Livorno, Italy

Our next Med port was Livorno. This is the closest port to Florence and Pisa. Since we had visited Pisa previously, we decided to travel into the Tuscany area for a wine tasting.

As we were leaving the ship, we saw window after window with towel animals in them.

On our way to Tuscany, we passed by an old water viaduct that had been split in two for the roadway.

The leaning tower of Pisa is not the only tower that leans in Italy.

As we leave the highway and begin our travel in Tuscany, through medieval towns.

As we get to the winery, we have to pass under this railroad bridge.

We are visiting Fattoria Il Poggio, which is in Northern Tuscany near Montecarlo di Lucca (Pinocchio’s birthplace).

After a short walk, we get to the winery.

We are taken on a walk to the vineyards for an explanation of how the vines are maintained and the grapes are picked. Notice this old water fountain.

This is just one of their vineyards.

This is one of the owners and he talks about his vines and the grapes they have.

We get a chance to taste seven different wines from the vineyard. We are told that their operation is small and if they produced more wine, then they would not be entitled to receive the coveted awards they are entitled to because of their size.

Each bottle of wine was explained and we were taught how to actually taste wine. After the wine tasting (with snacks) we visited the cellar where they store some of their wine.

We were told that we would be greeted by a big dog named Oscar. He did greet us and by the time we were ready to leave he was wore out. Rexie is 5’2” and this dog was as long as she is tall. But he was extremely friendly, but the heat had him down.

On the walk back to the bus, we had a perfect picture of the tree-lined lawn with the railroad bridge in the background.

 On the ride back, we were thrilled with the sunset. By the way, everyone was in a good mood for the trip back.

I must be off!