Cinque Terre

The last excusion we took outside of Florence was to Cinque Terre. We had heard about this place and many of you have probably seen Rick Steves overview on PBS (we hadn't until after our return). We decided to sign up for an all day (literally 12 hour) tour with Walkabout. For 90 euros per person, we had English-speaking guides, a motor coach to the area and back, hiking along thousand year old donkey paths, lunch, train fare from one village to another, and a  boat trip hugging the Mediterranean coast. The group had 40 people and 3 tour guides. Two guides split the group in half and the last guide took care of the logistics such as train tickets, timetables, and getting participants from one village to another if they were not able to hike the steep terrain.

This tour was well worth it. We saw all 5 major villages in the area. The views were spectacular. The guides were knowledgeable, but not intrusive. We did some hiking and it was tough for both of us since we are not in shape. The only small complaint was that I did not have enough time to take more photographs. Overall this was the best group tour I have ever been on (I usually run in the opposite direction).

Lunch consisted of a variety of marinated octopus and squid salad and pasta with traditional pesto sauce. No wine since the most strenuous hike was yet to come. I really liked the octopus. The pesto was rich and flavorful.

I will leave you with various snaps of the area.

Siena

We spent a Sunday in Siena. A bit of a longer train ride from Florence, but still easy to visit. The station was located further away, but we decided to hoof it instead of taking the bus. While Florence is nestled in a valley with the Arno River flowing through it, Siena is located on a hill. As we climbed to the top of the hill from the station we saw runners participating in a race.


Running in Siena


Siena featured narrow streets and were filled with wonderful retail shops. Numerous folks were out for a stroll and window shopping, similar to us strolling Carytown or visiting Merchants Square in Colonial Williamsburg.

Narrow street. No cars (or scooters)

Strolling

Gelateria

Colorful ceramics

Sacred artistry

Freshness

Sweets



Linens

The main cathedral was extremely ornate. We did not have much time and did not pay the admission fee to enter. We were content to admire the outside.

Cathedral

Horse carving

Campanile

The town square or Piazza del Campo (really shaped like a fan) was the gathering spot. Twice in the summer dirt is thrown over the bricks and cobbles and the Palio di Siena or horse race takes place. I can't imagine the crowds or how the horses successfully navigate the course.

Pictures of Palio horses hung on buiildings

Vendor on Piazza del Campo

Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia

Fountain in the Piazza dle Campo

Eating establishments abound

Hanging out in the sun

On this day we only had to contend with a few visitors. We randomly picked an outside eating establishment for lunch called Il Campo. Numerous restaurants lined the public gathering spot. All had outdoor seating and adequate umbrellas to ward off the sun. We enjoyed penne pasta with red sauce and grilled beef steak with roasted potatoes. The house wine was dreadful and the only wine that was barely drinkable while we were in Italy.

Cyclists relaxing

Penne pasta at Il Campo

Grilled beef steak and potatoes

Don't drink this wine

A great location for people watching

After lunch we wandered around some more. I enjoyed seeing more ironwork and we did not see graffiti in the old part of the city.

A lovely visit.

Pisa

Pisa was an easy day trip from Florence via train. We purchased open-ended tickets the day before. The train station was a short walk from the main attraction - just across the Arno. We discovered that Pisa also sported a few icons and a good bit of graffiti.


Street cafe



Arno River

Madonna and Child

Mosaic Madonna and Child

Hidden Face

We were thrilled that we could climb the Leaning Tower. The Opera Primaziale was in charge of all of the monuments in Miracles' Square and sold timed tickets to the bell tower. About 30 folks were allowed to climb at one time. In the height of the tourist season buying tickets ahead of time is a must. The tower offered a great view of the surrounding area. Due to the lean the climb was most interesting. We also enjoyed seeing the bells.


Approaching the Leaning Tower



She does indeed lean

View from the Leaning Tower

Well worn steps

Pisa Stadium

Bell Gathering

Big Bell

Leaning View

Upon our return to ground, we sought out lunch at Osteria La Toscana down the street away from the souvenir vendors. A quiet place where we enjoyed roasted pork and potatoes and rabbit ravioli.

Osteria La Toscana

Pork and Potatoes

Rabbit Ravioli

After lunch we marveled at the Cathedral. Even if Pisa did not have the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral itself would be worth seeing. The building used recycled marble and we could see leftover chiseled words. The artistry inside amazed.

Cathedral

Recycled Marble

Cathedral Interior

Art over the altar

The Baptistry was not as ornate as the one in Florence on the inside but still interesting to see.

Baptistry

Baptistry view from above

The Monumental Cemetery is still in use today. It sustained heavy damages during World War II and the Opera continues to work on the restoration of the frescoes.

Monumental Cemetery

Permanent Pillow

Decorative Arches

Fresco Restoration

Tombs

Contemporary Tribute

A museum gave more information about the fescoes and also had a costume exhibit.

Fresco Sketch

Period Costume

The last museum contained some of the more delicate paintings and sculptures that used to be housed in the Cathedral. The courtyard also gave us the most dramatic views of the lean in the Leaning Tower.

Madonna and Child

Sculpture

Painted Panel

Leaning

Pisa was well worth the trip and we spent all day visitng the structures and museums within the square.