Monticchiello is one of those quintessential Tuscan hilltop medieval towns, full of rugged charm and immense character. Despite it being quite a long drive away from our base in Barberino Val D'elsa (almost 100 km), we decided to head out for a drive to Monticchiello. The promise was that of bucolic scenes of rolling hills dotted with Cypress trees and brick red farmhouses. I wouldn't have minded the sight of a vintage Fiat Cinquecento (preferably red) heading up a winding road to one of the aforementioned farmhouses. Unfortunately, by the time we started out, and reached the outskirts of Monticchiello, it was already too late to explore the town. Thankfully, we did get to soak in some of the promised scenic landscapes on the way. There were no red Fiats toiling up a road though. Though surprisingly there was a flock of seagulls that appeared out of nowhere (they are the white dots in the foreground) So, as they say something is better than nothing. And the journey truly is the destination.