Check out David’s awesome pictures from the Best of Italy and Essence of Italy tours on the Exploring Europe Facebook page and on Instagram. Keep reading to find out more about our third destination.

Volterra

Volterra is my favorite Tuscan hill town and the perfect place for a visit.  Not too big, not too crowded, and certainly not loaded with tacky tourist shops, it is authentic in every way.  It is a beautiful town surrounded by ancient fortifications, guarded by an impressive fortress, and perched high on a hill overlooking the fertile fields of western Tuscany. Visiting here tends to make you forget about touring and focus on settling into the laid-back lifestyle of the local folks.

It’s hard not to “go local” with a visit to the market or a stop at the neighborhood bar to knock down an espresso.  Engage in conversation with the shopkeepers and get lost wandering the narrow, cobbled streets.  On the town square, enjoy a crisp glass of wine at a café. Then hang out for the late afternoon passeggiata where everyone gets out to visit.  Finally, enjoy a tasty dining experience featuring some of the best restaurants in Tuscany. Embrace Volterra and experience la dolce vita!

Volterra has a long history, dating back to the Neolithic Age. To learn more about this hill town, what to see and do, my favorite wine bar and favorite restaurant, click here.

Want to join David in Volterra? Sign up for one of our tours to Italy: Best of Italy, Essence of Italy or Tuscan Villa Vacation. All 2020 tours are currently $100 off.

Reminder: 2020 Calendar Photo Submissions

Send us your best Exploring Europe photo. If we select your photo for next year’s calendar, you will receive $100 off your next Exploring Europe vacation. The deadline to submit photos is October 1, 2019.

 

 

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