Su Sep 19—pause in Macerata for almond-shaped Sferisterio LeMarche Marvels of Opera Arena. Visit Fiastra Abbey, founded in 1142 by the Cistercians. Monks used Roman columns to rebuild the Sept. 13 – 23, 2021 Refectory, made nature parks & curated folkloric displays in Join escorts Sharie Sbrazza e Roberto Parker in this scenically 1984. Savor local saffron vincisgrassi near Civitanova. See historic but unknown region on the . Enjoy tasty Italy’s best medieval castle filled with antique arms in tiny cuisine, cultural gems, fine wines & serene beaches in sea Acquaviva Picena. STAY 2 NIGHTS ASCOLI PICENO B-L-T resorts & hill towns crowned by medieval castles. Linger in Mo Sep 20—stroll Ascoli Piceno’s piazza together; time for small but dynamic Ravenna, , Urbino, , museums. Shop foodie-haven Norcia Umbrian for truffles, Pesaro, Conero, Ascoli Piceno, Norcia & more. Composer Castelluccio lentils & butcher treats. Its chapel honors twin Rossini, artist Raphael, Malatesta & Montefeltro dukes were saints Benedict & Scholastica, born here in 430. Return via Marchigiani. Savor Tuscan style minus fuss, cost & crowds! Arquata Tronto, nestled amid Gran Sasso & Sibillini National Parks. Dinner includes Ascolane olives & Meletti anise. B-T-D Tu Sep 21—tiny Offida boasts lace & wines: watch bobbin artisans, study archeology items or enoteca shop. See the Virgin’s angel-flown Casa Santa or stroll pilgrim town of Loreto. Marvel at ’s crafts: fancy accordions & tasty wines. Gelato beckons in seaside before we stay again on the Adriatic. STAY 2 NIGHTS RICCIONE B-L-T Ravenna mosaics We Sep 22—in Urbino art treasures awe, as Montefeltro dukes hired the best in hometown of Barocci & Raphael. In Mo Sep 13--meet for spuntino ‘n sips & STAY D tiny Urbania dine with Maria & Gianni, who reveal Mercator Tu Sep 14--Byzantine mosaics in Ravenna at Galla Placidia, globes & ceramics of old Casteldurante; shop for traditional San Vitale & Neonian Baptistry awe! See Dante & Theodoric or modern maiolica. See how 1stc BC Romans were quite the tombs before ag lunch. Shop unique linens in Gambettola. engineers at Gola di Furlo! Then relax by sea with sips. B-L-T Sip & stroll on Leonardo-designed canal amid colorful sail Th Sep 23—Dante wrote of Paolo & Francesca’s sad love boats in . STAY 2 NIGHTS CESENATICO B-L-T story at Castle. Browse 3 perched castles plus coin- We Sep 15--see salt pans, pineta trees & Po lagoons teeming stamp shops in San Marino, the world’s smallest & oldest with flora & fauna; tour Cervia’s Salt Museum. Busy republic. Savor a Verucchio lunch, study rare chained books has endless beaches & 1stc BC roman relics: Tiberio’s bridge in ’s Malatesta Library, taste “paradiso” in & Augustus’ Arch starting the Via Emilia. Art by Piero della and say ciao in Bologna this afternoon; fly or stay on. B-L-T Francesca & Giotto adorns Malatesta Temple. Free time: try native son Fellini’s fave trattoria! Cross the Rubicon to taste tufa-pit fossa cheese & sangiovese in Savignano. B-T-D Th Sep 16--it’s scenic across Mt. San Bartolo to Pesaro for Pomodoro’s Sphere & villa gardens. Free time for Ceramic or Rossini Music Museums. Sip moretta & dine with local fisher- men in Fano, boasting a Sansovino Loggia. Coast, an Italian hidden gem, is breathtaking! For original Picene heritage, see “new” (2ndc BC) cardo & ancient (8thc BC) port. STAY 3 NIGHTS CONERO B-L-T Conero Coast Fr Sep 17—shop, nap, hike seacliff paths or visit Numana’s Antiquarium. Pristine Conero Park’s drive is spectacular! In Land Rate $3131 if 16-20 or $3271 if 11-15 guests; per guest Portonovo marvel at Napoleon’s 18thc beach fort & dine by in twin. Add $591 for single. Add tax & mandatory insurance. the sea. A calm route ends in hectic with panorama Includes 10 nights fine hotels, private bus, 31 meals/tastings, of its busy harbor, steep streets, Trajan Arch & quarantine indicated items, guides, maps/info & pre-tour meetings. lazzaretto fort by Vanvitelli. Sip in a hilltop ex-abbey! B-L-T Meal Legend: B=breakfast / L=lunch / D=dinner / T=tastings Sa Sep 18--via Frederick II’s birthplace amid Jesi vines arrive For safety we visit small towns & bus averages 88 miles daily ’s Museo Etichetta for artistic wine labels. Remit $750pp check to Andiamo now; final check due 6-1-21 Churches, museums & region’s oldest Podesta Palace line Perk for early 3-1-21 deposit or past Andiamo guest 1979+. Fabriano’s piazza. Its convent boasts Museo of Papermaking, Tour application: email [email protected] or a trade begun in 1201, when artisans invented watermarks. mail Andiamo by Sbrazza, Box 406, Santa Rosa CA 95402. They still supply currency paper to the world. Free time: try Option A: pre/post stays in Bologna: rail one hour to: Parma- town’s acclaimed salami? Admire romanesque San Vittore Faenza-Venice-Padova-Verona-Mantova-Modena-Florence. Chiuse Chapel & view astounding Frasassi Caves, a huge Option B: my day tour 9/24/21 to Ferrara for moated castle, karst wonderland of crystal stalactites, underground lakes, Duomo, museums & lunch at Italy’s oldest bistro circa 1421. vaulted caverns & alabaster formations. B-T-D Option C: your own plan or follow me to Greece-Albania. 6/20