Bangno Vignoni, Sant'Antimo, Montalcino. 1st September 2011. After a great breakfast the team began their walk at 8.30am. Leaving the beautiful relaxing terme of Bangno Vignoni we followed the Orcia river through some beautiful wooded areas. Lunch was a panini by a shaded area near the river. The walk continued to Pass Ripa, a 15th century castle, we pass many vineyard and olive groves. Lovely stone farm house dot the valley, finally we reach the Abbey of Sant...

Pienze/San Quirico d'Orcia/Bagno Vignoni, 31st August 2011. After a delicious breakfast and let me tell you the breakfasts so far have been excellent. The happy walkers all commenced the walk by 8.15am. Leaving the walls of Pienza our walk took us through the typical 'picture purfect postcard Landscapeof Tuscany. Crested with Cypress trees and stone farm houses. We enter San Quirico d'Orcia for some relief from the heat of the day and enjoy an icy cold drink a...

Montepulciano/Monticchiello/Pienza, 30th August 2012 The walking Adventurers commence their day with a 7.30am breakfast start. The idea was to some how avoid the heat of the day with a early start, but we did not start walking until 8.45am. Leaving Montepulciano we exit the walls of the town and visit the splendid San Biagio Church, consecrated in 1529 and considered to be Antonio da Sangallo's masterpiece. Following waymarks we follow dirt tracks with picture...

Catania/Rome/Chuisi/Montepulciano. 29th August 2011 WOW! Mount Etna puts on a show, she is spurting volcanic ash and lava into the air. What a dramatic start to the day, just for our departure. Francesco and Fiorella take us to the airport and here we bid them goodbye, holding back the tears and knowing that it wouldn't be long before Fiorella and Nuccio would be on the Australian soil soon. We thank them for their wonderful generosity and hospitality as we lea...

Taormina, Teatro Greco, 28th August 2011. Our last day in Sicily. Fiorella and Nuccio took Peter and I on a day trip to Taormina. Of course we start the day with a Granita and briosch, but better still we got ripped off at 10 Euros each! Ouch! We enjoyed a walk along the main drag, window shopping and it is very much Tourist driven and prices are trippled! Beware of being ripped off! Finally reaching Teatro Greco we enjoy some time exploring this wonderful anc...