4 Couples - Tour 2008

WELCOME TO VILLA PIEVE

A WEEK COUPLES

In the center of Italy is a region called Umbria, often called “the green heart of Italy” In this beautiful land of olive groves, vineyards and gently rolling hills, lies the medieval town of Corciano. On a hill adjacent to this idyllic village, among a grove of Cyprus trees, sits the Villa Pieve, first occupied in the fourteenth century. Villa Pieve is a historic residence completely restored and equipped with elegant and spacious bedrooms. There are also many leisure spaces for conversation or contemplation. The Villa has significant historical roots and has been the home of numerous key Umbrian nobility.

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The center of the home dates back to the fourteenth century while the first and second floors where added around a small private family chapel during the 18th century. The grounds are surrounded by private Mediterranean gardens and gracefully situated in front of Pieve del Vescovo, a medieval castle. Villa Pieve is located half way between Lake Trasimeno and the historic Etruscan City of Perugia. Villa Pieve is just 20 minutes from Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. and 20 minutes away from Cortona

7-DAY VISIT DAY ONE (SATURDAY)

Arrive in Rome and travel to Villa Pieve by private transport provided by Villa Pieve. Upon entering the Villa, you will be greeted with a “welcome” luncheon and tour of the Estate. In the afternoon you will enjoy an introduction to the famous “Limoncello”. Dinner at the Villa.

DAY TWO (SUNDAY)

Breakfast followed by a ceramic painting lesson with the well-known artist Rossella Vasta. She will share techniques of painting on ceramic dishes. You may take your work of art as a remembrance of your holiday stay in Villa Pieve. Lunch is on your own while you discover the beautiful medieval town of Corciano a short distance from the Villa. Afterwards, there will be a walking

tour of this beautiful ancient town. Dinner at the Villa.

DAY THREE (MONDAY)

After breakfast we will travel with private transportation to Assisi to visit the famous Basilica of Saint Francis and Giotto’s paintings. After lunch we will stop at S. Maria degli Angeli to visit the Porziuncola – the most sacred place of St. Francis. On the way back to the Villa we will stop at one of the many cashmere outlets for shopping. Lunch is on your own. Free time for self tours and shopping. Dinner at the Villa.

DAY FOUR (TUESDAY)

Breakfast. In the morning we will visit the city center of Perugia via private car and minimetro’. You will experience “Rocca Paolina” the underground town, the Duomo, and a Roman Aqueduct. Lunch is on your own with free time for strolling the streets. In the afternoon you will visit the Medieval Gardens at the University of Perugia and the Baroque church of St. Peter that houses the works of Caravaggio and Vasari whom we are indebted to for the documentation of art during the Renaissance period. In the evening “Donna Bibi” will reveal some of the secrets of the most appealing “Sicilian dishes.” Dinner at the Villa.

DAY FIVE (WEDNESDAY)

After breakfast we will travel to Cortona for a walking tour of the Duomo, Art Museum Diocesano, a city market and piazza. Remember that Cortona is also known for the book “Under the Tuscan Sun” by American author Frances Mayes. Lunch is on your own, but make sure you find “Ciaccia” a special bread from Toscana served with local cheese and meat. In the afternoon, visit Le Celle of the Franciscans and a wine tasting at

Montepulciano. Return to Villa for dinner.

DAY SIX (THURSDAY)

In the morning after breakfast we will go to Deruta to visit the Grazia Ceramic factory. After lunch (on your own) we will drive with private transport to Orvieto for a walking tour of the Duomo and the Etruscan Museum. Dinner at the Villa.

DAY SEVEN (FRIDAY)

After breakfast you will enjoy a lesson in making authentic “tiramisu” with Rossella. The remainder of the morning and early afternoon is free time to continue your exploration of Corciano or other areas of interest. At 5:30 PM there will be another cooking lesson with “Donna Bibi”. Dinner at the Villa

DAY EIGHT (SATURDAY)Arrivederci Villa Pieve. Return w/private car to Fiumincino airport

Price per person includes:

• Bed & Breakfast

• 1 Lunch at Villa Pieve

• 7 Dinners at Villa Pieve

• Pick-up from/to Rome Airport

• Day Trips as described in the program

• 1 Ceramic lesson – by Rossella Vasta

• 3 Cooking lessons By Sicilian Aristocrat Chef “Bibi” and an introduction to “Limoncello.”

If you would like to extend your stay by arriving into Rome early or staying longer – we can help you make these arrangements as well.

NOTE: This itinerary may be subject to change.