Our first stop was brief to get pictures of the most photographed vista in the world, as announced by our driver, Anthony. Marina, our guide says, “lots pics are made here”.
Our first real stop is at stately Romanesque church at the top of a ridge that travels up to the highest peak in Tuscany. It’s noteworthy, I understand, as few structures in the area have Roman features.
We had lunch at a garden restaurant in the mountainside village of Pienza. We didn’t get the full garden effect as the cool weather meant glass enclosures were lowered to make our noon meal more comfortable. The view was stunning. We did get the full food effect with several courses and an entree of roast duck breast that was about as good as I’ve had.
I haven’t said much about the little town, but it’s one we’ve put on our return list for a longer stay.
Pienza
Pienza
A clear bluebird afternoon found us visiting a monastery said to be ordered built by Charlemagne in the tenth century. Abbey of Sant'Antimo. Amazing experience to know the history and see a massive marble structure with an interior constructed almost entirely of alabaster.
Charlemagne picked a perfect location as the monastery was surrounded by the rolling hills, tall thin cypress trees, lining the trails and paths, and multicolored fields, some brilliant green some plowed and prepared for spring planting. Numbers of ancient olive tree’s completed the landscape and provided our group with material for some long-term memories. I’m pleased with that, as my short term memory has become… short.
It’s been one of those RSJ extended opportunities for enrichment days, and the only sounds in the van are an occasional email alert and some really well-fed, we’ll-enriched, quiet riders.
Dinner at 8:00. Enriched, Jim