Tuscany, Italy

This morning we woke to the remnants of the previous days storm, with a hazy cloud cover over Assisi. As now was not the time for panoramic photos of the city, we headed to brekky followed by a walk into the centre, all up hill of course, for a coffee overlooking the Basilica of St Francis.

By 9.30 the cloud began to disappear and we made our way to Rocca Maggiore……or so we thought. Following the map we headed down a path that we believed was leading us to this medieval building, before deciding it was actually leading us up the ‘garden path’.

Back tracking down from whence we came, we asked for directions before heading off on a different path, through the city lane ways of Assisi, before finally coming across the Rocca Maggiore, but not before drowning in a sea of sweat. Parting with our standard €5 we entered the medieval building which was erected as a German feudal castle in 1174.

During a popular rising the Duke Conrad of Lutzen was driven away and the Rocca was demolished and re built in 1367 and still stands as it is today.

There is a marvellous tunnel that stretches underground that allows visitors to walk from end of the building to the other, climb a spiralling staircase which brings you to the top of the turret and allows you to enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the Umbrian Valley.

Well worth the effort we took to finally reach this point, albeit still a little hazy in parts.

Back down the lane ways and to our car for our journey on to Tuscany where we are staying in the town of Cavriglia, which came highly recommended by Mary-Kate and Kaine, and they did not disappoint.

We are staying at a winery/B&B called Tenuta San Jacopo which has little houses that are like apartments and has everything you need for your stay including a swimming pool. Off to the Supermarket to buy our provisions, but not before they reopen at 4.30pm after lunch at 12.30pm, what a life!!! Quick dip in the pool, then a chance to catch up on our books whilst lounging around the pool. Only downside, a bunch of German kids playing chasey around the pool yelling at each other…..ohhh the serenity.

Feeling back at home here as Hugh is cooking dinner tonight whilst I sit back and write the blog, enjoying a glass of the local red wine. Quiet night tonight as we hope to be up early and off to Siena for a look around the town and hopefully catch a winery tour or two.