The sun soaked region of Tuscany and Umbria captures one's soul.

'The sun soaked region of Tuscany and its hills towns of central Italy  offer the quintessential Italian experience.  Wispy cypress-lined driveways lead to fortified 16h century farmhouses set in rolling fields and atmospheric enoteche serve famous wines alongside homemade pasta.'  (Steves, R, Best of Italy, pg. 222)

This intro sums up our experience here in Palazzo Bello  not far from the hilltop village of Cetona. A glorious part of central Italy, our accommodation is fabulous where each of our small group have their own well appointed and private apartment.  The villa can accommodate a couple up to larger groups up to 20 with the luxury of comfort and personal space. In 2019 and beyond Julie Reece Tours will be able to  organise fully supported holiday stays for groups between 2 -6 people where you can have the option to enjoy the Tuscan and Umbrian experience with your friends and or family. For those who do not want to have the pressure and stress of driving a hire car, I can have a driver pick you up in Rome or Florence and bring you here to the villa. Your driver lives locally and can provide transportation for up to 6 passengers in a new and very comfortable 'people  mover'. The vehicle is spotlessly cleaned every day and being local, the driver knows a lot about the region and can assist you with ideas and advice re your time in Tuscany and Umbria.

You are able to self cater as each of the apartments is very well appointed with kitchen items, crockery, cutlery and glasswear. A cook can provide catered meals as well as cooking classes as requested depending on your group's needs. 

So if you want to travel throughout  this region but don't want to join a tour in a bus of 20+ people you don't know and might have to endure over a two week period, then having your own friends and family with you to share this beautiful location is a great way to travel. Contact me on julie@juliereecetours.com.au  to discuss your ideas and possible options.  I will do all the organizing, bookings and arrangements so all you need to do is sit back and soak up the Tuscan sun.  

Secret Venice : part two......Ristorante Canaletto we love you! !!

One  could be forgiven for thinking that all Italians do is eat!!!! And when you immerse yourself into this wonderful country,  food becomes so much more than just sustaining life...it IS life! The food experiences are as varied as the country itself and one of the greatest pleasures is to stagger back to one's hotel and sit down to enjoy a prosecco or a spritz at your favorite adopted restaurant/cafe/ bar...whatever has won your heart. Our group stayed in the Hotel Canaletto an excellent choice for the budget minded wanting something centrally located. It is a quaint little boutique hotel, maybe  in need of a few repairs here and there BUT...it is great value and its real gem is the Ristorante  Canaletto which is adjacent. Perfect for that end of the day refreshment after a hard day being a tourist.

Jo and I loved this place and its friendly and engaging staff. To Lorenzo , Luigi (the singing waiter) and Michele ...thank you for your kindness and hospitality.  The food was yummy and the spritz ànd prosecco even better. Will miss our down time here along with the occasional singing waiters....ciao baby!!!!! Xx

Looking for 'Secret Venice'...

I was reading a piece the other day from a book by Nicky Pellegrino about her quest to discover the secret Venice. After chatting with a local waiter about her quest for the 'authentic Venice ' she was told in a brusque manner...'But if these places fill up with outsiders they won't be authentic any more! I'm sorry signora but there are some secrets I won't share!'

Therein lies the challenge for the visitor to places like Venice where the reasons that make them such desirable locations to travel to, end up with the dilemma that mass tourism creates. Authenticity disappears amongst the gaggle of tourists as they follow the tour leader's umbrella or teddy bear on a stick! And of course don't forget the tourist tat ...souvenirs of gondolas...opera masks. ..and endless tshirts (made in China) which confront you at very corner.

However. ..there IS a real Venice, a community though not immediately obvious if you remain in the well known hot spots,  of locals who live and work here and love this place. We have had several precious experiences in the last few days through Rosa's contacts where some of Venice's secrets have been revealed.

On Wednesday evening our group had dinner at the home of Umberto and Martha a lovely young couple who shared their home and family with us. We had an 'Eatwith' dinner, an initiative where  you take part in a meal with people you meet in their homes. So along the canal we traveled out of the centre right to the end of the main island to the suburb of Giardini....where 'normal' Venetians live. To greet us were Umberto and Martha along with parents Elizabeth and Thomas,  plus friends one a German anthropologist studying in Venice plus a young lass from Berlin.  Umberto was so excited we were there and out came the most amazing food and wine.  It was a fabulous night and stuffed to the gills with their wonderful food and hospitality we eventually made our way back on one of the local water buses way past midnight.

There is a real Venice. ..you just have to seek it out.