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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