Experience Italy in a way you never dreamed possible!
Trip Planning
I
have assisted tour companies in the creation of unique customized
tours in Umbria including incentive tours, alumni tours, summer
abroad programs, culinary, art, walking, and Jewish Heritage tours.
It also gives me great pleasure to put together memorable Umbria-centered
trips to our bellissima Italia for individuals, couples,
small groups, families.
Umbrian Sojourn
Italy Overview
Comments
Umbrian Sojourn
Why not consider Umbria - right here in the heart of Italy - as
your base for travel in central Italy? An ideal location - in fact,
Narni (about an hour south of Assisi) is called l'ombelico dell'Italia
or "the navel of Italy".
Not sure on how to organize your
travel in Umbria?
I would be happy to assist you in putting
together an unforgettable tour:
* for your family (family reunion?)
* for your business (an incentive tour?)
* for your tour company (a walking tour? food and wine tour? art
tour?)
* for your association or corporation (a congress? a meeting?).
I have put together all of the above. Every tour included, not
only guided visits to the medieval hilltowns, but many memorable
added highlights, for example:
* meal in country restaurant preceded by a mini-cooking demonstration
* private concert of Umbrian folk music
* dinner in a privately-owned 12th c. feudal hilltop fortress
* participation in a local festa (where we were the only non-Umbrians)
* olive oil-tasting in privately-owned 18th c. mill
* visit to a privately owned historic Renaissance palazzo
* truffle-hunting at an agriturismo in the countryside - with a
cooking lesson afterwards, utilizing our "black gold"
* lectures on art, history, music, foods and wines, folklore with
local experts.
Recommended base for an extended stay: Assisi (or immediate
area) - in town or the countryside, where you will definitely feel
on the "less traveled route" yet still be so very centrally
located. Assisi is very close to other gems of Umbria's medieval
hilltowns:
15 min from Spello
20 min from Perugia
30 min from Bevagna, Torgiano, Deruta
40 min from Todi, Spoleto, Montefalco
1 hr from Narni, Gubbio
1-1/4 hr from Orvieto
Assisi is very near the Tuscan border and just:
1-1/2 hrs from Siena
1 hr from Cortona
1 hr and 20 min from Montepulciano
just slightly more to Montalcino, Pienza (gems of the Tuscan hilltowns).
We are about 2 hrs by train from Rome and same from Florence...
slightly less by car.
Italy Overview
I also offer assistance for planning travel which includes - not
just Umbria - but other areas of Italy as well. My trip planning services include mapping out a route, aiding in selection of lodgings,
booking local guides/drivers (if desired) in areas visited, and inserting "hidden secrets". And if you are willing, my suggested itinerary might include some of my own discoveries! See My Italy Travel Explorations....
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding my trip planning service
Comments
Creating a 3-wk Italy Adventure for 2!
"We would like to again thank you for all you did to make our 3 1/2 week tour in Italy an adventure beyond our wildest dreams. You did a superb job of planning our time from the day we landed in Pisa to our return home, reserving wonderful hotels, arranging cooking lessons and finding terrific, knowledgeable guides in areas where you were not able to be with us. We would gladly and highly recommend your services to anyone looking for a once in a lifetime Italian experience."
Joanne and Mike Kaeske, Park City, UT (7/2007)
Planning a Birthday Party
"I called on Anne to help me plan a surprise birthday gift for a friend who was celebrating her birthday in Rome. I wanted to arrange a culinary experience for her – perhaps a cooking lesson or a market tour – but had no idea how to accomplish it. Anne got right on board, suggesting a variety of possibilities that would be within my budget. I selected one, and then Anne made all the arrangements: she located the appropriate local guide, made all the connections, oversaw the details, and helped me pull off the surprise. Even though Anne is not based in Rome, I was impressed by how quickly she connected to the right people there. Anne is an amazing resource and the first person I would contact for any future travel needs involving Italy."
Judy Samelson, Needham, MA
Alumnae Tour
"I can not thank you enough for the terrific job you did with our group on Orvieto - all the participants so enjoyed your talks, insight and friendliness. Plus you made all the differnce in the world making sure things went smoothly. Millie Grazie."
Elaine Kreuz, Loyola University, Chicago IL
Anne's Drivers and Guides
"Just a note to let you know how much my group and I enjoyed our all-day Amalfi Coast tour with Adriano recently! I knew that you would have wonderful and reliable connections outside of Assisi. Adriano was delightful to spend the day with and we had the most awesome meal, which was personally selected for our group. We got to make several stops for photos along the way, and spent time in Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello to look around and even shop a bit! This excursion was the perfect beginning for the family in our group, and a lovely ending for me. Thank you so much for passing along his info to me. Arrivederci e tante grazie."
Kathy Weeks/Tesoro Travel, Portland, OR (5/2007)
"Dear Anne, Thank you for all your work on the trip for my group. My past trips had been lacking in the area of guides and sightseeing....but NOT this time! Tour leader you chose was first-rate. Alessandro did a fantastic job - he loves what he does and dedicates himself totally to the group. In addition to being very knowledgeable, he is a great person. I enjoyed working with him. He added so much to the trip. Our visit to Assisi was especially moving. We also met his wife and a daughter. We all became friends.
After the escort, the bus driver is the most important person. Max is a unique person. He is a great driver, always pleasant and accommodating. He couldn't do enough for us.
I have traveled to Italy many, many times, but, I never experienced guides like Raffaele, Natale, Alessando and Elisabetta. They really want you to learn about their country. We just didn't drive by or visit attractions: - we had a much deeper view. They obviously love what they are doing.
Thanks to all your assistance and expertise, I know everyone on the trip had an exceptionally good time."
Carl Philipp, Notre Dame Travel Group, Fairfield, CT (5/2006)
"Both Keith and I have traveled and lived abroad extensively and we are quite demanding in our expectations of tour guides. As you know I asked you a lot of questions, told you of our interests and expectations (both online and on the phone) before we booked your services. We were not disappointed. We have been home for a week and we are still using superlatives in describing both Marco and Rosella. Their enthusiasm and depth of knowledge ranging from art, history to Italian food and culture made our 4th trip to Italy one of the most enjoyable. We are definitely return clients. Mille grazie!!"
Fryderyka Wiener, Atlanta, GA (6/2006)
"Anne, We had an amazing trip and the guides you helped us with were to reason for that. Alessandro filled our minds with all of Roman history and Lise could not have been more delightful as she shared her "hometown" of Florence with us! When I hear of anyone planning to go to Italy I will be putting them in touch with all three of you! Thanks for everything."
Julie, Somerville, NJ (5/2006)
"Anne, I HIGHLY
recommend your suggestion of a driver for us, Mauro: as a 'personal
driver' and a cultural and language interpreter, AND our new Italian
friend. We really cannot thank both of you enough. Your recommendation
of the hotel in Assisi, your 'village' tours, and Mauro's search
with us to northern Italy to find my grandparents roots were the
highlights of our Italian trip. It was all a once-in-a-lifetime
experience. We plan on seeing you again and will certainly use both
of you as our tour guide and driver. Many thanks." (June
2004)
Joan K. Norton, Woburn, MA
"Thanks so
much for introducing us to Mauro, our delightful driver. We spent
a wonderful day with him on our leisurely trip from Perugia to Spoleto.
Not only is he very knowledgeable and conversant about the history
of Umbria, he is also very informed on current issues within Italy
and Europe as a whole. Luckily for us he accepted our invitation
to have lunch at the wine-olive oil tasting entoteca in Spello (where
we had a delightful time, by the way, thanks for setting that up). Mauro served as translator and was a charming companion. We
were so smitten, we hired him to drive us from Spoleto to Rome at
the end of our stay. Thanks again for al your help."
Pat and Corey Weinstein, San Francisco, CA (Jan. 2005)
Lodgings
"Annie booked superb lodgings for us: in Assisi, in a restored 16th c palazzo owned by friends of hers. A lovely apt. In the quiet backstreets with access to a walled medieval garden. One night turned into five glorious nights and became one of the highlights of our trip.
After our positive experiences with Annie (Gubbio, Assisi) we asked her to help us with the rest of our Umbrian itinerary and she suggested a very special villa - hotel near Lake Trasimeno for a 3-night stay. At first I was reluctant because I had not intended to spend any time in that area, but we trusted Annie’s judgment and went: it was not a mistake. It is a wonderful, peaceful, idyllic place run by a husband and wife team who are caring and gracious. Every Wednesday night after dinner they have a concert in the chapel on the grounds and the night we were there I was moved to tears by the music and the setting – another memorable experience."
Vince and Marie Ingenito, White Plains, NY (11/2005)
"I still remember dancing to 'YMCA' under the stars at the
'sagra' we attended with Anne in Assisi! I pride myself in leveraging
'local knowledge' to plan extraordinary travels for my bride and
myself. My greatest Italian discovery is Anne Robichaud. She
perfectly matched our interests and budget with hotels in Florence
(in the Art/Antique District), Venice (stone's throw to San Marco
Square), and especially Tuscany, where we could gaze out our hotel
window at the incredible countryside forever! Anne did all the
work, and topped it off with insider hints only a local could provide.
Magnifico!"
Kevin C. King, Atlanta, GA
"Tom and I can't thank you enough for taking the stress
out of our trip planning for ourselves and nine other friends
this fall. The hotel in Rome was so perfectly situated, within
our budget and very charming. And, the guides you arranged for
us in Rome and Florence gave us an extra special view of these two
wonderful cities."
Judy and Tom Lewis, Plymouth, Michigan (11/2005)
"Thank you
so much for your Rome hotel suggestion! We enjoyed it immensely.
It was more like staying in the home of a friend than staying in
a hotel. Our room was spacious and comfortable and overlooked
a park with a fountain that was delightful to hear. The staff was
extremely friendly and helpful and the owner was most gracious and
kind to us. We also loved the location which was quite close to
Campo d' Fiori and a short walk to Piazza Navona, both of which
were filled with excellent restaurants. Your help was invaluable
in making our trip to Italy a very special experience."
Carlee Weiss, Palo Alto, CA (May 2003)
"What a delight you and your family made of our visit to Assisi.
In large part due to your many close friends in town and in part
due to the perfect location of the lodgings you selected, we soon
came to feel part of the neighborhood. Especially when we started,
and often finished, our days in Assisi surveying the local scene
from our comfortable perch at the Café right below our palazzo.
Your recommendations for accommodations in Rome, Florence, and
Venice were also right on target, fitting our needs well and adding
a lot to what turned out to be a really fun trip."
Tom Ferguson, Washington, DC
"We had a wonderful time in Italy. The hotels you booked
for us (in Rome, Assisi, Florence, Naples, and Venice) were excellent
and exactly what we wanted. They were a large part of what really
made our trip great. Contacting you was one of the best decisions
I have
made. The Assisi tour was great as well. I really enjoyed all the
information you had on the architectural history of the town. Once
again, thank you!"
Jessica Harris, Los Angeles, CA
Meal in Private Home
"Marie and I often wondered what the homes looked like as we passed so many interesting doors, windows and facades. We got our chance when Annie arranged a dinner in her friend’s recently-restored 15th c house and invited us to be a part of the group. Not only did we have a great meal (as Annie’s friends in Neapolitan, how could it not be!?) but we enjoyed the warmth, pride, and hospitality of the entire family and finally had a glimpse of the inside (something to envy).
A meal in a private home is a most unique trip highlight! (only with Annie….)"
Vince and Marie Ingenito, White Plains, NY
"The dinner at Roberto and Venanzia's home in Assisi was outstanding, Their home is beautiful, but their warmth and genuine love of people was even more obvious. And of course, the food was fabulous!"
Dan Silvestri, Chicago, Il
"Of all the experiences my small group enjoyed in Italy this spring, our day in Assisi with Anne proved to be the highlight. Thanks to her TRIP PLANNING SERIVCES, we enjoyed lunch in the 15th c home of Venanzia - a friend of Anne's - so delightful none of us will ever forget it! The food was fabulous, the sourroundings were inspiring, and the mood was one of a "perfect holiday"! They made us feel that we were honored and personal guests in their wonderful town and historic home. I would never consider taking a another group to Italy without including both Anne and Venanzia in my plans. They are now considered family! "
Phillip Sitton, Tour Host from San Antonio, TX
"Lunch at Venanzia's 15th c home was a spectacular affair and their hospitality was overwhelming. Venanzia is so beautiful and accommodating and her husband, Roberto, was a first rate host. Everyone raved about the food and their gorgeous home which I'm told your husband restored. Tante grazie!"
Jan Jones
Trip Planning Assistance
"Anne Robichaud was one of the gems of our trip to Italy. She simply knew everything and everyone!"
Alice Arnold, Crested Butte, CO (5/2007)
"We could never have had the grand time we had without Annee's guidance and help. She helped us find wonderful lodgings, made travel arrangements and even set up our poetry reading performance. You can't ask for more! Anne, we so appreciate you and your guiding genius!"
Marcie Telander, Crested Butte, CO (5/2007)
"Thank you for all your generosity and help in making our time in Umbria all it could be!! The cooking class you arranged: It was a wonderful experience and a most beautiful setting. Raffaella, Mamma & ONeila were a pleasure, fun, entertaining and informative. The food was outstanding! Not only I am sure we will see you again but you have guaranteed that anyone who asks me about my trip to Italy - or for advise on their trip - will hear about Annesitaly.com."
Rob & Hillary Laffingwell, Berkeley, CA
"Thank you for setting up the cooking in Tuscany with Anna Lisa for us - a splendid day. (Now I need to practice making pasta and flatbread!) The lodgings you booked in southern Tuscany for us were lovely and the staff so helpful."
Bea McDowell, Marietta, GA
"Ann was our Angel. We discovered a special part of Assisi that only Anne could make available. I just wish that every trip could be as easy and rich as she made ours."
Kim Telander, Dallas, TX (5/2007)
A message from Dr. Steidle to a colleague:
"My contact ia Anne Robichaud in Umbria, she does a phenomenal job and will book the type of villas we spoke about. Additionally, she has extensive contacts throughout Italy and fixed us up with a great location in Capri and organized a boat trip for us around the island... as well as a guide who was great in Naples. We stayed in a lovely hotel in Montefalco and toured a winery which was great. She also took us toa Medieval festival in Bevagna. Her Rome guide was great! We stayed in her suberb hotel recommendation in the Rome theatre district. Overall, the experience of a lifetime - Enjoy! Chris"
Dr. Chris Steidle, Ft. Wayne, IN (6/2007)
"I spent 4 weeks in Assisi attending a language school. Anne
suggested the excellent school and the wonderful apartment that
we stayed in. She made the area come alive for us in a way that
we have never experienced in any of our other 4 trips to Italy.
She introduced us to the local cuisine, she spoke of the history
of Umbria in a fascinating way, and she presented a vibrant way
of viewing the numerous artistic treasures of the region. You can
feel her love of the people and their values and their lifestyles
as she makes the daily life come alive with her insights. She is
truly one of the Umbrians, but she also has the perspective of an
American. How fortunate we were to be able to have her to enhance
our trip! We would never have been able to experience so clearly
what it would be like to live in this amazing area without Anne.
Her enthusiasm is contagious, and her love of people makes her perfect
for this job. She is generous with her information, sharing her
recommendations for restaurants and activities, and whenever we
had a problem, she had a solution. Even though it is hard to
choose a favorite from our excursions with Anne, our wine tasting
at Spello would probably be our favorite experience. We also thoroughly
enjoyed her lectures on local life. We will make a visit to Assisi
part of every trip to Italy, and we will make sure one of Anne's
tours is included in that visit."
Kathy Surico, Dayton, OH (5/2005)
"Dear Anne, A
note of appreciation. Our visit was enhanced even before we arrived
in Italy by your thoughtful assistance as we planned our itinerary,
both by adding several charming towns and attractions we wouldn't
otherwise have noted, and in suggesting particularly hospitable
accommodations. Once we arrived in Umbria, your knowledgable
and delightful company added immeasurably to our enjoyment of the
towns we toured together. We both felt that as lovely and cultured
as Tuscany is, we enjoyed Umbria even more--and that's in large
part to your informative and enthusiastic tours. You already
know how special we found that private visit in the historic library:
seeing those letters from the Pope establishing the Franciscan Order,
and those incredible illuminated manuscripts, was an experience
we'll never forget! And the Padre himself was so charming.
And of course, the Corsa dei Ceri in Gubbio was another unforgettable
day! Thanks for making sure we were in the right spots to see and
photograph the action.
We're also indebted to you for getting us situated in Assisi in
the 'palazzo' of your friends: what lovely and spacious rooms in
a perfect location! "
Bill and Ellen Dohmen, Bar Harbor, Maine
"I have known Anne for several years
and I have enjoyed many of her tours and cooking classes both in
Italy and in the US. I had the pleasure of seeing her again in April
when I attended a language school in Assisi which she recommended
to me. Of course, I turned to her for help with accommodations,
and as usual, I was not disappointed! She recommended a "palazzo"
of friends - in the quiet backstreets yet central to all in town.
We had a spacious two bedroom apartment with views of the medieval
fortress. With thick stone walls and modern plumbing, it is beautifully
decorated, with access to the large walled garden in back which
is lovingly and expertly attended by< owner, Anna Maria, an agronomist
with a green thumb. It must be one of the most peaceful places in
Assisi - a fabulous place to unwind and watch the sunset!
Just around the corner from the palazzo is the café which
has become my second home in Assisi and where I now have many friends,
including the friendly and knowledgeable owners Adriano and Loredanna
and their family.
The best part about our "palazzo" are the owners: I could
not have asked for more gracious hosts. They truly welcomed me into
their historic family home (they, too, have an apartment in the
"palazzo") - even dressing me up to participate in the
local medieval festival! We enjoyed a wonderful meal in their home
and they are lovely, generous, hospitable new friends. Once again,
I can thank Anne for that. If you tell her what you are looking
for, she will find it, and then some. I would never have been able
to experience Assisi in this way, had I stayed in a hotel!"
Dr. Monica Courey, Incline Village, NV
"I am a person who by nature enjoys a
well-organized trip. By using Anne's expertise, not only did I achieve
my interest in organization, but was pleasantly surprised about
her insights into the culture and mores of the Italians. The
icing on the cake was her reasonable cost for services. I
truly believe that she and her network of contacts throughout Italy
are hard to beat!"
Frank Surico, Dayton, OH (Feb. 2005)
"One of the charming
things about Italy is how confused everything and everybody seems
to be. Charming that is, until the confusion impacts one's ability
to travel on time, eat a good meal, sleep in a comfortable place
etc. So what's the easiest way to experience the charm without the
confusion? Call Annie Robichaud! She can turn one on to Italy's
hidden charms and do so with out any confusion and complications.
She IS truly THE expert and her involvement in your travel plans
will add considerable value to any Italian trip!"
Jill Phillips, Tiburon, CA (April 2004)
"Dear Anne, Will
(my 12 year old godson) and I have great memories of Italy because
of your arranging our tour to the Ferrari Museum and showrooms in
Modena and the Bevagna/Spello tour. Our driver, Mauro, was knowledgeable,
fun and a very good companion for Will and me, too. He made the
long drive to Modena pleasant with history of the area, stories
and a little spice of politics thrown in at our request.
Will and I enjoyed the half-day tour of yours that turned into a
full-day tour to Bevagna/Spello. Will was so impressed with the
tailor that I'm sure that part of the tour will always be one of
his favorite memories. You gave us more information than we could
possibly remember. What we do remember is your passionate feelings
for your country. Thank you for sharing some of Italy with us.
We look forward to visiting again next spring."
Marilyn Murdock, Cutler,
Maine (Oct. 2004)
"Dear Anne, Just
a note to say 'Thank you' for all your arranging. Pete and I had
a wonderful time in Umbria... and our time in Assisi was a treat.
Thanks for your 'restaurant list'- the places that you recommended
for dinner were very good, especially the family place just off
the square. Getting to see those manuscripts in the Perugia Library
was a rare and unexpected treat. The afternoon with Analita
in Gubbio was also special as was the day in Arezzo and San Sepulcro
with Gianna. Having Mauro drive took away a lot of hassle, we could
have driven and met Gianna but having him do it was much more fun."
Pete and Gayle Bickers, Amarillo, TX
"My wife and I toured with Anne for a couple days around the
Easter holidays this year. She arranged hotels in Rome, Assisi,
and Venice for us, as well as recommended resturants and even got
us train tickets. Excellent service. Hotels were wonderful and
locations couldn't be beat!! Thanks again for all your help Anne."
Jim and Jayne Todd, Dalton, GA
"Dear Anne, thank you so much for your Rome hotel selection.
We enjoyed it immensely! As you had indicated to us in your initial
description, it was more like staying in the home (and an elegant
one!) of a friend than staying in a hotel. Our room was spacious
and comfortable and overlooked a park with a fountain that was delightful
to hear. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful and the architect-owner
was most gracious and kind to us. We also loved the location which
was quite close to Campo d' Fiori and a short walk to Piazza Navona,
both of which were filled with excellent restaurants. I know
we never could have found this special place on our own. Your
help was invaluable in making our trip to Italy a very special experience.
Thanks again."
Carlee Weiss, Palo Alto, CA
"My magical experience
in Italy was do in large part to the amazing accommodations Anne
was able to set my boyfriend and I with. Everything that I imagined
and hoped for in a home away from home. A cute, quaint apartment
in the heart of the medieval backstreets of Assisi... and at just
the right price! Anne had a tremendous amount of knowledge and
experience and it would be wise when anyone planning their trip
to contact her first."
Jennifer Myers, New York, NY
"I thought I had seen all of Italy
after visiting Tuscany and the major cities. But on this trip I
discovered I had previously overlooked two of Italy's gems: Umbria
and Anne Robichaud. My new bride and I loved learning to cook
Umbrian style in Anne's cucina genuina. She showed us hidden secrets
of Assisi, the private wine tasting in Spello was superb, and dancing
to 'Y.M.C.A.' with a thousand Italians in the Assisi piazza after
the medieval dinner (we were about the only non-Assisians there,
as this was an event for the locals, not for the tourists) was a
blast. Anne was obviously 'in the know' when personally arranging
four of our lodgings (not just in Umbria). Magnifico!"
Kevin and Linda King, Atlanta, GA
"Anne was a
godsend to m sister and me as we were planning our first trip to
Assisi. Even though Anne, herself, was traveling in the U.S. at
the time she managed to arrange lodging for us that was both first
rate and within our budget. She also gave us unfailingly good advice
on places to eat, sightsee and shop. There is no question that
our trip was less stressful and much more enjoyable because of the
help we got from Anne. Mille grazie!"
Ann McCord, Alexandria, VA
"I discovered
Anne by reading comments about her on another website. Her prompt
and thorough help in arranging a trip to Venice/Umbria for the six
of us far exceeded my expectation! She booked great, reasonably
priced hotels in Venice and Assisi, both with wonderful, friendly
staff. Since she was not available she booked us another great guide
whom we thoroughly enjoyed. We followed her restaurant recommendations
and enjoyed some of the best meals we've ever had. Umbrian cooking
is wonderful if you know where to go! But the highlights of our
trip were her itinerary suggestions, especially a wine tasting in
Spello and a stop in Ravenna. I am truly grateful for Anne's
help and guidence. Our trip certainly would not have been as special
without it."
Susie Guidry, Baton Rouge, LA
"As a former tour
group leader myself, I usually avoid tours when I travel. Anne's
programs were of a different sort. You feel like you not only see
Italy, but experience it with all your senses and emotions as well.
She builds in so many personal touches - such as visiting the local
tailor, the bookbinder, butcher and historian to name but a few.
Anne not only puts you in touch with the rich history and culture,
but also the local people and customs which weave the rich tapestry
of daily life in Italy. Everyone in Umbria seems to know "Annie
the Americano".
Anne made us feel more like family friends coming to visit than
tour clients. She was immensely helpful in securing a wonderful
private apartment for our family of four to stay in while visiting
Assisi. The apartment, owned by a friend of Anne's, has no website
so we never could have found it on our own."
Ann Corbett, Seattle, WA
"...People like
you make our trips so special. Thanks again for all of your
enthusiasm and help. The (trip) leaders have had nothing but great
things to say about you."
Jeff Cantarutti, Trip Development Coordinator, BACKROADS, Berkeley,
CA
(Re: week-long meeting of the Catholic Medical Association -
in Assisi. NB they intended to come one year only... but chose Assisi
again the year after as well!)
"Cara Anna, Grazie for everything you
did to make Umbria come alive for our Catholic Medical Association
conference participants. They caught your enthusiasm and remained
excited about touring all the sites throughout the entire week we
were there.
We were impressed by how you could guide a large group of 54
people and make it seem as if you were talking to each one of us
personally. Your explanations made us 'experience' the sites
rather than just just 'see' them.
We're grateful for the arrangements you made so our group could
attend activites such as the concert in Assisi, the visit to the
Countess and her chapel where St. Francis prayed, the bella musical
'Francesco' at the Lyric Theatre in Santa Maria degli Angeli, the
country dinner and "sagra" celebration out in the coutryside
(our memorable night with "the locals"!) and, of course,
your Umbrian cooking lessons and lecture on Italian gestures. Many
thanks for the great week we had together.
Note: We continue to receive rave reviews about your tours and
talks you gave for our CMA congress in Assisi. Every single comment
on the course evaluations and tours was positive."
Dr. Paul and Ann Dickinson, St. Paul, MN
We had heard many good things about Anne from
website comments. We booked 2 days of private tours while touring
Umbria in the summer of 2002. Anne did a great job - her knowledge
of the area is unsurpassed and she will take you to "special"
sites you may not even read about in the guidebooks. If you
have shopping or dining wants or needs, Anne can deliver. As the
only American-born licensed guide in Umbria, Anne can meet your
travel needs. I highly recommend considering using Anne for travel
planning and touring, whether private or group. Umbria has much
of what Tuscany has to offer but it is not as "discovered" and thus
less pricey.
Joe & Mary Studlick, Houston, TX