Hard to believe that Nancy, LeAnn, Mary and Lynda are now back in California and Toby arrived safely in Atlanta. It’s hard to put the experience into words and even photos can’t tell the entire story, but here is my attempt.
Enjoy the slideshows!
The arrival on April 17
Our house
On our first morning, we went to Greve, then Montefiorelle for a wine tasting and a walk around the town until we experienced a mini tornado.
A visit to the winery for a tasting- and the best biscotti ever!
Then we went to Greti for a tour of the Goat farm at Podere Le Fornachi and a cheese tasting
The new kids at Podere Le Fornachi
Maria Novella, our private chef for the evening came to Il Colle and made us an amazing dinner.
Our private chef, Maria Novella came to our house and spoiled us forever!
We spent three days in Florence. One day Anna took us to the Uffizi and to see The David followed by an Aperitivo evening with Cristina, complete with an Italian lesson. Another day was devoted to shopping and simply wandering around. Our last day was spent at the Boboli Gardens. Here are only some of the highlights
from Piazzale Michaelangelo
Chocolate tasting at Amedei.
Amedei Chocolate factory
An afternoon in Lucca
A day at Cristina’s farm in Paterno where we had a delicious lunch and a visit to a ceramic studio in the countryside.
View from Cristina's farm
Castello del Trebbio
Our cooking class at Castello del Trebbio
Our gang with Jerry
We visited Siena
and then on to the tiny hilltop town of Montereggiano
Montereggiano
Gelato tasting in Castellina
Outside Antica Delizia
The town of Radda
And the highlight of the day, April 25, (a national holiday) was the Festa Della Buon stagione, complete with a parade and mock hanging in Panzano, Daniele’s hometown. We had a great lunch at Le Panzenelle too!
Festa of the Good Season
Time to say Goodbye or rather, Arrivederci!
With our driver, Daniele, in front of our house at Il Colle
Wow, Marcella, it is amazing that you put together these great tours for small groups. To see all of this, with a small group of six — what a gift! Someday I hope to join you.
Made me very jealous. Especially the view from Christina’s house, so beautiful! WOW!