We are considering both of the above for 4 nights. Although we will have a car, I would like to make my way into Florence without driving. Would any form of public trasporation make that possible?

Well, there is a bus from Castellina. Carefully go through the schedule (click on the clock icon, then Chianti e Val di Pesa, then on number 345) to see when they run in each direction. If you choose to drive, we have parking info on the main site.

I've done both ways, and each has its advantages and drawbacks. Driving means you won't be at the mercy of the bus schedule; but won't have the parking to deal with. We didn't find the parking to be a problem if we arrived early. And whether you're in a bus or a car, you're still in traffic at Galluzzo.

I have never been to socicille so I cannot comment about that. But Castellina is wonderful.

As for driving into Firenze, its a snap and you can find easy parking at either Porta Romana (easier I think) or Piazzale Michaengelo.

Castellina is a small town at the top of a ridge. Its surrounded by green hilly terrain and Chianti vineyards. The old center is about 3 blocks long with a pedestrian area and an underground passage. There are several good restaurants right in town and loads within a 20 minute drive. Click on my restaurant list link below for reviews. There are Etruscan tombs in the area at Fonterutoli and just north of town. Plus it is home to Antica Delezie and the best gelato I have had outside of Modena.

From looking at a map, Sovicille seems to be in a more open terrain with gentle hills. It is less convenient to Firenze.

Castellina is an attractive place - see www.castellina.com - but too far to be a base for Florence without a car. You would be better off in Greve - see www.greve-in-chianti.com - where I often stay and take the frequent SITA bus (1 hour) right into central Florence.

Thank you for your replies. I took a look at the bus schedule to/from Castellina/Florence and it was terrible. Not really an option with only one bus coming and going at crazy times. I am wondering what it would be like driving from Castellina to Greve, parking and then taking the bus from there? From the stress point of view, I think we are going to be better off not driving back into Florence for the day. Castellina looks so lovely. Still waiting to hear back from hotel regarding availability.

I like Sovicille, but if this is your first trip to the area and you want to see Chianti, stay in Castellina. We have spent two weeks in both of these places and I prefer Castellina.

But, I would not do a day trip into Florence. We have done this a few times and now I do not like Florence. I think I would like it more if I had spent a few nights there instead of doing day trips in. The only time we spent a few nights was in 1999, since then it has been day trips. Day trips to a town of that size are rushed and exhausting.

Instead of staying in Castellina, why not stay at a hotel just outside of Florence, where you can walk into the city center and then do a day trip out to Chianti instead?

Several options if you stay in Castellina:

a) The train from Castellina Scalo, about ten minutes from Castellina. About six trains a day stop at CSc so check the schedule! It's easy to find, thought, and you can park about 10 metres from the door.

b) The train station in Siena. If you know the way it's about 20 minutes from Castellina.