Francaville al Mare to Castel San Giovanni (Mappa Rolanda)

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We headed north along the Adriatic Coast to Monteprandone then west inland to Castel San Giovanni today. As we head inland the road follows a river and you travel though many trunnels though the hills. We found a lovely lookout over a valley to stop and have a picnic lunch. After driving another 30kmwe found a small walled village of Norcia which I feel may become our best village stop on this trip. The village was contained within the castle walls which includes about 50 homes, and 50 shops but 30 of these shops sold homemade salami, cured meats, cheese and truffles (tartufo). The cured meat where mainly from wild pigs and boars from the area. The history of the village and the friendliness of the people were wonderful, great way to spent a couple of hours. We then headed off to Castel San Giovanni for our night’s stay in a Medieval Castle. We climbed hills to a high of 1000metre above sea level and reached Castel San Giovanni but could not locate a Castel just a small village of 15 house and 1 church. After a couple of calls to our host we realised that the GSP had located a Castel San Giovanni 40km away from his castle, but the scenery was wonderful (but Rose forgot to take any photo as she was concerned about getting lost). Finally arrived at the Castel San Giovanni in Mappa Rolanda and yes there is a castle which was built in 1446 and it is beautiful. This has been the best room of the holiday so far. Added to this there is a wonderful restaurant across the courtyard serving local food and wine, Rose and I had local red which they stored in a wooden barrel and served it in a Rufina bottle. Could have stayed here for a couple more days, but we have to move on tomorrow we are off to Tuscany.

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Comments

[Linde]

Your Travels
I'm loving your blogs, guys! The trip sounds awesome and I can't wait to see all your pics. What a great experience to share. Continued safe travels! Love, Linde