Ned and I just returned from the most awesome trip to Italy.
We spent two weeks touring Tuscany and Umbria with Alessandro's "Sctto Tours - Small Groups."
Joined by just two other travelers, a mother and daughter from Australia, we toured many out-of-the-way spots as well as better known Florence, Assisi, Orvieto and Chianti.
Each day Alessandro and driver Mimmo picked us up at our hotel--a 1000 year-old convent set in lush gardens within walking distance of the Tiber River. It was lovely and well-staffed and we stayed in place the whole two weeks!
On our way to a village, Alessandro regaled us with a running commentary on the art, history, rivalries, battles won and lost, etc. re the day's sites. We stopped for cappaccino each morning and enjoyed a 4-course lunch featuring local produce and WINES which he had pre-ordered.
The Duomos, sanctuaries, basilicas, towns and countryside were beautiful. Here are some pictures:
We spent the last four days of our trip in Rome, where we toured the Vatican, Rome underground and ancient ruins. Very competent guides dispensed much information--two of the three were archeologists who really knew their stuff. Nice hotel and lots to do and see in this old, old city.
A fountain in the Plaza del Poppolo in Rome, Sue at ruins outside Colloseum and an inside view of it, Caesar's temple at the Roman Forum.
A trip of a lifetime for us!
