Monday, 10 May 2010

Went for a walk around the lake in light rain. Breakfast at the hotel then headed south about 10.30am following the lake, then onto the autostrada via Verona, Bologna and south, exiting past Florence, and west to San Gimignano. Weather now fine and temperature above 20C for the first time on our trip. Walked around and had a coffee - it is a lovely old town but a victim of its own charm as there were too many Australian tourists, among a few thousand of other nationalities. Headed for nearby Siena with no idea of where to stay. Drove through the old city without finding a park then back up through the hills in the outskirts and back into the centre to a parking station. Took our hand luggage and walked up the cobbled streets looking for somewhere to stay. We were in a university area with no real sign of tourist life and with the time after 7.30pm things were starting to look a bit grim - were there any hotels at all within the walls of the old city? Stubbled across a "pension" - Palazzo Ravizza - which turned out to be a charming, old (naturally) hotel with a fabulous garden overlooking the Tuscan hills - great for a drink in the evening (it does not get dark until after 9.00pm). That is two out of two for not booking in advance - hope our luck holds. Walked down the narrow streets towards the Duomo. Siena has a great "lived in" feel and is described at "Italy's most perfect medieval city". Dinner at Le Campane - wild boar stew and Tuscan red - great.