Essence of Umbria

[NOTE FROM TIK: THESE CLIENTS DID A CUSTOM SELF-DRIVE VERSION OF ESSENCE OF UMBRIA.] Our experience could not have been better. Our hosts at Genius Loci were absolutely wonderful, and the views and feel of the Umbrian town of Bevagna were so authentically Italian. After a long week of work and a flight from Chicago, the quiet and relaxing atmosphere of the Umbrian countryside was just what we needed! Unlike many other sites that we have visited in Europe over the years, Bevagna and its neighboring hill towns show hardly any traces of “Americanism” or herds of tourists overcrowding every site. Yet it still had all of the comforts of an American hotel, and our hosts went above and beyond to insure that each of our days went smoothly with dinner reservations, directions, etc. Bevagna had a very close proximity to many other charming medieval towns, we saw a different one each day! The renovated Umbrian building that we stayed at has a fascinating history, in addition to the family’s long tradition in the wine and olive-oil business. We had a wonderful afternoon cooking with Mary, and learned a great deal! They also allowed us to utilize the kitchen two evenings later and cook ourselves another meal, it was great! This was my third trip to Italy (the second for my wife), and we can both honestly say that this was the first time that we had a true “Italian experience.” Thank you for everything! As an American who has been to Rome previously, I was very apprehensive about renting a car and driving on Italian roads to Bevagna. But you were completely correct in assuring me that the drive would be fine. Drivers in the countryside were courteous, and I never felt unsafe or nervous. Also, the people at the rental site (near the airport) were very friendly and helpful. Matt M., IL