A week in Italy: Tuscany and Umbria

Italy in March was spectacular. The crowds were fairly light and the weather was chilly but comfortable with a light wool jacket. My trip began with three nights in Florence where I particularly enjoyed Cappelle Medici, a walk across the Ponte Vecchio to see the Santo Spirito, located in the Oltrarno quarter. Of course there was the requisite shoe shopping (I loved DIVA Shoes on the Via Del Corso) and there was plenty of options for fabulous ice cream.

Off next to the magnificent Il Falconiere, a Relais and Chateaux hotel overlooking the vineyards where I enjoyed a multicourse lumch at the their renowned restaurant. Here, you can spend your day lounging at the spa, the outdoor pool, taking a cooking class, or learning about their wine production. Bikes are available to explore the countryside.

Our next stop and home for two nights, was the the beautiful Palazzo Seneca, another Relaix and Chateaux property in the tiny village of Norcia. This former palace has an array of unique rooms, a lovely dining room with outdoor terrace and a small spa. Don’t miss browing the art history collection in the hotel’s library! Dinner at Vespasia restaurant was a feast with thoughtful wine pairings from the region. For a small village, there is much to do in Norcia! Highlights were truffle hunting in the mountains, visiting the monastery, San Benedetto for vespers, and shopping for meats and cheeses in the shops around the piazza.

Off to Rome for a final few days at the contemporary Hotel D’Orologio, a short walk from the Spanish Steps and the Pantheon. A morning food tour through Trastevere (with enormous samplings of pizza, pasta, meats, and desserts - and more ice cream, of course!) was a highlight.

If you’re dreaming of fabulous food, amazing shopping, art, and history, Italy is the place to be. But take some time off the beaten trail to encounter the small towns and villages not yet overrun with tourism. Italy is art and beauty wherever you turn.