Day 8 Siena to Citta di Castello 73 Miles

"Every time I see an adult on a bicycle I no longer despair for the future of the human race."

H.G. Wells

We looked back on Siena. All of us wanted to come back.

  

 Massive fields of wheat.

To see route click on link -  Interactive google map

This will open a new window where you can zoom in and also click on parts of overall route to view different days.

Waves

 Brew stop in a campervan park just below Asciano.

One way to get around. Less appealing than two wheels, but I'm biased.

Asciano was one of many medieval towns visited...

...today with a market.

The police seem to have really swish police stations.

 The circus was in town.

Wheat fields everywhere. Needed for pasta and ciabatta I guess.

The roads in Tuscany and Umbria were better. We sped along, except for some rude climbs and waiting for a couple of trains.

San with his fab new bike.

We stopped briefly for a coffee after a steep climb.

A very steep cobble section prior to lunch in Castiglion Fiorentino

Then a steady climb out of this town for almost 4 miles.

Olive trees were abundant

Roads and towns seemed to be build high up.

Despite what felt like a Herculean >20% climb towards another walled town, most of the afternoon were descents.

At one point two of us followed the scent  for a fine coffee shop and took a minor detour up to another walled village.

A lovely tree-line small square at the summit with café...

...and some friendly locals, Vanessa (American artist and Buddhist), her husband, John who owned a nearby art dealership and their visiting friend, Oki, a street artist from Bali.

We fell into many discussions including a world bike trip...

The evening light was sumptuous.

Arriving at our destination of Citta di Castello we found ourselves in another warren of narrow streets, fine squares and an ancient cathedral.

John and Vanessa primed us to visit the 'Ice Cream Laboratory'!

Our accommodation, Antica Canonica, a fifteenth century building was home to the canons of the cathedral. Our room was an apartment with 3 floors, huge old wooden beams and great views over the town.

The residence adjoined the cathedral and included old murals.

Main corridor of Antica Canonica.

Inscription above our door.

Beautiful wood.

Evening finished with a fabulous metre long veggie pizza. Had to bring some home in a doggie bag.

Still had room for ice cream at 'The Laboratory' of course.

See the label on the super chic tea available at the Laboratory.

Chocolate and coconut flavours with toffee-flavoured molten chocolate on top. Mmmmm...

All for £1.50!