Our European Adventure: San Gimignano, Volterra

Tuscany is one of my favorite regions in the world, though I'm sure many people say that. Amazing food, some of the best wine in the world, and hilltop towns with medieval towers and astonishing views stretching literally for miles!

From our home base just outside of Lucca, Volterra and San Gimignano are about an hour and a half drive away. The are also about 30 minutes apart so it makes for a nice out and back trip. Since we had never been to Volterra before we decided to make it the first stop of the day.

The view from our parking spot - even the car could enjoy the scenery!

Fountain outside the city walls, Volterra

Porta All'arco, the Etruscan arch

Porta All'acro from outside the city walls

City Hall

Notice the parallel lines below the three multi-colored flags at the bottom right.
It represents the local "standard" measurement used within the market.

The girls exploring

We were there on a Saturday so we got to see "market day"

Two girls ready for lunch!

Child #1 being fed

Child #2 being fed

Children plotting the rest of the day post lunch!

Roman Amphitheater

Olivia learning about Rome, and really wanting to walk on the wall!

Charlotte less enthusiastic about the height

Someone should probably tell them they've gone to far, wouldn't be me though

Volterra Rooftops

We still like our chario....I mean stroller

Medici Fortress

Apparently the Medici's had a playground

City Hall from the Medici Fortress

Having thoroughly enjoyed our time in Volterra we had just enough time to make our way to San Gimignano. Amanda and visited this town with my family about 20 years ago so our trip this time was more of a refresher for us...and Gelato hunt for the girls!