Before the cold winter months set in, we decided to get away for a bit and enjoy the beautiful fall weather in Italy. We had a fantastic week traveling around Tuscany and ending in Rome. Sunny days, phenomenal food and wine, and some quality family time- what's not to like? Bill checked off a few boxes on his bucket list, and I loved revisiting some of my favorite places. We did a lot of sight-seeing this trip, but the kids were great sports. They are currently in a phase where they really love hanging out and playing together (here's hoping it lasts!), so it was fun to watch them interact. Per usual, Jake and Bria seem to make friends where ever we go; I think having 2 redheads tends to get you noticed. They did not disappoint their audience as they walked through the streets of Italy saying "Ciao" to everyone they met.
We selected our favorites from the 400 pictures we took, so here's an overview of our week...
Showing some sibling love while we waited for our train in Pisa.
They are growing up so fast, when did they get so big?
First stop was Florence. We stayed in a great little apartment right around the corner from The Accademia which houses Michelangelo's David and with a view of the Duomo.
View of Piazza San Marco from our apartment.
The Duomo
Always with guide book in hand, when did I become my mother?
Getting kisses from Daddy on the steps of the Duomo.
"Come on babies!" (Jake still calls her babies)
I don't think we will choose this one for our family Christmas card.
Ponte Vecchio
The beautiful Boboli gardens at the Pitti Palace.
Great view of Firenze from the gardens.
View along the Arno river.
Thank you to the Cavs for recommending the best gelato we have ever had. Still thinking about it!
Got a beautiful glimpse of the Duomo as the sun was about to set.
"Okay kids, if you REALLY want to stop here we will."
While sampling food at the Central Market Bill fueled up at the espresso bar.
Another great recommendation, we had no problem eating our way through Italia.
We also took the kids to see Michelangelo's David (no pictures allowed) and someday we will tell them about the great works of art they saw on this trip. Ciao Firenze, it's off to the hill towns!
We stayed in a fabulous family-run agriturismo right outside San Gimignano, Italy. It came highly recommended by the Cavanaughs (I am starting to think I need to pay them a travel agent fee) and it did not disappoint. The views from our front door were exactly what you picture when you think of Tuscany. It was the perfect location to explore San Gimignano and the surrounding hill towns and we did day trips to Volterra and Montepulciano.
View on our drive from Florence.
The entrance to San Gimignano, a walled city that still has 14 original medieval towers.
Checking out the streets of San Gimi.
The well in the Piazza della Cisterna. (Jake is pretending to take a pic with his camera)
"Gelato world champions? Yes please!" (but the one in Florence was better)
Here are some shots from the place we stayed- Agriturismo Guardastelle
The entrance. We loved these Italian trees.
They also made wine and olive oil, you can see some of the vineyards here.
View of San Gimignano from the agriturismo.
Guardastelle
View from our apartment. Yep, we are in Tuscany.
Playing in the garden outside the house.
Day trip to Volterra....
Porta all'Arco (Etruscan Arch) was built in 4th century B.C. In 1944 Nazi forces planned to blow up the arch, but the Volterrans filled the arch in with stones, and the Nazi Commander changed his mind.
Roman Theater in Volterra built in 40 B.C.
And in Montepulciano...
Other than the scenery, Montepulciano is best know for it's wine. We headed to the cellar of Contucci Cantina to sample the famous Vino Nobile. In order for a wine to be classified as "Nobile" it must be at least 13% alcohol, maybe that's why we liked it!
Stopping for a sip.
Meeting Adamo, the winemaker, who has been making wine since 1953. You might recognize him from his picture in Rick Steves' book.
They age the wine in either Italian, Croatian or French oak Barrels.
Wow, that's good wine!
For every wine we sampled, they gave the kids a cracker.
Adamo! He called me amore, and the kids loved him.
Piazza Grande
Our rent-a-grandparents. We met this nice couple from SC who joined us for a wine tasting and then lunch where they read books to Bria and played trucks with Jake.
We loved our time in beautiful Toscana, especially visiting the different hill towns. I will say we definitely earned our pasta and wine after pushing the double stroller up many steep hills to see the sights. Now on to Roma.....
Outside our front door in Rome.
Outside the Colosseum.
One of the biker taxis was wearing a Martha's Vineyard sweatshirt so we decided we had to get a ride from him. We somehow squeezed in with our stroller.
The Trevi Fountain.
Making a wish...
When we were at the Trevi Fountain we saw a couple get engaged. It's no Oklahoma City, but I guess it's not a bad place for an engagement.
The Spanish Steps.
Vatican City and St. Peter's Square.
St. Peter's Basilica
Inside the Basilica.
Swiss Guard
While I pushed the kids around the city to see the rest of the sights, Bill had a few hours to see the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel sans kiddos.
The Victor Emmanuel Monument (Italy's first king) was built in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the country's unification. The Tomb of the unknown soldier is at the base of the statue.
Mussolini used to speak to the people from this balcony.
The Pantheon
Heading to Piazza Navona.
Four Rivers Fountain in the Piazza Navona.
We had a fantastic last dinner at a restaurant near Piazza Navona. When we asked to see the wine list they brought a book the size of the dictionary. Once you select a wine they have a "wine-picker" to reach your bottle.
The Colosseum
Bill made us watch Gladiator when we got home.
One final cappuccino.
Bria likes her Pellegrino.
And we are back. Such a wonderful Italian holiday. Until next time Italy!
