San Gimignano and Pecorino Cheese

Driving through the hills of Tuscany I was reminded of several movies filmed in this part of Italy. Breathtaking views all along the winding, twisting, climbing hills of Tuscany. Unfortunately capturing the scenery from a moving motor coach was difficult.

First stop cheese.

We visited a cheese farm and watched the making of pecorino cheese.

The property afforded great views of the surrounding hills.

Happy sheep make delicious cheese!

Sheep in the olive grove. 

We had lunch at the cheese farm with dishes made from fresh produce and cheese.

More about that on my "food" post later.

In addition to the cheese production there is also a bed and breakfast and restaurant on the site.

(Borgo di Mazzolla and La Pecora Nera)

From the cheese farm we headed through more scenic areas including vineyards and hilltop villas.

Our destination, San Gimignano, a medieval hilltop town known for the fourteen towers.

The view approaching the town.

Pottery, leather, meat, art and wine available in the shops.

(as well as gelato)

Everything seems to be uphill in Tuscany!

See the tower at the end of the street?

More passageways and narrow streets.

One of the famous towers of San Gimignano.

Today was our last tour day in Tuscany.

One more Tuscan feast tonight and traveling home tomorrow.

💟Peace,Myra

(Next post - the cuisine of Tuscany)

Rainy Day on the Coast

The plan was a boat ride along the Cinque Terre with stops along the way. The weather was cool, windy and rainy.  It was decided the sea was too rough for sightseeing on a boat. Our inventive tour manager and a local tour guide planned a day on the coast for us with the motor coach traveling through the mountains. We were disappointed that the boat was cancelled,  however, we had a wonderful day despite the weather.

Porto Venere

Quaint, isolated and beautiful even in this weather!

I loved the narrow streets with shops and residences along the way.

I bought a jar of pesto in this shop.

Delicious!

Steep stairways everywhere.

At the end of the street is the Church of St. Peter.

It was pouring rain and VERY windy so we opted not to walk over.

We were protected somewhat from the blowing wind and rain between the buildings in the narrow walkway.

Beautiful even on a  rainy day.

We were fortunate to be here just before the tourist season.

Sometimes it is a good thing to avoid the crowds.

Vineyards

The coast is mountainous with wonderful views.

Marble stairs, tile and old wood.

Just look at the finish on this old wooden door.

All along the street were interesting old doors with whimsical knockers.

I would love to stay here.

This street makes my heart sing!

The shopkeepers take pride in their shops.

The customer service is incredible.

A closer look at the Church of St. Peter

                                                              Porto Venere - Postcard Perfect

More Vineyards

In the afternoon we stopped at another coastal town.

I don't remember the name.

Cars are not allowed (except taxis), so we had to walk from the bus parking lot down a long hill into the town. The weather had improved somewhat so the walk wasn't too difficult. (I did take a taxi back up the hill to the bus.)

We had a wonderful lunch in the green building.

I will do a food post later.

Fun day in this unique part of Italy.

Next San Gimignano.

💟Peace,Myra