A Day Off

Today is at our leisure to do what we want.

I am up before anyone and sitting outside in the garden with my cup of tea.

this is what I have been waking up to every morning.

What a gorgeous day. After a leisurely breakfast with everyone we were left to our own devices.

Siobhan, Jodie, Jean, Justine and myself decided to do the big walk up the mountain behind the villa to the convent so off we set.

The climb was very steep up to the gate to get us out of the property and onto the road.

The views were spectacular. A beautiful day with not a cloud in the sky and we could see all the way back to Lucca

As I said a very steep climb and we came around the corner to the sign that pointed us in the direction of the convent

I had a massage booked at 12 so decided to head back with Jean but the other 3 girls went on only to discover there was a sign saying dogs which deterred them somewhat.

I found out later that it is no longer a convent and was bought many years ago by a German who now uses it as his home.

It was massage and chill out time and once that was done it was straight into the pool for a swim as it was a very warm day.

We had a light lunch at the villa and we were all picked up to be taken to San Martino which was an olive oil farm and winery.

Giuseppe met us at the cellar door and took us on a tour of the vineyard which sits on the side of the hill overlooking Lucca in the distance

Giuseppe explained that he and his wife lived here and his wife was 3rd generation owners. In 300 years there had only been 2 owners.

They had a donkey

Their house was a villa that went back so far all the furniture in the house and paintings were originals and the whole place was heritage listed

The gardens were beautiful and the house amazing.

Nothing was damaged during the war as they were given protection from the nazis and all troops

We were then taken down to the ground floor kitchen which was original and still used with its huge stove

We then were seated and Giuseppe gave us a talk and wine tasting with a taste of his olive oil as well. Absolutely delicious

He told us how all his olive trees were over 300 years old and he got 1 litre of olive oil from each tree.

His wines were all biodynamic and organic and he planted and did all his work in the vines by the lunar calendar. Very interesting.

The wines were delicious and so naturally we were then taken to the cellar door to purchase goodies.

He only produces 700 litres of wine per harvest as only a very small winery.

It was then back in the cars and back to our villa for aperitifs and nibbles

And then another sumptuous meal from our lovely Fiorenza.

So another day comes to an end. We are back on our bikes tomorrow for another scenic trip through this beautiful countryside.

Until then

Buona notte