Top of the list was Siena, so we did the day trip on the Friday. Parked under the old city wall and meandered through a true medieval gem of a city with visits to the Duomo (Cathedral) and the central Piazza, where, every year there is a major Horse Race meeting (see photos). Found a great pavement Trattoria and had a hurried lunch as they were about to close – great Pasta and Chianti – Bellisimo! Spent the rest of the day exploring the traffic free streets and alleyways, which were fascinating. Back home after dark – thank you driver (Annie).

Next day we went to the Saturday Market in the local village of Montopoli – 10/12 stalls with fish, meat, veg and the usual tat! Got some provisions for a Barbie, inc. a good helping of chestnuts for roasting on an open fire. Decided if the weather stayed this way, we would go to the beach.

Guess what – next day it was a day at the seaside! We were surprised that so many Italians decided to join us on an October Sunday, but it was close to 30 degrees and the water was warm (well it was on my ankles). We were in a rocky cove, north of Livorno and the locals were catching live squid, which was good entertainment.

It’s Monday, so it must be a train ride to Pisa, A few hundred years ago, someone had the foresight to build a bell tower, next to the cathedral, that looked like it was going to fall over. Some wag called it the “Leaning Tower of Pisa” and now it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world, the majority of whom take great pleasure in having a photo taken holding the thing up – yes, of course we did!

Had this building error not happened, Pisa would probably be just another town in Italy and our leisurely mid afternoon lunch would have been half the price!

Last full day here, so we stayed local and embarked on a walking circumnavigation of Montopoli. We headed out on the road from the campsite and soon we were on forest tracks and walking through several fields of olive trees and grapevines before finding our way back into the village for a most welcome sit down on a bar terrace, overlooking the main street, for a drink (or two) and an ice cream.

Up early for breakfast and the return trip to Pisa airport. We haven’t even mentioned the superb hospitality of our hosts, the barbies, the excellent food and drink, the chat, the card games, the boules night and the films we watched after midnight on DVD. It is good to know that we can still pack it all in and survive! A truly memorable and enjoyable few days – can’t wait till the next time!

Thanks - Lester & Pam.

Thank you both for that – we really enjoyed your visit as well.

This is our first visit to Tuscany and so far it is a good one.

Legend has it that Siena was founded by Aschius and Senius, sons of Remus (as in Romulus and Remus, the two brothers abandoned in the wood suckled and cared for by a she-wolf). Hence many statues of Romulus and Remus with the Wolf can be seen. Siena is a lovely walled city dominated by the Dumo, Cathedral, with exterior black and white striped decoration dating from the late 1300s.

The interior has impressive striped marble pillars, and inlaid marble panels depicting biblical scenes cover the floor. In one alcove was a statue of John the Baptist by Donatello. Anne particularly liked the ivory pulpit – apparently a masterpiece of Italian Gothic sculpture.  Unfortunately our photographs don’t do the interior justice because of the dim lighting but you’ll get an idea. Entrance was 6€ per person.

One of the most impressive parts of Siena Cathedral was the Libreria Piccolomini – built as the personal library of Pope Pious II. The remarkably detailed wall and ceiling frescos are amazing – look at the photos, they look 3D but they are painted flat! The Cathedral also hosts sculpture by the young Michelangelo.

We stopped off at San Gimignano on the way home from Siena. It is one of the most unique Tuscan towns, and one of the most photographed, thanks to its hilltop position, tall towers and perfectly intact medieval walls. The town used to boast over forty towers, of which thirteen remain today. The really attractive narrow streets, however, were lined with touristy shops and were heaving with visitors.  It felt as if this pretty village had perhaps become a victim of its own popularity.

The trip to Pisa was interesting. Went on the train – 2.90€ for a 30 min ride right into the centre. We had no idea that the famous leaning bell tower was so pretty - it was begun in 1173 and was completed 200 years later and has recently been stabilised - should be ok now for another 200. It is in the large grassy Piazza dei Miracoli (the miracle square) along with the impressive Cathedral, the Baptistery and the long Camposanto wall (cemetery). On first sight, the whiteness of the buildings contrasting with the lush green grass creates an impressive display. The place was heaving with tourists though, far too many English voices for our liking. We wanted to go up to the top of the tower but were put off by the two hour wait and the 15€ per person price. We decided to just go in the Cathedral for a very reasonable 2€ instead.

Had a great time with our visitors - lots of new photos if you are interested – click below. Pam became an expert in pest control, zapping lots of buzzy-things with our electric tennis racket - forehands, backhands and even a round-the-head shot. Anything that flew about in the awning was living on borrowed time.

We now have a few days on our own before a quick trip to the UK to visit Nina, James and Hector in their new home.

CLICK HERE FOR NEW PHOTOS