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The
Umbrian Table – HARVEST 2008
An
Italian Food and Wine Adventure
November
2 – 12, 2008
Your
Hosts: Michael and Karin Rostance and Richard di San Marzano
DEPARTURE
DAY - Sunday, November 2 - If you wish to travel with us on your way
to Italy, we will depart the Twin Cities on this day (flight to be
determined). Many of our clients travel before or after the group
portion of the journey and make plans accordingly.
DAY 1 –
Monday, November 3 – Arrive in Rome and
transfer to Spoleto by motor coach. Check-in
to the four-star historic residence, Palazzo
Dragoni for nine nights. In the evening,
welcome drinks are
served in the sitting room. We then proceed to a local osteria
for our welcome dinner
of traditional Umbrian specialties.
DAY 2 –
Tuesday, November 4 – Spoleto and
Homemade Pasta Lesson. Morning orientation
stroll around this “little piece of heaven fallen to earth”,
the ancient hill town of Spoleto. We visit the Duomo,
famous for its tower and façade and Fra Lippi’s
extraordinary fresco. We tour the center of town including the
ancient market square. Lunch is at your
leisure. In the afternoon we have our first
cooking lesson, taught by a local chef, which
will include hands-on pasta making for all who want to try. Our
dinner that evening will
be in one of the Palazzo Dragoni’s
beautiful dining rooms. There we will taste
the fruits of our afternoon’s labor.
DAY 3 –
Wednesday, November 5 – The Valnerina
and a cooking lesson in the country. In the
morning we will take a scenic drive in La
Valnerina, one of the most breathtaking
mountain valleys in Europe. Wonderfully preserved hilltop towns and
medieval villages are just some of the jewels in this treasure trove
of natural beauty. Great, but little known works of art can be found
here as well. In the afternoon we will visit Senora Angela at a
marvelous country trattoria for our second
cooking lesson. A rustic and truly authentic
local meal follows the
lesson. In the evening discover Spoleto at
your leisure.
DAY 4 –
Thursday, November 6 – Ponte delle Torri
and historic churches of Spoleto. In the
morning we will wind our way up to the magnificent viaduct/aqueduct,
Ponte delle Torri, the
bridge of towers. Weather permitting we may walk along the path on
Monteluco, following the footsteps of the ancient Umbrii,
the Romans, and pilgrims from every age. We
will also explore more of the wonderful churches of Spoleto, each
with unique works of art from various eras. Lunch
is at your leisure. Dinner in the evening
at one of Spoleto’s many great
restaurants.
DAY 5 –
Friday, November 7 - La Roca and an olive oil
tasting and dinner in the country. In the
morning we will visit the castle that towers above Spoleto. A new
museum has just been completed and the view is magnificent. Later we
will travel to an olive mill that has been in the same family for
several hundred years. We will taste the new
oil, minutes from the press, learn how it is
made, then follow with a dinner with the
family.
DAY 6 –
Saturday, November 8 – Morning Departure
for Bevagna. Palazzo Trinci and Shopping in Foligno. In
the morning we will travel to Bevagna. This scenic Roman town has a
lovely city square and well preserved Roman and medieval buildings.
Lunch at a wonderful
trattoria. Weather
permitting we will dine outside near the square. We then travel to
Foligno, another,
larger Roman town. The magnificent Palazzo
Trinci features wonderful secular
frescoes and some very interesting history and architecture. There
will be time to do some shopping in the bustling Roman garrison town.
Dinner in Spoleto at your leisure.
DAY 7 –
Sunday, November 9 - Flea Market, cocktails
and a tour of private Spoleto home. Dinner.
In the
morning we will explore the monthly bric-a-brac market. Merchants
and bargain hunters from all over the region meet here for shopping
and socializing. There is always the possibility you will find some
surprising treasures. Lunch is at your
leisure. In the evening we will have a tour
of one of Spoleto’s most beautiful homes. We will have
cocktails and share conversation with one of the towns most well
known residents. Later we will proceed to dinner, perhaps at the
newly renovated home of our partner, Richard.
DAY 8 –
Monday, November 10 – Roman house, Roman
theater and Wine Tasting in Montefalco. In
the morning we will walk to the Roman house in Spoleto. Its well
preserved tile floors, artifacts and excellent design will give you a
greater appreciation for the artistry of the ancient Romans. We will
then stroll to the Roman theater, still used for performances today.
There is a nice little museum there as well with interesting
artifacts from all over the region. Later we will travel to
Montefalco to visit the Paolo Bea
winery. Here you will
taste some of the best
wine in Italy made by one of its most respected and innovative wine
makers. Dinner in Spoleto.
DAY 9 –
Tuesday, November 11 – Ancient church,
shopping and packing, farewell feast of St. Martin. In
the morning we will visit one of the oldest churches in Europe. The
natural light, its use of Roman columns of different styles and eras
and its simple beauty never fail to inspire awe. We will also visit
the town cemetery with its often ornate mausoleums and touching
photographs of loved ones, all well tended and decorated with
flowers. You will have plenty of time to finish shopping and get
your packing done that afternoon. In the evening we will celebrate
the traditional feast of St. Martin. This celebration has both pagan
and Christian roots, but mostly features plate after plate of
traditional, seasonal antipasti cooked up by the mother of our host.
DAY 10 –
Wednesday, November 12 – Departure Day.
We board the bus early for the drive back to
the airport in Rome. For those continuing their travel, rental cars,
bus and train connections are readily available.
Included
in the Program
- 9
nights at the historic residence, Palazzo Dragoni -
Qualified bi-lingual guide
-
Breakfast daily. Lunches or dinners as listed.
- Pre-tour gathering with food and
- Two
cooking lessons
- wine with Michael and Karin
- Private
wine tasting
- Transfers to and from Spoleto (specified
- Entrance
fees to museums, churches, historical - All
transportation for day trips on the
Sites
on the itinerary
itinerary
- Private
olive oil tasting
- Gratuities, hotel taxes and service charges
Price
per person, Double Occupancy (does not include airfare or items of a
personal nature)
$3450
US if paid by check, cash or money order
$3575
if paid by credit card (Visa, Master Card, AMEX)
Single
supplement add $300 US
A
non-refundable deposit of $600 is due at the time of enrollment (not
later than March 15, 2008). Balance is due by October 1, 2008
This
will be our 12th
visit to Umbria. It is a region of great character, history and
beauty and largely unspoiled by mass tourism. Our previous travel
companions agree. References are available by request. We travel
with a small group and can fill quickly. We hope you will reserve
your place soon. With the gap between the Euro and the dollar
widening, our program remains an exceptional value!
We book
our flights and make other travel arrangements through Bryan
Nystedt at New Departures Travel. Brian
is familiar with our programs and our client’s needs. He can
assist you with all your travel arrangements. If you would like to
contact him, the number is 612-305-0025.
To
contact the Umbrian Table: Michael and Karin Rostance. 4654 Upton
Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN 55410. TEL: 612-822-2782. Email:
michael@historicitaly.com.
Website: www.historicitaly.com.
We
look forward to sharing this unique travel experience with you!
Michael
and Karin
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