Annie Robichaud of Anne’s Italy (annesitaly.com) is without a doubt a guide above the rest. She is the only American guida regionale (authorized regional tour guide) for all of Umbria.
But more than that, she is a treasured “Italian” in her own right, having lived in Italy since her early twenties, married an Italian, and raised three children in the Umbrian tradition.
A longtime resident of Umbria, Anne has the personal living experience of knowing and understanding Umbrian history, culture, and relationships that are so valuable in imparting the true Italian experience in this only landlocked region of the country. Her life among native born Umbrians has endowed her with knowledge of “secret” passage ways, lesser known works of art, quaint local eateries, and non-typical as well as typical tourist venues.
Whether discussing the rationale of frescoes on the walls of Basilica di San Francesco di Assisi, describing the techniques of the masters of Italian maiolica in La Città della Maiolica, Deruta, elucidating the undertones of regional wines & wineries, giving a rundown of area festivals, or detailing the local flora and fauna, Anne is a font of knowledge.
Highlights of a guided tour by Anne may include a 5-course (antipasto, primo, second, contorno, dolce) meal in a a friend’s private residence or a lunch and wine tasting at a local winery. The best opportunity to get an inkling into the Italian lifestyle may be just watching her interact with residents and vendors in impromptu situations such as at a farmer’s market.
Go to Annes website (annesitaly.com) for an extensive listing of her relevant background & certification, virtual experiences, guided tour information, recipes, blogs, and comments. You won’t be disappointed!