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…

In Citta di Castello: Trattoria Lea

Black truffles are not the only temptation on the menu at Trattoria Lea in the northern Umbria town of Citta’ di Castello: But shaved fresh black truffles highlighted many a dish guests were enjoying at Trattoria Lea recently….  ….from homemade tagliatelle to gnocchi: Those black truffles starred in many a meat dish, too. In the kitchen,…

In the Marches Region, a Mountain Agriturismo Near Lake Fiastra

I was contemplating the views spreading out all around us…. …..sitting in front of our agriturismo (farmhouse B&B) in the Sibiillini mountains in the Marches region. Appropriately called “Alti Pascoli,” (“High Pastures”), the agriturismo is perched at 830 meters, overlooking gently rolling wooded slopes. Our simple but charming room was at the top of the metal stairs flanking the farmhouse.  …