In Assisi, November Cemetery Splendor

If you’re in Italy in early November, don’t miss a visit to the local cemetery where autumn bouquets add flashes of color to the tombs and often-grandiose stone family mausoleums. Some relatives bring huge bouquets – often of chrysanthemums….. …and gently caress the photo of the loved one (under glass, topping the tombstone) before leaving…

Gubbio: Medieval Majesty, Maiolica Wonders…and Not Only!

Gubbio always captivates and the medieval splendor of this Umbrian hill town gem enraptures on arrival… …as recent tour guests, Vicki and Jim, now know. Strolling the winding backstreets, medieval splendor is around every corner: The many soaring medieval family towers of Gubbio (offensive look-out points) give testament to the need of protections and defense…

Near Deruta, a Rural Banquet with Giuseppa: a “Fortunate and Rare Treat”

I decided to title this blog note with a phrase from tour guest, Sharon. After our Perugia/Deruta tour with Sharon, her husband Jerry and friends (Linda and Glenn), she wrote me this note about our rural banquet lunch with endearing farm friend, Giuseppa: “We were very blessed to have lunch prepared by this amazing woman…

In Umbria, This Umbria Tour Guide Thanks Her Guests

After four memorable days together, I recenty bid arrivederci to Christine and Ivy, Len and Vivien.  That Italian farewell literally means “until we see each other again.” Reassuring  for me as these apartment guests/tour guests seem like old friends after our time together. I wish to thank you, Christine, for the note you left me…and your thanks…