Stage 4: Vada and Volterra

We decide to exchange the planned Lake Garda for the sea and Tuscany, and on June 11, 2022, we set off for Vada. Since the route without tolls would take much longer this time, we decide to pay the money for bad highways, on which you can at least drive faster... 

In the late afternoon, we take up our pitch at the campsite "Molino a Fuoco" right by the sea, just outside Vada. It's busy here, but the pitches are large, beautifully shaded by various trees, and the neighbors are quiet - perfect for relaxing a bit :) Our beach area has a lot of algae, but we still put our feet in the water and enjoy the evening sun before we have a delicious dinner at the very good restaurant on the site. And not alone! Our first meet-up on our trip is waiting for us: Nico and Xin are here on vacation for a week and we plan to spend part of the time together.

What we urgently need: a relaxed day at the beach! We drive a little further and have a fine sandy beach, clear blue sea and plenty of sunshine. Nico and Xin have thought of everything: sunshade (without which we would have ended up as roasted chickens or turned to dust), picnic blankets, inflatable rings, games, and snacks - the best ingredients for a successful day! Despite some waves, we are now getting better at balancing our stand-up paddleboard. After we have already turned red, we prefer to go back to the shade of the campsite in the afternoon. In the evening, we finish off the first of our Prosecco bottles at dinner at the campsite of the other two.

But on June 13, 2022, we want to continue exploring the area. We head to the medieval town of Volterra, which is beautifully situated on a hill in the wonderful landscape of Tuscany. Some of you may recognize it from the books and movies of the "Twilight" saga. With Nico and Xin, we let ourselves drift through the narrow streets full of souvenir shops, alabaster, woodwork, salami, truffles, restaurants, and cafes, enjoy the view from the many viewpoints and tall towers of the city, and treat ourselves to the occasional coffee or snack. And another meet-up is coming up: we meet Karin, Martin, and Marcel (Tina's family) in Volterra. While having ice cream, we exchange some vacation stories. Then we take the picturesque and winding route back to Vada, where we enjoy pasta and seafood in a fantastic restaurant right by the sea (Tina and stubborn crabs will probably no longer be friends).

Okay, it's time to pack again. On June 14, 2022, we will continue to Lake Como!