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UMBRIA
Umbria, the green heart of Italy
We traveled to Assisi and visited the Basilica of St. Francis. We then traveled on to our next adventure. ​Dino, our driver, wowed us with his skill traversing the very narrow and winding roads up to our stay at the Altarocca Wine Resort (agritourismo). When we arrived we were surrounded by vineyards and olive trees. It was so beautiful! Having grown up in the Napa Valley, it felt like home. The owners make their own wine and olive oil. We were treated to a wine tasting before having dinner at the Resort's restaurant. After being so close to crowds, the hillside made us feel relaxed, peaceful, and wanting to raise a glass to our new found friends.


When traveling to Assisi, picking up a Porchetta sandwich is a must. It's a slow roasted pork usually seasoned with garlic, rosemary and fennel. Porchetta, although popular all over Italy, is deeply rooted in the Umbrian region.




Altarocca Wine Resort



We have to remember Pics before tasting!



The next day we went into Orvieto, where Stephanie gave us a tour of the Chapel of San Brizio. Then we were free for the afternoon, so we enjoyed an optional tour of the underground caves built by the Etruscans 2500 years ago. Pictured on the left is an ancient olive press, and on the right are dovecotes. Initially we thought the holes were mailboxes! Silly! Legends speak of Popes through the years hiding here in times of upheaval and war. These caves were used as recently as WWII for bomb shelters.


Narrow passage
Tour legend - Mark got stuck in the narrow passage, Julie pushed him up and out.

Orvieto
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