Solo Traveling in Italy — Oh My…Oh Yes!

“Oh, Solo Mio”

I will never forget the first time I went on a “Solo Trip” (specifically Solo Traveling in Italy).  I packed my bags, boarded the flight, arrived at my destination, got to my room, and then I had an anxiety attack! Thoughts came to my mind. “What the (you know what) did you do?”  I snapped out of it. Without unpacking and nesting, I grabbed my room key, and off I went! I walked into a room with many people I had never met before and never looked back. The bond between all of us was incredible and life-changing. We laughed so much at the end of each day, I remember my face hurting.  When we had to bid farewell to each other. Yes, there were tears.

Re-Group-Unwind-Refresh-Reset

In this day and age, when we are all second-guessing everything, let’s face it, we need a break. We need to regroup, unwind, let go and enjoy what we can now. I love the feeling I get when I go somewhere new and meet new friends. The joy I get just being away from the hustle and bustle of life and being able to push the “Reset Button”, is a breath of fresh air, especially with a cold glass of Prosecco or Aperol Spritz looking at the beautiful landscapes and scenery of Italy.

Your “Home Away From Home”

Village Vacations in Italy lets you do just that. You will UNPACK ONCE in a gorgeous villa and ENJOY TRAVELING SLOW.

Villages & Towns

We let you take your time to explore the villages and towns. Wondering thru the cobbled stone streets such as Deruta where hand-painted ceramics are made, “Under the Tuscan Sun” in Cortona, Assisi, and the extraordinary Basilica of St. Frances, Lago Trasimeno where Hanibel battled the Romans very strategically are just a few places you will visit on your day trips whether you want to go off on your own or with your new friends. Taking care of you and supporting the locals and artisans is what we strive for. The best part is everything is arranged for you to experience Umbria and Tuscany in a very relaxed way. I will take you back in time, and I promise you will go home with new friendships, experiences, and incredible memories that will last a lifetime.

You will meet many locals along the way. Don’t worry about the language barrier. Just use your hands! The shop owners all have the best wine, the best cheese, and the best pasta. The list goes on and on. They are very proud of their region and what is produced. I get such a kick from listening to the pride in their voices, with, of course, the hands going!  Traveling Solo is so gratifying.

The Locals

Yes, this is the color of freshly pressed olive oil. Your taste buds will thank you!

Visit a cheese shop as you stroll through the villages

The process of grapes turning into fabulous Umbrian and Tuscan wine

Franco, my favorite “Porchetta Man.”

Valeria hand-painting ceramics at Maioliche Artistiche Tassi in Deruta

A Garden Party at Antica Fornace Deruta

Get-Togethers With New Friends

The “Clean Plate Club” enjoyed lunch together in Deruta. The cuisine is simply the best with fresh seasonal meals. Plates hand-painted by Roberto Domiziani (-:

Pranza on Chef Simona’s terrace with a gorgeous view of the Umbrian countryside while the birds are chirping, the wine is flowing with sounds of laughter, while you enjoy the meal you prepared in your lesson.

Italy’s Updated Covid Regulations-Not to Worry

Italy has once again updated rules and regulations. You must wear a mask for entry into restaurants, churches, museums, etc. Before you leave the United States, a negative test result is no longer required unless you have not been vaccinated. We ask that you be vaccinated and carry your CDC card with you. I just arrived, and getting here was no problem.   Just abide by the mask rules.

“La Dolce Vita Tours” Fall of 2022

Available Weeks

September 17 – 24 (Grape Squishing Week) –  Full  with a waiting list

October 1 – 8  Full with a waiting list

October 15 – 22

Rates

USD 2,300 per person, Double room

USD 2,800 per person, Single room

For peace of mind, you will receive a full refund if we must cancel the trip due to Covid-19 Italian rules, regulations, and restrictions.

*We require everyone to be vaccinated, carry a CDC or Green Card card*

My new motto:  Always believe that something extraordinary is about to happen or make it happen! Happiness is a gift we should all give to ourselves.

Nedra Marie Bottieri

www.VillageVacationsInItaly.com

+1.954.661.4622 USA       +39.335.160.4880 Italy

Both numbers can be reached on WhatsApp

Slow Travel Tours

Right here on Slow Travel Tours, there are so many opportunities with seasoned tour operators to help you with planning, information, and tips you need to fully enjoy your chosen trip of a lifetime, whether it be solo traveling or with a small group, I promise you will make wonderful memories and even greater friendships.  Right now, get those fingers moving and look at all the tour options with other members of Slow Travel Tours.

Former flight attendant Nedra Bottieri made a life-changing trip to Italy twenty years ago to re-discover her family heritage. Now with dual citizenship, she has a second home in Umbria. Through her company, Village Vacations in Italy, she organizes and hosts small group tours based in small villages in Umbria and Tuscany, normally customized tours for private groups. Groups have included yoga workshops, writing workshops, and groups of family and friends. Nedra draws on her extensive experience and relationships to plan special accommodations and activities to meet each group’s needs and dreams. Experience “La Dolce Vita” in Italy! To learn more about her tours, see www.villagevacationsinitaly.com Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries.