|
Tuscany, Italy: August 29, 2013
|
Day 3 in Italy began with another fabulous breakfast at Villa Tolomei, and here, we met up with Mikey, Desiree, and their 3 year old daughter Chloe, who are friends of my cousin and her husband. We had met Mikey and Desiree the weekend before at a birthday celebration, but it was our first time meeting Chloe. “Hi! My name is Chloe!” was the first thing she said to us. Instantly, I knew we would be buddies! My cousin Berni, her husband Jay, and little son Jacques met up with us during breakfast and afterwards, we headed outside to meet our driver. A drive through Tuscany was on the agenda for the day!
The first stop on our adventure was Siena. The drive was beautiful, and the driver, Beppe, was the consummate tour guide, providing animated detail about the Chianti region that we passed through. He even gave us a little background information about Siena, including facts about the Palio that was just held and the 17 districts within the city. After dropping us off at the Siena Cathedral, our group meandered through the alleys, taking in the sights of this walled city. We reached Piazza Del Campo and took our time taking pictures, grabbing a snack and a couple of beers, and eating gelato. It was a hot day and the beer and gelato definitely helped in cooling me off!
We met up with Beppe and he drove us for a brief stop at our next destination, Monteriggioni. This little Tuscan town was very quaint. 
Its massive walls appeared to host fabulous views of the region, but sadly, as we approached the ticket booth to walk up on the walls, the lady said she was closing for her lunch break. Oh well!
Beppe drove us to our next stop for lunch at Fattoria Sant’ Appiano, a winery that was located just a few minutes away from Monteriggioni. Upon exiting our van, the owner of the winery, was so excited to meet all of us and shook all of our hands. “Ciao!” he said. When he reached Chloe, the 3-year old, her response was “Moooo!” Throughout the trip, Chloe had mistakenly thought that the word “Ciao” was “cow,” and proceeded to say “Moo” every time someone said “Ciao!” It was hilarious!
The owner gave us a brief tour of the winery, and then let us upstairs to enjoy lunch with our wine tastings. Laid out in front of us was crostini, bottles of different flavored balsamic (truffle, mmm!), and the best homemade lasagna I had ever eaten! I was quite buzzed by the end of the meal, especially after the grappa! I purchased a bottle of Rose to drink that evening, and others bought wine and souvenirs also.
Our tummies full, we loaded the van to head to our final destination, San Gimignano. I had been there almost 9 years ago, so I knew this town held beautiful views from the top of one of the many towers. The instant we entered the city, fragrant cinnamon flavored nuts filled our nostrils. Vendors selling all kinds of goodies enticed tourists right upon entry. The one main road inclined slightly, with many souvenir shops along the way. I purchased one for myself, a Christmas ornament that I can’t wait to hang this winter.
I reached the tower and slowly hiked the many, many steps to the top, which also included a ladder that was challenging to climb in a long skirt! The view was just as I had remembered it from my last visit, gorgeous, yet peaceful.
Beppe drove us back to the hotel afterwards, and we all decided to rest for about an hour and reconvene for dinner. Alyssa and I met up with everyone in our hotel’s lounge area, where we watched the sunset and drank the bottle of wine that I bought.
After a recommendation from our hotel’s concierge, we ate at Pizzeria Dante for dinner. 
After dinner, wine, and a little glass of limoncello, we all decided to walk over to Vivoli Gelateria. My cousin Berni and I had read in separate reviews that this gelateria was “famous” for its gelato, so of course we had to check it out. After walking and asking directions from the locals, we finally reached Vivoli. We were definitely not disappointed! It was a great way to end a long day! But really, anytime your day ends with the best gelato in the world is a good day!
