Rex Palmer's Friends

Rex Palmer's Destinations

Tell us about one of your favorite places to stay on an Untour. Do you have a favorite host? Apartment? Village?: Le Chiuse near Montalcino, Tuscany South, was almost too good to be true. Niccolo, the proprietor, couldn't have been nicer or more welcoming. Breathtaking countryside, charming walled hill towns, GREAT food and wine, and some of the most enjoyable day hikes I have ever known.

Do you have any special interests or hobbies that you follow when you travel?: Walking and eating.

What advice would you give others considering an Untour?: If you love Tuscan landscapes, great food, and nice long, leisurely walks though beautiful, gently rolling hills--go to Tuscany South. But whatever you're into, I don't think you can go wrong with Untours.

At 10:56pm on February 5, 2008, Rex Palmer said…: I am here to share what Untours helped me to learn about Tuscany: It is the most beautiful place for walking! And walkers have just barely discovered this paradise of gently rolling wine country--enough so that there are some good guides available, but we found very few people on the routes in Spring. Ring walks bring you back to your destination, usually in 2-to-4 hours. For other routes you can take a bus back to your starting point, or a taxi in a pinch. We went in May. The temperatures were perfect, and we hardly used our rain gear. I used to clamber up mountains with a full backpack, sleep in a tent, and eat freeze-dried food. Now I enjoy the civility of rambling for several hours through a pastoral landscape with a light day pack, followed by evening adventures in one of the world's famous food cultures. And these activities balance eachother--I didn't gain an ounce!

At 11:07pm on February 5, 2008, Rex Palmer said…: PS -- I added some photos.

At 7:16am on February 6, 2008, Mary Lou Grier said…: Welcome, fellow Tuscany lover! Hope you will accept my
friend request. Haven't been able to see your photos. If
you are having trouble posting them, Powen, Kim or
Marilee will be able to help you. I've been to South
Tuscany eight years in a row now, and going back in
May, so am a true lover of the place. Haven't done
walks but the people, food, vino and landscapes are
real motivations!
Mary Lou

At 9:18am on February 6, 2008, Doug Kessler said…: Duuuuuuude.
Great memories indeed.

That Porchetta sandwich in Siena was a high point.
Great walks. Great food.
Wood-fired oven... Brunello...

At 1:39pm on February 6, 2008, Sue Baker said…: Hi Rex,
Thanks for joing the Untours Cafe and sharing your photos. I was interested in your hike to S'Antimo. I never really knew how long it would take. I'm sure your pictures and adventure will spark some conversation.
Sue

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