Chianti Country

We started the day with a run - it was hard going with the sun beating down on us but a great way to pick up some colour! With the Hotel package there was a trip to the spa included. Neil gracefully declined, ;-) but I gave it a go! Lots of "wine therapy" the most beneficial I think was the actual glass of wine I received! We headed out by car to explore Chianti Country. First stop Gaiole in Chianti where it was really warm as we walked around. Most of the shops were closed with the heat of the day. Next stop Badia A Coltibuono, a winery. Some of their wines are available in Canada so we were somewhat familiar with them. They have a nice gift shop where we picked up a few items. Next stop Radda in Chianti which was bustling with tourists. Awesome views and some great gift shops. We stopped for some Bruscetta and Coffee before heading on to Castellina in Chianti. I found the leather shop that 10 years ago I bought a hand bag at and sure enough on this trip, there was a pair of shoes which I desperately needed! We stopped for a cold drink before driving back to our hotel. The evening was so peaceful and with the temperatures dropping to 25 degrees this evening, we went for a run down the hill and back up with the sun setting on the Tuscan hills...nice! Tonight we enjoyed dinner on the outdoor patio, our waitress was from Quebec City, Canada so we had a good chat...concluding that Canada was a good place to live! Tomorrow we are off to San Gimignano one of the most famous and picturesque towns in Tuscany.