Advertisement
Published: July 17th 2016
MONTEPULCIANO
Beautiful ancient townWell what a week we have had here in Citta della Pieve! So much fun, laughter, jokes, stories, food and wine! A few of us had our first night in Chiusi prior to going to the villa on the Saturday, with our flight been late from London to Rome, the car hire place not been able to find our car, they were the rudest pack of retards we couldn't believe it, 7 of the crew had to catch the train to Chiusi and then we drove up from Rome later that night getting into Chiusi around 12.15a.m. Boy was that a long day!
Our week at Podere Baiocco could not have been more perfect, we had Jacopo the owner organise a welcome dinner for the first night, which was combined with Tim's 65th birthday, but Blake and Suzy arrived late because Blake's luggage didn't come with them from London so they had to wait for another flight in from London with the luggage....all had a great night and it was perfect weather, all of us sitting out on the terrace overlooking the beautiful garden and the valley below. The landscape of these areas in Tuscany and Umbria are really just
breath taking! Tim and Deb were in Italy for two weeks and Deb did not get her luggage at all...flying Air Canada...they were totally unimpressed...she coped very well buying just a few bits and pieces here and there, luckily she had put a couple of things in Tim's case. We were all so glad staying in Citta della pieve, certainly not as touristic as a lot of other towns around Umbria and Tuscany. The weather everyday was warm to hot...30-35 everyday...we had a tour day then a lay day and so on....that was perfect...for those who wanted to go out walking and explore the local village while others just lazed by the pool....reading books and swimming! Sunday night we had a dinner in town at Hotel Vannucci which was a fabulous meal and a gorgeous setting under the trees in the garden. Monday we had a big day visiting Salchetto Eco Winery for tastings, then onto Montepulciano to a very old winery where we had the most amazing lunch and the best lasagna that anyone had tasted! Then to a sheep cheese factory for more tastings of cheeses and wine...full as googs! Tuesday a relaxing day at the villa with
Tuscan dinner prepared in the villa by teh villa owner and staff..Blake's birthday..with a touch of Bali dress up night...we gave everyone a little showbag with 60th Birthday stubbie holders and a sarong from Bali and some flower leis...to be worn in any shape or form...what a hilarious night..Kaz and Reg won the prize of a bottle of Lemoncello! (later in the night consumed by someone else!!) Wednesday I organised to get another minivan, so the 18 of us took off with Blake driving one and John the other...two hour drive to the medieval town of San Gimignano where our guide met us and showed us around, many towers and beautiful views from atop the hills...then onto Siena - an ancient walled city...where we were booked in for lunch at 12.30...what a great spot overlooking the Duomo di Siena...Viviana our guide met us at the restaurant and off we went on another walking tour. Not home til 7.00p.m. all exhausted but managed a beers and wines and lots of shenanigans!!! Thursday relaxing day as last day with the Americans as they leave Friday... farwell dinner at Bruno Coppetti the best restaurant in town...we were not disappointed it was fabulous. Lara
MONTEPULCIANO
View from the old town and Bryce presented us with the most beautiful wooden book with photos of everyone and what we did each day, also comments from everyone about their week together....unbelievable!! Lara always finds these unique little gifts and she made a beautiful speech...we are blessed to have these kids in our lives! Some of the younger of the group took a cab over to a village about 8klm away to a music festival after dinner and had a great night. Woke Friday to rain.....so glad we were not planning too much....we have been so lucky with the weather. Last minute decided to have a long lunch at Bruno Coppetti - fabulous once again! Everyone so sad to be leaving Podere Baiococco.....such a relaxing place with a group of awesome friends and family...as was commented you just couldn't wish for a better bunch! Its been kind of "what happens in Tuscany stays in Tuscany"..such a great week!
Advertisement
Tot: 0.154s; Tpl: 0.042s; cc: 13; qc: 30; dbt: 0.073s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.2mb
Norma
non-member comment
Great blog......... Again ! !
Lovely to get your blog ,felt like I was there too ,enjoying all your festivities. They say Tuscany is a fabulous area to visit . Warm weather sounds good ,cold here wind like ice . Did you get the recipe for the Lasange you had ? Pity ....! ! .....ha ! ha ! Hope all is well with you both . Janet in Cairns ,left yesterday . Keep enjoying ! Where to next ? You must be running out of places to go . Travel is great though , wish I were younger & fitter , then I'd be OFF to . Keep enjoying. , Love Norma x x