Some places elevate a journey the moment you arrive — Castello del Nero is one of them. Approached through cypress-lined country roads and surrounded by 300 hectares of vineyards, woods, and olive groves, this 12th-century estate is where a self-drive Tuscan holiday takes on an aristocratic rhythm: unhurried mornings, sunlit pool hours, and evenings shaped by wine, views, and Michelin-starred dining.

This is the chapter of your itinerary dedicated to calm indulgence. When you’re ready to explore, panoramic roads lead you through Chianti’s fortified villages, abbeys, and wineries. And for the day you prefer to rest the car, the shuttle to Florence lets you savour the city without navigating traffic or ZTL zones — the best of both worlds, with no compromise on serenity.

Travel planning

5  nights sharing a double Estate room

Daily breakfast

Fully comprehensive car hire arranged at the airport

Self-drive journeys curated for scenic impact

Florence, Montepulciano, and the Versilia Coast for a classical Tuscan loop

Tuscany + Rome for urban highlights balanced with countryside calm

🌅 Local Must-Do Experiences

Local self-guided experiences (simple, beautiful, practical)

The Chianti Wine Road (SR222): Greve, Panzano, boutique wineries, and panoramic viewpoints

Comfortable and peaceful, these classic rooms feature white-washed terracotta floors, high ceilings, and either a freestanding bathtub or a walk-in shower.

Spacious and airy, with original 12th-century terracotta floors and views over gardens or rolling hills. An extra bed can be added on request.

Spacious and airy, with original 12th-century terracotta floors and views over gardens or rolling hills. An extra bed can be added on request.

Elegant and generously sized, offering a separate living area and refined décor. Extra bed available on request.

A split-level suite ideal for families, with a living room on the lower floor and a bedroom on the mezzanine. Up to two extra beds or a baby cot can be arranged.

Located in the castle’s historic heart, these remarkable suites feature original frescoed walls and ceilings, generous living space, and the option of an extra bed or baby cot.

A two-bedroom suite in the Belvedere outbuilding, ideal for families, with a large living area and sweeping views of the Chianti hills. Extra bed or baby cot available.

The estate’s signature suite, offering a master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, a generous living space, and panoramic views. Extra bed or baby cot on request.

The flagship villa offers five en-suite bedrooms, a private wellness area (sauna, steam bath, yoga studio, fitness room), a fully equipped kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a 16-metre infinity pool, and expansive living spaces with entertainment systems throughout.

Breakfast: A refined selection of pastries, seasonal fruit, local produce, and à-la-carte dishes served with morning light across the hills.

Lunch: relaxed Mediterranean dishes by the pool — perfect between scenic drives.

Dinner:

La Torre (Michelin-starred): Creative estate-to-table dishes served in the castle’s historic salons

La Taverna: Elevated Tuscan classics in an inviting, informal setting

Outside the property: Barberino Tavarnelle, San Donato, and Panzano offer excellent trattorias and wine-driven local restaurants for relaxed evenings.

✔ Heated outdoor pool

✔ ESPA spa with thermal suite

✔ Fitness centre

✔ Wine cellar and olive oil tasting room

✔ Seasonal shuttle to Florence

✔ Luxury linens

✔ Marble bathrooms with walk-in showers

✔ Nespresso machine

✔ Premium toiletries

✔ Evening turndown service

Renaissance frescoes and historic salons throughout the castle

Sculpted Italianate gardens and woodland trails

Exceptional photography settings — ideal for honeymoons or landmark celebrations

A quiet, contemplative atmosphere between more active travel days

📍 Badia a Passignano: ~5 km / 10 min by car — fortified monastery, historic cellars and atmospheric woodland paths

📍 Greve in Chianti: ~13 km / 20 min by car — lively piazza, wine boutiques and the gateway to the Chianti Wine Road

📍 Panzano: ~12 km / 20 min by car — panoramic hilltop village and renowned butcher-led trattorias

📍 San Gimignano: ~28 km / 35 min by car — medieval towers, gelato on the piazza and golden-hour views

📍 Castellina in Chianti: ~20 km / 30 min by car — vaulted stone lanes, archaeological charm and boutique wineries

📍 Florence: ~30 km / 40 min by shuttle — Renaissance masterpieces, markets and riverside strolls (no need to drive into the city)

📍 Siena: ~45 km / 50 min by car — gothic architecture, the Duomo and the dramatic sweep of Piazza del Campo

📍 Radda in Chianti: ~32 km / 45 min by car — atmospheric alleys, small osterias and sweeping vineyard panoramas