We started from Florence, headed east to Castelina, explored San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, southward to Sienna, then to San Quirico d’Orcia, Pienza, Montepulciano… On the way, we stop at small town or village for breaks. They all have their unique charm, but unmistakably Tuscany.
Florence
I took enough Art History classes in my college days to become a huge fan of Florence. One of the highlights of this trip was the moment I lay my eyes on Florence Cathedral (Duomo). The cheer grande scale, intricate facade patterns, the amount of details going into making this monumental building. I was silence for lack of words, and truly humbled been present of something so great. A testimonial of the brilliance of the past.
We only had a day to explore and it was just not enough time.
Castellina in Chianti
Popular stops for motorcycle travelers. Later I found out the Tuscany region in general is popular among motorcyclists, cyclists, and well, just about anybody.
San Gimignano
Like all the towns we visited, we had to climb a hill to get to. San Gimignano was buzzing with tourists. The stone paved streets spreading out from the town center were packed with people. We did find peace and quiet near the wall, away from town center.
This is the home of the famous World Champion Ice Cream. I had some, and thought was just okay. Ktula found his beloved salami sold in a meat store. He inhaled the salty meat in minutes.
Sienna
I’m not sure how to articulate my impression of Sienna. Sienna’s past of prosperity turned hardship when plaque hit the city and kill 1/3 of population kept hanging on to me. The Siena we visited was ancient, but so alive with people, noises, boutique stores, and countless restaurants.
A noticeable portion of men in Siena seemed to have good fashion sense. Whether they were in suit or casual attire, they look good!
San Quirico d’Orcia
An interesting mix of tourism and residential area. According to our guide Ben, people live in San Quirico d’Orcia work and commute to nearby big cities. That explained a lots of well maintenanced, up-scale communities just outside the ancient wall of San Quirico d’Orcia. We got to enjoy the history of this ancient town, and also the convenience of modern grocery store serving the residents.
Pienza
What a charming little place – stunning view of neighboring fields, delightful wooden door surrounded by potted plants, balcony embraced by vines and flowers, beautifully decayed wall, friendly face peeking out of a window… How can you not love a place when every corner there were surprises await.
Bagno Vignoni
Not far from San Quirico d’Orcia was this small hot spring town. The thermal waters was used for healing and relaxation since the Roman period. The pool is now surrounded by snack bars, restaurants, hotels and gift shop.
Poppy Fields and more
As hard as we tried to capture Tuscany countryside with our camera, photos don’t come close to witnessing the beauty in person. In many cases, there was no one else but us and the breathtaking scenic. It’s a very personal moment with nature. Something of a luxury for city folks such as yours truly.
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Pisa
I didn’t like Pisa. Largely have to do with the fact we came close to become the victims of 2 pick pocket attempts. First incident happened to me. We were getting off a crowded bus at train station. I sensed a girl stood very close behind me. Subconsciously I looked down and saw a hand reaching into my handbag. My handbag was unzipped at the time. I couldn’t tell if it was unzipped to start with. Nothing seemed to be missing in my bag. Then minutes later, a woman with a child tried on ktula’s backpack. She was following us so closely, she stepped on ktula’s sandals at one of the traffic stops. When ktula sensed something fishy was going on, he turned his backback to the front and noticed the zipper was already half open. Once again we got lucky. Nothing seemed to be missing from his bag. But this experience left a bad taste throughout the time we spent in Pisa.
I’m sure Pisa is charming in its own way. But walking amongst Duomo, between crowded visitors and souvenir vendors, I couldn’t help but miss the quiet towns we so often stop by during our cycling route.
I knew I wanted to one day visit Tuscany but I didn’t know it was going to be on a bike. And I would sweat so much and came home with a injured knee, and yet loving it and wanting more. On the flight departing from Pisa, I looked down and find even the last glimpse of the land, it was pretty beyond words.
Living in the Seattle area, Smelly is a user experience designer by day, a running, cycling, gardening type of girl when she wasn't wearing the designer hat.
