Our last night in Florence was a hoot. We went to the corner American Diner and it was a scene right out of “Happy Days”.

Being the only Americans in the place, they were anxious to please and seemed to really appreciate our two thumbs up on the food.

So the next day we started a new leg of our adventure. A quick walk to the train station for a 1 1/2 hour trip to Siena, and a cab ride to Eurocar, and it was decision time.

Becky was not sure if she really liked red, so we decided on another six speed standard car that also started with an F;

With the help of Google Maps and Becky reading the directions as we went, we headed to Volterra. I only popped the clutch and nearly stalled in one major intersection and made only two wrong turns (both involving roundabouts). It was amazing how calm Becky stayed, talking me back on the right path. What a great partner. So the hour journey that we completed in just under two hours had us arriving at our best accommodations yet.

We pretty much have this four bedroom B&B to ourselves.

We started exploring the ancient walled city of Volterra shortly after our arrival

City scenes and panoramic views more beautiful than the camera can capture.

Wednesday we headed to another walled city that is one of the more popular tourist destinations, San Gimignano. On this thirty minute drive of hilly narrow roads with more switchbacks than I could count, my navigator was not nearly as calm as the day before. Might of had something to do with the encounter with a semi on one of those switchback curves. By the time we arrived in San Gimignano my hands were cramping from gripping the steering wheel so tight. But we made it.

After about an hour we were ready to leave. It was approaching noon so we googled “wine tasting nearby” and were soon off to a vineyard 6 minutes away. That’s when things really started to get fun. From the vineyard we had a great view of San Gimignano.

Due to on and off showers we had to relocate undercover and change views to the olive grove.

For the next two hours, we ate bread with local olive oil and meats, and tasted eight different wines, and had an entertaining lesson on the local grapes and wines from our host, Silvia.

Knowing the drive that was ahead of me, I tasted but Becky finished the glasses for me. My navigator was much more subdued on the drive back.

Back in Volterra, we started using the museum pass we had purchased. Our education in Florence helped us better appreciate our unguided visit to Volterra’s art museum. We also toured the municipal building;

Next it was back to our new favorite bar for a Campari Spritzer and an Aperol Spritzer and a photo with the young lady that takes good care of us.

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And then one of the best dinners so far

So after two great days and a wonderful dinner, I strolled hand in hand with a beautiful woman down the cobblestone street of an ancient walled city, and the thought that kept coming to mind; “it is confirmed, I really am the luckiest man in the world “.