Day 9 - Siena

We had a short drive today; Siena is barely an hour away from Florence on a beautiful Tuscan road. It is another walled city, on a hill, that doesn't allow cars. It has a casual, easy-to-enjoy feel to it. As you walk leisurely through the quaint alleys, you don't notice the strain of the hills. The black and white striped duomo stands tall above the city.

We started with the central piazza, Il Campo - where they hold the famed Palio (horse race). We found a perfect spot at Bar Paninoteca San Paolo, a pub with outdoor seating that overlooks the square. We relaxed, ate and people-watched, soaking in our new location.

A delicious Guiness later, we crossed the square to climb Italy's second highest bell tower. It is 505 steps to the top of the Torre del Mangia. It was hardly crowded and the narrow spiral staircase leading to the various platforms was quite enjoyable. The view from the top of Siena and its surrounding green country-side is unequalled!

More rest was in order, so we plopped down, like many others, on the inviting floor of the square. It was tilted at a comforting angle that, in the brilliant sunlight, was as relaxing as the beach!

Onwards to see the Duomo- enjoyed by most for its spectacular marble mosaic floor, but I liked it for its contrasting colors and the fact that its art decor is all intact.

We stopped at Pasticcerie Nannini to try their famous panforte - a rich, chewy concoction of nuts, honey and candied fruit. I liked it! Greg chose another, more subtle treat.

We had a quiet picnic sunset dinner on the hotel's balcony overlooking the city and Duomo. We are staying at Albergo Bernini. It is thankfully our last night of having a bathroom down the public hallway.