Today is our last day in Montisi. What a wonderful town. Well off the lists of the touring hordes, but special, very special!
Montisi is a fortified medieval hill town in an area where settlements date from Etruscan times. It overlooks a valley filled with olive groves, vineyards and woodlands. The view to the south from the villa's garden includes the village of Castelmuzio, 9th century Pieve di Santo Stefano and, in the distance, Mount Amiata. The village is home to 6 tiny churches, a full-service restaurant with grape-shaded dining terrace, a noted slow-food restaurant serving authentic ancient recipes, a prima piatti café with outdoor dining, a cinema showing both European and American films, an outdoor summer club and a classic village barino, (café/bar) – all within minutes’ walk of the villa.
Montisi also has 2 alimentari, or village grocery stores, and a bakery. The traveling mercato or market, together with specialty vendors, visits the village each week. Within 2 miles the neighboring villages of Trequanda and Castelmuzio have additional restaurants and shops. Within a ten mile drive through the Tuscan countryside are Montepulciano and Montalcino, noted for their Vino Nobile and Brunello wines. Pienza, a jewel-like Renaissance village is just 5 miles away. Along the way is the beautiful Sant' Anna monastery, where “The English Patient” was filmed.
I am sure that the amazing citizens of Montisi are happy to see the end of us! They might be able to get some sleep now. It has been an incredible experience to share this jewel of a town with them.
It was a blast of a week. When we arrived last Saturday the area was a torrent of green . . with the odd poppy sticking up to provide some contrast. Leaving today we noticed that there was more yellow and brown than before - amazing how one short week can change the landscape to such an extent.
We made it to Florence in about an hour, then spent 30 minutes dropping off the car which we are pleased to say we did so without ANY incident this time. We took a cab to our hotel and checked in to a lovely room.
Florence is far busier than Montisi! :-)
We toured the Medici Chapel, finally saw the REAL David at the Accademia - talk about a truly awesome experience. We even managed to do some shopping at the market where we were able to buy some of the treats Judy introduced us to in 2006! YUM Truffle salt, tuscan spice mixture, pear, and fig jams for cheese. Funny how many of our purchases involve food.
Paolo is napping in the hotel across the street while I check flight status. Sadly it appears as if they are a go. I can't believe that we will be home tomorrow! I guess it is time to start planning another one . . . .
Jerry, thank you so much for blogging. I'm so envious of all of you and know that this was an incredible week. Give my love to Palma and Gail.
Nancy L
Posted by: Nancy L | May 30, 2008 at 09:03 PM
I also have really enjoyed reading this blog during your trip. I knew I'd be envious of what was bound to be a memorable week with the Slow Travel group in Montisi. What a memorable experience it must have been for you. Thanks for sharing and allowing the rest of us to get a peek at where you've been and what you've seen.
AnnieK
Posted by: Kathy | May 30, 2008 at 10:09 PM
It sounds like a lovely place. I'm so glad for you that you had this time with the fellow slowtrav friends. I'm sure these memories will always be special and magical. Can't wait to see more of your photos. Safe travels home Jerry and big thank yous for keeping us in the loop.
Posted by: Barb Cabot | May 30, 2008 at 11:08 PM
Jerry, it sounds like you and Paul had an adventure you will not soon forget.
I join the others before me in thanking you for "keeping us in the loop" in your travels.
I hope you have a safe trip home.
Posted by: nancyhol | May 30, 2008 at 11:51 PM
I have also enjoyed your blogging while in Italy. It was one of my treats of the day to find a new post about your time in Italy. I am glad it all went so well. Fly safely.
Posted by: girasoli | May 31, 2008 at 04:11 AM
It has been a brilliant trip . . . not without its hitches but we managed to deal with them. I think that these are part of the adventure. We seem to be traveling slower and slower every time we get away. Beautiful!
Posted by: Jerry | May 31, 2008 at 09:53 AM
no major incidences??
I dare say that clutch will never be the same! At least there are no scratches and the doors seem intact.
Home tomorrow- Brilliant indeed.
Posted by: sandi | June 01, 2008 at 03:53 PM
Sorry to hear that you have to come home, I've enjoyed your blogging (and living vicariously through your trip reports!) Montisi sounds lovely.
It sounds as if you and Paolo had a fantastic time -- I look forward to seeing your photos on future blog posts!
Posted by: sandrac | June 01, 2008 at 07:39 PM
Sandi, Sandi, Sandi, a burning clutch isn't an incident in my book. Last time we were in Italy we scrapped off all the lights from the side of the car - that is an incident. I guess in my book a major car incident is a visible one! LOL
It was a swell trip sandra. Now to deal with all of the post trip 'stuff'.
Posted by: Jerry | June 02, 2008 at 05:59 AM