Tour guide Cindy wanted us to take a driving tour over the Italian mountains in Tuscany to visit several famous sights, ok says I. It’s a little cold, 48 degrees and slightly cloudy in the morning, but no rain in the forecast, let’s go!
First stop, Castello di Romena.Built in the 11th century, this castle dominates the Cesentines National Park that we drove through to get there.Beautiful drive into the castle which is closed until spring.The castle also held a prison. Dante’s circle of hell was written from his visit to this castle. View across the valley to Castello di Porciano.Castello di Porciano, built in the 11th century has been restored and is now a hotel and restaurant.Beautiful.Quick stop in the small village of Stia. It’s Saturday and everyone is out and about, talking, shopping and drinking a little something. Your way out of the tour bus scene now👍✔️😜Beautiful.Old town Stia.Ok, you know I’m always looking for different things. We’re driving down the road and I see a very different looking place. We pull over, it’s a boutique wine shop, selling wines from the region in bulk. We just happen to have our trusty bottle with us.This is how he purchases his wine, then resells it!WW1 memorial to the fallen in Poppi.Looking up at the castle in Poppi.Castello dei Conti Guidi, built in the 11th century. It was the scene of many famous Crusade battles.This is the main castle in this area. One family owned them all and controlled the entire area.Poppi has covered walkways throughout the village from the 11th century.View from the castle hill, just beautiful. Note the smoke, homes are wood heated in this area.It’s spring in Tuscany.
Ok, back to the villa. Next day, Sunday, a trip to Lucca.
We decided to take the train, much less hassle, and about the same cost as driving and parking.Lucca is about 2 1/2 hours, by train from the villa. It is well known for its well preserved Renaissance walls.You enter the city through a number of portals, staggeringly beautiful.Cattedrale di San Martino.Chiesa dei Santi Giovanni e Reparata.Yes, it’s spring in TUSCANY.Chiesa di San Michele in Foro.Wow!Beautiful city, just the right mix of locals and Italians. We heard very, very little English today👍Piazza Anfiteatro, the pictures do it no justice. It’s a 360 of Italy.We didn’t realize it’s the start of Carnival in Italy. People dressed in costumes and a parade. Here are some floats.Ok 🧐Tuscany is famous for its Panini sandwiches. This place supposedly makes the best. No, not so much.Black or Blue Ferrari today? I think Ferrari’s should only be RED!
Ok, that’s it for us. We need to catch up on stuff, do some paper work and housekeeping stuff today.
Trafton’s European Adventure Part Two 
Thanks again for sharing your beautiful pictures and memories!
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