We had our own mini-bus and driver today to take us a short distance from Florence to the Chianti countryside. Our first stop was not as successful as we had expected - you'll see why in the photos! The small town of Greve was nice and we met Giovanni Verrazzano standing in the piazza who has a direct connection with Southport. He was the first European on record to sail into the mouth of the Cape Fear River there in 1524. We visited his birthplace - the 800 plus year old castle and grounds that is now the delightful Verrazzano Winery. Lunch was unbelievably wonderful with generous samples of five of their wines along with great food. The feast lasted almost three hours and it was hard to push back from the table but we managed. A really, really good time was had by all ! More later . . .
Many more pics here: