July 9, 2013 - After a short train ride from Florence (1.5 hours to go 35 miles), we arrived in Siena in the heart of Tuscany around noon. We took a taxi to Hotel Bernini (another small 10 room old converted house) which is within walking distance of all the major sights although there are not a whole bunch of major sights here - it is more of a place to just relax and enjoy Tuscany. Siena's population is about 60,000 and once fought with Florence to be the power centre of Italy - they lost and we can be grateful because it preserved this medieval city. We had a lunch of a salami plate and pasta with wine and sparkling water - I don't think I have mentioned the sparkling water (you can get water with gas or without gas) before, it is fantastic and we can't have a meal without it. Had a nap and then did the obligatory stroll down to the historic Piazza del Campo - could be the best square in all of Italy. It is shaped like a bowl and people just lay and sit on the ground. Twice a year on July 2 and August 16, they bring in dirt and have a horse race (Palio di Siena) where 10 of the 17 neighborhoods (each neighborhood is identified by an animal) compete for the title. This race was first held in the 17th century. The Duck neighborhood won last week and you can see their flags flying in Siena. Had a gelato and skipped dinner because we had such a big lunch. Off to bed ... some sightseeing tomorrow ...
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| Il Campo Square |
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| View fromo Terrace at our hotel |
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| Siena |
July 10, 2013 - Had breakfast at the hotel (the big breakfast for 7.50 Euros included coffee, eggs, toast, yogurt, cereal, croissants, juice) and then off to explore. We went to the weekly market which was a large flea market with mostly clothes. We went to the Duomo Cathedral - pretty neat with its white and black marble columns. There was an altar which Michelangelo had carved a small portion of. We went to the Duomo museum (which houses some of the art which was once in the Duomo), the Crypt and the Baptistry. Then off to the Church of San Domenico which is much more austere and open. The interesting fact about this church is that there is a chapel dedicated to Saint Catherine (who played a part in convincing the Pope to return to Rome from Southern France - did you know the Pope resided there for a time?). In the chapel, her actual head is on the altar since 1383. Apparently her finger is in the museum behind the church, but we skipped that one. Had a picturesque lunch overlooking the valley. We went back to the hotel and Carlota helped us figure out some train and bus schedules for the next few days. We then went to the train station at her suggestion to book our tickets. We went for dinner at a little restaurant tucked away down a lane and around a corner. It was delicious.
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| Duomo Cathedral |
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| Duomo Cathedral |
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| Michelangelo Sculpture at Duomo Cathedral |
July 11, 2013 - we had a tour booked withe Roberto's tours of the Chianti Wine Region. It was outstanding. Roberto's wit and knowledge made a great combination and we had the best day with Marlene and Rick - the only other participants on the tour. We first stopped at Villa Montecchio vineyard and had a tour and tasting. We tasted Chianti Classico, Chianti Reserve, Merlot and Cabernet. It was great to learn about the wines. The Classico and Reserve are regulated by a consortium and requires very stringent adherence to guidelines to get the seal of approval which is on each bottle. We drove around the Chianti region. We then stopped at an Etruscan tomb and Roberto gave us a wealth of knowledge. We then had lunch and drove up to a small village in which there are only 25 inhabitants. Great day and best tour! Off to dinner and then to bed. Tomorrow: Civita di Bagnoregio - a small hill town fortress south of Siena.
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| Montevecchio Winery |
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| Tuscany - Chianti Region |
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| On the steps near the Duomo |
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