Travel in Tuscany and Chianti

There is so much to do in Florence that it’s easy to be overwhelmed. I suggest dividing your time between seeing a museum or two; eating and drinking; shopping, and walking around to enjoy the sights. Here are some of the things I've done over the years, and some are the road less traveled. 
Museums 
Uffizi Gallery: because it’s where the David is.
Galleria dell' Academia: their collection of art is one of the best.
Pitti Palace: who doesn't like a palace
Basilica of Sante Croce: a beautiful church with many works of art
The Duomo: because it’s the pope's choice
Giotto's Campanile: climbing it is quite the achievement

Places of Interest
- Piazzale Michelangelo: best view of Florence
- Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella: I promise you this is the most beautiful pharmacy you'll ever enter, and you can buy an assortment of products.
- Michelangelo's Secret Carving: near the Uffizi
- Secret Passageway of the Medici's, Vasari Corridor: you'll need a reservation to walk this hidden gem
- Antinori Wine Door: on the side of their Cantinetta and 600 years old. Nobody ever notices where a billion-dollar company began.
- Various Street Artists: look at their displayed work and decide for yourself.
- Flea Markets: a few sprinkled all over and mostly on Sunday's only
- La Bottega Del Chianti: my favorite shop because it's small and stuffed with various kitchen tools and accessories. 

Day Trips
- Day Trip to Umbria: Rent a car, drive 90 minutes to Umbria, and visit the town of Spello to drink some of their famous Sangratino wine at ENOTECA PROPERZIO tastings matched with delicious food is their way of getting you to buy wine from one of the best shops in Europe. It’s not a hard sell.
- Day Trip to Rome: take a speed train a little over an hour to visit this beautiful city for the day.
- Day Trip to Pisa: to see Italian engineering at its finest
- Day Trip to Luxury Outlet: The Mall Firenze where many Italian designers have goods drastically reduced (at least that’s what my wife told me)

Wine Region 
There are so many wineries in Tuscany's rolling hills that it's hard to limit my list to just a select few. I would suggest having a driver take you where you want to go so you don’t have to worry about limiting your tastings. Here are a few of my wine ideas for a fun day in Tuscany.
- Antinori nel Chianti Classico is possibly one of the most profound looking wineries in the world and a must-visit. They offer a tour with a tasting at the end, but it goes slowly. On a side note, they have a restaurant equal to theirs in Florence on site. Be sure to make a reservation.
- Tenuta Tignanello: Good luck getting in here, but if you do, you'll be among the few to drink their top wine in the Antinori summer home. 
In Greve, Chianti Square is several hundred years old, When you see signs and flags with a Black Rooster on them, you'll know you’re nearing this charming little square, a lovely place with shops and places to have a quick glass of wine or espresso.

Dining in Tuscany lots of places all over the region offering authentic Tuscan fare, but the place you must try is OSTERIA di PASSIGNANO. There's nothing inexpensive about this place, but trust me, you get your money's worth as the cuisine, wine menu, and ambiance are world-class. 

BUONA MANGIATA!