Another sunny day and breakfast outside in our hotels little courtyard.

We had wanted to get o good view of the city by going up one of the towers. It was closed. (Probably due to covid. Seems to be one of the strictest places on covid rules that we have been to so far. A few things we encountered on the stay here just didn’t make any sense.)

Renting a car in Italy. A new experience for us! Renting the car in Lucca made the transition of driving in a new country easier than starting out in a big city. A blue Fiat 500 luxury with clear windows and black wheels, manual and not atomatic. Not what Jeff was wanting! He was wanting a Minni Fiat 500.

*Our ugly blue fish bowl…but oh the memories this ride would make with us!*

Got to take what you can get when there are no other options!

The Italians enjoy taking there time eating and the trains may be delayed. One thing we have learned is their driving is the opposite. They really drive quite fast. Roads here in Italy tend to be a bit tighter with not as much room. Jeff driving a manual and trying to keep up with them… Well I am a copilot most of the time giving out directions, speed limits, please slow downs, and trying to remain relaxed while we keep up with the rest of the folks.

I am glad we got full coverage on our car! Are first bad encounter was a hail storm while going down the auto strata. Hard to see at times and the pounding hail on the car was quite loud! We survived.

*A rain and hailed storm shortly after driving off the rental lot…kinda humorous after we were through it*

Stopping at the roadside quickstop we enjoyed a salad and a coke for lunch.

*A nice lite lunch in one of the amazing Quickstops along the AutoStrata highway….and yes an espresso to*

The last of our journey was curvy country roads and the last few kilometers was gravel. Arriving to the cutest country, boutique hotel Lupaia in the heart of Tuscany countryside.

A great country villa making us feel at home quickly.

*Lupaia…the most charming, prestine Tuscan Villa…Mandy’s favorite!*

We enjoyed our evening and dinner. A good dinner that took time.

*The old stable makes a great dining room!*

We were amazed at how many Americans were here. One couple ( from Florida) had seen us in Manarola and we both ended up the same place in Tuscany! Another couple was from Nashville, TN. Also a friendly respectful French couple with the cutest little boy.

It’s always interesting the hear the different languages in Europe. At Lupaia we heard French, German, Italian, the different English accents, British, American ans I think some Australian as well. A diverse group but impressive how we are all so alike. We all have our own ideas and ways of doing things. However we can earn so much from each other if we have an open mind to new ideas, food etc…!

*The heated pool works great even when it’s raining and cool…*

*A view of the hilltop town Montepulciano…we had a great view of this old majestic hilltop from our room. In the coming days we would visit this town…it’s beautiful!*

Cheers to all hope you have a happy day!

Let us know you thoughts, questions or suggestions.

Email: Contact@dustyduffel.com

Tuscany Hills Are Calling, Prego!

Small Hilltop Towns, Natural Hotspring, Tutti Bene!

Ciao Manarola, Buongiorno Lucca