Bob is back with images to prove it.
 

It was only 12 days in Italia---our 17th trip---but it proved to be most succesful.
The weather was perfect, the food was exceptional, and the company was fun.

Here is an overview photo gallery---using the " slideshow "option is best.
A trip report will follow but let me recover first---I am waking at 0400.
http://www.slowphotos.com/photo/show...y.php?cat=4553

Welcome back BTN! Looks like a wonderful trip!

Nice photos.

Hi Bob. Waiting to hear how you liked La Porta near Monticchiello. We are staying near there in August and it is definitely on my list.
Great to see the pictures.

Sher, I'm sure Bob will chime in but I can confirm for you that La Porta is fantastic. The food is exceptional and the views from the patio are unparalleled. Even the inside, if you choose/need to sit there, is really charming. You will not be disappointed.

Bob, what great pictures and right up my alley - I'm planning a trip next year to Liguria and am looking for a rental place in Lerici, while your Tuscany pictures and Monticchiello in particular brought back wonderful memories when we stayed in that lovely hamlet a few years ago. Looking forward to your trip report!

Yes, no question is is a place to not miss. It is popular so I would call Daria before you go--they have a website.

In my trip report I will be featuring 3 good places to eat in south Tuscany that are all in tiny medieval hill towns. I made it a point this trip and was very pleased. The other 2 are in Castelmuzio and San Angelo in Colle. See my pics.

uflecku and Bob. Thanks. How far in advance do you think we need to reserve? There will be eight of us.
Also, since it is so close to the villa and we intend to have lunch before we arrive at the house do you think we can just drop in for lunch. Otherwise I will reserve that also.

very nice, thanks

We only did lunch and it was full on the terrace by 12:30. With 8 I would reserve a week in advance---we had 6 for lunch.

Great photos! Where did you get that soccer shirt (jacket)? I sure would like to get one for a gift for my brother in law.

Very nice photos, Bob! Welcome back. Looking forward to your trip report.

Love the beautiful photos!

Just loverly. Thanks, Bob!

Thanks Bob. For lunch there will only be two of us but dinner is a different matter.

In the "Colors Of Lerici" photo, is that the Cone of Silence? Good stuff, Bob.

((H))

bob - when were you in Porte Ercole? i was in Orbetello from 8-15th May! we had supper in Porte Ercole one night and it looked lovely, but I didn't have a chance to go back.

BEfore I'd planned this trip I'd never heard of the area around Grossetto; now I've fallen in love with it and can't wait to go back.

great photos! can't wait for the TR!
how did you like the apt in Montepulciano: the Politian, right?
we are staying there in October... can't wait!

We stayed in Orbetelo the nite of the 12th--had dinner in Porto Ercole. Just a one niter after landing at FCO.

Yes, we liked the Politian, but we had both apartments. Sharing them with strangers could be a small challenge. Giacomo is very nice and helpful. Be sure to get very detailed drivng directions.

Bob: Always love to see photos from you. You like the same places I do. anxious now for your report, so get some rest and then inform and amuse us! Thanks

Awww. Back so soon!?! Thanks for the pics, and welcome home!

(BTW, that cop is my new boyfriend. My husband understands. Certo!)

Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures, Bob! Your time in Italy was obviously wonderful. And how does Susan stay so beautiful during the trip? Wishing you two many more joyful trips together.

Grazie Loveitaly, Only Estee Lauder knows the secrets.
Not too bad for 73--she is amazing.

wonderful pictures! Looking forward to the narrative!

bob - we were there at the same time, and never knew. we could have had a GTG!

where did you stay in Orbetello?

At the San Biagio Relais--just the one nite.

i must have walked /driven past it several times but never noticed it. is it as nice as the website suggests?

Yes, nice hotel.

Great pictures, Bob!!

The report is now up for those who care.

Wonderful pictures! We were in Lerici years ago in a room with a similar view. Where did you stay in Lerici?

Hotel Florida

Bingo! I thought I recognized that view.

OMG this is heavenly! I'm planning to go to Cinque Terre too! I need help please? Obviously you know so much about Italy. Please help. - Amirah

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-to-venice.cfm

Great pictures. Looking forward to your report.

Stunning pictures! Makes me excited and sad at the same time. I'm sad we won't have more time there. We're not empty nesters yet. While I wouldn't wish away the time we have left with our youngest for anything in the world, at least hubby and I have wonderful things to look forward to. I hope there is a TR to go with these. Going to look!