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![]() Lucca - 2 hours Siena - 10 minutes Florence - 1 hour and 20 minutes Rome - 2.5 hours
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Chianti's must see sights are the wine villages of Castellina, Radda and Gaiole. Along the road visit the Badia di Coltibuono and/or Castello di Brolio and do not forget to pick up some wine to enjoy at the villa! Drive through the landscape of the Crete to Buonconvento and to the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore. Many visitors go to the Abbey to visit the great monastic cloisters and to hear the Gregorian chants sung by the monks (Weekdays: 6:15 pm Vespers and conventional Holy Mass. Sundays and Holidays: 11:00 am Solemn Holy Mass and 6:30 pm Vespers and Benedictine Holy Sacraments). Visit San Gimignano, famous for its skyline, and Volterra, renown for alabaster artifacts. The small fortress cities within easy driving distance of one another, each offer their own special appeal. Colle Val d'Elsa is famous for crystal manufacturing. However, the old town/historical center, Colle Alta, deserves to be seen. Particularly interesting is Palazzo Campana, which looks like a city gate, or a triumphal arch, and dominates the main street of Colle. The Cathedral shows a rich collection of paintings from the XVII century. Spend a full day shopping at the Mall in Montevarchi where many designers have located their outlets – there you'll find Prada, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana and many others.
Siena Il Mugolone Fine restaurant with contemporary Tuscan cuisine. Gourmet "tasting menu." Open for dinner. Closed Thursdays - Via Pagliaresi 6 (Tel 0577-287-545) Monte Oliveto Maggiore Abbey Colle Val d'Elsa Officina della Cucina Popolare This restaurant sits right inside the ancient medieval city walls. Just a two minute walk from the free parking areas nearby the city gate called Porta Nuova. Enjoy true Tuscan food. The menus are seasonal and utilize fresh local ingredients grown by nearby farmers. Via Gracco del Secco 86, 53034 Colle di Val d'Elsa (Tel 0577-921796) |











