Tuscan Treasures Tour: Day 4

Sunday, June 9: Alabaster and Towers

We had an 8:30am departure today and headed off to visit two charming hillside towns. The nearly two-hour drive to Volterra was curvy (and hilly, of course). Volterra is known for its Etruscan heritage and its alabaster industry. We didn't have a local guide today for any part of the tour. Instead, P pointed out some highlights of the town and provided some suggestions about what to see and explore. Mr. E, L, and I headed off to view the ruins of the Roman theatre, which also provided a great panoramic view over the surrounding area. 

Then we strolled over to the nearby alabaster factory, where Mr. E and I made a few purchases. Seeing how the items are made and learning about the four types of natural alabaster was quite interesting. L sat on a bench outside the shop and ended up chatting with the elderly factory owner, who was very friendly and welcoming.

We made our way back to the main square, where Mr. E and L paused for some refreshments while I headed off to wander around a bit more on my own, taking in all of the architecture and views and charming windy streets. 

Eventually, I rejoined Mr. E and L, who were enjoying their beverages at a cafe in the main square. A sudden and unexpected thunderstorm didn't last too long, and luckily the cafe seating was covered by a large tent. Phew!

Our drive to San Gimignano, famous for its towers and Vernaccia (white) wine, took about 45 minutes. Mr. E and L decided to join the group for lunch at a restaurant that serves the local boar specialty, but I wasn't hungry so decided to go explore on my own. I ended up climbing two of the town's remaining towers, including one that is now re-purposed as a holiday rental. Not sure I'd want to stay there, but it was pretty interesting to see how the tower has been cut up into various small rooms on multiple levels.

I decided to skip the line at the "World's Best Gelato" shop and instead got some sorbetto at a little bar near the restaurant where the group had lunch so that I could meet up with Mr. E and L. Since Mr. E wanted some time to explore the town, L and I settled in at a different restaurant, just outside the town's walls, that had an amazing view over the surrounding valley. I was able to try a flight of the Vernaccia di San Gimignano and really enjoyed all three of the wines. We'll have to see if we can purchase any of this special DOCG white wine in Sac.

Dinner was back at our hotel, and at a reasonable time. I enjoyed some amazing fish carpaccio as an alternative to the standard meat entree.