I’m back from a couple weeks vacationing in Italy!
I spent a couple days in Rome, which was NOT enough time to see everything that I wanted to see. Nonetheless, I managed to see the Vatican, the Coliseum, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, view a few other cathedrals/basilicas, and wander the streets catching in a few sights and soaking up the culture and food of the city.
Following Rome, I headed out to a farm house in Contignano, a small town (population under 900) in the farm country of Tuscany. I stayed at La Montalla, a working olive orchard and vineyard. They’ve added an agri-tourism component to the business, and it was a wonderfully relaxing and scenic place to stay. It was a perfect location to visit a few of the other hill towns in the area: Montalcino, Montepulciano, Orvieta, Pienza, and Radicofani. Let me tell you, driving (or riding) those narrow country hill roads was quite an experience. As was the food. The food is this part of the country is really great!
I managed a day in Florence, barely giving me time to see the Duomo (I climbed to the top), visit Michelangelo’s David, and take a brief stroll along the Ponte Vecchio. It’s a city that I’d like to have more time to explore!
The last five days of the trip were spent in Sorrento, a hillside community along the western coast. It was fun exploring the city, as well as a great spot for day trips to Pompeii (simply amazing) and the island of Capri.
It was a wonderful two weeks — and did I mention how much I really love vacation! Now back to work.
Photo credit: personal collection
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Hey M.J.
Love your blog, you’re quite a traveler. Found you on Travelwriters.com Inside Dish.
The orchard in Tuscany sounds heavenly. I’ve been pining to return to Italy ever since I studied there 20 years ago.
Congratlations on carving out a two-week chunk of time over there.
Stacey
Thanks so much for wandering over here Stacy, and for your kind comments.
I’ve only recently starting dusting off this domain and getting my personal blog in shape. It’s amazing how travel creeps into this one, even though my other two blogs are totally travel related. I can’t get enough of it, I guess.
After lurking on Travelwriters for over a year, I’m starting to come out from behind the curtain. What a joy to meet so many great people like you!
Italy is definitely my next stop in Europe. I really like your idea of staying at a vineyard. That sounds like a very nice way to experience the local culture. Beats a hotel anyday! Thanks for sharing.