Do-It-Yourself Italy Tour Package

by Loretta
(San Francisco, CA)

Fresco in La Sala del Cenacolo of San Girolamo

Fresco in La Sala del Cenacolo of San Girolamo

We stayed at the monastery of San Girolamo, founded in 1500, surrounded by silence and ancient oaks. The monastery has been beautifully restored and converted into a three star hotel.

It's within walking distance of Frontino - one of the smallest walled medieval hill towns of Italy.

We prefer a do-it-yourself approach when touring Italy. It takes some intense research on the Internet. (That's how I found Philip's page on the Italy you never thought existed!) But it is so rewarding when you stumble on gems like San Girolamo at Frontino.

There are modern rooms, but we decided to stay in one of the old friars’ cells. It's now quite attractive and peaceful with all the comforts.

The 'Hostaria' has been converted to a rustic but comfortable restaurant serving excellent traditional cuisine.

La Sala del Cenacolo, with its lovely fresco, is now used for conferences.

There's such a lot to see and to do. With San Girolamo as our base we visited Sassocorvaro (18km), San Leo (24km), San Marino (35km), and Urbino (38km). That's what we had time for! There are at least another five medieval towns to explore.

The friendly management of San Girolamo goes out of their way to arrange excursions for their quests. With their directions, we went on a long hike through unspoilt landscapes and fascinating old towns. We had an excellent lunch in the bar of a small town on our route - the name we can't remember! You can do this by bicycle or on horseback too.

Although we didn't partake, they can organize personalized tours for their guests with various guided excursions, wine-tasting and gastronomical visits to local farms.

We don't think you can experience, and live, the truth of Italy better than in Le Marche, and more specifically, in the Montefeltro region.

Philip's reply: Loretta, thanks for sharing your experience with us. I recall that we dined one night at the Hostaria of San Girolamo. They offered a menu degustazione - tasting menu, and it was outstanding!

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Do-It-Yourself Italy Tour Package

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Nov 12, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		English understood and spoken?
by: Loretta

Terry, I speak a little Italian and used every opportunity to try my Italian. I can't comment first-hand, but I think the management at San Girolamo might be able to help you in English.

For the broader Montefeltro area, you'll probably have to wing it! In touristy areas you can get around in English. For the off-tourist areas a basic schooling in Spanish or French might help. But good research and preparation for your do-it-yourself tour will definitely ease the way.

Good luck!
Nov 10, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		The value of first-hand Italy Tour Experiences
by: Terry

Hi Loretta, thanks for sharing your experience with us. First-hand eyewitness reports are so valuable to people like us who are planning a do-it-yourself tour.

We are planning to visit Italy during spring next year. It's a first visit for us and we were tempted to book a package tour, but the more research I did the more attractive the do-it-yourself option became.

One question though: Is English understood and spoken at the hotels, restaurants, and shops in the area?

Philip's reply: Terry, in general the answer is no! But don't let that intimidate you. In the Montefeltro area, we found the locals to be very friendly and helpful. Make sure you know how to use your Italian phrase book and memorize some basic phrases.

At the hotel you would probably be able to converse in English, but elsewhere you'll have to be imaginative - even sketch what you're looking for and show it to one of the locals! It's part of the experience and the fun. Often you'll be surprised by the effort the locals will apply to help you. Buon divertimento!

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