The sun-soaked hill towns of central Italy
is what to many is the quintessential Italian experience:
sun-dried tomatoes, homemade pasta,
wispy cypress-line driveways following desolate ridge
to fortified 16^th century farmhouse, atmospheric enoteche
serving famously tasty wines, and dusty old-timers warming
the same bench day after day… -Rick Steves

An hour south of Siena, this slice of splendor—which seems
to specialize in views and wine—is a highlight,
particularly for drivers. With an astonishing diversity
of towns, villages, abbeys, wineries,
countryside restaurants and accommodations,
all set within jaw-dropping scenery… -Rick Steves

We discovered Tuscany from the starting point of Siena, shooting out spokes of hour drives in all directions.
Walled hilltowns, narrow streets, abundantly worthy restaurants for lunch, fields of crops and vineyards,
hillsides of olive trees greeted us each day. And mostly excellent weather complemented the sights and sounds and smells.
The national language was heard everywhere but English is common in the more touristy areas.

typical streetscapes: the steeps climbs of Cortona; entry into Montepulciano; looking ahead to the towers of San Gimignano

appetizer of three chef's specials

appetizer in Radda in the Chianti Hills

the main piazza in Cortona; the wishing well in San Gimignano's main piazza; elevation from one street to the upper one in Montepulciano

David, of course, in Florence; more street scenes: imposing doors in Montepulciano; the Baptistry doors in Florence

three cheeses with honey and walnuts appetizer in Radda in Chianti Hills; an excellent antipasto in Montepulciano

sliced pork and spinach flan, pork livers in Montepulciano; window shopping in Montepulciano; a boar festival in Radda in Chianti Hills

our lunch spot in Cortona--Osteria del Teatro: off street steps into restaurant, dining room, women's bathroom

on the spot shoe making in Montepulciano

repairing a tile roof in Volterra, as seen from top of City Tower

Volterra scenes: the 2500 year old Etruscan arch; Roman ruins; the City Tower Don and Tim climbed (see photo above)

Florence scenes: the magnificent Duomo; the renowned Ponte Vecchio; a street artist

Lucca's impegnable defensive wall from outside; same wall on top (great cycling path); sign of the Medici

a white, dust-laden alabaster workshop in Volterra; crucifix scene in Volterra; street art in Cortona

Chianti Hills scenes: the view from Castello Brolio; delightful open door lunch in Radda; one of the gates of Monteriggioni--a well preserved town

cemetery in valley below Montepulciano walls

steep street in Montalcino

Judy pondering the local transportation options in Montepulciano

festival band day, with a rather young drummer

decorative art in Volterra