Tuscany

Scenic drives in Tuscany, Italy

Just about any road you choose to drive here can be considered one of the scenic drives in Tuscany as you make your way through one of the most picture-perfect parts of Europe.  It is no wonder that Tuscany is one of the most popular regions in Italy for holiday makers and tourists; this lovely region just oozes charm and there is so much to see and do along the way that you are going to need several holidays in the region to see all that Tuscany has to offer.  Around just about every corner you are met with another brilliant photo opportunity, with charming walled hilltop villages and towns competing with rolling vineyards and acres of olive groves for your attention.  This is what makes Tuscany such a perfect part of the country to get behind the wheel of a camper or motor home, which will give you the utmost freedom to drive (and, more importantly, stop over) whenever you come to a spot you would like to explore in more detail. Although the whole region is staggeringly lovely, a few roads do stand out as definite “must-see” drives.

Florence to Sienna – The Chianti Route

This short drive (an easy return day-trip if you wish) is one of the best in Tuscany and although it is a relatively short drive, you will find many distractions along the way to delay you!  Stop at some of the enchanting villages along the way such as Greve in Chianti, where there is often a local market you can visit if you choose your visit carefully.  Then drive on to the medieval village of Castellina where you can browse some of the unique little boutiques selling local produce.  The views are amazing all along the way and the villages are charming.  Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to enjoy lovely Siena before moving on to the next scenic drive….

Crete Senese Drive from Siena 

South of Siena you can drive through one of the most iconic parts of Tuscany where you will find one typical Tuscan scene after the other unfolding on the horizon; endless rolling hills topped with walled fortress towns and villages, stone farmhouses, olives, grapes,  and, of course, boulevards of lonely cypresses adding the most authentic touch to your holiday photos.  Probably the most rewarding stretch of road in the Crete Senese is the Laurentina road (Siena-Asciano-Giovanni d’Asso on the No 438 road).

There are two campgrounds close to Siena which would be perfect for overnight stops or as a base to explore the region.