"Florence, Italy" Montecatini by cynalicea

Upon arriving in Florence, I had car service set up for pickup. The taxi driver was silent for a bit until I started asking questions about the countryside. In that conversation we spoke of the landmarks along the highway as I was on my way to the Grand Hotel Plaza in Montecatini. The hills were amazing and one special place stood out way atop of a hillside. The driver said it was Montecatini Alto, a town all unto itself. He said it was a must see before leaving Italy. He wasn't wrong it was my first excursion around town. After speaking to the front desk, we were told we could walk to the tram that takes you up the mountainside. Little did we know it was quite a walk to the park & lock where cars apparently parked and people walked from there to the Funicolare up the road. This Funicolare as it is referred to in Italy is a tram that rides up the mountainside at slow speeds. Once there you are transcended to a scene right out of the movie "Under the Tuscan Sun". It was a sprawling view of the town of Montecatini s from high up in the mountains. The cars are so small they look like toys. There are churches, cemetaries, restaurants and apts. all built on an incline from which you cross narrow roads and winding streets to gain access. You don't need a gym in Italy, the terrain is workout enough! This is not to be missed

Taken from the top of Montecatini Alto......

The view was breathtaking and the day as clear as could be and on a clear day you can see forever...............

A "Smart" car

And we thought the Cooper was small..........

• Pros:The people are warm; welcoming; and intoxicating all at the same time!
• Cons:Too much graffiti!
• In a nutshell:Right out of the Movies...it's a beautiful life!