Nycer

Day 12: Girls: Prada; Guys: Montalcino. We decided that a split itinerary would be in order for the day. The women headed off to do some outlet shopping at Prada. As many of the posters have mentioned, Prada is not easy to find. The hard part is figuring out where it is once you get to Montevarchi. It is not on the main road and the factory does have anything on the outside to indicate that it is the Prada factory outlet, none whatsoever. The bags that they give you say “SPACE” and that’s it. We finally get there and I am thrilled! I was expecting a dumpy outlet store with disorganized bins of clothing that I would have to comb through. Instead it was pristine, organized, with fittings rooms to boot. The Outlet also had Helmut Lang and Jil Sander clothing as well. There are a lot of buys to be had, but you really have to look hard. I also found that in general, it was much easier to find smaller sizes. After about an hour and ½ of hard looking, I came away with two purchases. One purchase I consider the find of the century, a beautiful pair of unusual high black detailed leather boots by Helmet Lang. These would probably retail in the U.S. for about $700. The samples had just come in and there was just one pristine pair, only in my size, with an extra 20% off. After getting the V.A.T. back I ended up paying about $105 for my new gorgeous winter boots. Even my husband agreed that this was a pretty good deal. Everyone was very envious, but I’m sure they were just happy for me, but sad for themselves. <BR><BR>After our shopping trip we headed back home and then decided to visit Borgo San Felice. A Relais & Chateaux Property not too far from our villa. It was a beautiful drive to the Borgo San Felice. The property is charming with freestanding rooms on a hill overlooking the Chianti countryside. We went to their Enotecca where we tasted some of their outstanding 1997 Chianti Riserva. We purchased several bottles and also tasted some olive oil with sliced bread. The olive oil was also excellent, so incredibly strong. You would never put this in a pan. This is pure dipping olive oil. I purchased some for gifts and headed back to the villa. <BR><BR>The men meanwhile, were having a great time in Montalcino. They explored the town and walked around the edge of the fortress. They began tasting wines in the Enotecca located in the Fortress and then headed down in search of a particular winery. They end up stumbling upon some vineyard workers having lunch and in their limited (I mean really limited) Italian communicate that they want to taste some wine. The owner then indicates that he has not tasting facilities, but he will open up several bottles in the small kitchen that is now the tasting room. It is great, they love it, and they purchase several bottles. They head to COOP for dinner groceries and they get home. I ask them what winery it was and of course they don’t remember and even asking my husband again, he still doesn’t remember. Meanwhile, we drank all the wine in Tuscany so we may never be able to find out to which winery they had this tasting until we go back to Montalcino and find it again. <BR><BR>After meeting again at the villa, we prepare for a BBQ on our outdoor grill. We considered making a real wood fire BBQ, but we didn’t want to spend all day tending to the fire, so the guys purchased some carbone, or charcoal. We have a wonderful meal of grilled Tuscan steak, caprese salad, cold cuts, and lots of brunello. <BR>

kiki

Hi NYCer,<BR><BR>Thanks so much for all of your detailed info, and glad that you liked my postings too.<BR><BR>Do you have info on how to arrange the Scavi tour that you did in Rome, cost per person, etc. ?<BR><BR>Thanks!<BR>Kiki