Treasure Hunting

In San Gimignano, we signed up for a treasure hunt that took us all around the city. In preparation, we visited a little museum that included a tour of the area using a miniature replica. We then set out armed with a map, clues and pieces of information about the sites to find. It was a great way to experience the medieval hill top town with children.

We put away the treasure map for just enough time to climb Torre Grossa, which is the tallest of the 70 mediveal skyscrapers this town once had. At the top, the most beautiful view of Tuscany was before us.

Before we left for Europe, I solicited advice from friends and family about little known stops to make on our road trip. Jonny, my brother, told me of the time he and his wife Jenny drove into the Tuscan country side. They stopped in the little town of Lilliano and, in visiting with the locals, were told that the Culinary Institute of Tuscany, where the Olive Garden Restaurant creates it's recipes was not far away. If they drove a few miles on a dirt road, they would find the restaurant that graces the covers of the Olive Garden menus in America. They did, and were not disappointed. The institute was picturesque, set amogst olive trees and vineyards, and the food was much better than that of the Olive Garden that millions of Americans visit to get their Italian fix. I did a little research on line and was even more intrigued. This spot is definitely kept a secret and on line, there was much discussion about whether it even exists. I knew that we would be in the area, so we decided to take on the challenge of finding it. The town that it was located in was not on the maps and the locals in Greve had never heard of it. I did some google mapping and found Liliano, which I hoped would get us to Riserva de Fizzano, the little hill top spot where the institute is located. We headed into the countryside, armed with our GPS and a car full of navigators. After passing charming village after charming village, we found Lillano and spotted a tiny sign pointing to Riserva de Fizzano.

We followed the signs, and just as Jonny said, found ourselves on a long dirt road. Finally we found another sign with a tiny Olive Garden logo on it, so we knew we were on the right path. This place was obviously not meant to be found by random people like us! After some four wheeling up a hill through it's olive gardens, we reached the institute's complex.

It was utterly abandoned for the season, but was fun to photograph and put on our list of things to do for our next trip to Italy, that just might have to be set during high season if we want to dine at the real Olive Garden.