Tuscany - revisited

We've enjoyed the time spent in Tuscany last year so much, when was planning the vacation target for this time, came the idea to revisit the place - now in a different part of the year.

It was beautiful in September too with grapes and olives around or just before the time of harvest - though end of summer can have beautiful view as well!



Just think of the wheat, wine, olive and red poppy fields all around - exactly like on those postcards:

It wasn't a question for a minute to have our room at the same place - located near to Certaldo. (Feel free to contact me in case you need a tip about!)
This small town - like many others around - has its old part, called 'Certaldo Alto'. Once there, you must see it, lovely small streets including the birthplace of Boccaccio:

 Certaldo Alto

In addition to the fact that the owners are very friendly and hospitable (not to mention the reasonable pricing!), the place is not only quiet with a fabulous view all around and equipped with all what can be necessary at a farm-house like that, but even its quote close to virtually all the must-see places in Tuscany. Check out the view can be enjoyed from there:

view of the countryside from our accommodation

My favorite Tuscan city - famous of its towers, been symbol of power and wealth the time of building - in a distance of around 10km from Certaldo, is San Gimignano:

San Gimignano - the city of towers

Whether driving, cycling or using a scooter for discovering the countryside, prepare for curvy roads - for a rookie driver (or with a huge car or van) it can be challenge, nightmare even maybe on the first day, but truth to be told, after some time I was starting to enjoy it :-)

You can reach within an hour (or two top if you're a sober-minded, careful driver) either the small towns and villages of the Tuscan wine-road (strada del Chianti):

strada del Chianti - home of the 'Gallo Nero' (black rooster)

a typical lovely narrow Tuscan street

 ...or bigger towns like Volterra:

Volterra

...or, even it may worth a day to head west and visit the shores, nice viewpoints and even some beaches can be found!

You may even find the castle where 'Much ado for nothing' was filmed by Kenneth Branagh (and all the amazing actors and actresses starred in it) - too bad, the garden is not open for individuals anymore, but organized groups only (we've just missed it) due to owner's decision after too many tourists were tend to rip off flowers... Thank you folks! :-(((
For those, who are interested, it works as a (higher category) hotel and has a wine shop as well.

Much ado for nothing - OK, I admit, its nice from outside too!

Of course, just like last summer, we didn't miss to get some delicious reminder of the trip - apart from the obvious - wine: Chianti, Vernaccia, Il Santo and many others - there's olive oil, cheese (my favorite is Pecorino), so as all the products made of wild boar (Cinghiale is one of my most beloved Italian words :-))

a new friend :-)