable for people of all ages, especially children, thanks to the always calm waters that offer maximum serenity and safety.

Afternoon

The afternoon tour starts at the port of Scarlino at 4 pm. The first stop will be Cala Violina, where you will anchor for a swim stop. Next, you will visit the other coves along the park's stretch of coastline, including Cala Martina and Cala Civetta. You will be offered an aperitif composed exclusively of Tuscan products: a quality white wine, excellent cold cuts, focaccia and fresh fruit. Especially in the afternoon, the itinerary may change depending on sea weather conditions.

Sunset

The sunset tour starts at the port of Scarlino at 6 pm. The first stop will be Cala Violina, where you will anchor around 18:00 for a swim stop. You will then proceed to the other coves, including Cala Martina and Cala Civetta. Finally, you will be offered an aperitif consisting of typical Tuscan products to enjoy during the sunset.

The sunset tour lasts three hours, while the morning tour and the afternoon tour last four hours.

The private boat excursion to Cala Violina is an experience suitable for both those who want to relax and the more adventurous.

As the first destination of the tour you can choose the beach of Cala Violina or the one you prefer from Scarlino to the Sparviero islet. In any case, the skipper will be ready to advise you on the best destination also depending on the day.

Once you have chosen your destination, you will depart from the port and move along the coast, taking a short tour of the rocky beaches and coves, including Cala Terre Rosse, Cala Martina, and Cala Civette.

When you arrive at your destination, you will drop anchor as close to shore as possible, so you can see the seabed and give the more athletic people a chance to swim to the beach. A ring life jacket will be provided to make the crossing safely (or a pink flamingo!).

On board you will have masks to do some snorkeling, beautiful experience especially at the Sparrowhawk and the rocky little beaches. You can choose from 2 tours:

Tour with lunch

With the morning tour, an onboard lunch of rice or cold pasta, Tuscan crush, fruit, water, beer and wine is included.

Tour with aperitif

With the afternoon tour an aperitif of white wine, beer or prosecco accompanied with some pizza, schiaccia Toscana and fruit is included. If you prefer something more sophisticated, however, you will have the option of choosing wine and champagne from a menu provided by a renowned local winery, which you can even accompany with oysters.

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.

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 kayak tour of Pisa from the Arno River is a unique experience that will allow you to delve into the heart of Pisa's historic center admiring its Lungarni and learning about the vicissitudes that make the Tuscan city what it is today.

The tour begins with your guide giving you a short briefing on basic technique and safety provisions. You will then set off in your kayak, single or double. By reservation only, there is also an opportunity to enjoy a delicious aperitif in a canoe midway through the tour; the cost of the aperitif is not included in the price.

The accompanied kayak tour lasts about 1 hour 45 min. for a total of about 3.5 km (the length of the tour may be subject to change if physical or weather conditions require it).

•    Only adults over 18 or accompanied minors may ride on the single-seater canoes, while 2 adults or 1 adult and 1 child over 5 may ride on the two-seater canoes.
•    Indicatively, tours run from May to September (depending on the flooding of the Arno River).
•    The tour can be conducted in both Italian and 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.