Early Morning

Often, the first thing one sees as you wake, sets the mood for the day. This morning's view through the open window did just that ... And certainly didn't disappoint!

The warmth of yesterday's autumn sun gave way to a cool night that left behind the hint of low valley fog as the sun rises. As tranquil as it is breathtaking, the beauty of the valle calls us to rise and join in.

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Road Trip to Tuscany

One of the wonderful advantages of staying in this part of Umbria is that so much of Tuscany is accessible from here for day trips. Such was the decision for today! Off to explore this valley and it's hill towns in Tuscany that we had only visited briefly many years ago. (please excuse the haze in some pics they are from a small point and shoot)

The drive was enchanting with rolling hills some topped with homes bordered by beautiful tall cypress trees. A brief stop around Montepulciano to admire the sprawling valley beneath filled with a patchwork of vineyards or olive groves or fields of sunflowers all drying; but looking like they had all in unison bowed their heads to pray for rain.

A stop in the charming town of Pienza to enjoy what this little hill town had to offer and to find lunch; which happened to provide a table in the shade that we could sit for a while and admire the panoramic view of the valley below (the lunch wasn't too bad either)

On to enjoy the serene hill town of Bagno Vignoni - which provided a welcome retreat from the heat and a beautiful strolling village in which to stretch our legs before heading back toward Umbria.

We took small beautiful tree lined roads back toward the East - an awesome day exploring this area of Tuscany

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The Beginning of Another Unforgettable Italian Holiday

Picture perfect morning on the back porch of Genius Loci over looking one of Umbria's most beautiful valley's. With a true Italian cappuccino, homemade cranberry walnut coffee cake and a fruit cup picked fresh from the trees on the property. With a map of northern Umbria in front of us, what more would we need to plan our day?

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Deruta

A lovely and “not to be missed” hill town in Umbria.  An easy and very enjoyable drive from Genius Loci through small country roads will get you to this quaint walled town.  Two years ago when we first visited Deruta, we were very pleasantly surprised to walk through the city gate to find an antique fair was underway wrapping itself through the center of this town. 

A Day of Abbeys

In addition to all the lovely Umbrian hill towns, there are other treasures, as well. We are always open to any suggestions from Mary and Michael at Genius Loci of places to go and things to see, this trip the suggestion was Abbeys.

The Heart of Italy

Umbria, for most people who have never had that opportunity to visit Italy, or are planning their first trip, they may have never heard of this region. To me, it is one of the most beautiful.  My experiences here have been filled with rolling hills, small hill towns, and patchwork landscapes.

Friends of Friends in Italy

Friends here have friends in Arezzo who run a business just outside the city walls. Family-owned and run, its a very nice store that sells just about any type of Italian café, pastry, gelato, chocolate or wine someone could want. When my friends here told their friend (Stefano) in Arezzo that we were planning a visit to the area, he insisted we come by the store, and said he would like to include us in an activity he had planned.