This morning, while most of Tuscany was still enjoying a slow wake-up over espresso, I fired up the BMW X4 xDrive 20D and rolled out of our villa at Monte Bernardi for what was supposed to be a quick drive through the Chianti countryside. I left at 8:00 AM with the plan to be back by 9:20. Instead, thanks to a couple of wrong turns and a few classic Tuscan choke points, I rolled back in closer to 10:00. And I have no regrets.
The route dropped south through San Casciano in Val di Pesa, passed near Poggibonsi, and looped back toward Panzano. The views were stunning—rolling hills, stone farmhouses, olive groves, and vineyards stretching to the horizon. It felt less like a drive and more like motoring through a living postcard.
Morning in Panzano, where even a crosswalk feels like it belongs in a painting. ☕🏘️
The BMW X4 was the perfect companion for the journey. The 20D diesel engine delivered smooth torque on the uphill stretches, while the xDrive system provided confident handling through tight curves and uneven backroads. The car felt composed and responsive, even on narrow village streets that barely seemed wide enough for a bicycle.
When a Tuscan backroad turns into a game of “who blinks first”… and it’s definitely not the truck. 🚛 After I backed up to let him through, he gave the classic Italian headlight flash—grazie, and you may now proceed. 🇮🇹
Driving in Tuscany, though, is not like driving in the U.S. This isn’t the Tail of the Dragon where you stay between the mustard and the mayo. In Tuscany, the road markings are more like polite suggestions. Everyone flows around each other instinctively. Drivers are assertive but remarkably courteous—at choke points where only one car can pass, a quick flash of the lights and a wave settles things. It’s chaos, but it’s civilized chaos.
Tuscany’s version of a green tunnel—lined with leaves, not speed limits. 🌳💨
There were plenty of cyclists, of course. Some were leisurely, others seemed to think they were in the middle of the Giro d’Italia, passing on the right with wild determination. Add to that the occasional cat in the road, the ever-present smell of fresh bread wafting from village bakeries, and ancient stone walls flanking both sides of the road, and you’ve got a uniquely Italian driving experience.
This road said “Trust me,” and the BMW said, “Okay… but slowly.” 🧱🌿
I had my GoPro mounted to the front bumper for the entire drive, and the footage turned out beautifully—winding roads, hilltop towns, sun-drenched vineyards, and a few tight squeezes all captured in wide-angle glory.
Parked just long enough to wonder if this street was meant for
Citroën cars… or donkeys. 🌲🚗
What was meant to be a short outing turned into one of the highlights of the trip. In Tuscany, even a wrong turn can lead to something unforgettable.