This jolly uphill street is in Montecarlo, a charming town nestled in the Tuscan Hills.
The quaint historical center is surrounded by small shops and maze of city walls. Once called “Vivinaia,” Montecarlo has nearly 20 wineries — an astonishing number for a small town of 4,500. This serene stop on the Via del Vino is a must for oenophiles.
Montecarlo’s vineyards are open for tastings by appointment. If you’re visiting in May, do not miss ViaVinaria, when lush vineyard cantinas open their doors for the weekend and welcome visitors to sip, savor and explore. Ci vediamo — we’ll see you there!
Butterfly and Boheme
Montecarlo is home to Teatro dei Rassicurati, a favorite haunt of Giacomo Puccini, composer of Madam Butterfly, La Boheme and Tosca. Theater Boy is drawn like a magnet to an afternoon of informal reverie and tour of the lovely historic space.
Dreamy
I bask in a golden corner of Tuscan sun sipping a glass of local vino rosso. When Theater Boy returns, we eat several bowls of savory chips and decide: This is the life. •
Next: Montecatini, Ferrara, Padova, Venice…
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