From Florence we proceed towards the wonderful countryside of the Chianti region and, following the "Wine Road" between vineyards and olive trees, we'll reach Greve in Chianti, the small village named after the nearby river, expanded considerably during the 14th & 15th centuries, where we find a monument to Giovanni da Verrazzano, the explorer who discovered the New York Harbour.
We see Piazza Matteotti with its porticoes, the Santa Croce church, the San Francesco convent and a series of typical tiny local stores and wine-cellars. One of the most famous is the butcher shop Falorni, which has been located in the piazza for 500 years. You can have free samples of many of their locally produced products. Many famous people from Hollywood (and you thought they were vegetarians!!!) order beef, salami, and ham from Falorni. To find out names, just pop in and ask.

In Greve there is also the enoteca "Le Cantine" where you will be able to taste not only more than 100 different wines, but also olive oil, vin santo and grappa, all produced in the Chianti area - a showcase for the region's wines. We will also stop Montefioralle, a small village above Greve, which still preserves its medieval architectural flavour.