We awoke to the sounds of drums as the town of Florence was preparing for the La Festa di San Giovanni, their patron saint - St. John the Baptist. From our window we could see colorful groups in traditional dress parading down various streets. The Italians love their saints so we knew there would be more later. After breakfast we boarded the bus and our first stop was the Florence American War Memorial and Cemetery. On the rolling hillside of the cemetery, over 4000 graves are arranged in curved rows honoring those who gave their lives in the Italian campaign of WWII. The memorial building at the top of the hill hosted the names and a magnificent display of mosaics. Surprisingly, remains continue to be discovered across Italy and transported here after research and authentication. Art comes in many forms - this calm and serene memorial touched all of us with a feeling of respect and gratitude.
After another scenic bus ride, we arrived at Castillo di Verrazzano in Tuscany. The vineyard is absolutely beautiful: buildings, wine cellars, gardens and a spectacular view of the Tuscany Wine Country. Our tour guide gave us a good understanding of the grapes grown, the barrels used, and the wine stored until their corks are ready to be popped. Our wine-tasting lunch was delizioso! Five wines (red, white and rose) were paired with salad, pasta, meat, cheese, and biscotti. A first for me was the cheese dipped in the best balsamic vinegar I ever tasted. No pressure to purchase anything but I knew I couldn't leave Italy without that balsamic vinegar. Mouth- wateringley good.
Back in Florence, the holiday festivities were in play. Since La Festa di San Giovanni is a public holiday, some shops were closed and the streets were lined with spectators. In the square we watched the colorful procession of different groups performing in their costumes. Their music serenaded us during our stop for a light meal in the Piazza Santa Maria Novella.
As the sun went down, we observed many people headed to the Orno River to watch the feast day finale -fireworks. But lucky us, we had a grand view from our hotel window as the sky lit up and music floated through the air. Bravo Bravo.
After another scenic bus ride, we arrived at Castillo di Verrazzano in Tuscany. The vineyard is absolutely beautiful: buildings, wine cellars, gardens and a spectacular view of the Tuscany Wine Country. Our tour guide gave us a good understanding of the grapes grown, the barrels used, and the wine stored until their corks are ready to be popped. Our wine-tasting lunch was delizioso! Five wines (red, white and rose) were paired with salad, pasta, meat, cheese, and biscotti. A first for me was the cheese dipped in the best balsamic vinegar I ever tasted. No pressure to purchase anything but I knew I couldn't leave Italy without that balsamic vinegar. Mouth- wateringley good.
Back in Florence, the holiday festivities were in play. Since La Festa di San Giovanni is a public holiday, some shops were closed and the streets were lined with spectators. In the square we watched the colorful procession of different groups performing in their costumes. Their music serenaded us during our stop for a light meal in the Piazza Santa Maria Novella.
As the sun went down, we observed many people headed to the Orno River to watch the feast day finale -fireworks. But lucky us, we had a grand view from our hotel window as the sky lit up and music floated through the air. Bravo Bravo.
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