Thursday, 27 September 2018

SEPTEMBER 2018 : ITALY : VIA DI FRANCESCO : DAY 1 : Florence - Pontassieve. 24kms (6 hours)


Day 1 : Florence to Pontessieve : 24 km - 6 hours

13o  this morning with a cool breeze but very warm in the afternoon, mid to late 20s, when we appreciated any shade.





We have a detailed guide book and the guide book app which we have added to our Maps.me app. Today if we were unsure of the directions or we were off track, we just checked with our mobile, off-line, and we could immediately see if we were heading in the right direction.


Leaving Ostello Europa


We left through some streets of stately homes


Soon we were climbing and had views back to Florence



The blue and yellow markers are our waymarkers but they were few and far between


Off a track, on to a stairway and into a village square 



Spectacular views all day 


Beautiful Tuscan villas and laneways



Off a gravel track and around a chapel and this lovely scene


Walking down into Settignano


We walked along the Arno River


Lunch en route at a friendly pop up cafe in Sieci



Before heading up hill, by a little Franciscan shrine


From olive groves to wine growing areas


Then along a ridge and down into Pontessieve


Our B&B, Toscani da Sempre (€66 for a double room)


Beautiful artwork


Courtyard 


Restaurant downstairs 


Mark had a tender rabbit and mushroom dish


First day. Completo. What a start just fabulous countryside - it was everything Tuscany is meant to be! We survived well - Mark was magnificent with only minor tiredness in his knees and I had a few twinges but nothing life threatening. This is a walk to savour, no need to race. Plenty of food and coffee stops available.
A wonderful introduction!
M&M

1 comment:

Julie said...

I am green with envy. We should be there. The blog wonderful. Well done both of you .