Category: Bagnoregio

Making our Way to Tuscany

10/18/2014

With four days of Rome under our belts, it is time to leave the city and make our way north to southern Tuscany. We’ll get there via a couple of interesting stops along the way. Lazio, the area surrounding Rome is filled with hidden treasures like these:

First stop is a stroll through the Sacred Woods of the Parco dei Mostri in Bomarzo to view some unique and somewhat bizarre creatures hidden around every corner. It’s a great place to stretch your legs, and have a whimsical walk in the woods.

Then it’s on to an ancient and crumbling village perched high atop its own little bluff. It is a bit of a trek to get to it; lots of uphill climbing. But that only serves to build up your appetite, and you’ll need a good appetite for all the tasty little lunch treats in store for us here.

Next stop, the beautiful hilltop town of Orvieto. The duomo here is one of the most beautiful in Italy, and inside are some really fantastic frescoes (which we are not allowed to take pictures of). We have a nice little guided walk here before moving on to our final destination; a B & B in lower Tuscany.

We had some great adventures today! What's in store for tomorrow? Food, Wine.........and Romance!

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Southern Tuscany: The Road to Pienza

11/7/2013

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My trip to research new itineraries for my clients continues into southern Tuscany. Pienza will be my home base for the next three nights as I return to favorite haunts and explore new discoveries the area has to offer.

Between Rome and Pienza, there is a lot to see. My first stop was at the Parco dei Mostri or Monster Park in Bomarzo. This fascinating little side trip, seemingly in the middle of nowhere is only an hour north of Rome, and makes for a great spot to stop and stretch your legs. The “garden” is a shady stroll through a “sacro bosco” or Sacred Woods. Around every turn of the path, appear gigantic statues and sculptures carved from the local stones. These mythological and fanciful creations are amazing in proportion and number. The garden was created in the 1500’s, fell into disrepair and the monsters lay in wait, hiding under overgrown greenery for 300 years. It was rediscovered in the 1930’s and developed into a park in the 1950’s. Today, an entry fee ensures its upkeep. It is an interesting and surreal stop.

Next stop: Bagnoregio, a city like no other. Bagnoregio has been called a dying town, but really it is far from that. It is uniquely situated on a rocky promontory which can only be reached by footbridge. (Be prepared for an uphill trek.) The city is now charging an entry fee, as they should, to help pay for the work (such as retaining walls) to keep this town alive. And alive, it is. Though it is very small, on this beautiful, cool fall day, several eateries were operating and filled with lunch time patrons. We in fact, had a really enjoyable lunch with sausages and veg cooked over the open fireplace, along with a mixed bruschetta platter to start. So delicious. After lunch, a stroll was in order. It doesn't take long to stroll the short side streets and take in the beautiful views to be had from nearly every dead-end street, and in a town like this, yes, they are all dead-end streets.

Pienza is one of my favorite places in all of Tuscany. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site because of the way the city was designed back in the mid 1400’s. The hotel I love to stay at has windows which open to a stunning panoramic view of the Val d’Orcia. When I wake up here each morning, the first thing I do is throw the windows open and lean out the windowsill. The view is the definition of Tuscan countryside.

Small, and completely walkable, Pienza’s tiny side streets are charming and filled with eateries and great shopping. Pienza is Cheese Central; home to Pecorino, one of the most delicious and essential of Italian cheeses. This is also Honeyland, with so many varieties to choose from, it makes my head buzz. (Get it? Buzz….bees….honey?) Pienza is also located between Montalcino and Montepulciano, two of the best known towns for wine. It never ceases to amaze me in Italy; no matter how small a town is, there is never a shortage of great food and wine. What better place to stay while exploring this area of Tuscany?

Join me, won’t you….on a future trip to Italy? Let’s explore lower Tuscany together. The towns prominently listed in guidebooks are wonderful, but so are all the great places off-the-beaten-track. Let me take you there.

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Making our Way to Tuscany

Southern Tuscany: The Road to Pienza

Italophile......
are you one?

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Making our Way to Tuscany

Southern Tuscany: The Road to Pienza

Italophile......are you one?

Archives

Categories

Italophile......
are you one?