349981
5
Location
510876
<p> October seems to be the perfect time of year to visit Italy. The tourist crush has subsided and you still get to enjoy the late summer weather. </p><p> We booked a cruise of the Mediterranean that included stops in several ports on both the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic coasts. This was my first time on a cruise and my first time to Italy. With so many sites available to visit at each port, I would recommend that if you haven’t visited Italy before that you take advantage of some of the escorted tours. I found these trips a good way to take those first steps at exploring a new country. The Celebrity cruise line had a long list of tours for us to choose from. They included agendas and were rated by previous travellers. The best ones do get booked quickly, so if you are able to, book the ones you want prior of your cruise date.</p><p> Our trip was aboard the Millennium, one of the Celebrity Lines newer ships. I am pleased to say that I have only positive things to report about this ship and its crew. It turned out to be a good way to see several places in a relatively short space of time, {ours was a 14 day cruise) and have the relative luxury of a ship waiting for us at the end of the day. But I digress.</p><p> On this morning we docked in the port of Livorno. Heading south we passed Cypress groves, fields of sunflowers and wound are way along country roads. Our first stop was the walled city of Volterra. Our guide took us on a walking tour starting in the Piazza dei Priori. This is the centre of the town. From there we followed the narrow streets to ancient duomos and churches. The guides we able to give us a real feel for the life and history in this ancient Etruscan city. A trip to Volterra is not complete without a visit to an alabaster workshop, dust and all. I couldn’t resist purchasing a reminder of my visit and the many beautiful objects they create there. </p><p> If you are a history buff, you will love this ancient city. Recently a Roman theatre and bath were uncovered just outside the city walls. I soon learned that in this part of the world, “recently” can mean anytime in the past 500 years. </p><p>Our afternoon was spent in the city of San Gimignano, a town that found it‘s roots around 100 BC. This Unesco World Heritage Site is known as the city of towers. The towers were a sign of wealth and family importance as well as a means of protection in ancient times. Whether your interests include museums and galleries or strolling with locals, this walled town must be part of your time in Tuscany. We entered through the Porta san Giovanni and followed the shop lined cobble stoned streets that wind through the town. Near the highest point in town you enter the Piazza Della Cisterna. There we sat in the sun with the locals enjoying a gelato from the Gelataria de Piazza.</p><p> Between towns we visited a working farm on a hillside near Lischeto where enjoyed the panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. The family that still works this fattorio, opens their restored farmhouse to tourists and serves the most delicious Tuscan specialties. Wonderful cheeses, breads, meats and of course a home made organic Chianti. We enjoyed our meal and great conversation with people from Costa Rica, the U.S. and yes even a couple from our home in B.C. A meal that still makes me smile, when I think about it.</p><p> You will want to be sure to have your camera with you at all times, as there is endless photo opportunities. Wear good walking shoes and plan for both cool mornings and warm afternoons. If you have trouble walking any distance, the tour bus is always a few minutes away. Or rest your tired feet while enjoying a cappuccino in an ancient piazza. It is part of the Tuscan adventure.</p>
2007-07-12T00:10:03-07:00
589300867
2006-10-07T17:00:00-07:00
0
16
205376
5028160
349981
0
0.0
2006-10-07T17:00:00-07:00
Published
0.0
A Tuscan Adventure
2007-07-12T00:10:03-07:00
99856
0