One-Day TuscanyTour: Italy Part 8
We first drove from Rome to Montepulciano, a lovely little medieval hilltop town. The drive took about 2 1/2 hours, but we stopped along the way for a restroom and coffee break. This was quite welcome as we left our hotel at 7 am and skipped breakfast.
Montepulciano is just beautiful. The views from the hill are as beautiful as any Tuscany views can be, and the town is so picturesque and quaint - so unlike anything we have in the US. There was an arts festival just getting started in town, and the square was all set up for it. As we stood near the square, I could hear someone singing opera through his open window. Later, as we walked near the Music Academy, we could hear students practicing. As a music instructor myself, I felt right at home! We had a guided tour through the town, but I honestly don't remember a lot of what she said. I was overwhelmed because it was just all so pretty.
After our time in Montepulciano, we boarded the bus and drove to a medieval abbey, Sant'Antimo. We were not there when the monks were chanting, but it is possible to visit during prayers and hear them. According to legend, the abbey was founded in 781 by Charlemagne, though the present church was built at the beginning of the 12th century. It was a very peaceful place with beautiful stone carvings, lavender gardens, and of course, those amazing Tuscany views. I bought a nativity scene there to bring home to a friend who collects them.
After leaving the abbey, we drove to a farm where we had a 3-course lunch with wine tasting. The place was Poggio Il Castellare, known for its Brunello wine, which I had never had. We tasted that along with a white I loved, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, 2 other reds, and a dessert wine. We bought a few bottles to bring home, and I'm happy to report that they were much less expensive there at the winery than the same bottles from American vendors! (If you want to bring wine home in your luggage, we recommend these wrappers.) At the winery, we sat with a couple from Montreal and a family of 3, mother, daughter, and mother-in-law, who were southerners like us. The food was okay - the antipasti was the best, then we were served pasta amatriciana and a small dessert bar. The pasta was a bit boring, but the rest was good. The scenery was amazing. (2022 update: they have since become an agriturismo, and you can stay there!)
Finally, we drove a bit more and arrived in another medieval town, Pienza. The views here were to die for. The little town is small and picturesque with little shops selling meats and cheeses, clothing and nicer souvenirs, and of course, gelato. We took some more pictures and ate some gelato. Soon it was time to board the bus for the ride back to Rome for about a 2 1/2 hour drive. I admit, I slept, but I felt guilty because the scenery was so beautiful.
Andy the tour guide gave us a restaurant recommendation, and so after returning to the hotel to freshen up, we headed out to Da Francesco, not far from Piazza Navona.
Da Francesco is a popular place, and had a different atmosphere than all the other places we went to. It's busier, louder, and less relaxed. However, even with no reservations, we were seated in about 10 minutes. We had good, prompt service. The pizza comes highly recommended at Da Francesco, and that's what we had. I am in love with REAL Italian pizza! I had one with gorgonzola cheese and radiccio. It was fantastic. Need to learn how to make it!
We went home and packed up as much as we could to be ready to fly back home the next day. Even though this day felt more relaxing than some of our others, we walked 6.3 miles total. Our entire walking distance over 6 full days turned out to be around 43 miles.
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Part 9
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