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Tuscany 2006

I would like to thank all those who participated in our Tuscany II tour in September... We entertained two different groups totaling 48 great Airline employees, their family and friends. As in any area where there is a Castle- (I've never seen one in a City), the transportation left a little to be desired, but we worked things out during the second week.

Most of us visited Rome for 3 or 4 days prior to the Tuscany tour and enjoyed the usual sites- St. Peter's Basilica, Trevi fountain, Spanish steps etc., then, it was off to Grosseto by train for our stay at the beautiful Castel Porrona. The accommodation was amazing as everyone stayed in a Junior or full suite in this renovated 12th. Century Castle.

On our arrival we were treated to a Welcome wine, cheese and pizza party that we won't soon forget... Sergio, the manager, had many bottles of Montecuco (the local wine of the Maremma area) and the cheeses were amazing. The day after arrival took us to the winery/vineyards of Montelcino were the famous 'Brunello' is grown. After a tour of the process, we had lunch at the Vineyard which included the tasting of the actual Brunello wine. After lunch we continued on to Siena, home of the popular 'Palio' (the racing of the horses) which dates back to 1150AD. Siena is a beautiful city with its gigantic Piazza surrounded by boutiques, shops and markets. Saturnia was our next stop along the way to see the Roman baths... Then it was on to Pienza and finally the St. Antimo Abbey. I have to say, we had one busload of tired people on our return to the Castel about 2100 hrs.

During the next few days we enjoyed the various beauty spots around Tuscany- some of us went to Pisa, while others visited San Gimignano and beautiful Lucca. A group even went out to the Island of Elba where Nepoleon was banished and eventually buried.

Thursday of the week was Market Day in Grosseto where fantastic bargains in clothing, shoes, cheeses and and lots of wine were purchased.

On friday, our last day at the Castel Porrona, we held our Pool Party and 'Coronation' where. on our first week, we crowned Herman & Elaine Barriffe (YYZ) as King and Queen of the Castel (they are both 80 years young, and, as a matter of fact, led the way for everyone on our walking tours). At the pool party during the second week we crowned Stephane Vezina, (YOW) as King, and Marilyn Gartley, (Buffalo) as Queen. For the most part, everyone had a wonderful two weeks- we maxed-out on culture, wine, scenery and parties.

During the second week, my wife and I took a two-day trip to Venice, which was totally awesome! We stayed at a lovely place just outside of Venice and took the train into the City where we caught the Water bus to St. Marc's Square. Again, the shopping was amazing and, if you want to talk about romance, try a trip down the many canals in one of the many Gondolas. Even the Water bus was an experience and only cost 10 Euros for the two of us.

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Tuscany 2006


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