A trip in Maremma: Talamone, Orbetello and Capalbio Marina

Today I bring to you in three beautiful places that are located in the Grosseto Maremma: Talamone, Orbetello and "Capalbio Marina". The first stop was Talamone. We arrive at the harbor, where easily found parking (both blue lines, then a fee, both with white stripes and therefore free). After the usual photos to panorama, with the island of Giglio in the background, we arrive at a crossroads: on the one hand, the viewpoint and the other walls with a door to enter the old town: we decide to go to the lookout outside the walls, but found nothing different from other cars when viewed from the harbor. So we are reaching the door, noting that it seems that has been opened very recently. The walls were also being restored and then covered for much of the scaffolding (the bartender for one of several local café told us that the work going on since last summer). Talamone knew that was destroyed during the war and so we knew we would find almost all new homes. So we walked briskly on the door and we got to Piazza Garibaldi Garibaldi: we found them, dare I say "of course", a bust of Garibaldi and a church fenced (another thing being restored). We went running toward the castle, along a staircase very cute, short and to those "made of stones" (pass the word ... let's say that not one of those steps "modern" retains its charm in short). From there we could enjoy a different scenery and enchanting really deserved some pictures. So we left for Orbetello, with the intention of stopping there to eat. Arrived in the long lagoon of Orbetello we parked the car and we sat there with our sandwiches. If you do not want to sit right next to the water there are also several benches (even in sunlight, if you want to add the feed the sun). The place is very quiet and beautiful, there are games for children and a purpose to bring the dogs (just on Saturdays from 06 to 15 the weekly market and therefore can not access them by car. With the car we passed the "front door" in the old country. The center itself is a pedestrian, quind you leave the car out (there are many free and paid parking is: if you arrive during peak hours there's sure to find parking. Inside you will find small but charming streets, shops, cafes with outdoor seating, restaurants and many other things for your enjoyment. If you have kids, you can get them in the cooler hours in the park that exists between the true center and port in the wall: you'll recognize it because it's really big and there are also games for their enjoyment. We headed quickly toward "Capalbio Marina", which is between Capalbio and Ansedonia, in the village of Playa peat. The choice was not random: they went to sea when a child, I spent about a month's holiday in Tuscany. There was wind and we then repaired the dunes: every so often, however, we left the cool fresh breeze as the sun was hot! After a good hour of sun and tranquility, given that we were just across the beach, we returned to the car. We arrived to the Tarot Garden, but given the amount of people outside (a couple of schools quite numerous) we decided, at least this time, skip the tour. We took the wrong road, but we ended up down a small dirt road always immersed in the green (greener than you can imagine). So, back on the Aurelia, we have taken the direction of Rome.

A trip to Gubbio (Umbria, Italia)

We left the car in "piazza dei 40 martiri", where there are also some nice shady gardens for those who want to sit and stay cool (especially in summer). The church of San Francesco was closed, so we "jumped" the visit. After a stop at the bar on the "portico delle Logge dei Tiratori"(arcade of the Lodges of shooters), built in 1603, we began to delve into the streets of the country and we made a stop at the Church of St. John (XIII century). So we took the elevator and got up on the Piazza Grande, where the "palazzo dei Consoli" is, (It is now a museum. The price of the standard ticket is of 5 euro and the discounted is € 2.5) and, right there in front, there is the Praetorian Palace. This square is very particular: it is squared and has a very nice overlooking on the Umbrian hills. We take the elevator for the second time and we come to the gardens of the cathedral and then to the Cathedral ("Cathedral of Saints Marian and James"). We look in the Civic Museum just for a moment (5€ for the standard ticket and € 2.5 for the discounted one), but we avoid the visit So we arrived to the city walls and the port of St. Ubaldo. At this point there is a choice you have to made: get to the Basilica of St. Ubaldo embarking on a path that would take you half an hour away (at least, unless you're more than trained) or go back and take the cable car (ticket: 5 € ). We are back to take it (the journey will take you about 10 minutes away). Once you reach the top you will find two bars / pizzerias. So we get to the Basilica of St. Ubaldo, a beautiful basilica, a must - visit. Near the altar there are the remains of the saint and in one of the side aisle there are the candles of the famous race of the candles. You can get here by car, follow the signs. Leaving the basilica we can not avoid stopping to admire the view, and especially the one of Gubbio: the city has a completely different charm. There are also many other things to see, many small churches to visit and glimpses which draw our attention. Unfortunately, we did not have more time and we came away: but surely, sooner or later, we'll be back to visit all that we have not seen. I leave you, as usual, a few photos. (Here is the link to the set on flickr with all the photos)