maitaitom

I am giving the Italians and any tourists fair warning. In September, my wife, me and another couple will be in Italy for 20 days. Various friends say they are joining us at different venues along the way.

Thanks to all the people from the board who e-mailed me to tell of their personal experiences and thanks to those who have shared their insight on the board.

I would be interested to know what you think of the itinerary, especially since all the hotels are booked (we were going to stay in Spello four nights, but Palazzo Bocci was already booked ONE YEAR in advance...who says people aren't traveling?)

We fly to Rome, pick up a car and spend
3 Nights in Spello at Palazzo Bocci (drink plenty of Sangrantino di Montefalco).

4 Nights in San Quirico d'Orcia at Palazzo DelCapitano (drink plenty of Brunello).

4 Nights at Hotel Piccolo Oliveta (drink plenty of Chianti).

Drive to Florence and terrorize pedestrians when we drop the car and stay
3 Nights at Tourist House Ghiberti (I see a bottle of Amarone in my future)

Train to Venice
3 Nights at La Calcina (Bellinis, anyone?)

Train to Rome
3 Nights at Hotel Santa Maria
(everything I haven't tried in the other places)

So if anyone is traveling to those places in September and sees a guy in a Mai Tai hat (or perhaps a Chargers' shirt), be afraid...be very afraid. Or just join us in a bottle of wine. Thanks again Fodorites.

Scarlett

Fantastick!!
What a challenge! Can they supply enough good wine? This girl from Fodorville will wait to read all about it!
I bet you can't wait for September

SRS

Your trip looks wonderful. You'll like the Tourist House Ghiberti - it's a gem!

Best wishes,
Sally

SusanP

Well, tom, I'll be in Italy the last half of Sept and I want my share of the wine! Now don't you go drinking all of it...
What are your dates? I'd love to join you for that bottle of wine!

RufusTFirefly

Oh, good! With demand sharply down here, I should be able to pick up some good wine bargains from the local plonk pusher.

maitaitom

Scarlett - I have notified the Italians, and they assure me that supply will be plentiful.

Sally - looking forward to the Tourist House Ghiberti.

Susan - We start on September 17. When you get your dates, there's some wine with your name on it.

Rufus, Whenever I leave the country, the California wineries and my local Beverages and More store feel the sharp decline in sales.

SusanP

Looks like we won't cross paths. I arrive on the 16th for 17 nights but start in Venice to Florence to Siena to Pienza to Rome. I think I'll just miss you in Rome at the end. Sorry about that!

maitaitom

Susan looks like you'll be going from Siena to Pienza at the time we'll be driving from Pienza to Siena. Take the Crete Road and we'll throw a bottle of wine to you.

Carmen

Italy may not run out of wine, but just in case, I'm glad we're going in June

cigalechanta

Word has it, they've saved the best for you.

Patrick

One suggestion. Somewhere along there save room for a bottle of great Nobile di Montepulciano.

bardo1

Hmmmm... a 20 day wine tour of Italy and your not visiting Barolo???????

Oh well, all the more reason for repeat visits.

Have a great trip!

maitaitom

"Somewhere along there save room for a bottle of great Nobile di Montepulciano."

Patrick, it is duly noted. Grazie for the suggestion.

Lorac1127

You have planned a wonderful trip.

And don't forget to sample some limoncello, grappa, prosecco, etc. Even better, bring some home for a taste of Italy when the mood strikes...and the mood will strike often!

SeaUrchin

Do you frequent the Wine Expo in Santa Monica? They have a good selection.

Have a great trip and drink up!

StCirq

I doubt Italy will run out of wine, MaiTai.On the contrary, now that they know you're coming, I'm sure they'll start stocking up!

Buon viaggio!

Barbara

And those of us still here can doubtless look forward to an unexpected sale at Bevmo to compensate for their decreased sales!

maitaitom

"And don't forget to sample some limoncello"

Italy would not be Italy without limoncello. As for the grappa, although it is not my favorite, well, when in Rome....

LoveItaly

Maitaitom, good grief, I am glad I am suppose to go to Italy in June as I would be very upset if you had drank all the wine in Italy before I arrived!!

Do have a fabulous trip. And BTW, grappa can be very good.

Croque_Madame

"In September, my wife, me and another couple will be in Italy for 20 days."

And now, the long anticipation begins...

Nah, nah, I only have to wait until March for my next trip.

Which is much, much too long.