The Sights and Aromas of Tuscany & Umbria  

Hillsides blanketed with vineyards, silver-green olive groves and enchanting medieval towns are typical of Tuscany and Umbria. We were immediately immersed in the old Renaissance and Medieval time period that included seeing the remnants of the tombs, underground tunnels and wonderfully preserved piazzas and cathedrals with there incredible frescos.

Life seemed unchanged in many of the cities that we visited. Piza’s tower still leans and Chianti’s roads wind through numerous cypress groves. We arrived in Siena after staying in Cinque Terre (Italian Riviera) for three days and enjoyed two days exploring Siena’s very old hilltop city, another of Italy’s enchanting medieval towns. Our next stop was Chianti and then Montepulciano where we tasted their noted wines and then moved on to Orvieto. What a surprise to drive through such a quaint medieval town high above a green valley! We could picture the town defending itself in the Middle Ages. We toured the enchanting maze of alleys and squares and Mike somehow navigated our rental car through the very tight alleyways. We were even personally escorted to our B & B by the local police since Mike drove us down a one way alley during a time when cars were not permitted. They were very nice about it.

In Tuscany and Umbria we sampled various pastas with the region’s famous olive oil, parmesan cheese, pesto and gourmet meats washing it down with wine and more wine! This region is all about grapes and olive vineyards! We enjoyed tasting the region’s wines including Chianti wine, Orvieto Classico and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Unfortunately, we didn’t ship any cases of wine home!

We now will be driving to Rome where we drop off our rental car and meet Mike’s son, Corey and his friend Devin who will be vacationing with us for the next 10 days. On our list of things to do will be touring (and shopping) Sorrento, visiting the Island of Capri, a bus ride along the Amalfi Coast and stopping in Pompei. Then on to see the grandeur of ancient Rome.

Where’s Pat and Mike?