We went to our faithful guide at the reception desk, Bianca, who suggested that we go back south into Umbria to Perugia and Deruta. The little Ka braved the trip with front and rear wipers on high.

Before we left, we went to Il Palazzone in Cortona. This was the permanent residence of Cardinal Passerini (as opposed to the Villa where we stayed, which was the hunting lodge). We could only see the outside. The University of Pisa takes care of the residence and its collection of Renaissance Art.

Perugia had been host all week to the Eurochocolat festival, with chocolate vendors from Belgium, Switzerland and the rest of Europe pedalling their wares to wholesale buyers and the general public. Had a awesome pizza lunch at Cafe di Perugia.

After that we went 20 minutes further south to Deruta, famous for its ceramics. We bought 200 euro worth of gifts, paid another 100 euro (all in cash) to ship and left empty handed. A week after we returned home, our package arrived from Signore El Frate unscathed. blind trust......

Lastly, we returned to Montepulciano, which was one of our favorite places and very accessible from Cortona. We wanted to see the wine caves that were under the town.  Of course, we arrived back there during the 1-4 pm lull. oh, well....

Dinner took us back to Montenare again for another great, cheap local meal.