Which brings up an interesting point. Even at the very height of the pandemic, spending a week or two with your family in a remote country villa was NEVER risky<\/strong> or dangerous. Getting there might have been, if you had to fly into Milan. But the fact is, many areas had very few (or even zero) cases. Without a television or social media account, you might have gone on believing that Corona was simply a low-quality Mexican beer.<\/p>\n With that, I suggest that perhaps this is also the \u201cway back\u201d <\/strong>for those determined to visit Italy again as soon as possible. Not in a crowded museum or Intercity train or in queue to see the historical sites. But rather, a week or two relaxing, cooking, eating, drinking, strolling, and appreciating slow country living, Italian style. Arguably, the \u201cbest\u201d of Italy. And social distancing is already built-in by design.<\/p>\n Tourism<\/p>\n VS.<\/strong><\/p>\n Slow Travel<\/p>\n Listen, the road back to normal will not be quick or simple. For any of us, anywhere. But we must start someplace.<\/p>\n Regrettably, I had to cancel the Rome to Amalfi Coast Tour that was all set for September. It was a great itinerary, which included Rome\u2019s top historic and cultural treasures, paired with a slow-paced visit to the Mediterranean seashore.<\/p>\n But now, under these \u201cnew normal\u201d conditions, I\u2019ve been exploring my options for rescheduling an experience that will still highlight some of Italy\u2019s many charms, while enjoying an environment that is tranquil and safe.<\/p>\n In doing so, I reached out to an old friend of mine, Alina Pinelli, who offers slow living experiences in a remote area of Umbria near the border with Tuscany. For the record, Umbria had fewer cases of covid-19 than almost any other region; and Alina\u2019s nearby hometown (Paciano) has not had ANY cases. Zero. Nil. Nulla.<\/p>\n As it stands now, I\u2019m working with Alina to create an itinerary for a week of full immersion into the relaxed lifestyle of the Umbrian countryside. Cooking, eating, drinking, chatting, laughing, and plenty of il dolce far niente<\/em>.<\/p>\n If asked to describe your ideal scene of bucolic Italian bliss, what would it include? How about undulant verdant hills in dreamy soft-focus, banded with rows of grapevines? Cyprus trees lining a meandering road that vanishes into the distant horizon? A rustic dinner table in the open air, abundant with the freshest organic ingredients that have been coaxed into culinary perfection by local chefs? And don\u2019t forget the passionate conversation that flows like vino<\/em>. If this description pretty much hits the mark, then you\u2019ll have a very accurate picture of where I\u2019m planning to travel next.<\/p>\n The name given to this little preview of nirvana is the area surrounding the village of Citt\u00e0 della Pieve, near the border of Tuscany and Umbria. There are no crowded museums, but the view itself is all the artwork that you\u2019d need to gaze upon: a canvas in Earth tones and blue that local Renaissance master Perugino (who died only a few miles from here) would have been unable to surpass.<\/p>\n While the immediate environs are remote and peaceful, if you have a car, exploring medieval hill towns, Etruscan sites, and other historic cities are all within easy reach. But then again, you may not want to.<\/p>\n Soon, the threat from the corona virus will be not so much about the actual risk, but rather the perceived<\/em> risk, and its effects on your ability to relax and enjoy your travels. That\u2019s why the open air, endless horizons, healthy food, and the sweetness of doing nothing is just the recipe we all need at the moment.<\/p>\n As for me and my plans, I am now looking to organize a small group to join me here in late September of 2021. I don\u2019t have the exact dates yet, as I want to wait for more certainty from the Italian government before confirming anything.<\/p>\n But if you\u2019re ready to go even sooner, you can contact Alina directly and she will help you organize a safe and relaxing stay for you and your small group \u201cUnder the Umbrian Sun.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rickzullo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/A-tourists.jpg\" "\\"A\\"")
<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rickzullo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/B.jpg\" "\\"B\\"")
<\/span><\/p>\nFuture of Italy Travel<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rickzullo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/umbria1.jpg\" "\\"umbria1\\"")
<\/span><\/p>\nUnder the Umbrian Sun<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rickzullo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/image-asset-2.jpeg\" "\\"image-asset")
<\/span><\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rickzullo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/alina3.jpg\" "\\"alina3\\"")