Umbria - A change of scenery

Perugia is the capital city of the Umbrian region in central Italy and also was the city which welcomed us today.
Leaving around 9:45 just over 50 minutes later we were in the outskirts of the city boarding the MiniMetro. The smallest and train driver less system was installed to overcome some of the traffic issues in town and with a train at each station every 90 minutes, it is a quick way to get into the city.

On the MiniMetro

Our first stop was the city red bus, and were we in for a ride! Over the next 55 minutes we were jostled, bounced, tossed and tilted over the streets of this town.  As with all hill towns the streets can be very steep and narrow, so the only option was to run a small 19 seat bus with an open roof. While a bit scary at times, it saved us walking a long way! Much squealing came from Katie and Dani (a fellow guest at La Maesta) as we swerved parked cars, wound our way down hills and all at a pace we didn't think was fit for the narrow streets!The trip had audio guide, but with the speed we were doing down some of the inclines it was more like a roller coaster.

After stepping off the bus at the end of our ride, we had a look at the old Etruscan underground city and then a little lunch.

After which we then tried to do a little shopping, but found most of the smaller shops closed. The wallet didn't mind! We enjoyed a little gelati, as we were having withdrawals - a couple of days without it, how could we survive?! Rosalinda collected us and we picked up our other fellow guests on the way home. A group of 6 who are staying here, are on an art trip painting around Tuscany. Some of their work is beautiful. Looking forward to another delicious meal tonight prepared by the beautiful Lilla.

One of the cats at La Maesta

Tomorrow - Back on the rails - Orvieto