If you have been following our Italy Trip story, today is our fourth and last day in Tuscany Region. It was hard to say good bye to our lovely airbnb house in Panzano; 4 days in Tuscany is definitely not enough. We are going to drive to La Spezia and return our rental car there before continuing our journey by train to Cinque Terre.
Panzano to La Spezia is 188km and take around 2 hours driving but we are going to explore two more towns in Tuscany; Gaiole Village and Pisa, before reaching La Spezia.
Gaiole Village
The town of Gaiole in Chianti is another important city within the Chianti Classico region, where the main attractions include the delicious flavours between wine and olive oil. However one could easily say that the real attractions of Gaiole, beyond its Chianti Classico wine, are its surroundings which include beautiful castles and parish churches.
Set to the east of Radda, Gaiole offers glimpse at the complex power struggles that marked this land for 100’s of years, from the Ricasoli family to the Medici family, from the Guelfs to the Ghibilines and between Florence and Siena. These very conflicts were the stimulus for the fortified towns, towering castles and continuous devastation that marks so many destroyed towers and villas.
But from all this chaos, the tradition of Chianti Classico wine was born! Gaiole vants the largest winery in the Chianti Classico area: Brolio Castle, where Baron Bettino Ricasoli invented the Chianti formula in 1872. Great wines that vary with the soil, sun and rain. Visit the many vineyards in Chianti, tasting your way through the stunning antique wine cellars and exquisite aromas of a wine which strictly follows the dictates of Chianti Classico and the San Giovesse grape.
Gaiole is also home to annual event of L’Eroica cycling tour. L’Eroica is a vintage cycling event that takes place annually in Tuscany, Italy. The event was created in 1997 to celebrate the beauty of cycling and to promote the preservation of the gravel roads that were once used in professional cycling races. Participants ride vintage bicycles, typically dating from before 1987, and dress in vintage clothing, making the event a unique experience that transports riders back in time. The routes of the event vary in length from 38 to 209 kilometers and take riders through the stunning countryside of Tuscany, including the Chianti region.
L’Eroica has become very popular among cycling enthusiasts from around the world and attracts thousands of participants each year. In addition to promoting cycling and preserving the gravel roads, L’Eroica also supports local charities and sustainable tourism initiatives. It is considered not only a cycling event but also a cultural and social gathering, promoting values such as respect, authenticity, and tradition.
Here are some things to do in Gaiole
Visit a winery
Gaiole is surrounded by vineyards and wineries, so it’s the perfect place to sample some of the region’s famous wines. Many wineries offer tastings and tours, allowing visitors to learn about the wine-making process and taste some of the delicious local wines.
Explore the countryside
The rolling hills and picturesque countryside around Gaiole are perfect for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. You can explore the beautiful landscape and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and olive groves.
Visit historic sites
Gaiole has a rich history, and there are several interesting historic sites to visit in and around the town. These include the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, the Castello di Brolio, and the Badia a Coltibuono abbey.
Enjoy local cuisine
Tuscany is known for its delicious food, and Gaiole is no exception. There are several excellent restaurants in town serving traditional Tuscan cuisine, including dishes such as pasta with wild boar sauce, ribollita soup, and grilled meats.
Attend a festival or event
Gaiole hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Chianti Classico Wine Festival in September and the L’Eroica vintage cycling event in October. These events are a great way to experience the local culture and traditions.
PISA
Pisa and its uniquely beautiful Piazza dei Miracoli (square of Miracle), a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987, have always been a fundamental stop on any holiday in Tuscany. Millions of people come here from every corner of the world every year to try, with the help of perspective, to keep the leaning tower standing.
Pisa boasts a thousand-year history (the name of the city dates back to the Etruscan era and refers to the nearby “mouth” of the Arno) which reached its peak at the time of the Maritime Republics, a period that created the center of the city as an artistic treasure trove with outstanding Romanesque and Gothic churches.
The Leaning Tower has made Pisa famous all over the world. For a fee you can climb the tower and enjoy stunning views of the city from the top.
Most people come to Pisa every year just to see the leaning tower but he city actually offers many other interesting things to see worth at least an entire day.
Here’s are the things you can do and see in Pisa
Explore the Piazza dei Miracoli
The Piazza dei Miracoli is a beautiful square that houses several other famous monuments, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Baptistery of San Giovanni, and the Camposanto Monumentale.
Visit the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo
This museum is located near the leaning tower and houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts from the city’s famous monuments.
Walk along the Arno River
The Arno River runs through Pisa and is a beautiful place for a walk or bike ride. There are several pedestrian bridges that offer great views of the river and the city.
Explore the city center
Pisa’s historic center is full of charming streets, beautiful squares, and lovely shops and restaurants. The Corso Italia is a popular shopping street, and the Piazza dei Cavalieri is a beautiful square that is home to several historic buildings.
Try local food and wine
Tuscany is known for its delicious food and wine, and Pisa is no exception. Be sure to try local specialties like ribollita soup, Tuscan beef, and the famous Chianti wine.
Pisa is two hour driving from Gaiole and the view along the way is also scenic. As we entered Pisa toward the leaning tower, we had to be careful because it was a ZTL area. We parked in the street with metered parking, not far from the tower just before ZTL zone. More info on where to park in Pisa here. When we approach closer to the tower, I realized that looking at people making all kind of funny poses with the tower was already an attraction by itself.
Our visit to Pisa ends our trip in Tuscany Region. We spend four days in Tuscany just to get a taste of it and we loved the ambience and especially the food; every dishes is delicious. We will surely come back to this region and stay longer. So long Tuscany until we meet again!
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