There are only 14 - of over 70 - medieval towers left in San Gimignano but you can see the town sticking up atop a hill from a long way off. The towers, some higher than 50m were built by noble families as signs of wealth and power. These days it's super touristy but still lovely. On any trip through Italy visiting a few hilltop towns is obligatory anyway. Vernaccia di San Gimignano, the local white wine is another draw card.
The vineyards and countryside in this area are very pretty.
On Monday we arrived early at the campsite in Siena to secure a spot. Here's another one of our favourite little cities. Watching life go by from a cafe table on Piazza del Campo at Aperitivo hour is wonderful.
They're all touristy so on Tuesday evening, we were lucky to find San Paolo Pub had 3 tiny tables squeezed onto a very small balcony one floor up.
Since 1701, the Palio de Siena, a traditional horse race has been run around this piazza twice a year. Stepping off the beaten path we found Osteria Permalico, reasonably priced. I had the best Gnocchi di Ricotta here.
We are settling into vanlife again. Neil streamed the epic Nadal vs Djokovic French Open Quarter final match on the laptop, so I was up until after 1am watching. Go Rafa!
Tuscany has lots of great wine but none quite so esteemed as Brunello di Montelchino.
Lunch with a wine tasting at Il Giardini.
Wine tasting at Enoteca Di Piazza Di Fedolfi Andrea where you dispense what you fancy with a card and settle your bill at the end.
Simple camping at Tenuta Croce di Mezzo and another wine tasting at the farm.
And the best dinner at the wonderful and local L'arte dei Semplici restaurant 100m from the campsite.
This is why I travel off the beaten track.
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