Day Four - I decided early in the trip that I was going to go on a “Lunch” tour of Tuscany. They would drive us to two Italian towns that topped hills in the Tuscan region. We would have lunch at a typical restaurant and drink wine from the region. We’d learn about food and see the Tuscan countryside - I was in. I slowly convinced my mom and brother to come with, so dad could have a day of rest to get back on his feet for the next few days. We were picked up from our hotel at 7 in the morning. I had dutifully packed four sandwiches - it was the inner Hungarian in me - so we had something to eat for breakfast and in case of emergency, or any other thing that could keep us from eating. In all transparency, my control freakiness bleeds into travel in weird ways too. I need to have control over when I can eat and drink, and when I can pee. This food packing thing was part of my paranoia. I knew we were going to be eating lunch in the Tuscan countryside, but I didn’t know when or how much... you know how it is... right?
Stephano was our tour guide. He originally came from Sicily, and touted it’s riches in order to encourage us to travel there as well. He educated us about pasta and the different properties between ‘good pasta’ and ‘bad pasta.’ Much to my surprise, he noted that Pasta Barilla was a medium to high quality pasta - ask us for more detail on pasta if you’re interested :)
Stephano - our tour guide
We traveled through beautiful countryside and saw the many villas that people so often dream about owning, fixing up, or maybe just staying in for a weekend. He said that many Italians wanted to live in Tuscany also but couldn’t afford it.
Our first town, Cortona, was high above the hillside - google image it if you can - it was beautiful! We overlooked a valley that had a beautiful church and many olive trees planted along the winding road way that lead up to where we were. Stephano gave us an hour and a half in the city and we took most of it getting to the tippy top of the place - where there was a big church. Mom and I quit just before the church, Mike said it was nice and gave us a full report on our way down. We took our time getting back down and shopped a bit, stopping for a pastry and diet coke before catching the bus.
Back on the bus, we headed to lunch, which brought us along a big lake that is the summer retreat for Italians. Lunch was at a partner restaurant, so it wasn’t 100% full of Italians, but it was pretty dang good. We started off with a penne in truffle sauce with sausage, with bread that was to die for. We ordered a bottle of wine and dug in. The second course, which I didn’t know existed, was a hunk of pork with ‘french fries’ made in olive oil. This was followed with a wonderful desert that was kind of like a lady finger with some sort of purply sauce. Those are the technical cooking terms - purply sauce. By this time, I had ordered more wine - well duh. We’re in the Chianti region - why not drink the ‘local’ fare right? Perhaps a bit much with still half the day to go, but I had a good time.
Looking up to Cortona
Super cute Italian guy over looking the Tuscan countryside
looking down from Cortona
Cute Italian guy again
Mom working her way up to the church
Tuscan countryside
Italian cat :)
Cortona square
more cute Italian guys - Cortona
Back on the bus, we headed to lunch, which brought us along a big lake that is the summer retreat for Italians. Lunch was at a partner restaurant, so it wasn’t 100% full of Italians, but it was pretty dang good. We started off with a penne in truffle sauce with sausage, with bread that was to die for. We ordered a bottle of wine and dug in. The second course, which I didn’t know existed, was a hunk of pork with ‘french fries’ made in olive oil. This was followed with a wonderful desert that was kind of like a lady finger with some sort of purply sauce. Those are the technical cooking terms - purply sauce. By this time, I had ordered more wine - well duh. We’re in the Chianti region - why not drink the ‘local’ fare right? Perhaps a bit much with still half the day to go, but I had a good time.
Our Tuscan restaurant grounds
Goods they were selling- spices and the like
Mom and the yummy desert we had
Beautiful Tuscany
We were on this tour with 7 other people traveling in a small bus that was driven by Mauricio - whose only line to us was “good driver.” This was said more often than not after a close call on the road or some unintentional swerving up the hillside.
Our next stop was at Montepulciano - where the winery we were to visit was located. Up on a Tuscan hill we arrived in this small walled town to stop for more treats. The winery was wonderful, it reminded me of the Wabasha street caves a bit, but there were parts of the winery that dated back to the Etruscans - which is hella old. At the end of the tour, we were able to try some of their wines- and as I sat closest to the end of the table, I got to finish whatever was left - by my own decree. We strolled a bit longer through town and just had the three hour drive back to rome ahead of us. What a wonderful day- even though I was carsick from the ‘good driver‘ on our way home.
Winery in Montepulciano
wine tasting in Montepulciano
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