Gracciano dell’Elsa and Monteriggioni

Gracciano dell’Elsa

Another good weather forecast and a shorter walk saw us in a relaxed state as we left San Gimignano. There were two possible routes today depending on the assigned accommodation. Both routes started in woodlands and across rural pathways. We had two more snake encounters, of the same variety as previous. I'd been enjoying the rustle of lizards retreating through the leaf litter, but now I'm less nonchalant knowing that snakes are part of the equation.

Leaving San Gimignano

Late in the day we also came across a couple of "fluffy rats" that have now been identified by their Italian name: Nutria. An introduced species (for their skins) with no natural predators and considered a pest.

 Today's route

Vicki paying her respects at an Etruscan gravesite (inhabitants of ancient Italy)

Things went slightly pear shaped when we arrived at our destination because it wasn't. A bit of confusion from our trip documents. Another hours walk saw us tucked up in comfortable accommodation having completed a day of greater magnitude than our mental preparation.

Monteriggioni

Because yesterday was longer than expected, today is shorter than expected. The weather is currently set on repeat, so all very good for walking. Beautiful woodlands and rural pathways once more.

Our destination is another walled medieval township on a hill. We stopped at an ancient Abbey along the way and visited the associated museum. It's astonishing how long inhabitants have been in this area.. Neanderthals even.

A feast of photo ops on the way

Vicki is starting to look the part

Dress-ups on offer at the museum 

Monteriggione