July 22: NG picks up our luggage outside of our hotel door early in the morning - no more schlepping our own bags!  We get on a luxury bus and go to San Gimignano, famous for its 14 remaining towers of the once 72.  The adults establish a pattern of sleeping on every bus ride, while the kids play cards in the back.  The kids do a scavenger hunt while we do a quick self-tour.  We have lunch at a Michelin guide restaurant, where ML has the best risotto of her life.  We meet the entertaining owner of The World's Champion Gelato store, who explains why his gelato's are the best.  We get to our Hotel Colle Estrusco Salivolpi where there's a wonderful pool!  After the refreshing dip, the kids make their own pizza at a nearby restaurant. 

July 23: We started off the gorgeous day at the Castello di Brolio in Chianti country.  We stopped by a Chianti-tasting room but the group generally agreed the Chiantis were underwhelming. Then we went to Badia a Coltibuono abbey, where we experienced a honey and olive oil tasting session.  Then, we had an amazing picnic lunch on the grounds afterwards.  We returned to Castellina, and while the adults had a wine-tasting session in the town's medieval passageway, the kids played soccer.  ML and I ended the day with a date at another Michelin star rated restaurant Albergaccio di Castellina.