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Trekking in Chianti
Photo © Ambito Chianti
Photo © Ambito Chianti

Three Experiences to Enjoy in Chianti

Stargazing, discovering contemporary art or enjoying the scenery in a hot air balloon

Chianti
by  Chianti

Famous worldwide for its enchanting landscapes and fine wines, the Chianti area offers even more experiences among nature, art and history. 

While wine tastings, hiking and biking excursions are the most famous, there are other lesser known yet equally fascinating activities to enjoy.

Among hills, vineyards and picturesque villages, here are three activities that can render your stay in Chianti even more special.

Contents
  • 1.
    Observing the night sky in Chianti
  • 2.
    Discovering modern and contemporary art
  • 3.
    Flying in a hot air balloon over Chianti
1.

Observing the night sky in Chianti

Observatory of Chianti
Observatory of Chianti - Credit: Ambito Chianti

The beauty of Chianti is not limited to its landscapes. When night falls, the sky above the vineyards turns on an unexpected spectacle, perfect for stargazing. 

In fact, thanks to the perfect distance from the urban centers of Siena and Florence, this corner of Tuscany allows for particularly clear night skies, both in winter and summer. 
Whether you are a photography enthusiast or merely curious, you are sure to be enchanted.

And if you enjoy astronomy, don’t forget to visit the Observatory of Chianti in Barberino Tavarnelle. Equipped with avant-garde instruments and run by expert astronomers, you can participate in public evenings or private tours to admire distant constellations, planets and galaxies while learning more about our universe.

1.

Discovering modern and contemporary art

Pievasciata
Pievasciata - Credit: Ambito Chianti

Chianti is more than its wine-making tradition and bucolic landscapes—it is also a home to much modern and contemporary art.

In fact, numerous national and international artists have paid homage to these lands with their creations. Mauro Staccioli, Leo Lionni, Igor Mitoray, Fuad, Marcello Guasti and Valentino Moradei to name a few ...

If you are an art lover, visit the village of Pievasciata in Castelnuovo Beraradenga, where the art trail winds through the streets, with installations and works that delight and fascinate at every turn. Not far from here, you can find the Chianti Sculpture Park, a true open-air museum featuring works by contemporary artists from around the world, perfectly integrated into nature.

Greve in Chianti and San Casciano in Val di Pesa hold yet other gems of contemporary art. 
Walking through the streets of Greve, you will encounter numerous installations and works of art, while the Slow Road itinerary offers a looped hike through nature and art in the surrounding area. 
Finally, in San Casciano in Val di Pesa, the Giuliano Ghelli Museum houses a rich collection of contemporary art.

1.

Flying in a hot air balloon over Chianti

Hot air balloon rides in Chianti
Hot air balloon rides in Chianti - Credit: Alberto Papagni_nikon

Are you seeking out a truly unforgettable experience in Chianti?  
Then wake up at dawn and admire this land from the sky!

Flying in a hot air balloon over the Chianti hills is an unforgettable experience. Departures are scheduled in the early morning hours from San Casciano in Val di Pesa, Tavarnelle Val di Pesa and Castelnuovo Berardenga

From up in the air, the silence and gentle landscape create an atmosphere of peace and serenity, offering a unique perspective over vineyards, cypress trees, forests and medieval villages. It is also possible to book hot air balloon rides for people with mobility issues.

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