Modena (Tuscany) Italy

Modena is about an hour by car from Tabiano.  This smaller medieval city is known for being the birthplace of Lucian Pavarotti, where Balsamic Vinegar originated and of course, the Ferrari museum.

Ducal Palace of Modena

Modena has some stunning architecture, the Ducal Palace of Modena is a great example of this local architecture and now housing a military facility. The centre and old part of town is beautiful to experience, the local food and craft markets lined the streets and being a Saturday all the locals were out for a walk and meeting up for a coffee, which cost less than 2 euros, less than other cities we had visited. Modena is a city not frequented but hordes of tourist as its neighbouring large cities such as Bologna and Parma are more sort after, but it has charm and is becoming well known for its culinary expertise.

Enzo Ferrari Museum

Modena is also well known for the Enzo Ferrari Museum a place you don't want to miss if you're into any cars at all.  Although the entry isn't cheap, I would say it's worth it. You can discover Ferrari and Maserati's intertwined history through the years at the museum. How it began for Enzo Ferrari and his love of cars to how he started the Ferrari empire.

 Modena is easy to get to, has great undercover car parking and small enough to see most of it in a day. Experience the cuisine, people watch, stop for a coffee in the piazza, enjoy the architecture and if you're fortunate to arrive on a Saturday, go and check out the markets, both the open-air craft market and the food market where you can grab a bite to eat and enjoy some fresh produce.

Tuscany - Antico Borgo Di Tabiano Castello

Staying in places like this make travelling an awesome adventure. Antico Borgo Di Tabiano Castello, via Tabiano Castello 4, 43030 Tabiano, Italia.

Antico Borgo Di Tabiano Castello

Our room was on the top floor of this lovely castle. As the property is an original old castle there was no lift (something we were getting use too!) The gardener/jack-of-all-trades assisted us with our luggage to our room. Our room was quite spacious and enjoyed a lovely view across the countryside, through cute low-line period windows with original wooden shutters.

View from our window

The Property boasts an outdoor pool which is set behind the Spa building, which again takes in a lovely view. The Spa has a Turkish bath, and has a long list of treatments available for the guests. I managed to enjoy a 1/2hr massage and it relieved all the aches & pains of travelling. It has a lovely restaurant that features rustic styled and regional cuisine. There is also an independently run Locanda that serves local fare on the property, if you want an alternative.

The property and restaurant.

The staff we're very friendly and helpful with the ins and outs of our stay and what to do in this area.
The castle sits high on the hill on its own, as most castles do but we we're an hours drive from Modena and close to Parma. The reception desk issued great travel maps and brochures of the available activities in area.

The Verdict. This beautiful castle allows you to get away from the major cities after a exploring during the day or taking some time out between cities. I would certainly recommend a stay here and enjoying the facilities as well eating at the restaurant to taste some regional food.

Visiting the Chianti region

Siena is a central Tuscan city with a fan shaped piazza - Piazza del Campo where all roads seem to lead. It's not as busy as the major cities but still has numerous tourists. The history of the city with its medieval brick buildings and the Palazzo Pubblico which dominates the piazza is well worth visiting.
It still has a medieval feel to the city and you can still get a sense of what it must have been like to live there in those times.
The symbol of Siena is the she-wolf that suckles the two infants, it is rumoured that the 2 sons of Remus stole that statue after their father was killed in Rome and ran to Siena. They were also said to have ridden a white & a black horse thus having Siena's flag with the white and black band.

Castello Di Verrazzano is a stunning winery in Greve, the heart of chianti country between Siena and Florence. The castle is over 1000 years old and still holds all its land. It has been recorded since 1150 as making wine. Held in the same family until 1958 when the last descendant passed away.

The wine tour is excellent, the information on the history of the castle and how the wine is made, following regional rules and historic traditions is wonderfully told by your tour guide. After the tour though the wine producing area and the cellars you are invited to learn the techniques of wine tasting.

This tour and winery is a definite must do and if you have time book the restaurant and enjoy the views and wine as well.

Antica Macelleria Falorni, Greve is a treat to your taste buds. If you want to taste some of the local cold meats and cheeses this well know butcher/deli is the place to go.  You can sit outside in the piazza or inside the store and enjoy a number of delicious options. We chose two different tasting boards to sample with of course a glass of Chianti classico, which proved to be as good as its reputation. Enjoying the beautiful afternoon will indulging in local produce proved to be a must on our list.

We were fortunate to be in Greve on the weekend of the wine-tasting & competition amongst the local Chianti region winemakers. The D.O.C.G (is the highest classification for Italian wines. It denotes controlled production methods and guaranteed wine quality) was judging the competition. 

A great way to sample the local wines amongst the many, many enthusiasts that attended.

This area was one of the highlights of this trip for me and I will return to explore the region more.

Tuscany - Chianti region.

Our Stay in the Tuscan Chianti region, was at a lovely Villa Il Pioggiale Dimora Storica via Empolese 69,San Casciano in Val Di Pesa.  Just 15kms outside of Florence this lovely historic villa is set in the rolling hills of Tuscany with a gorgeous views across it's estate.

   

The property is beautiful, it features a pool and spectacular scenery to sit, relax and enjoy after visiting the nearby cities like Siena or Florence. The outside area for the restaurant has a beautiful view across the valley. In the warmer months the outdoor area is used for both breakfast & lunch.

The Villa prefers to use its own produce for their restaurant and the produce has so much flavour it is has your taste buds dancing. The grape tomatos were so sweet, they could have been candies. The local region's produce is also utilised in their meals. They have a more rustic styled cuisine typical of the local region. They also have local wines and the Chianti Classico's on their list were delightful. 

The rooms are quite spacious and ours boasted a kitchenette in a multi level room, although we had views of the courtyard, the rooms proved to be very comfortable. 

The main salon is decorated of the period and well maintained. The Villa has little extras like a honour system bar.  The only draw back was their isn't a lift, so if you happen to have one of the rooms in the higher levels bringing your luggage up can be taxing. Fortunately I know how to pack well & light as it's part of my what I teach.

The Verdict, if you want to stay in the heart of the chianti region without being to far from the major cities, enjoy great local produce and wines while relaxing over spectacular views. I would definitely recommend this Villa. Just remember to travel light!

   

Isola D'Elba Italy

The car we rented at the airport was a black Alfa Giulietta diesel. Diesel are the most economical and are driven by most Europeans. We left our castle and headed to the coast line.

The Isle of Elba is an island of the coast of Mainland Italy. During the 10 months of Napoleons brief exile, he left behind a significant heritage. He may have been exiled there but he was still the sovereign of Elba.

The island is a tourist mecca during summer with Italians and other nationalities frequenting it's lovely coast line and enjoying the beach life. It has a mild climate year round and is the 3rd largest Tuscan Island.

Elba is accessible by ferry and the drive from Rome took about an hour . The ferry crossing starts at Piombino and can take between 1/2 - 1 hr depending on the sea conditions. There are plenty of places to buy your ticket for the crossing but it can be quite expensive. For us  - 2 passenger and our car it was around €150 return.  Our trip to Elba was quite windy but nonetheless a pleasant trip across.

Ferry ride across to Portoferrario

We chose to stay at Hermitage Hotel localita Biodola S7037 Portoferraio. With its own private beach. We had breakfast included but found out at arrival they did half Pensione. A great option as dinner is 3 course plus buffet salad and dessert. Well worth the extra €42 per night.

We enjoyed the outdoor restaurant with views over the pool and the ocean at lunch. There were choices from wood oven pizza to 3 course meals. I must say we never had a bad meal, it was all delicious typically Italian fare...a joy to the tastebuds.

The wood fired Italian pizza's were delicious!

Our room was very spacious with a balcony overlooking the sea and beach.

The beach at Hotel Hermitage is a stretch of white sand, with clear blue water. Surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrellas. This Hermitage resort included the use of lounge chairs if you stayed there. Further along the beach there were lounge chairs to rent or if you can find a spot somewhere, to put down your towel.

Being there in September, we were at the tail end of the season so although they were quite busy, it's not as crowded as peak season (July/August). Although they have many long weekenders till the end of October.

Portoferraio the Iron Port, began its boom during the exile of Napoleon when he made Elba a territory fit for an Emperor.  Elba became one of the largest iron mills exporting to the mainland.
Portoferrario has a great history and its a melting pot of cultures due to the migration of wealthy people during Napoleons reign. The Port area itself is a step back in time especially in the old city and the museums and its all well worth a see.

What I enjoyed seeing in Rome

Sight seeing

If visiting Rome you have a number of areas to sight see. I personally loved the ruins. To see the way buildings were built and their design, and being able to see the way things worked in these buildings, gives you an insight into life in ancient times.  I love this and for me it's a wonderful experience.

It's amazes me how the ruins are all below ground and have to be dug out. Did they build on top of other buildings or does time build up the soil and cover the buildings?  Apparently it was both, Roman architects ripped of roofs and filled in buildings to make strong foundations for their next building, also over 2500 years silt gathered and rose the ground level.

Some other places to visit. 

Piazza Venezia is a stunning building, it's sad that it's surrounded by a high fence but once inside the fence it's a beautiful building to see, but don't try and sit on the steps! They'll let you know in no uncertain terms that that's unacceptable!

Piazza Venezia

But if you do want to sit on some steps try the Spanish Steps, that is if you can find them under the sea of people sitting there. To get there you can go along Via Condotti where all the luxury brand shops are all gathered.

Spanish Steps

                    

The Trevi fountain was under renovations during our visit. The $2 million renovation is being funded by Fendi, and the Trevi fountain will be re-opening soon. If you were wondering about what happened to all the coins thrown in the Trevi, the coins are collected every night and monies go to charities.

Although I love Rome city the amount of tourists can be ridiculous...it's not a restful city but it is a city not to be missed. The history alone is a marvel and to stand where most of our ancestry began, or where the conquerors came from that acquired an such an extensive empire, is completely fascinating.

Panoramic views of Rome Skyline from Villa Borghese

                       

Castello Della Castelluccia - Rome Italy

If you want to stay out of the hustle & bustle of Rome but be within 20 minutes driving distance to the CBD here is the place for you.

Castello Della Castelluccia Via Carlo Cavina 40, La Giustiniana.  This former castle is set in the Parco di Veio nature reserve and the free shuttle drops you off at Giustiniana station for an easy ride to Rome CBD.

The Room we received was very Italian with a lovely mural, columns and a steam bath...the steam room/spa-bath was absolutely unreal. Never had one like this before and I only booked a room with spa. We did try it out and it was like being in a roman spa of yesteryear.

The Grounds are extensive, well manicured, that has an orchard. The products grown are used in their restaurant, especially at breakfast.  There is also a 25 metre pool at the bottom of the garden with lounge chairs and a kiosk that serves a good selection of food & beverages.

The Restaurant was open for lunch and dinner and served lovely Italian dishes accompanied by a good selection of Italian wines. The food was of a high standard and you had the choice of indoors or outdoors under the canopy of luscious tress or umbrellas. Outdoor tables over looked the extensive gardens and was a lovely way to relax and enjoy the afternoon or have a romantic dinner.

The Buffet for breakfast featured several cereals as well as cold meats & cheeses, scrambled eggs & sausage or bacon, fresh fruit and a selection of italian cakes. Of course not to forget a large selection of bread,butter & jams. Coffee was anyway you desired it and thoroughly Italian.

The Verdict, I would recommend a stay here if you have seen Rome before and wished to stay nearby so you could pop in the CBD. 

Best if you have a car as there's not a lot around that's walking distance, although the pizzeria restaurant just up the road is a great place to eat for good local fare. 

Appia Torre Horse riding - Rome Italy

APPIAN WAY  and VILLA DEI QUINTILI - Rome Italy

Wanting to escape the heat and people in Rome, we discovered that there was horse riding tours approximately 10kms from the centre of Rome.  We booked a 2 hour tour and enjoyed the ride through history among the cool leafy tree lined road that dates back 2400 years. 
When they say all roads lead to Rome this is the one where it all began.

  

The Ride 
As stated on their website 'This walk sets out from the stables and follows the ancient Appian Way, lined with Roman monuments on both side of the road and eventually, just beyond the 5th milestone, reaches the magnificent remains of an immense Roman villa built by two wealthy brothers, the Quintilis, in the time of Hadrian.
The villa, with its thermal baths, private aqueduct and hippodrome was so fabulous that the emperor of the time, emperor Commodus, was envious and had the Quintili brothers put to death and took the villa for himself!' 

   (Tony & I out on our ride)

The Ruins 
After we rode around the perimeters of the villa on our horses, I incidently rode a lovely 17 Hand high white horse called 'White' ( rather obvious naming) the other was a lovely mare named 'Zorro' (not sure who named these horses but they were well kept, and trained) you detour on horseback from the villa, through the nearby BASALTO quarries on the way home.
These quarries, which they jokingly call “Little Grand Canyon” are actually where, 2000 years ago, the slaves obtained the rocks to cut the cobbles used to pave Appian Way. The deep passageway has also become a refuge for many species of birds and small animals, especially goats and can become a litlle lake during the winter months.

     

The Verdict 

The most enjoyable way to see ruins, and spend a couple of hours, stress free away form the hordes of people in Rome. 

You can book from 1 hour to 1/2 days including lunch riding tours, with levels from beginners to experienced. This riding tour has only been running since April 2015 but it is well done and becoming quite popular.

If you would love to try this go to www.ridingancientrome.it 

Aldrovandi Villa Borghese - Leading Hotel of the World - Rome, Italy

The stunning hotel Aldrovandi Villa Borghese, Leading Hotel of the World Via Ulisse Aldrovandi 15, Roma

This lovely hotel is in a quieter part of Rome, next to Villa Borghese, a lovely manicured park that is enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. It's a great place to escape Rome's oppressive Summer heat, with its leafy trees. Wallking through the park will take you to the top of the Spanish steps in around 15 minutes, it's a lovely walk through the park, which boast some great historic buildings.

The hotel also offers free shuttle to the Spanish steps every half hour.

At the Aldrovandi hotel they have 3 eating areas. A dedicated breakfast room, that has an exceptional buffett. It includes both hot & cold items. Eggs can be cooked to your liking and ordered with numerous accompliments or just have the scrambled eggs & italian sausages from the bain maries.

Sparking wine is also on offer for that special breakfast. The fruit is fresh with variety and good quality.

The Grill is serves both from a room behind the bar or from the pool area on certain days of the week.

The menu is good and we couldn't fault the food.

One of the master's of haute cuisine Oliver Glowig opened his eponymous restaurant at Adrovandi Villa Borghese. After having been celebrated in Capri, Oliver Glowig arrived on the scene of the eternal city. Chef Oliver Glowig received the recognition of two Michelin stars in 2011 also in Rome. Now he is bringing his talents to Aldronvandi.

There are a number of different styled rooms from your double rooms to junior suites and penthouse suites, depending on your budget. Even the base room is large and has a generous bathroom. The rooms are comfortable, with old world charm.

Our stay was relaxing and stress free away from the hustle of Rome's major tourist areas, yet close enough to walk to if required. The Pool, fitness area and Spa are an added bonus in a major city like Rome. The staff were friendly, polite and very helpful. I would recomend this hotel if you want luxury, and some quiet after a day in Rome with all the hustle & bustle of Rome's never ending visitors.