Disheveled Musings: La Dolce Vita!

There’s just something about Italy that I can’t quite put my finger on, perhaps it’s the warm, friendly people that I meet whenever I venture to its beautiful shores or the tasty wines and excellent cuisine that seem to ooze from its very being. For me, Italy has always been a magical place and is one of the focal points for my new business.

As you read last week I’m in Italy for a week of scouting as part of my new personalized travel concierge service. I can hear you all now, saying “what exactly is a personalized travel concierge service?” anyway. Well, I’m glad you asked!

The personalized travel concierge service that I have planned for Indelible Adventures is based on the premise that everyone wants a memorable travel experience where they are embedded in the local culture and that isn’t based necessarily on just seeing the touristy things that many people do, which although good can be a times both a little crowded and somewhat bland.

Ancient water trough at the Hotel La Badia which overlooked Orvieto

So given this as a backdrop I have two distinctly different options. The first is to join a small group of 6 – 8 people for a week long adventure to Italy, Australia, Vietnam, Spain or Canada (for those international folks wanting to see my current home country) . Second is to hire me to arrange and accompany you and/or a small group to one of these countries where I would take care of every aspect of your trip from start to finish. This second option is perfect for those with incredibly hectic lifestyles, family groups or even corporate groups that want to pamper and provide a unique experience to their top achievers within their organization. I can hear you all thinking....how can I get on one of these trips.

The objective is to immerse you in the local culture through understanding your interests and passions, thus providing you with a personalized itinerary that teases your senses and provides with some incredible memories. One thing I've learned over the years (yes, some personal experience here as well), is not all couples like to do the same thing, well at least not everyday and so there is always some level of compromise required on a traditional trip or tour. As part of your personalized itinerary this would also be taken into consideration to ensure you had the best of both worlds.

As well, I also think it’s also very important to include relaxation and “downtime” so that it’s both restful and invigorating rather than a rush to see everything.

Potentially blending in a mix of activities like hiking or cycling with photography, wine tasting, cooking classes, architectural wonders just to name a few. One thing is certain, if you are on an adventure with me we’re going to explore and have some unique adventures along the way.

The balcony in Assisi that I found on my way to the Brasilicia San Francesco

Hence I think “la dolce vita” is the perfect way to describe my travel concierge service as it means enjoying the good things in life and indulging in the things you love. J

So far this week I’ve been exploring specifically targeted hill towns in Umbria and Tuscany, starting in Orvieto where I stayed in a 6th century Abbey that's been converted to a hotel just outside the city walls, followed by a stay in Assisi (home to the famous Brasilicia of San Francesco) at a renovated nunnery before coming to Cortona earlier today. Each town has a unique vibe which is important when putting together trips like these, its all about the chemistry and how they compliment each experience.

Upon arriving into Cortona I spoke the hotel concierge and was recommended to have lunch at a place a little off the beaten path in the old medieval part of the city – Trattoria Toscana. This meal may go down as the best meal I’ve ever had! No really...

When I arrived at the restaurant I introduced myself to Enzo and Sarah who own the establishment and was completely blown away by their generosity and the overall experience.

The Trattoria Toscana in Cortona with its gracious and
wonderful hosts - Enzo and Sarah

For starters Enzo brought me local Pecorino cheese with homemade some green tomato marmalade that Sarah’s father makes just to try it. Simply delicious! Then when we discussed the menu for lunch he suggested that he makes three small dishes for me to taste that are unique to the area. A homemade lemon ravioli that is surprisingly tangy and delicious, then a Chianti risotto, which was purely sinful, and finally a wild boar ragu with fettuccini. All three dishes were distinctly different yet total heaven!

Sarah brought me a half bottle of Chianti Classico (Castellare di Castellina 2012), which is local to the Chianti region and which complimented the meal perfectly. Then to top this all off Enzo brought some of his homemade Bay Leaf aperitif, which was a perfect way to finish off the meal.

This is exactly why I love Italy so much – the generosity and warmth of the local people is unparalleled!

Each day I’ve taken in excess of 300 photographs and after curating them finally whittling it down to a more manageable 100 or so. Today is the exception as its pouring rain and has been since I woke at 7:30 am so only a small handful of photos today but tomorrow is market day in Cortona so I will definitely head over the Piazza Della Repubblica first thing in the morning to see if I can make up for my photo shortcoming today. J

Then onto Siena tomorrow morning...truly "la dolce vita" my friends!

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Here are a small selection of my photos from this week in Italy - enjoy!