You all probably know by now that my daughter Sophie works with me. She does her own food tours in Rome, around Campo de’ Fiori, Testaccio and Trastevere as well as helping me with our Week in Rome Food Tours. But did you know that my husband Domenico has also gotten into the family tour business?
Just in case you’ve missed it: Domenico is not only my husband, but an architect. He specializes in the restoration of old farmhouses, castles and villages and turns them into homes and hotels. And in case you also missed it, he was my co-author on my book Italian Rustic: How to Bring Tuscan Charm into your Home. (Yes, I had a long career writing about architecture and restoration in Italy).
Partly due to this book, as well as my previous one Restoring a Home in Italy, I started receiving requests from people hoping to go on a tour of some of the places mentioned in these books. Not just the finished projects, but visits to some of the artisans and suppliers that provide the tiles, doors, fireplaces and other elements that go into these restoration projects. Since I’m busy doing my food-focussed things these days, we thought it would be much better if Domenico lead these tours: Italian Rustic Day Tour to Umbria.Â
And he’s been doing that for the last year or so and loving it.
The tours are super fun. The day starts in Rome when Domenico comes by with a car and driver to pick you up. Then it’s north, to Umbria for a day learning what it takes to turn a pile of rubble into a cozy home. You’ll visit a salvage yard where Domenico sources antique fireplaces, tiles and beams; a wood worker who adapts antique doors to fit into new rustic settings; a tile maker in Deruta who paints tiles to line kitchens and baths. You’ll also be visiting a ruined castle that Domenico is currently working on, as well as one of his finished projects . Depending on your level of interest the tour can be as technical as you’d like. Or not. Since this is a private tour the final itinerary can be tailored to suit your interest.
Did I mention there was also a delicious lunch at an Umbrian restaurant as well? (Or does that go without saying?)
If you’d like to know more about the tour just send me an email. Alternatively, if you can’t quite make it to Italy you can still sit back on your couch and enjoy Italian Rustic or Restoring a Home in Italy (they make great Holiday gifts too.) (Just saying
The Italian Rustic Day Tour is available any week day from September to July. It is not available during Italian holidays (Easter, Christmas). If you would like details just send me an email.
If you would like to know more about Domenico Minchilli you can visit his website. If you are looking for a property to buy in Italy, or have already bought one and are looking for architectural help with the restoration project you can email Domenico here.
(if you have problems emailing just leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you asap)
I hope everyone you know has been spared from the earthquake damage. Brenda
Yes, thankfully. Although the Earthquake was very strong, there has been no casualties. Most of the damage was restricted to a small area. Unfortunately some towns, like Norcia, suffered greatly.
Next time I am in Rome!