Tuscany & Umbria, with Venice, Bologna and Parma

In the spring of 2016, Paul and I took the OAT tour titled Tuscany & Umbria: Rustic Beauty in the Italian Heartland. We also took the pre-trip to Bologna and Parma, and arrived a couple days early so we could spend a day in Venice. It was a fabulous trip on "The Road Less Traveled" with lots of "Learning and Discovery" opportunities. Those are the OAT mottoes.
Below are a few photos from many, but not all, of the main stops along the way. Click on the photos to enlarge them.

Venice

We took the two hour train ride to spend the day in Venice, taking the Grand Canal Ferry to St. Mark's Square.

Bologna

Bologna is known for its 26 miles of arcades, the tallest leaning tower in Italy and the oldest University in Italy.

Pasta Making

We visited a baker where she explained that the area pasta is made with only flour and eggs.

Ravenna

We took the optional train trip east to Ravenna, a very old city famous for its mosaics, both ancient and new. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Parmesan Cheese

We watched the whole process.

Balsamic Vinegar

This original vinegar is aged in the attic of the villa.

Parma

One day we walked around Parma and the next we drove to Verdi's home area and learned about the very good, and expensive, culatello Parma ham.

Pontremoli

We walked through this ancient hill town then had testaroli for lunch, after watching them being made.

Lucca

Lucca was established by the Romans about 180 BC and still has the original walls around it. It was the home of Puccini.

Carrara Marble Mining

This gorgeous white marble has been mined from these mountains for centuries. The "David" came from here. We rode up the mountain in Land Rovers to see the quarry up close.

Florence

Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We started the tour on the hill above for great perspective. The Baptistry doors are very famous.

Extra Virgin
Olive Oil

Learning and tasting

Cooking School

Christina had everything arranged for the group participation in preparing lunch.

Siena

Siena is a medieval city with cobblestone streets that lead to a beautiful large central plaza. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pitigliano

As early as the 15th century, Jews sought refuge here when expelled by the Papal State of Rome. Again they were accepted and hidden during WW II. It is a beautiful hill town.

Assisi

The 13th-century Basilica was built in memory of St. Francis, who practiced humility and compassion in the face of poverty. We toured the Basilica. They whole area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Spoleto

We started by walking across the medieval bridge and on into the city where we toured the 11th-century Duomo. The painting on the wall shows the first use of perspective in art.

Floating the Nera

A very fun experience.

Trevi

Our first dinner, on arriving in the area, was up in Trevi. Afterward we only saw it from afar.

Day with family
Truffles & Pasta

We spent the OAT "Day in the Life" with a family members who made their living hunting truffles and raising sheep of making cheese. We went out with the trained dogs to find enough truffles to use on our eggs, and toast. We watched the pasta being made for our lunch. It was a delightful day of learning with the family.