For many years, I planned to drive through Italy by car, right myself to get behind the wheel and go on a pre-selected route. In autumn 2018, my wife and I had a dream come true! The road trip of three weeks was unforgettable!
Today I will tell you about our trip to the city of San Gimignano. Tuscany
The province of Tuscany-it’s endless vineyards and olive groves to the horizon. It is here that make the most delicious wine in Europe-Chianti.
Incredibly beautiful landscape, stunning views and the smell of ripe Sangiovese grapes set up in a very romantic way. Family wineries founded 200 years ago, medieval architecture of towns built in the 15th century. Everything around is impressive antiquity. It’s like we’re in some good Hollywood movie. Time seemed to stand still, you do not want to rush anywhere… I just want to watch and absorb the beauty around you… Inhale the smells of spicy Tuscan herbs, olives and ripe sweet grapes. The atmosphere is indescribable.
Independent travel has several main advantages:
- You choose your own route. If you drive a car and want to stop or turn when you see something interesting…You just do it!
- You plan your own schedule. Unlike traveling in an organized group by bus, where everything is strictly regulated.
- If you want to stay somewhere longer… Just extend the hotel and stay
Every morning we had Breakfast and drive the rented Fiat to a new place. This day we decided to spend in San Gimignano.
Using Google maps as a Navigator, we easily found this town, on the way visiting a couple of attractions. Here we are. City-fortress with a huge number of towers, similar to modern skyscrapers. I counted 16. Once behind the wall you are immediately transported back in time to many centuries ago! It seems for the next turn you will be met by noble signora in a beautiful dress or a cart of a local merchant returning from the market square. If I was a Director, I would definitely shoot a movie here…Although probably someone has already done it! Very well preserved houses. Palace a few rich people … Beautiful squares… the Cathedral… the Huge tower is the most impressive of course they are!!! High…Inaccessible…the Silent witness… How much they’ve seen during these 500 years?
You can only imagine!
Surprisingly, but it turns out here live people! This is not just a tourist attraction! Right before our eyes, the postman carried letters, and the children played ball. Plenty of exercise and a little tired, we sat down to eat at a local restaurant. The joking waiter shortened the waiting time for our dinner. For dessert-a mandatory portion of the traditional gelato and we go back to the hotel To the next day to continue our journey.
Nobody sees it and no one reads it !