THE ULTIMATE FLORENCE ROAD TRIP

Three days, a Jeep Compass SUV, and a sense of adventure is all you need for the ideal city break with a generous lashing of Tuscan driving thrown in for good measure.

STAY Hotel Mulino di Firenze:

Located in a quiet neighborhood on the outskirts of Florence by the banks of the Arno River. The timeless charm of this boutique beauty offers access to bustling Florence (just 10 minutes away) via its hourly shuttle service but is set within a breathtaking country location within a restored 15th century mill. All of the rooms are uniquely designed and the hotel has a stunning outdoor terrace and cozy subterranean spa.

EXPLORE Cesarina Antonella:

Apron-up and delve in to Italian gastronomy in the delightful home-kitchen of Antonella’s tiny B&B located in the Florentine hills. Enjoy a traditional cooking class followed by dinner in one of the most authentic experiences you can have in Italy.

San Gimignano: Explore this ancient walled hill town an hour’s drive from Florence, famous for its medieval tower houses and the awarded gelato shop, Gelateria Dondoli. Make like a local and stock up on fresh Italian produce at the Piazza del Duomo where Thursday is market day.

DINE

Florentines take their food seriously and the best way to sample it is to dine like a local. Eat street-style at All’antico Vinaio – renowned for its tasty (and outrageously affordable) freshly-made sandwiches paired with a tipple or pull up a plastic chair in the city’s famous food hall Mercato Centrale – home to some of the city’s oldest butchers, fish mongers, fresh produce vendors and our favourite bustling lunchtime haunt Da Nerbone. The pulled meat and apple sauce sandwiches are legendary. For night bites, head to the bohemian Oltrarno district on the left bank where students and artists imbibe in the lively trattorias around Santo Spirito. Cozy up at the ultra-cool Il Santino for a primo cellar menu and bar bites. This hole-in-the-wall locale is the lesser-known little sister of renowned Santo Bevitore restaurant, just next door.

DRIVE

From Florence, head to the hills of Tuscany and hit the Chiantigiana, or the SR222 as its officially know. This world-famous road trip takes in the entire Chianti region from Florence to Siena within a 69km loop. Highlights include some of the country’s most beautiful towns such as Greve, Panzano - where a visit to famed butcher Dario Cecchini’s Antica Macelleria Cecchini is a must Castellina, Radda, Gaiole and Siena.