Tags
Bagni di Lucca, Buonamico, ceramics, florence, italy, Lucca, Montecarlo, Photography, Province of Lucca, Puccini arte, travel, tuscan hills, Tuscany, vineyards, Winery
Almost every day in Italy for me is a wow day. Montecarlo was no exception, it was definitely a WOW day. That is, Montecarlo in Tuscany.
So once again, in our little Fiat 500 we headed off early one morning to Montecarlo. It is only about 45 minute drive so it was an easy drive on a glorious day. We stopped along the way at Buonamico Winery for coffee where they made us real Italian “wake you up in an instant” espresso, on the house. Not sure why they did not charge us, but they sure made us welcome.
Montecarlo is a commune in the Province of Lucca in the Italian region Tuscany, located about 50 kilometres (31 mi) west of Florence and about 12 kilometres (7 mi) east of Lucca.
Montecarlo is a hilltop village perched above the surrounding olive groves and vineyards, with thick stone walls and a fortress dating back to 1333
The town was originally founded in 1333 by the future Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV. It is a sleepy little town with a very small population. Montecarlo is mainly known for its wine, and there is plenty of it! The town is surrounded by vineyards that produce excellent quality wines.
Although we had our own car and drove to Montecarlo it is also very easy to reach the town by bus. There are several buses that leave for Montecarlo from Florence and Lucca each day at regular intervals. There are also quite a lot of buses which reach the town from other smaller towns in the province like Altopascio, Pescia, Porcari and Caponnari. Buses are usually very comfortable and regular and the tickets are easily available even in peak tourist seasons.
As we arrived to this picture perfect little town with its cobblestone streets we were struck by the beauty of it.
We wandered around inside the walls of this sleepy little village popping in to little shops and chatting with the proprietors. We spent time in this gorgeous little ceramic shop, Puccini Arte and chatted with the artist. I could not resist buying one of his lovely little tiles for my kitchen.
We stopped by a little enotecca where we sampled some of the local produce and of course could not leave without buying some of the cheeses and cold meats.
We happened upon a wine shop where they were having a very lively wine tasting so we joined in.
Lunch was at one of the very nice little restaurants in the town.
After several hours in this truly delightful and peaceful town we headed off back to Lucca and then later “home”
ps one of the nicest things about Montecarlo, is there are not many tourists.
Your right WOW is an acurate description. What a beautiful place and in glorious wine country. You did not mention how many bottles of vino you bought ha ha.
Cant wait to see the beautiful tile that you bought. x x x
Thanx Donna, Love to show you the tile. We enjoyed lots and lots of fabulous wine the entire time we were in Italy. Always drank the local wine which was also perfect.
On Fri, Aug 29, 2014 at 7:46 AM, Travelling Italy with Lyn wrote:
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Yes,amazing! Must have been a delightful day out….sigh! x
Thanx Mary, not only delightful but super easy for the driver, me
On Fri, Aug 29, 2014 at 8:59 AM, Travelling Italy with Lyn wrote:
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Looks as good as its namesake. Add it to the list. gg
Thanx Gail glad you like
On Fri, Aug 29, 2014 at 9:23 AM, Travelling Italy with Lyn wrote:
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What a lovely town and a great post :) Lyn I thought it was the other Monte Carlo..Italy has such similar villages all over but every village has its own history, a soul…despite being so alike!! Loved your buy :)
Thank you for your lovely comment. It is good to hear from you
On Fri, Aug 29, 2014 at 12:00 PM, Travelling Italy with Lyn wrote:
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What a wonderful town. Thank you so much for the introduction. I love learning about new place, and now this one is on my list of “must visit.” Grazie!
Thank you Adri, I love sharing these places – hence the blog
On Fri, Aug 29, 2014 at 12:55 PM, Travelling Italy with Lyn wrote:
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Another gorgeous place, with lovely food and wine..Kay
Yes Kay, Italy is full of these beautiful places
On Fri, Aug 29, 2014 at 3:18 PM, Travelling Italy with Lyn wrote:
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Hi Lyn
Your blog arrived just in time. We are off to Florence tomorrow on the red train (Italo) – in prima class. We went first class for the leather seats, free wifi, newspaper, drinks and food. It was just a few euros extra each so we are looking forward to it. Things are so cheap over here aren’t they!!
I have lots to talk about with you when I get back!!!
Just love Italy and can see why you love it also so much. At the moment I am in my pyjamas at 2.00 pm and doing some work (for a change). Danielle and I have rented this apartment off Valentina who is a 30 year old architect for 6 days and we are about 8 minutes’ walk from St Peter’s Square, on the second floor with the typical green door entrance from the street with a big key. I am looking out my big window over the river and watching people job and walk by. What a place to do your work. Very much feel lie staying on until money is gone and credit cards are maxed as I feel so free. We have also done our share of sight seeing but prefer to travel like a local on the buses and trains.
I want to work out a way where I can visit more places from my past and not get bogged down by work. I am sure there is a way.
See you when I get back.
XXCarmel
Hi Carmel, I am delighted to hear that you are loving Italy. Not surprised tho. Just let me know where you are and I will come over and max out my credit cards with you. I cannot wait to hear all about your trip. Let me know when you get back xx
On Sat, Aug 30, 2014 at 10:10 PM, Travelling Italy with Lyn wrote:
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Double wow I say.!! Looks so gorgeous. Love wine country:-) xx
Yes Leah, double wow, beautiful Tuscan hills
Looks divine! Good to catch up !!
Thanx Catherine, it is divine
We have been to Buonamico several times – way before their luxurious update a few years ago. Lovely people, great wine, and super location. Also really enjoy visiting Montecarlo…thanks for the trip to Italy today! LOL!
Thanx for dropping by my blog. The entire area is breathtaking. I can hardly wait to return Lyn
On Mon, Sep 1, 2014 at 6:03 AM, Travelling Italy with Lyn wrote:
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This looks lovely. The photography and writing is fantastic too! I shall keep it in mind as inspiration for my own work! (I’m new to this blogging stuff)
Thanks Nicole. I have been blogging for 2 years but I still feel like a beginner. I am learning all the time and really enjoying it. Good luck Lyn