Italy - Day Five (Christmas Eve)

Woke up today well-rested. Note to self: do not take a nap!!! Ate breakfast in the hotel. Our driver arrived at 9:30 am for our day trip to Siena. And what a trip it was! We drove through the countryside. One minute it was overcast the next thick fog and then out of the fog into the sunlight. Spectacular views of mountains and villas in the distance.

We arrived in Siena and were dropped off in the Piazza del Campo. The weather changes quickly in this region. Here are some pictures of the Palazzo Pubblico and Mangia Tower when we arrived


and here they are an hour or so later.

We started off with a cappucinoes and brioches at a cafe then divided and conquered for some powershopping. Much pricier here than Florence.

Next, we asked our driver to take us somewhere quiet and out of the way for lunch. He took us to one of his favorite local spots in Tuscan countryside. Unfortunately they were closed for the season. Shortly after that we found ourselves being driven down a windy, dirt road! Then out of nowhere but what should appear...THIS

Montereggioni!!!! Seriously! A medievil town surrounded by a wall and 14 towers! It was like taking a trip back in time. We had a wonderful lunch at Piccolo Castello. There was a wonderful little store with gifts and souvenirs. Here are some pics...

The signage for the restaurant.




Christmas tree in the center of the piazza.

Signage for the wine shop.

The walkway around the top of the walls. You can pay to walk all the way up!!!

View from the inside of the town's walls to the Tuscan countryside. This picture doesn't come close to capturing the view. The entrance was obviously made for horse-drawn carriages. I thought we were going to lose our side mirrors when we drove in.