Extra services can enhance your tour. Objective:
to help you get the most out of Italy! I am pleased to offer the
following additional services to my tour clients:
TRIP PLANNING
I am happy to assist: * tour companies
both in the creation of new Umbria-centered tours and in the incorporation
of special added highlights to enhance already-existing tours; * individuals
in planning a memorable trip to Italy.
(For more information, go to Trip
Planning.)
BOOKING GUIDES
Happy to connect you with excellent tour guides in Rome, Latium
(and the area of ancient Etruria, Etruscan Italy), Florence
(and all of Tuscany), Venice and the Veneto region, Sicily, Naples
and area... for walking tours or driving tours.
DRIVERS
Drivers can be booked for the above areas... for those who wish
to get "off the beaten track" without opting for car rental.
LODGINGS
An extended stay in Umbria is certainly recommended in order to
explore in depth all the treasures of this extraordinary region,
"Italy's green heart".
* For tour
clients, I am happy to suggest lodgings - from apartments to hotels,
of all price ranges - in all the medieval hilltowns. In even the
most "visited" of all the hilltowns, all quiets down near
the end of day when most of the tourists leave... the best moment
to experience medieval hilltown life... and early-morning walks
the next day. * If you
prefer country lodgings, an agriturismo - farmhouse B&B - is
a memorable way to "live" the region - (and savor the
Umbrian cucina genuina). * For an
extended stay (of a week or more), your choice of lodgings might
be a restored farmhouse... a villa... and rental rates are far more
reasonable here in bellissima Umbria than they are in Tuscany... * If you
are traveling on from Umbria, I am happy to book lodgings in other
areas of Italy.
CATERING (for those
renting farmhouses or villas)
Although I do not have time to offer catered meals myself, I am
happy to arrange lunches or dinners catered by a wonderful cook in rented farmhouses
or villas in both the Perugia - Assisi area and the Todi-Orvieto
area.
PARLI ITALIANO?
Language schools in Umbria
I am happy to connect you with excellent Italian language schools
here in Umbria. Small classes, personalized ambience. Both schools
assist their students in the selection of lodgings, if necessary.
"ACCESSORIES"
Interpreter, babysitter
Our 3 children are bi-lingual and our son Mattia (20) has translated
for clients on house-hunting trips and antique-buying trips here
in Umbria. They appreciated his assistance and enjoyed his company.
If you come to Umbria with your children and would like to get out
for an evening on your own, our daughter Giulia (17) is a bi-lingual
and simpatica baby-sitter, with lots of experience both here
in Umbria and in the States. Her employees would be happy to supply
references.
COMMENTS Lodging
"We loved the hotel you chose for us... absolutely
delightful. I think it was my favorite place of all. We sat on the
patio, watched a beautiful sunset, sipping vin santo and the pastries
we had purchased in Assisi and Siena. Our room opened to beautiful
sunshine, flowers and views. The staff was so hospitable. We truly
loved it. We enjoyed our day in Rome - your driving directions were
perfect...! Bob and Mary Ann Cain, Salinas, CA
"We wanted to realize a dream, a week at a Villa in the Hill
Towns on a small budget! I did a lot of research on my own and narrowed
our location to Umbria... we were going to take a chance and pick
travel books research or the Internet. Talking with Anne, I realized
that she could help us... and did: very wise decision! She asked
us lots of questions about sort of accomodation desired, budget,
kind of setting desired, what was important to us. She described
in quite a bit of detail 3 or 4 places. I asked more questions,
she was patient. We finally decided on a stay at a Farm House and
Annie gave me the phone number of someone who stayed there so that
we could ask questions. As our arrival was late in the day, Annie
had made arrangements for a home cooked meal to be served in our
kitchen that first evening. Our Farm House was wonderful, it was
located on 14 acres, positioned on a peaceful ridge with a beautiful
view. The location was convenient, the price was under the budgeted
amount we planned for. The whole experience was wonderful!" Claire Hopkins, Tacoma, WA
Catering
"Our luncheon with Sylvana and her partner
was fabulous! They went about their business efficiently and quietly
so as not to interfer with our festivities and yet their presence
as well as their food was very much a part of our day. We enjoyed
them tremendously and the food - couldn't have been more special.
What a day!" Vickie Cooper, SF Bay Area, CA
"... Superb. Why? The food was so mellow
and low key yet so naturally Italian. But the way it was prepared
and served just complemented the occasion. They did not try to become
part of the party but heightened its success. They acted so naturally
and easy. It was fun to have them there as well as the fine food."
John Maitland, Lafayette, CA
Babysitting
I spent a whole day touring Assisi with my
mom and dad. Anne made it fun by having a "treasure" hunt. We had
a swell day! The next day Anne's daughter babysat me while mom and
dad did some adult touring with Anne. Elizabeth Studlick, Age 8, Houston, TX
