Gaiole in Chianti:
The most idyllic place to live in Europe:
Whilst we cant offer you places to live in Gaiole we can offer you places to stay so you can sample the delights of this pretty Chianti town.
 Not as well known as its sister towns of Castellina in Chianti and Radda in Chianti; Gaiole is perfectly placed for visiting Siena and Florence and for enjoying the delights of the area. Many of you will have passed through Gaiole on the way to Siena or maybe to the train station at Montevarchi. By driving through though you are missing a delightful medieval town built along the winding path of a ancient river.  Probably the most famous and most visited place in Gaiole today is the Castello di Brolio. The Brolio Castle was in existence from as early as the 10th Century and was involved in the various wars between the Florentine and Sienese armies. The current Castle was transformed in the 19th Century in a neo-Gothic style.  The castle today is famous for its vineyards and you can be one of the 30,000 visitors each year to enjoy a tour of the winery and of course purchase some Chianti wine. The creator of the Castello di Brolio wine estate - Baron Bettino Ricasoli - actually produced the first formulation of the grape mix known as the Chianti Classico in the second half of the 19th Century. The restaurant at the Castello di Brolio vineyard has also recently come top in an International Wine Competition for being "the best winery restaurant" so it would be well worth you staying for something to eat. For more information on the wine tours please click here: L'EROICA CYCLE TOUR:
 This famous 'Heroic' cycle tour takes place on Sunday 4th October 2009. L'Eroica is dedicated to the vintage cycle races of years gone by and many participants take part in vintage clothing and ride vintage bikes. There are 4 routes all starting from Gaiole in Chianti, the routes range from 24 miles/38 km to the 'long route' of 127 miles/205 km which features many professionals from the cycling world. Following the 'strade bianche' or 'white roads' of the Chianti countryside, this ride takes you through some of the most spectacular scenery of the area. The 'long route' is now permanently signposted (brown signs with L'Eroica and a picture of a bicycle) so you dont have to wait until October!
For information on bike rental in Tuscany click here:
For walking and cycling tours in Tuscany contact Custom Walks
WHERE TO STAY NEAR GAIOLE:
As you can imagine for a place named as the most idyllic place to live in Europe, our properties near Gaiole get booked up very early and some are already full for the summer but if you are travelling later in the year (or planning on returning later in the year) then these villas are the nearest. We can also take bookings for 2010 if you are making early plans.
 Il Molinaccio is 3km from Gaiole and can sleep from 12-15 people - there is still availability here over the summer: http://www.to-tuscany.com/ilmolinaccio/
 The hamlet of Montefienali is only 20km from Gaiole and is perfect for rest and recuperation. Here there are a number of apartments that can sleep between 2-6 people. There are extensive grounds with a large swimming pool, children's playground and high speed internet access. Prices for summer holiday dates are from as little as 200 euros per person for a family of 5 (Bella Vista di Montefienali,
sleeping 5 people: http://www.to-tuscany.com/montefienali/bellavistadimontefienali/)
 Oliveta is 4km from Gaiole and sleeps between 6-7 people. Bookings can be made here for dates from September: http://www.to-tuscany.com/oliveta/
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