Wine tours by minibus and private car

Chianti and San Gimignano from Florence

From Florence it is about 30 km to Greve in Chianti, usually 40-50 minutes by road, and San Gimignano about 55 km. A day combining two or three estates with lunch works well in a minibus, which also handles country roads more easily than a large coach. Coaches returning into Florence need a ZTL Bus contrassegno, which the operator arranges.

What the rules require

• Daily driving capped at 9 h, extendable to 10 h twice a week

A Champagne day from Paris

Reims, in the heart of Champagne, is about 145 km from Paris, usually 1.5-2 hours each way. That makes for a long day, and the driver's hours are regulated. After 4.5 hours behind the wheel comes a break of 45 minutes or more, which may be taken as 15 minutes and then 30; total driving in a day may not exceed 9 hours, or 10 hours on two days a week.

In practice the cellar tours and a long lunch give the driver plenty of rest. Just share your timings so the operator can check the day fits comfortably, including the drive back into Paris in the evening traffic.

Heurigen evenings in Grinzing

Vienna's wine taverns, the Heurigen, are in Grinzing, and the coach set-down point there is open 24 hours, which suits a relaxed evening with no need to watch the clock. The Wachau Valley and Melk Abbey, about 90 km from Vienna, make a fine full-day trip.

For a couple or a small group of friends, an executive car or van feels more personal; for larger parties, a midi coach keeps everyone together and the conversation going.

Questions

Can the driver wait while we taste?

Yes. Tell us the plan for the day and the waiting is included in the quote.

How far is Champagne from Paris?

Reims is about 145 km, usually 1.5-2 hours each way.

What vehicle suits 12 people?

A minibus with 16-19 seats gives everyone room, plus space for the bottles you buy.

Can we visit the Heurigen in Vienna in the evening?

Yes. The Grinzing coach set-down point is open 24 hours, so a late return from the taverns is straightforward.

Cities

• Florence
• Paris
• Vienna
• Lisbon
• Rome
• Barcelona

Vehicles

• Full-size coach — 49-57 seats
• Midi coach — 29-35 seats
• Minibus — 16-19 seats
• Executive van (Mercedes V-Class / Sprinter class) — up to 8 seats
• Executive car (E-Class sedan class) — 1-3 seats
• Wheelchair-accessible minibus — 10-16 plus wheelchair spaces seats

Planning a wine day?

Tell us where you want to go, the date and your group size and a licensed partner operator will price the day.

Request a quote or call 442046529800