Village Italy 2024
Front steps of a home in Civitella del Lago
Orvieto
DAY 5
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Village Italy has so much charm! We started our day with a pottery making demonstration at a small, family shop. I was in awe of the hand painting that was done on all their pieces. Back on the bus we headed high into the hills to the village of Civitella del Lago when there was an incident with a delivery van that tried to squeeze by us on a turn in the road. Rick Steves hires amazing drivers and guides because they quickly and calmly got the situation taken care of.
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Civitella del Lago was a delight. I loved the flowers, the stone buildings, the widespread view of the valley and the refreshing aperitivo they welcomed us with. The picture on top is from this cute village. Next stop was the Tenuta le Velette Winery where we learned about the Etruscan heritage of the area and had a tasty buffet with the proper wine pairings.
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​But the day isn't over yet! Once we checked in our hotel in Orvieto we had a special surprise. Cristina had a guitar duo play for us. Live music, and of course an aperitif, was a delightful cap to a busy day.
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DAY 6
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Today we explore Orvieto. Cristina took us to the cathedral which is striped because they used two kinds of stone. Inside it is filled with beautiful mosaics and sculptures. The rest of the day was ours to wander, visit museums, shop at the outdoor market (bought a cute blouse), eat wild boar (it was very tasty), enjoy an espresso, savor some gelato and find other tour members doing their own explorations.​​​​​​​​
Tenuta le Levette has been making wine since 1877.
We met some bikers from Holland at
Civitella del lago.
Gillette Giulio family pottery shop.
To amble an alley in Orvieto is opulant.
The Orvieto Cathedral is stunning, inside and out.
Sculpture in the MODO Museum which is dedicated to the preservation of the Orvieto Duomo.
Espresso and a pastry, I could get used to this everyday.
Wild boar sandwich and a local red wine recommended by the server.
Lois! She was my check-in buddy. Everytime we got on the bus we look for our buddy. It makes sure we don't leave anyone behind without having to answer to a roll-call. Another perk of a Rick Steves tour.
After dinner, the waitress gave us this unique dessert with a quail egg.
Buona notte, good night from Orvieto.
The view from our hotel room. I noticed a man with an easel painting, he was gone by the time we were done with breakfast.
