Wind, Wine & Walking

Final days, there have been a few but today was our last day touring Tuscany. Once again we have been spoilt by LaMaesta and the hospitality. However this time it was also made special by Marg, Alan and the artists.

Many memories will be taken from this part of our trip and we feel privileged to have been able to share this short time with Rosalinda, Stefano, Lilla and Virginia.

Today was a day of new places and we were in the front of the pope mobile with the Canadians in the back and Stefano at the wheel. The Artists were in the van with Rosalinda.  Our first stop was on route to Montalcino where we needed to wait for the wagon to catch up after a fuel stop.

Pope Mobile

Stefano was able to show us the many types of outdoor cooking appliances from the car window whilst we had our short wait.

Italian BBQ Centre?

Our first real stop was walking the top of the walls at Montalcino. It was a spectacular view but we couldn't believe the wind that was blowing, if it was much stronger I think they would have closed it to us tourists!

Montalcino

A little windy.

Montalcino

Next stop was out of town and to Abbey of Sant'Antimo where we were provided a short (about 15 minute) chanting and singing session.

Returning back to Montalcino we stopped off for some lunch and had a tasting of the Brunello di Montalcino red wine. This was the most lovely wine we both have ever tasted.

Time for new ones?

Katie, Alan and Jenny

Next stop was the hilltop town of San Quirico D'orcia, some time was made for some Gelato, but as it was mid afternoon most shops were unfortunately closed.

We love interpretive signs.

This evening was spent at LaMaesta where we have made our own dinner from some fresh frommagio, pasta and prociutto and tomato sauce.

Our final Tuscan sunset for 2014.

Tomorrow - All rails lead to Rome

A relaxing day in Tuscany

Today we visited three picturesque towns in Tuscany. Our first stop was San Quirico D'orcia. We spent a short time wandering the lovely
streets lined with shops, coffee bars and restaurants. While plenty to see, it was peaceful and a nice change from the more tourist driven places.

We then moved on to Pienza, which proved to be a gorgeous place on top of a hill, over looking the Tuscany country side. We enjoyed the narrow lanes and windy staircases and being able to see the locals go about their daily business.

Our third and final stop for the day was Montepulciano. We spent the afternoon here and were not disappointed. Another hilltop town that amazed us with its beautiful views, lovely local people and great food and wine. We called in to a wine tasting shop and sampled 5 of the 'Russo' (red) wines that the area is famous for. It was delicious and we staggered quite happily out on to the street in search of some lunch! We found a quiet little cafe and chatted away to the owner whose English was quite good. The salami, prosciutto and pecorino cheese (famous to the area) was sliced fresh in the deli and lined our crusty Tuscan sandwiches! We did a little shopping and headed home with Rosalinda after a full and memorable day in Tuscany.

Montepulciano pussy.