Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
esi), the prospect of spending the night in this fabulous medieval castle makes the 41km
trip from Gaiole in Chianti well worth the effort. Meticulously restored by Italian-Americ-
an host Salvatore Gangale, it features huge rooms and a swish pool area.
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, book into the deluxe suite in the turret, which has a
private terrace commanding suitably regal views.
La Locanda
( 0577 73 88 32;
www.lalocanda.it
; Montanino di Volpaia; r €220-290, ste €290-310; closed
Nov-mid-Apr; )
Overlooking the medieval village of Volpaia near Radda in Chi-
anti, this country hotel offers seven charming rooms in the converted 16th-century farm-
house, as well as a lounge, library and dining room (dinner Monday, Wednesday and Fri-
day, €35) in the former stables.
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
€€€
Eating & Drinking
Il Giglio
(
www.gelateriailgiglio.it
;
Via del Giglio 13, San Donato in Poggio; gelato €1.50-4; 3-11pm Easter-Oct)
The fortified medieval village of San Donato is on the Siena-Florence
superstrada
, close
to Tavarnelle Val di Pesa and a short drive from Badia a Passignano. It has three claims to
fame: a charming main street with a Renaissance
palazzo
; a beautiful 12th-century
pieve;
and this
gelateria artiginale
(artisan ice-cream shop), which has a pretty rear courtyard.
GELATO
€
Bar Ucci
(
www.bar-ucci.it
; crostoni €4.50-6, antipasti plates €8, salads €4-8; 8am-9pm Tue-Sun)
Paola
Barucci's small bar/cafe in the medieval hamlet of Volpaia is a deservedly popular stop
with those touring the Chianti Senese. There's a good choice of Chianti by the bottle and a
choice of Volpaia's own Chianti Classico or Riserva by the glass. Snacks include salads
and
crostoni
(toasted bread) with a multitude of toppings.
WINE BAR
€
La Locanda di Pietracupa
( 055 807 24 00;
www.locandapietracupa.com
; Via Madonna di Pietracupa 31, San Donato in Poggio;
meals €40; closed Tue; )
The prices at this restaurant near the late-Renaissance sanc-
tuary of the Madonna di Pietracupa are remarkably reasonable considering the quality of
the modern Tuscan cuisine on offer. You can enjoy a long lunch on the outdoor terrace, or
book one of the four B&B rooms (single/double €70/80) and settle in for an indulgent din-
GASTRONOMIC
€€
