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Monteriggioni

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    • TravelerViva Italia!
      21
      Day 2

      Poggiarelo-Ripa

      September 30, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

      After a pleasant, fairly uneventful flight from Toronto-Montreal I arrived in Rome to one of the busiest airports I’ve been in for many years. Thousands upon thousands of people passing through customs and security, but it all managed to work very well. Waited for 3 hours to meet the WestJet flight from Calgary and finally saw the smiling faces of Lisa, Rich and Sharon. After a bit of chaos at the car rental, we were on our way. A 3 hour journey north to Siena, along beautiful scenery that you couldn’t see because of the high guardrails (we figure that’s intentional because you certainly don’t want to have those Italian drivers distracted!!), the winding roads left Lisa and I a little green 🤢 and Rich very happy to stop driving for the day. A quick shop at the local Penny’s store got us a few things for a makeshift dinner that night. We arrived in Poggiarelo-Ripa and were greeted to a beautiful villa overlooking the Tuscany vista, with pear, apple and olive trees, horses, chickens, dogs, roosters right on our doorstep. A hodgepodge dinner and then exhaustion set in and it was off to bed….more tomorrow when we visit Siena!Read more

    • TravelerViva Italia!
      1
      Day 3

      Siena

      October 1, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

      We all agreed today would be a quiet day, still getting used to the time difference and a little sleep deprivation. We drove back into Siena which is south from Poggiarello-Ripa. Rick Steeves calls Siena the medieval heart and soul of Italy. A beautiful city with a mix of modern and 14th-17th century medieval brick buildings, including the Torre del Mangia in the Piazza del Campo. The Piazza hosts the Palio twice a year. Quoting from the Palio website - “The Palio is a historical secular tradition strictly connected with the origin of the Contradas of Siena (districts into which the town is divided). The Contradas are spectacular agonistic institutions each having their own government, oratory, coat of arms, appellations, sometimes titles of nobility, emblems and colours, official representatives, festivities, patron Saints, with protectors, delimited territories and population which consist of all those people who were born or live within the topographic limits of the district, according to the proclamation issued by Violante Beatrice of Bavaria on January 7, 1730, at that time, Governess of the town.” We saw many of the flags still hanging from windows and buildings and watched a very exciting film from the last Palio, thousands of people in the Piazza with 10 horses and riders racing for the honour of their Contradas. Lunch outdoors in the Piazza, more shopping, taste tastings (and buying) of Limoncello, olive oils and Limoncello cookies before the obligatory gelato to finish the day. Another quick grocery stop and back to the villa where we never had dinner, still full from our lunch but had a rousing game of Five Crowns before calling it a night. Photos include pictures of the Duomo (cathedral) but will be visiting the Duomo for a longer look on Thursday so more about that later. On a personal note I was able to stop in at the chapel across from the Cathedral and light a candle in memory of my Dad, gone 2 years ago today. Can’t think of a more beautiful place to remember him by.Read more

    • TravelerViva Italia!
      131
      Day 4

      Walled Cities-Road Trip

      October 2, 2024 in Italy ⋅ 🌬 22 °C

      Today was road trip day, heading out to Monteriggioni, San Gimignano and Volterra. With our trusted driver Rich at the helm, we ventured down outrageous windy, curvy, bumpy, lumpy, narrow and bum rattling roads, until we reached our first stop for the day, Monteriggioni. This Tuscan fortress overlooks the town of Porta Franca, and as far away as Chianti and Val d’Elsa. We climbed the wall and walked along the 570 metres, taking in the incredible, if not very windy, views. The little courtyard was still fairly quiet this early in the morning. Back to the car (I’ve named the GPS Sophia after Sophia Loren) and another 50 minutes off to San Gimignano, Italy’s City of Towers. This UNESCO site was once home to over 70 medieval towers, now only a handful remain. We had an interesting lunch (google Gnudi) and back in the Fiat for another stomach lurching ride to Volterra. This walled mountain top town was lovely, with recent excavations of Roman ruins. Known for the alabaster quarried nearby, we stopped into the Ali Alabastri Lavorati Italiani and viewed hundreds of pieces or art, sculptures and jewelry created from this beautiful creamy stone. This little town had real charm and many excellent restaurants, we wished we had eaten here for lunch. Rich got us all home safely, if not a little sore from all the car traveling and all the wall walking and it was an early to bed for most. Tomorrow is a whole day back at Siena Duomo so get ready for lots of cathedral pics!Read more

    • Wohnmobil Rund ReisenToskana, Wein und Genuss
      2
      Day 4

      Castellina und Montereggioni

      May 6, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

      Nach unserem tollen Erlebnis heute Vormittag gehen wir erst mal einkaufen. Zwar nicht zum singenden Metzger , aber zu Coop. Dort plündern wir alles was wir von unserem „Picco“ von zu Hause kennen… für die Hälfte 🤣. Dann finden wir auch noch einen 5 Liter Kanister unseres Lieblingswinzers aus der Toskana. Jetzt kann es nur noch ein guter Tag werden .
      Wir fahren nach Castellina. Ein Rundgang durch die schöne Stadt mit einem leckeren Eis. Eine Oldtimerrally macht gerade Mittag Auch besuchen wir dort die Etruskagräber. Die Grabbeigaben muss man sich im Museum anschauen.
      Wir fahren weiter nach Monterreggioni.
      Ein altes Castello/Burg die aufs 12.Jahrhundert zurück geht. Nett anzusehen, macht Spaß durch die Gassen zu streifen.      Read more

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    • Carmel CarlsenVia Francigena - part 2
      2
      22362
      Day 39

      Day 35: San Gimignano to Monteriggioni

      May 27, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

      Tuscany continues to deliver. A long and rather warm walk today (32.85 km). This section is touted as one of the best of the VF, and overall, it was very pretty. The highlight of the day was walking the Sentier Elsa river trail. The water was aqua, but my camera has not given the colour justice. A very young pilgrim, Louis, who I'd encounter a few days ago, from Switzerland, spoke to me today to let me know how impressed he was with me walking at my age (LOL), he's a darling young thing so I couldn't take offence. I also saw another eight pilgrims on the Way and heaps of bikes participating in the " Tuscany Tour" and had breakfast with two bike pilgrims who will be in Rome in no time at all.Read more

    • TravelerRichtung Cinque Terre
      111
      Day 7

      Geschlechtertürme wir kommen

      May 3, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

      Na klar, ohne San Gimignano wäre - so sagen viele - ein Toskana-Roadtrip so, als wäre man gar nicht in der Toskana gewesen. Ob‘s stimmt werden wir erst morgen sehen.
      Heute sind wir von Siena zunächst nach Monteriggioni gestartet. Wenn man früh da ist, ist es auch noch nicht überlaufen. Es erinnerte uns von der Stadtstruktur her ein wenig an Requewihr/Elsass, obwohl nicht annähernd so gemütlich. Ein Frühstückskaffee musste aber nach dem ausführlichen und dennoch kurzem Stadtrundgang sein, bevor es weiterging. Bei Colle di Val d‘Elsa hatten wir einen Spaziergang am Sentierelsa Trail geplant, aber völlig verpeilt, dass es ja vorher geregnet hat. Wie es normalerweise dort aussieht und wie es sich uns präsentierte, zeigen die Bilder.
      Naja, als Entschädigung gingen wir in den Bereich des Castello, um dort bei „Dietro le Quinte“ zu speisen. Die Karte klang vielversprechend; die ungewöhnliche Zusammenstellungen von Zutaten wurde im Internet gut bewertet. Wir hatten nur Pech. Sowohl mein Essen als auch das meiner Frau wurden gleichsam kalt serviert, was wir bei den Preisen (je Gericht ca 18€) natürlich auch monierten. Die Mitarbeiteim entschuldigte sich wortreich und nahm die Teller an sich. Statt - wie von uns erwartet - die Gerichte neu zuzubereiten, wurden die Teller scheinbar - und dann auch noch viel zu kurz - nur in die Mikrowelle gestellt. Uns wurde dasselbe Essen erneut nur lauwarm serviert. Die nochmalige Rüge blieb unbeachtet. Deshalb erwähne ich den Namen auch, denn vor diesem Lokal müssen Reisende gewarnt werden. In Google entsprechend bewertet.

      Danach ging es weiter nach San Simignano, wo wir zwar keinen Platz auf dem nahen CP in Santa Lucia, aber auf dem unmittelbar daneben liegenden SP fanden 😉.
      Den Nachmittag verbrachten wir mehr oder weniger faul vor dem Camper in der Sonne. Ich habe jedoch die Zeit auch genutzt, per Gießkanne (6 Fahrten mit dem Rad) unseren Wasservorrat aufzufüllen. Wenn man es zur rechten Zeit verpasst, muss man eben „leiden“ 😂.      Read more

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    • TravelerToscana 3 und das Mittelmeer
      Day 4

      Florenz und Siena

      June 11, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

      Als wir am Morgen des heutigen Dienstags in Florenz aufwachen, ist es schon herrlich warm. Also schnell frühstücken, den kleinen Wochenmarkt unweit von unserem Übernachtungsplatz besuchen und Olivenöl 🫒 kaufen, unsere reservierte Reise im Juli nach Bangkok buchen, den Piaggio 🛵 abladen und schon knattern und schlendern wir staunend durch die Stadt, bis uns die Füsse weh tun und uns bei 27*C im Schatten echt warm ist.
      Als ich das erste Mal 2017 hier war, hatte ich genauso Glücksgefühle im Bauch wie heute. Diese Stadt fühlt sich für mich unbeschreiblich schön an 🤩
      Eine leckere Stärkung am Fluss Arno und zurück geht’s durch die kleinen Gassen zu unserem Aluma. Wir beschliessen heute noch weiter zu fahren.
      Also auf geht’s ins 84 km entfernte Siena, eine Empfehlung einer lieben Kundin von mir. Unsere Reise geht vorbei an prächtigen Olivenhainen und Weinbergen .
      Siena ist eine sehr alte Stadt mit einer entzückenden Altstadt , die sich den mittelalterlichen Charme erhalten hat. Wir machen noch eine kleine Schlendertour am Abend und freuen uns schon auf morgen ☀️
      Herrlich, es ist so schön, hier zu sein 🇮🇹🥰      Read more

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    • TravelerViva Italia!
      11
      Day 5

      The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta

      October 3, 2024 in Italy ⋅ 🌧 18 °C

      Today was the Gates of Heaven. The weather wasn’t cooperating in the morning but we were spending the day in Siena so a short car ride. We arrived at the Cathedral just as the skies opened up but got in and bought our tickets for the Gates of Heaven. Viewed the interior of the Cathedral, one of Italy’s most beautiful Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals. The 9th century church was originally dedicated to the Virgin Mary and consecrated in 1179. Known for it’s incredible marble mosaic inlay floors, the mosaics are covered most of the year and we were fortunate to visit now with the floors being uncovered. Hundreds of sculptures dedicated to The Apostles and all the Popes from St. Peter through to Pope Alexander III Bandinelli adorn the upper portion of the building. Paintings dating from the 16th century, the Piccolomini Library with it’s frescoes painted in 1508, a collection of stunning stained glass windows and more make this Duomo a must see if you are in Italy. But the most enjoyable was an exclusive tour of the Gates of Heaven. After entering a hidden door near the entrance of the Cathedral, you climb a narrow (claustrophobic), steep staircase that has very narrow steps and winds around and around and around. Needless to say my claustrophobia kicked in about half way and I wasn’t sure I would make it. But reaching the top was well worth it, we were now in a gallery that runs along the inside near the ceiling, looking down on the Cathedral and all the people below. Exiting the interior you are then greeted by an outdoor terrace that takes you to the very rooftops of the church (thankfully mostly covered as there was now significant rain). We finished our tour climbing back down the “ladder to heaven” and made our way to Piazzo del Campo to find somewhere dry to have lunch. We got a great table covered with a huge awning and enjoyed lunch while watching the other tourists dodging the rain. Made our way home (found a McDonald’s and stopped in for a coffee, that was an experience….). Quiet night in playing cards and teaching Sharon and Rich how to play 99. Big day on the road tomorrow.Read more

    • RiedelTravelToskana
      Day 9

      Monteriggioni

      May 3, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

      Zum Abendessen ging es heute in das Städtchen Monteriggioni.

      Monteriggioni wurde von der Republik Siena zwischen 1213 und 1219 als defensiver Stützpunkt errichtet, um die Grenze zur Republik Florenz, beobachten zu können.

      Der Festungsmauerring umfasst 14 Wehrtürme.      Read more

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    • TravelerLucca to Siena
      1
      Day 6–7

      Gracciano - Monteriggioni

      July 2, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

      We had a cruisy start to today as it was only 11 kms to Monteriggioni. I was tempted to have another swim before we left but ended up at the bar instead! Today's walk was easy and a welcome respite after the previous 26, 18 & 21 km days. After dropping our things off at our hotel, we walked up to the walled village that Monteriggioni is known for. It is certainly impressive looking up at the castle and other structures that surround the town but I was a little underwhelmed by the town itself. Good to have gone and ticked it off the list, but probably won't plan to come back. We met a couple of Aussies during a drink stop on the way today who are walking Via Francigena from Lausanne in Switzerland all the way to Rome staying in hostels, or ostellos as they are known in Italy, along the way. They have inspired us to return to follow in their footsteps, and they were keen to hear more about Te Araroa as they want to one day walk the trail.Read more

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