Italy day 5, Civita/Montepulciano/Siena

It was going to be a travel day, and it started early as we did a run to the airport by train to pick up the rental car. Trains in Europe do not always run on time ... Lesson learned. After battling a bit with the GPS, we headed off for Bagnoregio and Civita. After a quick spin through the Monday farmer's


market in Bagnoregio, we headed across the windy pedestrian bridge to the
island town of Civita. Absolutely charming, with Etruscan caves, blooming


gardens, no vehicular traffic, and the requisite church in the town square. Lunch was in a peaceful courtyard setting and was one of our best.


As we headed on to Montepulciano (Farley had a hankering to go back), it looked like we would get away from the rainy morning that started our day in Rome. Just look at the pretty flowers ... And the HAIL from the


thunderstorm that greeted us at this hill town. We visited the glass artist, hot chocolatery, leather maker and copper shop from our visit three years ago, and found a mosaic artist practicing his trade. Soaked from the rain that would not stop, we headed on to Antico Borgo Poggiarello in Monteriggioni (our overnight accommodations outside Siena), but not without catching a couple of rainbows in the valley as the clouds finally broke.

After many turns and some directional stress and even a dirt road, we found our B&B hiding in the hills, with a great view of sunset. Better than the view


was the dinner, prepared on-site with fresh fried veggies, porcini pasta, and steak rolled with prosciutto and cheese, followed by cantucci (biscotti dipped in van santo) and coffee. Fantastico!

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Location:near Siena, Italy