Walking in Europe

A lovely two day walk (but hot) through the UNESCO Villa Medicea through fields and olive groves, then a 2500 ft ascent to the old convent at Mt Senario.

Starting early from our campsite at San Piero a Sieve we started climbing almost immediately through a picturesque lane lined with Italian cypress trees up to the Trebbio Castle, a UNESCO heritage walled castle of the Medici family, one of the founding and ruling families of Florence, Tuscany and leaders of the renaissance movement in Italian art and science in the 15th century. Tours were not open, so we wandered along the trail through the compound then out into the rolling olive groves still operating and growing heritage olives. Then up and up still through oak, pine, and juniper Southeast for what seemed a very hot steady climb 🥵 (894m) to the old Convento di Monte Senario for a much needed rest in the shade and popsicle at the little store. From there, down to the main road and to our wonderful B and B run by Lucia in her house near Bivigliano where we had a cold shower, nap and amazing family style meal with other hikers, all Italian. Not much English spoken, but a lot of fun and great food! 19.5 kms

Today we started early from the hostel and walked down the paved road then out across fields toward Fiesole. Today was the first day that Florence hove into view. It looks beautiful from a distance with the massive dome of the Florence Cathedral marking the skyline. We walked over the high point at Monte Fanna and the down the trail and secondary road into Fiesole where are camped at a nice campground for the night. 14 kms. We had time to do a laundry! Onto Florence and trails end tomorrow!

Assorted sound files

Birdsong, cicadas, Sant’Agatha bells, Convent bells