I'd like to briefly outline each possible tour
destination (click on each tour to see a complete description).
Tours to Umbrian medieval hilltown gems can be customized private tours or
shared, small-group tours at reduced prices
(In-Compagnia Tours and FESTAtours).
NOTE:
Choose a tour of your choice on a date of your choice and I will be happy to post your request on the In-Compagnia Tour page as a shared tour open to others at reduced tour rates.
Assisi
The birthplace of St. Francis, most beloved of all saints for the
Italians, Assisi is a synthesis of the splendor of the medieval
hilltowns.
Gubbio
In quiet Gubbio - a showplace of medieval architecture - time seems
to have stood still in the Middle Ages.
Orvieto
Constructed by the Etruscans on a volcanic tufo-rock plateau, Orvieto's
cathedral is certainly one of the wonders of the medieval world.
Tours in Orvieto can also include Todi and Cività
di Bagnoregio.
Perugia
Of Etruscan origin and called "city of the infinite view"by
Henry James, Perugia perfectly embodies medieval elegance. Tours
to Perugia can also include Deruta, Torgiano and Lake
Trasimeno.
Spello
Built in the local pink limestone like Assisi, tiny Spello is a
gem of the undiscovered medieval hilltowns, where every backstreet
is a feast for the eye.
Spoleto
The Roman and Romanesque architecture of splendido Spoleto
form a perfect backdrop for the "Festival of the Two Worlds".
Tours to Spoleto can also include Bevagna and Montefalco.
UNDISCOVERED UMBRIA
Bevagna
Once a properous Roman town, Bevagna today offers an intimate view
of quiet Umbrian daily life, unfolding in the midst of Roman ruins,
Romanesque churches, characteristic arched backstreets.
Montefalco
Perched high on a hill and offering probably the best, all-encompassing
view of Umbria, Montefalco is noted today for its fine textiles,
superb Sagrantino wines, a 13th c. Franciscan church-now-art-museum.
Narni
One of my personal favorites, Narni - near the breathtaking Nera
River Valley - is an unspoilt, untouched and - as yet! - undiscovered
medieval hilltown where recent astounding archeological and architectural
discoveries fascinate.
TOURS OUTSIDE UMBRIA
(Please see Outside Umbria for more complete descriptions of these tours.)
My favorite guide colleagues all over Italy will enchant you with their expertise. These are just a few of the unique tours offered by my "guide force" (please ask for information on any other destination desired):
Following the Piero della Francesca trail
Cortona - A Taste of Tuscany
Walking Umbria and Tuscany in May
Shylock's Venice
Northern Italy Culinary Tour: Balsamics and Parmesan
Ravenna: Mosaics and More
Heart of Rome
Forza, Napoli!
Neopolitan Crêche: Story, Masterpieces and Artisans
HOW TO TOUR: PRIVATE OR GROUP?
Customized Private
Tours
To the destination of your choice (any tours here indicated - or
even other "off the beaten track" gems) are tailored to
your specific interests (date and time set by you).
In-Compagnia
Tours/Cooking Classes
Shared tours of the Umbrian hilltowns mentioned above: *for limited
numbers (maximum generally of 12 persons) *at reduced
rates *often incorporating
added extra highlights.
FESTAtours
Whenever a special festival or event is going on here in Umbria,
I like to create a "FESTAtour" - which offers a
unique opportunity to truly "co-participate" in Umbrian
life and folkloristic traditions.
These tours include: *a tour of
the town hosting the festa, highlighted by in-depth insight
into the event... a sense of the fervor, passione, felt by
the locals.... *special
festa lunch in characteristic local trattoria *any entrance
fees required.
Family tours
As I was a teacher in my "former life", tours for families
with children are a great pleasure. Children will learn - on a "treasure
hunt" through the hilltowns - the concepts of Roman, Romanesque,
Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque art and architecture... and all about
life in Italy today as lived by their Italian peers.
Theme tours
Tours can also be targeted to specific themes: art and history,
the people and their crafts, rural life, food and wines. I am happy
to put together tours on request.
TOUR RATES
My tour rates vary widely and can fit just about any budget range:
In-Compagnia and FESTAtour rates per person: *Half-day tours - $25 confirmation fee at time of booking + 45 Euro (E) at time of tour
(entrance fees included)
* Full-day tours - $25 confirmation fee at time of booking + 125 E at time of tour
(included: entrance fees, "banquet" lunch, added highlights - and for many tours, transportation to tour destination from Assisi) * even lower prices per person for hilltown tours for groups of friends
traveling together * special rates for families * private tours are more, yet even these tour rates are reduced
if you wish to share your
tour with others * discounts for the booking of multiple tours * discounts for the booking of tour(s) and cooking class in our home * discounts if also booking dinner in our home
NEW! NOVITÀ!
Cappuccino Chat
My "cappuccino chat" is a 1-1/4 hour orientation to Assisi specifically and Umbria in general which will assist you in preparing "on-your-own" explorations. * 125 E for groups up to 12 * 150 E for larger groups (recommended site: your hotel or villa rental)
Takes place over cappuccino in a local Assisi café. Brochures, material on Umbria provided. Time? 8:30 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. preferred (possible to request other timetable). Note: I am happy to offer my talk in other areas of Umbria, though a transfer fee will be requested.
Comment "I think I left my heart in Umbria and that has certainly made for some difficulty in re-adjusting! In addition to thanking you for the extraordinary day in Gubbio (so much sensory input....!), we want to express our appreciation for your little ad-hoc "coffee and chat" on the morning that we ran into you in Assisi. The tips you gave us were most helpful and the Umbria map that you put into our hands was worth triple its weight in gold for the rest of our stay." Linda Loth (& Jack Schoon), Lunenberg, Canada
Join us for dinner! Enjoy an "inside" experience to make your trip memorable: have dinner in a private home. Ours. We live in the bellissima Umbrian countryside, about 4 miles from the walled medieval hilltown gem, Assisi.
Join us for an evening of fine foods - dinner will include antipastos, first course of pasta or risotto, main dish, side dishes, dessert, wines, liquers - and camaraderie.
We are restoring our farmhouse right next door and before dinner, my husband Pino and I will also show you rural restoration "in progress", done by Assisi master-builder Pino himself!
Price per person: 48 E Maximum number of persons: 8 Dates: I will most likely offer a dinner every Tuesday throughout spring, early summer and fall. Please contact me to make a request.
Please do feel free to e-mail
me for a full breakdown on all tour rate options.
