A great start to the day after meeting Francesco (very handsome), our Guide for the day – and our day again organized by Joanne and with Garry, our other tour mates were Meg & Mal, and Sharon & Peter.
This was another trip away from the madding crowds going to Rome, as we headed for the beautiful Tuscan villages. The countryside was superb with rolling green hills, patchwork vineyards, quaint homes and churches and we were lucky to see just one massive display of gorgeous sunflowers – most of the crops had finished for the season.
Coffee was suggested and we were all ready. When Francesco drove into a service station we were not sure what to expect – WOW, inside was a bakery and an amazing array of pastries and cakes, all free (I think) with a drink order, so literally everybody was munching on the fresh sweet pastries – the day is getting even better!
The first lovely village we stopped at was Monteriggioni and again just a delightful spot to wander and ogle at the character and charm of the buildings high on a hill with views forever and the locals setting up their shops and restaurants for the day.
Next stop was to another one of the most amazing places we've ever visited – the medieval city of Siena. Again, ornate old buildings but this town has a massive central piazza, called Il Campo, where twice a year during summer they run the famous Palio Horse Race – what an amazing spectacle that would be - with the crowd in the centre and horses racing around the perimeter….. We had iced coffee and sat in awe at the lovely buildings and the throngs of tourists. Just a short walk away was the most beautiful Gothic Cathedral – The Duomo of Siena – a breathtaking vision of marble!!
We were treated to a brilliant lunch at the Fattoria di Montecchio Winery on the Montecchio Estate – our hostess Arianna showed us around every part of the production of their vino from the vineyards spralling into the distance, right through to the bottling. Then we feasted on delicious Italian breads, tomatoes, olives, meats, pecorino cheese which you eat with a drizzle of honey (from their own hives)- soooo good -along with tasting 4 different wines – just heaven!!!
A very quick stop at another historic town (as we overspent our stay at the Winery) - San Gimignano – we only had 20 minutes to have a quick look (not long enough to enjoy another beautiful old town)… most of us got back on time but Francesco had to nail the foot to the pedal to get us back to the ship before sailing time……. Pheeewwww!!!
Photos: Our truly beautiful day in Tuscany.
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