Day 2 - To Torgiano

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I awoke at 7:30 without feeling any jet lag effects - Italy is agreeing with me. I headed out after a quick breakfast to explore the Central Historic area of Perugia. The Primavera Mini Hotel was less than a five minute walk to the "main drag" know as Corso Vannucci. I was first attracted to the many shops along the pedestrian only streets, but told myself, "I must be strong - I have touring to do." First stop - the Duomo, which is distinctive for two things: 1) a beautiful fresco on one of the columns of La Madonna delle Grazie and 2) the wedding ring of the Virgin Mary (kept out of view behind a red curtain and up two flights of stairs.)

In the same piazza as the Duomo was located my next stop, the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria, "the region's most comprehensive art gallery." I saw many impressive works from the 1300 - 1500's, notably some by Fra Angelico and Piero della Francesca. My favorite was a Fra Angelico alterpiece that depicted many scenes, one of which was a portrayal of St. Francis receiving the stigmata. A very striking piece, full of movement.

Being in Perugia (home of Perugina chocolate), I purchased a piece and then headed back to my hotel to check out and meet my bike tour group at the train station. We are shuttled to our first hotel, in Torgiano. We are fitted with our bikes and head out on a less than 5 mile ride to Deruta, which is known for their ceramics. I tour a couple of the shops and cannot resist purchasing a ceramic patterned Christmas ornament. Everything seems to incorporate ceramics, even the park benches. I meet the rest of our group relaxing in the main square, some enjoying a beer, others a gelato. I chose the stracciatela gelato, my first of the trip. We are a group of sixteen, all delightful people. I ride back to Torgiano with Jim and Marilyn from New Zealand.

We meet for cocktail hour at 6 PM, where we all proceed to introduce ourselves. The name of the tour company is Experience Plus! and I learn that they are an Italian company. Our guides are Enrico (Italian), Pierre (French) and Mark (American who lives in Tuscany with his Italian wife and daughter) After a Prosecco, we all head off to dinner together down the street.

Dinner: Appetizer - Burrata with tomatoes?, bacala (cod)?, taglietelle with mushroom and truffle?, game hen with spinach and a pate??, Dessert - vanilla ice cream with alcohol soaked figs??. I hope my emoticons come through ok!

Hotel: Hotel Al Grappolo

Ciao!

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Comments

[Kathy]

Fra Angelico
You are so lucky to see these altarpieces in person!