Italy Day 5 – Tuscany
Today was an early start so we could get ahead of the crowds and we headed to San Gimignano, a world heritage site that once was the “Manhattan of Italy”.
It was a Center where taxes on goods were paid. Towers were the name of the game here! 72 Towers once stood on the site and monuments to Wealth and Power- no Trump tower existed 😉 . Only 14 remain as a testament to the skill of the builders in the 12th century.
Crazy twisty roads on the way there and we were successful in getting parking and ahead of the masses.
We explored the ancient walled city and had some Gelato and saw the crowds building.
We were headed back to the cars and gave up our 11 parking spots for an organized lunch and a great place at the bottom of the hill.
Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Charcoal grilled steak-2 inches thick…so amazing!
After lunch more twisty roads to a spectacular winery for some tastings.
An avid Miata enthusiast and Underground Miata Network member.
Today we started in the Tuscany region and traveled cross-country on our way back to Rome. About an hour into the journey, we stopped for our first bio-break when a message came over the radio: “I think I left my phone at the hotel.” The voice, of course, belonged to the recently underwear-less Tom Montor. […]
Today was another beautiful day. It was 7 degrees when we get up but 29 degrees by Lunch time . We started early today to get ahead of the Labour Day weekend crowds – May 1st is a National Holiday in Italy. As per the norm – we switch cars each day. Today was our […]
April 30, 2026
Driving Tours
We left the Collomedia resort and drove roads better than tail of the dragon! It is better because there is minimal to non-existent traffic. Early start! Today’s roads were unbelievable! Switchbacks and hairpin turns were the order of the day. Nausea was real as cars shifted back and forth with so many turns where the steering wheel […]
April 29, 2026
Driving Tours
Day 3 was a circle route visiting. Leaving the Collomedia resort travelling through Umbria region and the day was filled with amazing routes through spectacular scenery! The Afternoon was spent a local Karting track where the group held Kart racing competition. Ladie’s Cup was won by Bob Gauthier-later disqualified in gender testing 😉 . Suzie made a daring pass […]
April 28, 2026
Driving Tours
Our home for 3 nights is the Abbasia Collemedio Resort. A former Abbey in the Umbria region. Fantastic place with great views and excellent food. We started the day today on a round trip to Castelluccio di Norcia on Mont Vettore. We were gone all day travelling up to 2000 meters and almost up to the snow line. Fantastic, great roads! […]
April 27, 2026
Driving Tours
As excited children are unwrapping a gift, the UMN members were taken by limo from our spectacular Rome Hotel to the Miata Garage and found out what today’s car would be. The cars that we are driving range NA, NB , NC and ND along with a Fiata and a Mercedes convertible. Cars are changed […]
September 13, 2025
Driving Tours
By UMN
Our small group of 6 cars started in Manotick at The Clock Tower. Everyone was early and anxious to get going. So, after some banter we were off to the Boat House Cafe for a great breakfast. We arrived early so it was a perfect opportunity to chatter and take some pics. Then at 10am, […]
September 5, 2025
Driving Tours
Nine cars gathered in Manotick to voyage down and participate in the Watkins Glen Heritage Grand Prix festival. Travelling down secondary roads via Clayton NY to a waterside patio lunch, we dodged rain for a while, before tops up were required. The rain finally ended and one car put their top down before deluge rain […]
July 5, 2025
Driving Tours
By UMN
Seven cars left at 8:40 on the Brockville Reverse route. The weather was excellent for top-down driving. The route went down Ramsayville Road to Mitch Owens and then to intersection where the Swan is located. From there we drove to Spencerville for a stop at the mill, on to Brockville, and a return through North […]
