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Lago Trasimeno is in the region of Umbria and we headed to an area called Passignano Sul Trasimeno. We spent a total of 3 nights in, I must say, the best campsite we have stayed in so far and had a pitch right on the lake shore, the site is called Camping La Spiaggia.  We setupContinue reading “Visit to Lago Trasimeno”

Monteriggioni is about 40 minutes from Radicondoli and is an exquisite tiny Tuscan village.  Its history began in 1200 and started life as a fortified castle in a prime location to control the disputed border territory between Florence and Siena.  The village is one of the most impressive medieval villages in Italy today as it remains untouchedContinue reading “Visit to Monteriggioni”

As we promised ourselves, we returned to San Gimignano (a place we previously rode to on our bikes) with the dogs in the early evening.  This was such a pleasant time to go as the temperature was cooling and we were ready for a wonder, a drink, and some food. Having read some of the historyContinue reading “Visit to San Gimignano”

I have been doing a mixture of mountain and road cycling.  On average the road bike rides have been over 20 miles with elevations gains over 2000ft through the Tuscan challenging landscape.  Needless to say, my fitness is fast improving. A lovely ride we did was from Castol San Gimignana to San Gimignano a round trip ofContinue reading “What have I been up to with my Cycling”

Spending more time to appreciate this spectacular city perfectly preserved from its gothic medieval period.  The superb restaurants, bustling squares, labyrinth of cobbled backstreets and cathedrals adorned with medieval architecture and monuments. In the centre is the cities prominent Piazza del Campo, a central medieval square with its 17 historic contrade (districts) extending outwards.  This is theContinue reading “Another visit to Siena”

Why so many villages and what makes them so special?  During the Middle Ages and then the renaissance, Tuscany organised into independent municipalities.  Siena and Florence were the strongest local powers, and many villages were born or grew as strongholds to protect one from the attack of the other.   This is the reason why so many areContinue reading “Italian life – In the Tuscan hills it is such a different way of life”

Taking advantage of our camper van we have decided to take ourselves off for 3 nights to the Gulf of Baratti.   Camper van life here we come again.  All packed up and dog’s safety ready for the trip, we headed for an agricampeggio which is nestled in amongst the bays hills. Whilst in Tuscany I recommend youContinue reading “The Gulf of Baratti”

Cecina is a Tuscan River and a charming part of the river is called “Masso delle fanciulle” meaning rock of the girl.  It is a natural reserve called Berignone near Promarance.  We arrived at an iron bridge parked and wondered downstream for a while, it was tranquil and beautiful.   Noticing people walking across the bridge and into theContinue reading “Visit to Masso Delle Fanciulle”

Off we go for some wine tasting, we want to taste and drink the wine from the local area as it is important to us to support the local area and taste locally produced produce.   Having tasted the La Fonte wine, from the vineyard we are staying, which was lovely and it has given us aContinue reading “Wine tasting at Camporignano”

Issue 1 – Following Brexit and the UK no longer being a part of Schengen (European free movement of 26 countries) you can only spend 90 days within 180 days period in the Schengen area without a visa. Therefore, we must exit Schengen and move to a non-Schengen country after our 90 days is up.Continue reading “Brexit – our free movement has now been seriously restricted!!”