Flowers line the paths at Villa Cicolina

Thursday, May 11 – Driving through the Val d’ Orcia finding gems of peace & beauty

Rose trees line both sides of the walkway to the parking area

What a beautiful day!  The weather has been supurb and we’re early enough in the tourist season that things are not crowded.  We had breakfast in the Villa’s restaurant room.  Very casual clientele here – most in jeans or shorts.  We talked about options for today and decided to go see the Abbey di Sant’Antimo.  It’s such a pleasure walking around the Villa, as the flowers are profuse and fragrant.  Just posting a few photos from breakfast and of the flowers for a warm up before I get to the main activities of the day.

Fresh bowls of flowers on every table at breakfast - the roses are so fragrant

The Villa's restaurant serves as the breakfast room

Fresh fruit, natural juices, locally made marmalade and flavors of honey - all tempting treats

The outside of the restaurant - literally covered in pink, red and white roses

Il Pozzo - the well - in the morning sunlight