Okay, just kidding. Of course I have a semblance of a plan: we'll drive through Tuscany, stopping in San Gimignano and Volterra, then...?
The pick up of the car was a snap, the Hertz guys set up a little table outside the ship, I signed a few papers, they gave me a map and a GPS and away we went! First off San G. It's a quaint hilltop town famous for the remaining medieval towers that were once used by their owners as refuge during times of siege. Bad men come, up the ladders they go. Livestock first floor, cooking next, up to living, sleeping, etc. Some towers are just a few meters square and several stories high. Also on the tourist's radar: the interior of the cathedral is covered in amazing frescoes a la "Tea With Mussolini" but no pics allowed, I'm afraid.
A little respite was called for next so we found a scenic lay by to eat the picnic we smuggled off the ship then set off to drive over hill and dale to Volterra.
Volterra is another hidden gem of a hilltop town. An amazing ancient fortress anchors one end (now a state prison!) and the cathedral and town hall the other. Lots of shopping and pedestrian streets in between.
And lastly, we turned back east again to zip over to the tiny town on Monteriggioni. I only came across the name the day before on a forum while looking online for which towns to see and as we had time...
It turned out to be the cutest little town ever. Slightly egg-shaped and only a few hundred meters across, it is perfectly surrounded by tall stone walls with evenly spaced towers. One square and 2-3 streets - that was it! A couple gelaterias, a bar, some nice artsy stores and a hotel. Not overly touristy, lots of history, and great views = we like.
It ended up being a lot of driving but hey, curvy mountain roads in a peppy manual car, what could be more fun? A great day overall.
Tomorrow: Pisa & Lucca
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