Medieval Villages

We set the alarm for this morning so we are not begging for breakfast at 10AM.

Today we really got off the beaten tourist track and visited 6 tiny medieval villages. Rarely did we see another person today, more cats than people. These villages are all still inhabited, but everyone was either sleeping, or away for the winter. 

These villages are more in the mountains, so lots of beautiful views. Going up to the top was tiny little road that it was hard to believe 2 cars needed to share, I wasn’t very impressed when we met other cars. 

On the way back to Montecatini we took a different route that was much better. The villages were all in the Pistoia Mountains, Calamecca, Crespole, Lanciole, Piteglio, Popiglio and Cutigliano. I can just imagine how busy it is in the summer, or when ski season starts, absolutely a gorgeous area.

There are very few places open, but we did find a little pizzeria for lunch. We split a huge margarita pizza, and Andre had a big beer, total 8.00 Euro. Get out of the cities and it is very affordable. 

Calamecca:

Crespole:

Lanciole:

Piteglio:

Popiglio:

Cutigliano:

Family Coats of Arms on this building in the town

We also happened across a suspension bridge today that was built in the 1920’s so that workers could cut off miles of walking to get from one town to another for work. We thought of Diane when we were here, no way would she have done it! There were so many parking spaces here, and the bridge had a sign that only 80 people were allowed on it at once. We were the only car there, had the place all to ourselves.

Back to the hotel just after dark. Had a spritz in the hotel bar and spoke to the bartender some more, everyone is so very friendly here. They say we are not the typical tourists with what we are doing. 

I know I want through this closed area by car, hoping a ticket doesn't arrive in the mail some time over the next year.

Supper in the square tonight at a really nice restaurant that was in an old house that had different rooms set up for dining. We were sitting alone in a little hallway, but it was still really nice. 

Took a long time to order and pay the bill, but it was fun to see the waiters in action, it was so busy here.

Monday 16,500 steps, lots of KM on the car