42. Lost in Tuscany

We set off in the morning, bidding Florence “arrivederci and good riddance!” after a gruelling few days, and head towards the rolling countryside of Tuscany. The itinerary for today is a tight one;

10.00: Depart Florence
10.00 – 11.00: Drive…
11.00 – 12.00: San Gimignano
12.00 – 13.00: Drive…
13.00 – 15.00: Siena
15.00 – 17.30: Drive…
17.30: Arrive Rome

One might even say it’s a disaster waiting to happen, but we’re optimistic and starry-eyed and nothing is going to get in our way today! Or so it seemed…

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41. Five Reasons why Florence is like Highschool

Florence, like highschool has long been a hub of culture, history, art, and finance. You’re supposed to emerge a changed person; worldlier, more cultivated, richer in the soul.

But after spending three nights in this popular city, I felt no different. More tired and frustrated for sure – and OK, we certainly had a little fun – but did it all add up to a life-changing experience?

Not really. Every morning we woke up and mulled over whether we should get out and give it another chance, or whether we should stay in bed, or perhaps blow it off completely and find some other city in Tuscany to while away our time in. I’m glad we committed to her, but in the end, it was merely a landmark in our lives to be ticked off the list. Much like highschool.

You’re probably scoffing at me right now, but read our experiences below before you come to your own verdict.

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38. The Best of Cinque Terre

Where in the world can you throw snowballs on top of a mountain pass AND visit the sweltering Mediterranean beaches in one day? Italy, that’s where!

After driving an epic 585km from the Stelvio Pass, through the Swiss Alps, (regrettably) past Verona, and down onto the Italian Riviera, we arrive finally at Riomaggiore – the first of the Cinque Terre, or “Five Villages”.

in the pursuit of | Riomaggiore

View of Riomaggiore from the ferry.

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