Roma/Firenze/Montaione 
Day Five:
Sunday September 27, 2015

Arrivederci Roma

Sad to say goodbye to our lovely apartment and even sadder to bid farewell to the amazing city of Rome. Clearly four days was insufficient time to experience all this amazing city has to offer. We have no choice but to return.

Took a cab to the train station, a short ride away, and validated our Euro rail passes. Back in Canada we had bought a five day pass, good for any five days of travel within a thirty day period.  We chose to upgrade to the fast train to Florence for 10 Euro more per person, a trip of one hour and ten minutes instead of over three hours.

The four of us struggled to decipher the Italian words flashing on the giant overhead screens, trying to decide platform our train was leaving from. Convinced that we had it figured out, we stood waiting on platform 5, for a train that the LED signs informed us would be twenty minutes late, only to discover, many minutes later, that we were on the wrong platform. Our train was leaving from the next platform over, and was already loaded ready to leave. After a frantic run, dragging our suitcases behind us and dodging passengers over rough pathways, we managed to board the train. 

A note to would be train passengers. Get there early. When you arrive as the train is about to leave the station, all the spots for luggage are already taken. It was a bit of a struggle to find a spot to store our bags but still we managed, and made it to our seats before the train departed.

Comfortable seats and a great view out of the window made the trip a breeze. I was surprised at the speed the train travelled, especially uphill. The overhead screen announced that we were travelling at 248 km per hour! 

The trip from Rome to Venice involved a great deal of uphill climbing through numerous tunnels. My popping ears paid testament to the elevation. The scenic beauty rolling past my window was a visual delight, or at least what I could see of it at the speed we were travelling. lol

Firenze

We arrived at the Santa Maria Novella train station, in the centre of the old city. A short walk took us to the garage where our rental car awaited.

Tim upgraded us to a Volkswagen Passat, in an attempt to accommodate all of our luggage. The cars in Italy, in most of Europe for that matter, are much smaller than what we are accustomed to in North America. It was a good decision as this upgraded car came with a GPS, an addition which can be quite expensive.

We did not linger in Firenze, hoping to get to our final destination of Montaione before nightfall. A good decision as the hour long trip was a little intense.

If you plan on driving in Tuscany, please, get a GPS. The roads are narrow, winding, and unpredictable.

 Montaione

Our trip to Montaione involved a few too many hairpin turns and switchbacks for my comfort. Our trusty GPS got us safely to our town, which was nestled on top of a hill surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Stunningly beautiful, if a bit isolated. The town of 4000 personne was surprisingly sophisticated with some lovely shops displaying leather products, absolutely gorgeous clothing, and of course, the requisite wine shops and cafes.

Borgo La Casccia

Our apartment at Borgo La Casaccia, Via della Rocche, Montaione, was wonderful. Francesco Pellegrini, our host and the owner of the property, met us as we arrived just as the sun was setting. We had rented a lovely two bedroom apartment in a complex that included 12 separate apartments. At just under 700 Euro for our 10 day stay, it was a fabulous deal.

 
Our view as the sun was setting. Our apartment faces the "Panoramic Terrace where we have the perfect spot to view the setting sun each evening.

Our apartment

Our apartment consists of two large bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen, eating area and small sitting room, a beautiful outside eating area with a spectacular view, two pools, a multilayered terrace, and a wine cellar with wine for purchase. Stunning.

We stopped at the local grocery store and picked up supplies for dinner. Vino, insalata, and of course, pasta. Whipped up a tasty supper in no time, the kitchen was well supplied with all cooking utensils, but no condiments. If you are renting a place through VRBO or some other agency, be prepared to pick up salt and pepper, oil and vinegar, butter and other essentials at a local market before heading home to cook. 

Our bedroom was lovely and cool, a breeze blowing in from the the open window kept the room at the perfect temperature for sleeping. But just in case, I had the fan provided by our host plugged in at the ready, right by my side of the bed. Tim had a wool blanket on his side.