But you're unlikely to resist the riches on offer nearby. On request the owners will organise Chianti tours and visits to local wine cellars, as well as cookery courses or mind/body relaxation and well-being courses.
And of course this area boasts the most important historical towns of Tuscany. Florence, the principal Tuscan city, is the world's most celebrated storehouse of Renaissance art and architecture. The dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore dominates the city's roofscape and the great Piazza del Duomo at its feet, ringed with cafes, dominates life at street level. Florence also has some of Italy's best-loved palaces and churches. Cross the famous Ponte Vecchio and visit the Boboli Gardens; enjoy the Uffizi Gallery which houses a celebrated and famous art collection or see Michelangelo's famous statue of David at the Accademia di Belle Arti.
Visit Siena, within whose mediaeval walls the mostly pedestrianised streets wind maze-like towards the spectacular Piazza del Campo. This shell-shaped square - looking much as it did when it was laid out in the 13th century - is the venue for the annual Palio. In the middle ages Siena fought successful wars against rivals Florence. Now the 17 'contrade' of Siena, the various town wards, compete in this breathtaking horse race around the square, with the victors parading round the city afterwards. And 10km from Antico Uliveto lies Monteriggioni, the fortified town the Sienese built as a defence against Florence.
Then there is Greve in Chianti, and San Gimignano. This city of towers is probably the most famous small town in Italy - there are few places that evoke the atmosphere of mediaeval Tuscany so powerfully. In the middle ages, local families practised one-upmanship by competing to build the highest tower - the higher the tower, the richer your family. 15 of the original seventy-two towers still survive, making this little hilltop town a spectacular place to visit.
Volterra meanwhile encloses 3,000 years of history within its fortifications - the first town wall was raised in the 4th century BC. Thanks to its isolated position, Volterra is unspoiled by the 21st century, retaining its mediaeval character. You will be able to visit Etruscan remains, the Roman baths, amphitheatre and Acropolis, museums and galleries, churches and the Duomo, or walk around the mediaeval wall and gates.
And that's before you get to Castellina in Chianti, Certaldo, Radda in Chianti, Barberino, Val d'Elsa and many more. This Chianti B&B is a great alternative to hotels in Florence. You'll visit all Tuscany from the hills of Chianti, and your hosts will help you plan your days.
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