An early start as we prepare to leave Zafferana, but before we go, Mt Etna puts on a show, Volcanic lets of steam and red lava and ash pro-fuses from her cauldron. What a great way to leave Sicily, but poor Fiorella and Nuncio will not be happy when they return home to find that the ash has left a trail behind all over their property. 

Francesco and Fiorella, accompany us to Catania Airport and through their tears they bid us farewell . Knowing that we will soon be reunited on Australian soil and that we can repay them the same hospitality that they have given us.

After arriving in Rome, Peter and I debate where to leave the Caltagirone Ceramic Head, so as not to take it on our ten day Tuscan Walk. A railway locker would cost us €80, but unfortunately they do not accept weights of over 5 kilos and the ceramic head weighs 7 kilos. The Hotel Widrose will not take responsibility for any items left after 3 days and so given that we are out of options, we have decided to take this head on the journey. Pray to God that it survives and eventually gets to Australia in one piece! 

Peter and I return to the railway station and purchase our ticket to Chuisi, where we meet Adrienne Hodgetts, Ross Walker, Peter Finney and Rob Collins. Boarding the train and then travelling to Chuisi, where we meet and are greeted by Guilia, the director of tour company "Via del Sole" . 

Ross, Peter, Peter Finney, Adrienne and Rob are transferred to the hotel Albergo Mazocco in Montelpuciano, Guilia briefs me on the self guided tour notes whilst we wait for other group members. Netty, Dawn and Katrina finally arrive and are transferred to Montelpuciano. 

Unfortunately with train delays Aunty Mary and Venny were left stranded. Guilia will organise a paid Taxi fare for Aunty Mary and Venny on their arrival to get to Montepulciano. Guilia drives me onto Montepulciano, where I join Peter at our accommodation.

Peter and I decide to explore Montepulciano and Netty joins us as we walk from Porta al Prato through cobbled streets making our way to the top of the mountain. Our attention is captured by the Tower House, adorned with the curious figure of Pu;cinella, striking the hours on the big clock.
 
We eventually find ourselves immersed in the big and beautiful Piazza Grande, the focus of the city . We see the lovely fountain to one side where we find both a lion and griffon, and we feel the unique and evocative atmosphere offered by the plaza surrounded by the Duomo, the Palazzo Comunale, the Palazzo Tarugi and the Palazzo Contucci.

We Continue on to the Fortezza and the Church of Santa Maria dei Servi: from here, we look down and enjoy another the wonderful views Montepulciano has to offer.

Montepulciao is a medieval and Renaissance hill town and comune in the Italian province of Siena in southern Tuscany. It sits high on a 605-metre (1,985 ft) limestone ridge, 13 kilometres (8 mi) east of Pienza 70 kilometres (43 mi) southeast of Siena, 124 kilometres (77 mi) southeast of Florence, and 186 kilometres (116 mi) north of Rome by car.

Montepulciano is a major producer of food and drink. Renowned for its pork, cheese, "Pici" pasta, lentils, and honey, it is known world-wide for its wine . 

 
According to legend, it was founded by the Etruscan King Lars Porsena of Chiusi, recent findings prove that a settlement was already in existence in the 4th-3rd centuries BC. In Roman times it was the seat of a garrison guarding the main roads of the area.After the fall of the Western roman Empire, it developed as a religious centre under the Lombards. In the 12th century it was repeatedly attacked by the Republic of Siena, which the Poliziani faced with the help of the Perugia and Orvieto, and sometimes Florence, communes. The 14th century was characterized by constant struggles between the local noble families, until the Del Pecora family became rulers of the town. From 1390, Montepulciano was a loyal ally (and later possession) of Florence and, until the mid-16th century, lived a period of splendour. In 1559, when Siena was conquered by Florence and Montepulciano lost its strategic role, its importance declined.
After the unification of Italy and the drying of theVal di Chiana, the town remained the most important agricultural centre in the area, while the industrial activities moved mostly next to Chiusi, which was nearer to the railroad being built in that period .

Returning to our accommodation we were greeted by Aunty Mary and Venny who finally did get to Montepulciano and had some time to explore the town before joining us for dinner at a local restaurant. I briefed everyone that evening for the days ahead and we agreed on a starting time for the beginning of the days walks. 

After dinner Katrina, Netty, Rob and I stroll once again to the top of Montepulciano where we take a few night photographs, before returning to our accommodation for a good nights rest.