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Body & Soul
A delightfully indulgent (and slightly decadent!) exploration of Umbria and Tuscany
April 13 to April 27 - 2008Designed for those seeking a richer experience, this tour offers a deliciously seductive blend of offerings, including outstanding accommodations and unique venues taking us off the beaten path and into a delight for the senses. Truly la dolce vita! The itinerary is designed around personal pampering, soulful art, holy places, and walks through inspirational landscapes with visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites. To keep us grounded we include a few more carnal pursuits which include an exploration of fine wines, rustic cuisine, yoga and spa treatments, and, visits to Italian discount fashion shopping outlets.
We will stay in a family-owned country house in Montefalco, a restored monastery in the mystical valley of Valnerina, Italy's famous Thermal Spa in Saturnia, a country house in Tuscany’s Val D’Orcia, and a centrally located unique hotel in the city of Florence . Our journey will include visits to Assisi, Orvieto, Todi, Spello, Spoleto, Pienza, and Montepulciano … and much more!
Highlights
Accommodations Include
(Please note that the tour itinerary is subject to change.) SUNDAY 13 APRIL ARRIVAL MONTEFALCO LD o'night Montefalco You will be met at Rome's Fiumicino airport at 12.00noon and transferred to our accommodation at the Fabrizi estate near Montefalco. A late lunch on arrival and time for a siesta before coming together. MONDAY 14 APRIL ORIENTATION MONTEFALCO + Treatment #1 BD o'night MontefalcoToday is market day in Montefalco, and an introduction to the food and artisan traditions of the town prepares us for our free time to enjoy the colourful lively atmosphere of the market place. This afternoon it's time for a little indulgence and pampering as you are offered a choice of relaxing treatments to erase any vestiges of jet lag. Later in the afternoon we gather for a soulful wine tasting of Montefalco's famous award winning Sagrantino wines. At dinner we enjoy the superb cooking of local chef, Patrizia at the trattoria Alchemista in Montefalco's charming main piazza.
TUESDAY 15 APRIL
HERMITAGE TRAIL - ASSISI BD o'night Montefalco
WEDNESDAY 16 APRIL
SPELLO + Treatment #2 BD o'night
Montefalco
SUNDAY 20 APRIL ORVIETO/SATURNIA SPA + Treatment #3 BD o'night Saturnia Spa Sitting spectacularly on a pedestal of volcanic tufa, Orvieto is a monument to the "miracle of the Corpus Christie". The stunning cathedral is a bulwark of faith to the generations of lives spent building what is considered to be one of the greatest cathedrals in Italy. After, the town beckons with characteristic ceramic shops, and small wine bars offering a taste of the extraordinary and delicious local white wine, Orvieto classico . The rest of the day is free to explore and perhaps take a tour underground entering the Etruscan world of the 6th century before Christ. After lunch we drive to our Spa destination at Saturnia in time to enjoy the famous thermal waters and healing mud treatments of this fabulous spa location.
Monday 21
April SATURNIA THERMAL SPA +
Treatment #4
A leisurely drive this morning to "La Foce" enjoying a stop at the stunning view point overlooking the "Orcia Valley” and stopping to enjoy the tiny medieval spa hamlet of Bagno Vignoni. Then we head to La Foce Villa, once home to "Iris Origo" and still privately owned by the family. After a tour through this important renaissance style garden, we enjoy more of the beautiful Tuscan countryside. We return to our accommodation for a spa treatment with a relaxing aperitif or glass of red wine, "la dolce vita"! WEDNESDAY 23 APRIL PIENZA, MONTEPULCIANO BL o'night Val d”Orcia This morning we depart for the "San Antimo", one of the finest Romanesque churches in Tuscany, where we enjoy Gregorian chanting by the monks. Then, we continue to the tiny dolls house town of Pienza, also a Unesco World Heritage site. Finally we return via Montepulciano, Tuscany's highest hilltop town for an opportunity to taste their famous “vin noble”, local red wine. THURSDAY 24 APRIL DESIGNER SHOPPING OUTLETS BD o'night FlorenceToday the serious therapy begins! "Retail therapy" at the designer outlets including; Prada, Gucci, and Ferragamo - before continuing towards Florence. Making a quick photo stop at the "Piazza Michelangelo" to feast our eyes on the Panorama that is Florence, the city of the Renaissance, we then head to our centrally located hotel to settle in and get ready for another culinary delight at our favorite Florentine restaurant. FRIDAY 25 APRIL FLORENCE + Treatment #5 B o'night FlorenceThis morning we enjoy a walking tour with our local guide through the colorful San Lorenzo markets towards the main cathedral and the famous gates of paradise. Continuing to the famous main square, Piazza Signoria, we view the original setting for Michelangelo's magnificent David. We fit in another beauty treatment in a favorite salon. You are free to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. A guided optional gallery visit to the San Lorenzo chapel will be offered. SATURDAY 26 APRIL FLORENCE BD o'night Florence This morning we stroll across the famous Ponte Vecchio, the bridge of gold, toward the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens followed by a guided tour of this incredible Palace and treasures. The rest of the day is once again free to indulge in the many temptations including famous Florentine leather and gold or perhaps an optional gallery visit to the Bargello museum . (We can make arrangements for you to visit the Uffizi or the real David in the Accademia or any of the 50 other galleries to choose from!) Our final dinner in a favorite city restaurant. SUNDAY 27 APRIL DEPARTURE FROM FLORENCE AIRPORT/TRAIN STATION (B)Please click here for a more detailed description of accommodations and daily itinerary.
What is included?
What is not included?
How much does it cost? The cost of the tour is EURO 4250 per person in twin share. A deposit of EURO 800 per person is required to reserve a place on the tour. This deposit is non-refundable unless the tour is cancelled. Singles: A limited number of single supplements is available at an additional cost of EURO 600 in a single room, or EURO 850 in a double room. You may submit your
deposit to reserve your space anytime. The full balance is due 60 days
before departure.
All
deposits and payments will be handled through Living Italy. Please contact
carolsearle@livingitaly.com
with questions related to reserving your place and making
deposits/payments. Your Hosts
Carol Searle:
Carol is the dynamic force behind Living Italy. Married to artist Neil Moore, they have lived in Umbria over 18 years and have an intimate love and understanding for Italy and, specifically, Umbria. Knowledgeable about the local people, food, wine, and culture (and a dedicated shopper!), Carol has excellent taste and a fun, warm, and engaging manner. Carol will accompany us throughout the tour. Click here to learn more about Living Italy.
Victoria De Maio:
Victoria is a yoga teacher who lives in Santa Barbara, California. In the spring of 2007, she joined Living Italy for a two week tour of Sicily and then went on to Montefalco for ten days. The entire experience was so fabulous that she approached Carol with the idea of teaching yoga on a tour. Since Carol was already thinking about a “Body and Soul” tour, the idea became reality. Yoga will be offered daily in Umbria and will be suitable for all levels and even those with no experience! Click here with questions for Victoria.
Contact Victoria today at TravelPiZazz1@aol.com.
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