Walking and Sightseeing in
UMBRIA, ITALY
Thank you for your interest in our excursion to Umbria, Italy. As you read on, you will find that we have a rather full itinerary. Keep in mind….you do not have to join in the all the activities. We are staying in a lovely location. You have the freedom to spend as many days as you wish….just relaxing….reading….absorbing…
While Tuscany has gained fame for having successfully capitalized on the charm of its sun-bleached stone farmhouses, those looking for a slightly less trampled alternative will enjoy an agriturismo in Umbria. Known as the Green Heart of Italy and home to such famed medieval hill towns as Assisi and Spello, Umbria hosts a treasure trove of gastronomic and cultural delights rivaling those of its more famous neighbor to the west. In Umbria there are works of art, harmonious architecture and views of a breathtaking and mystical landscape add to the total experience.
Umbria is the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of the Environmental movement. This region of Italy has seen the history of three millennia pass across its lands. Etruscan civilization flourished in the ancient times. Then the Romans conquered bringing roads and theatres. During the medieval era, Umbria was known for its Saints and throughout the Renaissance this region was a major center for learning and art.
Today, Umbria is not as well known as Tuscany but equally beautiful and historic. In the sprit of St. Francis the region boasts four nature reserves which are wonderful for hiking as well as walking paths which once were part of the pilgrims’ route to Rome.
This will be my (Kathy’s) 11th trip to Malvarina. Enjoyed eight day visits In May, 2002, April 2003, and September 2005. In the spring of 2007, I led four consecutive trips and three trips in 2009. Always look forward to a return trip to Malvarina, our lovely base in Umbria. This time, I am planning to lead two consecutive trips.
Weather in Umbria in April/May is beautiful. We have long days of daylight. Temperatures usually do not go above the mid-seventies. Evenings in the hill towns will be cool. At this time of year, the poppies are in bloom and you will hear the mating call of the cuckoo.
Accommodations:
Situated on a hillside east of Assisi, nestled among olive trees and rosemary bushes, La Malvarina is a renovated farmhouse.. The Inn dates from the Middle Ages. The name Malvarina derives from a strip of land once part of a castle complex. The estate has been tastefully restored by the owners. Each room is furnished with antiques from the area. Maria Maurillo and her family live on the property and take pride in maintaining it’s impeccably groomed grounds. Hospitality is a family affair. Maria’s son Claudio, his wife Patrizia, and their children enjoy making guests feel like part of the family. Grandson, Filippo, often takes us out on day trips. The buildings at La Malvarina date back to the fifteenth century. Stables, barns and annexes immersed in an oak forest, have been renovated to provide rooms with private bathrooms, all carefully refurbished in classic country style. Part of the old wine cellar has been converted into an intimate dining-room with a large fireplace where relaxed in the warmth and comfort of the surroundings, you can enjoy the immense variety of Maria’s cooking of old traditional Umbrian recipes using home grown produce. Maria, also offers cooking courses for those who are interested. We will offer an option of taking cooking classes at 25 Euros per person per lesson Maria and Malvarina were featured n Bon Appetit magazine (My 1997) and on CNN Travel Now (Nov. 1999 and March 2000). Kathy first learned of La Malvarina in a Wall Street Journal article. For photos of La Malvarina and information about the area check the following websites: http://www.malvarina.it Try doing a Google search on “Maria, Malvarina, cooking” and see what you get.
Malvarina is situated between Assisi and Spello…..four miles in each direction. There are scenic walks to each of these towns through olive groves along paths and dirt roads.
Price of trip covers double occupancy in rooms with private baths. You can have a private room and bath at a single occupancy cost of an additional 120 Euros for the trip.
Meals: At La Malvarina (Umbria) our breakfasts and dinners are included. On our daily excursions, you will purchase your own lunches. Breakfasts are at 8:00 am and dinners are served at 8:15 pm and sometimes last until 11:00pm. We are served course upon course of Maria’s wonderful home cooking. Wine and mineral water are included with our dinners. When one bottle is emptied….another one appears. To give you an example of a typical meal: toasted bread with olive oil, fresh faba beans, pecorino cheese, artichokes, a bean dish, special chicken soup, a faro (barley) dish, cannoli with veal, lamb shanks, greens of chicory and arugula. Dessert of cut up fruit and small cakes and cookies. Every night there was a pasta, a meat, salad, vegetables….and many extras!
The Italian breakfast is simple…scrambled eggs, bread, cheese, butter, homemade jams, fruit, juice, coffee, and tea.
Travel: Airfare is not included in the price of the trip. Kathy will keep you informed of the best buys for air travel. If you hear of a bargain rate, let Kathy know and she will share the information with the rest of the group. We will have a designated time to meet at the airport in Florence on April 25 (which means that you would need to leave home on April 24….or earlier). Highly recommend that you arrive at least a day early in Florence….just to be sure that you are there when the bus picks up the group. Easter is April 24. If you plan to be in Italy over the holiday….book your hotel room in advance.
A passport is required of Americans traveling to Italy. Be sure that it does not expire for at least six months after you return home.
We have hired a small bus and driver for our stay in Umbria. The driver will meet us at the airport in Florence and return us to the same airport at end of trip. During the week he/she will drive us to our day’s activities.
Local Guides: The guides that we used on past trips were excellent. Peppe, Filippo or Piera will be our guide for sightseeing and hiking in the hilltowns and countryside.
Horseback Riding: Optional (at your own expense)….A half day of guided horseback riding in the mountains behind Malvarina is possible. This is for experience horseback riders…not novices. There are beautiful views as you ride through the olive groves.
Trip Coordinator
Kathy Didier owns and manages Pembrook in Woodstock, NH. She is an AMC Boston Chapter leader (hiking, snowshoeing, and skiing). She leads at least two trips a month in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Kathy leads an average of eight extended trips each year….all over the world.
Trip Insurance - Cancellation and Medical
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance when you book. This can reimburse you if you need to cancel last minute due to sickness, family emergency, jury duty, job change, or any other unforeseen occurrence. One of the most frequent reasons for participants to cancel a trip is not their own health issues…but, those of senior parents.
Requirements to Participate
a) To fully enjoy this trip, recent, on-going hiking/walking experience is required. We will be hiking or walking in towns from four to eight miles each day. Our pace will be slow to moderate. The idea of the trip is to enjoy the scenery that surrounds us. If a participant is not up to hiking eight miles, he/she has the option of staying at our accommodations and doing a local walk on his/her own.
b) Adaptability: An important criterion for this trip is the ability to be flexible. Our itinerary could change from day to day, planes can be delayed, and weather could cause changes. Everyone is expected to be able to “roll with the punches” as much as possible, be cooperative, abide by leader decisions, and add to the total group experience while enjoying themselves. Safety will always take priority in the leaders’ decisions.
c) Understanding Purpose of Trip: This trip is designed for everyone to experience the natural wonders, history and culture of Umbria, Italy while enjoying the company of fellow hikers. Although each person comes with his or her own expectations, this is primarily a group trip. Decisions will be made to benefit the group as a whole.
Equipment - You provide your own daypack, hiking boots, and rain gear.
Cost Particulars - $1895** if we have a full group of fourteen participants. With 10 participants the price will be $2050. This cost is based upon the value of the US $ and Euro. I have used $1.50 US to one Euro. Final price of trip will be base upon the foreign exchange at time. I am hoping that it will be less and you will receive refund. If it is more, we will have to raise the price of trip.
Single occupancy is available at 15€ extra per day…..120€ for the eight nights.
Included in the price
1. Land travel by bus and driver while in Italy
2. Accommodations in beautifully restored farmhouse (double occupancy)
3. Eight multiple course dinners and wine, eight breakfasts
4. Lunch at Malvarina on the day of arrival
5. Local guides for six days outings
6. Oil tasting
7. Special luncheon excursion on one of the days
8. Tips to Guides and Kitchen staff
Not included in price
1. Transportation to/from your home and your local airport
2. Flights from home city to Italy. Any Airport Taxes **
3. Alcoholic and bottled drinks other than those served at dinner.
4. Single supplement. 120 Euros.
5. Lunches
6. Cooking classes if you are interested (25 Euros)
7. Museum Admissions (total of about $10 pp)
6. Personal expenditures
7. Costs resulting from illness, injury, or emergency evacuation
8. Program changes and delays beyond our control
8. Any pre-trip costs such as Passport or anything else not in the above list of “included in the price”
9. Trip Insurance
10. Horseback riding
Payment Schedule
Registration - $ 600
September 1, 2010 $ 600
January 1, 2011 $ Final Payment
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation must be writing -
a) $150 non-refundable portion
b) Any moneys paid out to vendors and money necessary to keep the trip cost from increasing - causing an increase for other trip members. Therefore, you should have purchased travel insurance by this time.
Please note that once the trip has filled and prospective participants are turned away, you will not receive a refund unless we are able to fill your space.
Once a trip begins, there is absolutely no refund, partial or full, for any reason. Travel insurance may cover you for this expense.
Registration
The minimum age for this trip is eighteen. Because of bus size, this trip is limited to a group of fifteen. A separate application is required for each person. To reserve a space on the trip, please fill out the application completely, sign the liability form and mail these with your deposit to:
Kathy Didier
PO Box C
Woodstock, NH 03293
Make checks payable to "Kathy Didier “. She will promptly review your application. Upon acceptance, a receipt and additional information will be sent to you. If not accepted, your deposit will be returned.
If your application is received and accepted after January 1, 2011, please add scheduled payments to the amount of deposit. Thank you. If you have any questions, please call:
Leader: Kathy Didier
PO Box C
Woodstock, NH 03293
603-726-3553
kdidier@suchmail.com
UMBRIA
Walking and Sighteeing
April 25 – May 3, 2011
ITINERARY
Mon., April 25 – We will meet at 10am at the airport in Florence, Italy, by our bus driver and driven two to three hours south to Malvarina our home for the next eight days, near Assisi in Umbria. Light lunch at Malvarina. Enjoy free time, relax or take a walk. While staying at La Malvarina, all of our breakfasts and dinners are provided. Breakfast is at 8:00 am. Dinner is at 8:15 pm. (D)
Tues., April 26 – “Walk Around the 8 Gates of Assisi” with Peppe. (Walking distance up to 8 miles; Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate.) Today’s route goes around the medieval walls and gates of Assisi. Assisi’s town walls begin on the valley floor and completely enclose the city as they climb the steep hillside, climaxing at an enormous castle. Assisi with its maze of tiny streets is a marvelous town for walking. It is great fun as you come across intriguing little lanes opening into small squares. When you stop to rest, there are marvelous vistas of the breathtaking Umbrian fields stretching out below. There are many places where you can break away from the group to pursue your own interests. We will meet at a designated place. After the hike a visit to the Bascillica of St. Francis. (B,D)
Wed., April 27 – Visit to three jewels on the medieval Umbrian crown: Spello is noted for its intact urban layout and remarkable frescoes by “Pinturicchio,” master of the Renaissance; Late morning wine tasting at Terre de Trinci da Ludovico e Umberto. Meet Peppe and travel to Bevagna, known for its elegant “piazza” and Roman mosaics; and Montefalco to view Benozzo-Gozzoli’s “Life of Saint Francis” frescoes. Lunch in Montefalco. Olive tasting in nearby Vescia de Foligno. After learning about the process of making this special olive oil….we get to sample the oil….with a glass of wine.
Thurs., April 28 – Piera will take us to the town of Deruta, known for its accomplished potters. Start the day with a visit to the pottery makers of new Deruta. We continue on to the old city of Deruta to walk the old city and view the works of many potters. Travel to Perugia for lunch and a walking tour of this old university town. Free time to explore on own..
Fri., April 29 – Hiking day with Peppe as our guide. We will be driven to a trail close to the summit of Mount Subasio, a national park created in 1983. Our mini-bus will then meet us at the end of our hike in Assisi. We walk up and down along a trail that passes through very pretty areas of flower filled meadows, and offers enormous views over the surrounding countryside. We will reach the little hermitage where St. Francis would retreat to commune with the birds. His cell, the “Oratorio Primitivo” is still intact, and his pillow is allegedly among the relics held in the chapel. After hike to Assisi, back home to Malvarina. Those who are not up to a long hike will enjoy doing an abbreviated hike to Spello.
Sat., April 30 – Travel to Gubbio with Peppe.. This beautiful hill town is one of the oldest cities in Italy, older than Rome. Palazzo del Consoli is one of the most elegant and perfectly preserved Renaissance buildings in Europe. Gubbio is also famous for “Bucchero”, a pottery-making technique known since Etruscan time. Our bus drops us at the top of hill, high above the town. From there Peppe will guide us as we walk to the Basilica of San Ubaldo. Legends about the town of Gubbio go back to Noah’s flood and it certainly true that the town dates back to pre-Etruscan times. From the Basilica we walk the route of the famous “Candle Race” as we wind our way back into town. Once in town, there will be time to visit museums, palaces, or walk the narrow cobblestone streets of Gubbio. Back at Malvarina, cooking lesson with Maria and Piera at 5:30pm (B,D)
Sun., May 1 - Today, offers a chance to stay around our villa and relax, horseback ride, ….or to revisit Spello No need for the bus. We walk through the woods and olive groves that bordered the Mt. Sabasio Park and back on a scenic route with open vistas of the valley below. Total distance is 7.5 miles r/t. In Spello, you will have more time to examine the art work in the churches or to do some shopping. Lunch at café with open outdoor courtyard with great views. Stop for gelato and then walk back to Malvarina. Time for relaxation and socializing ….or preliminary packing (B,D)
Mon., May 2 .We travel south to the city of Norcia. This town is known for its meat and sausage making. Everywhere are colorful shops. Norcia is also the home of St. Benedict, the founder of the Benedictine order. Read about Norcia at http://www.bellaumbria.net/Norcia/home.eng.htm
When we reach the Sibillini range, we walk among meadows filled with wildflowers. Resembles an artist’s pallet. The little town of Casteluccio is set high on a mountain with vistas in all directions. This area is know for its lentils. Claudio has planned a special lunch with some of his friends on our ride back to Malvarina.
Farewell dinner at Malvarina.
Tues., May 3 - All good things must come to an end. We bid Malvarina goodbye. Our driver will take us to the airport in Florence for our flights back to the US. Some of you might choose to extend your trip in Italy.
Please note: The order of these hikes and day trips will be changed when we get to Umbria. Peppe is a professor and the days will depend upon his schedule. In the past, Peppe or the staff at Malvarina have had suggestions of day trips that they thought we would enjoy more than those scheduled. So…..we need to be flexible.
For more information about this trip, contact Kathy Didier (603-726-3553) kdidier@suchmail.com
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
May 3 - 11, 2011 - Trip Two
Walking and Sightseeing in
Umbria, Italy
May 3-11, 2011
Thank you for your interest in our return excursion to Malvarina and Umbria. For this eight day tour, I intentionally, do not have a set itinerary as I do for the other trips. This is YOUR tour. I am designing the itinerary to meet the interests of the majority of participants. What would you like to see and do on this return trip? Would you like to go back to Bagnoregio/Civita, Orvieto and Todi? Gubbio? All of these are worth repeating…..or we can add some other hikes, cities, villages, adventures. I am open to your suggestions.
In addition to your suggested excursions we will include the following:
A hike on Mt. Subascio will take us either across the ridge and down to the Hermitage of St. Francis or we will hike in the other direction as we did in 2009, from the top to Collepino to Spello.
We will return to a location that we visited in 2007… Norcia and the Sibillini Range where we walked through meadow of wildflowers in the Plains of Casteluccio. We saw where all of the wonderful lentils of Castelluccio are grown. Claudio has planned a special lunch for us in this area.
Our trip intentionally coincides with the celebration of Calendimaggio in Assisi (www.assisiweb.com/assisi_calendimaggio_en.html ) We will see if we are able to purchase tickets for the Saturday night event. This may ….or may not be possible. Never the less…walking around town anytime during this three day period is great fun as we see the many local people dressed in their Medieval regalia. The town is all decked out for the occasion. There are cave like restaurants serving medieval foods and wines and are open only at these three days. We would plan to be in Assisi for one of the days of our tour.
Keep in mind….you do not have to join in the all the activities. We are staying in a lovely location. You have the freedom to spend as many days as you wish….just relaxing….reading….absorbing…
While Tuscany has gained fame for having successfully capitalized on the charm of its sun-bleached stone farmhouses, those looking for a slightly less trampled alternative will enjoy an agriturismo in Umbria. Known as the Green Heart of Italy and home to such famed medieval hill towns as Assisi and Spello, Umbria hosts a treasure trove of gastronomic and cultural delights rivaling those of its more famous neighbor to the west. In Umbria there are works of art, harmonious architecture and views of a breathtaking and mystical landscape add to the total experience.
Always look forward to a return trip to Malvarina, our lovely base in Umbria. This will be my twelfth stay at Malvarina. I am planning to lead two consecutive trips. The first trip, April 25 – May 3, will be for those visiting Malvarina for the first time (or those who do not mind a repeat itinerary). The second eight day trip will be for repeat visitors and will run from May 3-11.
Weather in Umbria in April/May is beautiful. We have long days of daylight. Temperatures usually do not go above the mid-seventies. Evenings in the hill towns will be cool. At this time of year, the poppies are in bloom and you will hear the mating call of the cuckoo.
Accommodations:
Situated on a hillside east of Assisi, nestled among olive trees and rosemary bushes, La Malvarina is a renovated farmhouse.. The Inn dates from the Middle Ages. The name Malvarina derives from a strip of land once part of a castle complex. The estate has been tastefully restored by the owners. Each room is furnished with antiques from the area. Maria Maurillo and her family live on the property and take pride in maintaining it’s impeccably groomed grounds. Hospitality is a family affair. Maria’s son Claudio, his wife Patrizia, and their children enjoy making guests feel like part of the family. Grandson, Filippo, often takes us out on day trips. The buildings at La Malvarina date back to the fifteenth century. Stables, barns and annexes immersed in an oak forest, have been renovated to provide rooms with private bathrooms, all carefully refurbished in classic country style. Part of the old wine cellar has been converted into an intimate dining-room with a large fireplace where relaxed in the warmth and comfort of the surroundings, you can enjoy the immense variety of Maria’s cooking of old traditional Umbrian recipes using home grown produce. Maria, also offers cooking courses for those who are interested. We will offer an option of taking cooking classes at 25 Euros per person per lesson Maria and Malvarina were featured n Bon Appetit magazine (My 1997) and on CNN Travel Now (Nov. 1999 and March 2000). Kathy first learned of La Malvarina in a Wall Street Journal article. For photos of La Malvarina and information about the area check the following websites: http://www.malvarina.it Try doing a Google search on “Maria, Malvarina, cooking” and see what you get.
Malvarina is situated between Assisi and Spello…..four miles in each direction. There are scenic walks to each of these towns through olive groves along paths and dirt roads.
Price of trip covers double occupancy in rooms with private baths. You can have a private room and bath at a single occupancy cost of an additional 120 Euros for the eight nights.
Meals: At La Malvarina (Umbria) our breakfasts and dinners are included. On our daily excursions, you will purchase your own lunches. Breakfasts are at 8:00 am and dinners are served at 8:15 pm and sometimes last until 11:00pm. We are served course upon course of Maria’s wonderful home cooking. Wine and mineral water are included with our dinners. When one bottle is emptied….another one appears. To give you an example of a typical meal: toasted bread with olive oil, fresh faba beans, pecorino cheese, artichokes, a bean dish, special chicken soup, a faro (barley) dish, cannoli with veal, lamb shanks, greens of chicory and arugula. Dessert of cut up fruit and small cakes and cookies. Every night there was a pasta, a meat, salad, vegetables….and many extras!
The Italian breakfast is simple…scrambled eggs, bread, cheese, butter, homemade jams, fruit, juice, coffee, and tea.
Travel: Airfare is not included in the price of the trip. Kathy will keep you informed of the best buys for air travel. If you hear of a bargain rate, let Kathy know and she will share the information with the rest of the group. We will have a designated time to meet at the airport in Florence on May 3 (which means that you would need to leave home on May 2….or earlier). Highly recommend that you arrive at least a day early in Florence….just to be sure that you are there when the bus picks up the group.
A passport is required of Americans traveling to Italy. Be sure that it does not expire for at least six months after you return home.
We have hired a small bus and driver for our stay in Umbria. The driver will meet us at the airport in Florence and return us to the same airport at end of trip. During the week he/she will drive us to our day’s activities.
Local Guides: The guides that we used on past trips were excellent. Peppe, Filippo or Piera will be our guides for sightseeing and hiking in the hill towns and countryside.
Horseback Riding: Optional (at your own expense)….A half day of guided horseback riding in the mountains behind Malvarina is possible. This is for experience horseback riders…not novices. There are beautiful views as you ride through the olive groves.
Trip Coordinator
Kathy Didier owns and manages Pembrook in Woodstock, NH. She is an AMC Boston Chapter leader (hiking, snowshoeing, and skiing). Kathy leads at least two weekend trips each month in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and an average of eight one to two week excursions at more distant locations each year. In addition to AMC trips, Kathy leads her own trips and also coordinates trips for GoAhead Vacations.
Trip Insurance - Cancellation and Medical
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance when you book. This can reimburse you if you need to cancel last minute due to sickness, family emergency, jury duty, job change, or any other unforeseen occurrence. In the past year, I have had eight people cancel their trips or return home early due to loss of job, death of family member, and illness.
Requirements to Participate
a) To fully enjoy this trip, recent, on-going hiking/walking experience is required. We will be hiking or walking in towns from four to eight miles each day. Our pace will be slow to moderate. The idea of the trip is to enjoy the scenery that surrounds us. If a participant is not up to hiking eight miles, he/she has the option of staying at our accommodations and doing a local walk on his/her own.
b) Adaptability: An important criterion for this trip is the ability to be flexible. Our itinerary could change from day to day, planes can be delayed, and weather could cause changes. Everyone is expected to be able to “roll with the punches” as much as possible, be cooperative, abide by leader decisions, and add to the total group experience while enjoying themselves. Safety will always take priority in the leaders’ decisions.
c) Understanding Purpose of Trip: This trip is designed for everyone to experience the natural wonders, history and culture of Umbria, Italy while enjoying the company of fellow hikers. Although each person comes with his or her own expectations, this is primarily a group trip. Decisions will be made to benefit the group as a whole.
Equipment - You provide your own daypack, hiking boots, and rain gear.
Cost Particulars - The cost is $ 1895 if we have a full group of fourteen participants. Price would be $2050 if there are only ten participants. This cost is based upon the value of the US $ and Euro. I have used $1.50 US to one Euro. Final price of trip will be base upon the foreign exchange at time. I am hoping that it will be less and you will receive refund. If it is more, we will have to raise the price of trip.
Included in the price
1. Land travel by bus and driver while in Italy
2. Accommodations in beautifully restored farmhouse (double occupancy)
3. Eight multiple course dinners and wine, eight breakfasts
4. Lunch at Malvarina on day of arrival
5. Local guides for six days outings
6. Oil tasting
7. Special luncheon excursion on one of the days
8. Tips to Guides and Kitchen staff
Not included in price
1. Transportation to/from your home and your local airport
2. Flights form home city to Italy. Any Airport Taxes **
3. Alcoholic and bottled drinks other than those served at dinner.
4. Single supplement. 120 Euros.
5. Lunches
6. Cooking classes if you are interested (25 Euros)
7. Museum Admissions (total of about $10 pp)
8. Ticket to Calendimaggo – optional
6. Personal expenditures
7. Costs resulting from illness, injury, or emergency evacuation
8. Program changes and delays beyond our control
9. Any pre-trip costs such as Passport or anything else not in the above list of “included in the price”
10. Trip Insurance
11. Horseback riding
Payment Schedule
Registration - $ 600
September 1, 2010 $ 600
January 1, 2011 - $ Balance
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation must be writing -
a) $150 non-refundable portion
b) Any moneys paid out to vendors and money necessary to keep the trip cost from increasing - causing an increase for other trip members. Therefore, you should have purchased travel insurance by this time.
Please note that once the trip has filled and prospective participants are turned away, you will not receive a refund unless we are able to fill your space.
Once a trip begins, there is absolutely no refund, partial or full, for any reason. Travel insurance may cover you for this expense.
Registration
The minimum age for this trip is eighteen. Because of bus size, this trip is limited to a group of fifteen. A separate application is required for each person. To reserve a space on the trip, please fill out the application completely, sign the liability form and mail these with your deposit to:
Kathy Didier
PO Box C
Woodstock, NH 03293
Make checks payable to "Kathy Didier “. She will promptly review your application. Upon acceptance, a receipt and additional information will be sent to you. If not accepted, your deposit will be returned.
If your application is received and accepted after January 1, 2011, please add scheduled payments to the amount of deposit. Thank you. If you have any questions, please call:
Leader: Kathy Didier
PO Box C
Woodstock, NH 03293
603-726-3553 (Tele. & FAX)
kdidier@suchmail.com
Umbria, Italy
May 3-11, 2011
Thank you for your interest in our return excursion to Malvarina and Umbria. For this eight day tour, I intentionally, do not have a set itinerary as I do for the other trips. This is YOUR tour. I am designing the itinerary to meet the interests of the majority of participants. What would you like to see and do on this return trip? Would you like to go back to Bagnoregio/Civita, Orvieto and Todi? Gubbio? All of these are worth repeating…..or we can add some other hikes, cities, villages, adventures. I am open to your suggestions.
In addition to your suggested excursions we will include the following:
A hike on Mt. Subascio will take us either across the ridge and down to the Hermitage of St. Francis or we will hike in the other direction as we did in 2009, from the top to Collepino to Spello.
We will return to a location that we visited in 2007… Norcia and the Sibillini Range where we walked through meadow of wildflowers in the Plains of Casteluccio. We saw where all of the wonderful lentils of Castelluccio are grown. Claudio has planned a special lunch for us in this area.
Our trip intentionally coincides with the celebration of Calendimaggio in Assisi (www.assisiweb.com/assisi_calendimaggio_en.html ) We will see if we are able to purchase tickets for the Saturday night event. This may ….or may not be possible. Never the less…walking around town anytime during this three day period is great fun as we see the many local people dressed in their Medieval regalia. The town is all decked out for the occasion. There are cave like restaurants serving medieval foods and wines and are open only at these three days. We would plan to be in Assisi for one of the days of our tour.
Keep in mind….you do not have to join in the all the activities. We are staying in a lovely location. You have the freedom to spend as many days as you wish….just relaxing….reading….absorbing…
While Tuscany has gained fame for having successfully capitalized on the charm of its sun-bleached stone farmhouses, those looking for a slightly less trampled alternative will enjoy an agriturismo in Umbria. Known as the Green Heart of Italy and home to such famed medieval hill towns as Assisi and Spello, Umbria hosts a treasure trove of gastronomic and cultural delights rivaling those of its more famous neighbor to the west. In Umbria there are works of art, harmonious architecture and views of a breathtaking and mystical landscape add to the total experience.
Always look forward to a return trip to Malvarina, our lovely base in Umbria. This will be my twelfth stay at Malvarina. I am planning to lead two consecutive trips. The first trip, April 25 – May 3, will be for those visiting Malvarina for the first time (or those who do not mind a repeat itinerary). The second eight day trip will be for repeat visitors and will run from May 3-11.
Weather in Umbria in April/May is beautiful. We have long days of daylight. Temperatures usually do not go above the mid-seventies. Evenings in the hill towns will be cool. At this time of year, the poppies are in bloom and you will hear the mating call of the cuckoo.
Accommodations:
Situated on a hillside east of Assisi, nestled among olive trees and rosemary bushes, La Malvarina is a renovated farmhouse.. The Inn dates from the Middle Ages. The name Malvarina derives from a strip of land once part of a castle complex. The estate has been tastefully restored by the owners. Each room is furnished with antiques from the area. Maria Maurillo and her family live on the property and take pride in maintaining it’s impeccably groomed grounds. Hospitality is a family affair. Maria’s son Claudio, his wife Patrizia, and their children enjoy making guests feel like part of the family. Grandson, Filippo, often takes us out on day trips. The buildings at La Malvarina date back to the fifteenth century. Stables, barns and annexes immersed in an oak forest, have been renovated to provide rooms with private bathrooms, all carefully refurbished in classic country style. Part of the old wine cellar has been converted into an intimate dining-room with a large fireplace where relaxed in the warmth and comfort of the surroundings, you can enjoy the immense variety of Maria’s cooking of old traditional Umbrian recipes using home grown produce. Maria, also offers cooking courses for those who are interested. We will offer an option of taking cooking classes at 25 Euros per person per lesson Maria and Malvarina were featured n Bon Appetit magazine (My 1997) and on CNN Travel Now (Nov. 1999 and March 2000). Kathy first learned of La Malvarina in a Wall Street Journal article. For photos of La Malvarina and information about the area check the following websites: http://www.malvarina.it Try doing a Google search on “Maria, Malvarina, cooking” and see what you get.
Malvarina is situated between Assisi and Spello…..four miles in each direction. There are scenic walks to each of these towns through olive groves along paths and dirt roads.
Price of trip covers double occupancy in rooms with private baths. You can have a private room and bath at a single occupancy cost of an additional 120 Euros for the eight nights.
Meals: At La Malvarina (Umbria) our breakfasts and dinners are included. On our daily excursions, you will purchase your own lunches. Breakfasts are at 8:00 am and dinners are served at 8:15 pm and sometimes last until 11:00pm. We are served course upon course of Maria’s wonderful home cooking. Wine and mineral water are included with our dinners. When one bottle is emptied….another one appears. To give you an example of a typical meal: toasted bread with olive oil, fresh faba beans, pecorino cheese, artichokes, a bean dish, special chicken soup, a faro (barley) dish, cannoli with veal, lamb shanks, greens of chicory and arugula. Dessert of cut up fruit and small cakes and cookies. Every night there was a pasta, a meat, salad, vegetables….and many extras!
The Italian breakfast is simple…scrambled eggs, bread, cheese, butter, homemade jams, fruit, juice, coffee, and tea.
Travel: Airfare is not included in the price of the trip. Kathy will keep you informed of the best buys for air travel. If you hear of a bargain rate, let Kathy know and she will share the information with the rest of the group. We will have a designated time to meet at the airport in Florence on May 3 (which means that you would need to leave home on May 2….or earlier). Highly recommend that you arrive at least a day early in Florence….just to be sure that you are there when the bus picks up the group.
A passport is required of Americans traveling to Italy. Be sure that it does not expire for at least six months after you return home.
We have hired a small bus and driver for our stay in Umbria. The driver will meet us at the airport in Florence and return us to the same airport at end of trip. During the week he/she will drive us to our day’s activities.
Local Guides: The guides that we used on past trips were excellent. Peppe, Filippo or Piera will be our guides for sightseeing and hiking in the hill towns and countryside.
Horseback Riding: Optional (at your own expense)….A half day of guided horseback riding in the mountains behind Malvarina is possible. This is for experience horseback riders…not novices. There are beautiful views as you ride through the olive groves.
Trip Coordinator
Kathy Didier owns and manages Pembrook in Woodstock, NH. She is an AMC Boston Chapter leader (hiking, snowshoeing, and skiing). Kathy leads at least two weekend trips each month in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and an average of eight one to two week excursions at more distant locations each year. In addition to AMC trips, Kathy leads her own trips and also coordinates trips for GoAhead Vacations.
Trip Insurance - Cancellation and Medical
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance when you book. This can reimburse you if you need to cancel last minute due to sickness, family emergency, jury duty, job change, or any other unforeseen occurrence. In the past year, I have had eight people cancel their trips or return home early due to loss of job, death of family member, and illness.
Requirements to Participate
a) To fully enjoy this trip, recent, on-going hiking/walking experience is required. We will be hiking or walking in towns from four to eight miles each day. Our pace will be slow to moderate. The idea of the trip is to enjoy the scenery that surrounds us. If a participant is not up to hiking eight miles, he/she has the option of staying at our accommodations and doing a local walk on his/her own.
b) Adaptability: An important criterion for this trip is the ability to be flexible. Our itinerary could change from day to day, planes can be delayed, and weather could cause changes. Everyone is expected to be able to “roll with the punches” as much as possible, be cooperative, abide by leader decisions, and add to the total group experience while enjoying themselves. Safety will always take priority in the leaders’ decisions.
c) Understanding Purpose of Trip: This trip is designed for everyone to experience the natural wonders, history and culture of Umbria, Italy while enjoying the company of fellow hikers. Although each person comes with his or her own expectations, this is primarily a group trip. Decisions will be made to benefit the group as a whole.
Equipment - You provide your own daypack, hiking boots, and rain gear.
Cost Particulars - The cost is $ 1895 if we have a full group of fourteen participants. Price would be $2050 if there are only ten participants. This cost is based upon the value of the US $ and Euro. I have used $1.50 US to one Euro. Final price of trip will be base upon the foreign exchange at time. I am hoping that it will be less and you will receive refund. If it is more, we will have to raise the price of trip.
Included in the price
1. Land travel by bus and driver while in Italy
2. Accommodations in beautifully restored farmhouse (double occupancy)
3. Eight multiple course dinners and wine, eight breakfasts
4. Lunch at Malvarina on day of arrival
5. Local guides for six days outings
6. Oil tasting
7. Special luncheon excursion on one of the days
8. Tips to Guides and Kitchen staff
Not included in price
1. Transportation to/from your home and your local airport
2. Flights form home city to Italy. Any Airport Taxes **
3. Alcoholic and bottled drinks other than those served at dinner.
4. Single supplement. 120 Euros.
5. Lunches
6. Cooking classes if you are interested (25 Euros)
7. Museum Admissions (total of about $10 pp)
8. Ticket to Calendimaggo – optional
6. Personal expenditures
7. Costs resulting from illness, injury, or emergency evacuation
8. Program changes and delays beyond our control
9. Any pre-trip costs such as Passport or anything else not in the above list of “included in the price”
10. Trip Insurance
11. Horseback riding
Payment Schedule
Registration - $ 600
September 1, 2010 $ 600
January 1, 2011 - $ Balance
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation must be writing -
a) $150 non-refundable portion
b) Any moneys paid out to vendors and money necessary to keep the trip cost from increasing - causing an increase for other trip members. Therefore, you should have purchased travel insurance by this time.
Please note that once the trip has filled and prospective participants are turned away, you will not receive a refund unless we are able to fill your space.
Once a trip begins, there is absolutely no refund, partial or full, for any reason. Travel insurance may cover you for this expense.
Registration
The minimum age for this trip is eighteen. Because of bus size, this trip is limited to a group of fifteen. A separate application is required for each person. To reserve a space on the trip, please fill out the application completely, sign the liability form and mail these with your deposit to:
Kathy Didier
PO Box C
Woodstock, NH 03293
Make checks payable to "Kathy Didier “. She will promptly review your application. Upon acceptance, a receipt and additional information will be sent to you. If not accepted, your deposit will be returned.
If your application is received and accepted after January 1, 2011, please add scheduled payments to the amount of deposit. Thank you. If you have any questions, please call:
Leader: Kathy Didier
PO Box C
Woodstock, NH 03293
603-726-3553 (Tele. & FAX)
kdidier@suchmail.com
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