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Today was quite a treat; first we got to sleep in. The weather was beautiful and clear with a slight breeze. We boarded our coach to visit a winery at the Verrazzano Castle. We had an unexpected side trip to the American WWII cemetery located close by. We were actually back in America for about 30 minutes. It was beautifully landscaped and the sight of it was quite moving. Our next stop was the winery. What a spectacular view! I walked around in "photo heaven" as every view was worthy of a picture. Our guide Gino (another one) took us on a tour of the wine cellars and explained the process to us. We were then given a lesson in wine tasting and a wonderful meal of pasta, bread, salad, beans, and pork. Every one was "happy" with the wine tasting. Most of us made purchases and began trying to figure out how to bring home our treasures. They also manufactured some very tasty olive oil. I'm bringing back two bottles. Our next stop was Sienna, the site of the Palio, a very intense horse race held twice a year. It was a picturesque town with many shops and lots of gelatto. I finally had my first gelatto and it was well worth waiting for. We then journeyed back to our great hotel for some R & R. Tomorrow we head back to Roma. It is hard to believe that our tour is almost over. Hopefully you will be reading this before we return. The Internet service still gives me a lot of frustration. I know you are patiently waiting for our pictures and I will do my best to catch you up in Roma.

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The American WWII Cemetery was a very moving site.

 

This is one of the monuments built for the American soldiers who lost their lives fighting for their country.

 

We took time for a group photo at the memorial.

 

The landscape at the cemetery was impeccable.

 

A view from the Verrazzano Castle.

 

The scenery at the Castle was beautiful.

 

Time to strike a pose before the wine tasting.

 

We all  listen to our wine master Gino.

 

He explains the finer points of the Castle to us.

 

Once again, the Italians have a way with flowers.

 

Breathtaking scenery abounds.

 

We wind our way down through the cellars.

 

Gino explains the differences among the different wines.

 

So much wine, so little time.

 

Now we get a lesson on wine tasting.

 

I think we have the hang of it now.

 

Okay, perhaps we tasted a little too much wine.

 

I also become a little bored with all the sleeping.

 

This is the Piazza Del Campo where the Palio is run.

 

Some enjoy their lunch overlooking the Piazza.

 

We all wait for Roberto to guide us back to the bus. No one wants to be left behind.

 

Our fearless leader looks out for us all.