The following Ladies Programs are available:
Tuscany/Umbria
Pienza sits at an altitude of 2,200', surrounded by vineyards, villages and castles on precipitous rocks. The town is adorned with early Renaissance buildings and surrounded by a towering, wooded mountain. Lectures indoors and out discuss Pope Pius and Renaissance Pienza, the local economy and impact of tourism, history of Siena, Etruscans, Appenine nature and volcanic origins of the region, culture, flora and fauna. We walk through Monticchiello, known for its Teatro Povera (Poor Theatre); Montefollonico with its typical Tuscan landscape; Montalcino, home of the famed Brunello wine; extraordinary Siena; and Monte Amiata, noted for abundant natural springs. We also have excursions in Pienza and Bagno Vignoni (renowned for its hot springs) and sample Tuscan cheeses.
Considered the finest hill town in Umbria, Montefalco (Falcon’s Mount) is so called for its majestic views of the surrounding countryside. Rolling hills are carpeted with olive groves and dotted with ancient stone towns and villages. Lectures introduce Italian politics, history of Umbria, Pinturicchio, Giotto, Cimabue, art history, Umbrian gastronomy, as well as gathering truffles and volcanic tufa. We walk to the medieval towns of Bevagna and Rocca di Fabri; Assisi; the wilderness region of Valnerina; Monteluco; and San Marco, noted for Umbria’s finest vineyards. We also enjoy excursions to Perugia; Todi, built of volcanic tufa; and Spoleto with its Roman aqueduct. Activities include a demonstration of “medieval” paper manufacturing, olive oil production, and wine tasting.