Join Asheville School Ambassador for Constituent Outreach, Jay Bonner, for travels in central Italy’s Apennine Mountain region. The trip is based in culturally rich Spoleto, lodging at Palazzo Leti, a 13th-century residence restored as a bed & breakfast. From the Italian-style garden, you will enjoy breathtaking views of some of Spoleto’s most iconic landmarks. From Spoleto, you will be mere hours from olive groves and wineries, from the cathedrals and art of Assisi, Siena, and Florence. Readings, contemporary and classic, will prepare us for the ambiance and sights of our Italian travel.
The trip’s guide, Lorenzo Muti, is a native of Spoleto and a former faculty member at Duke University, and he is a great connoisseur of Italian art and history. In addition, Lorenzo is a professional conductor. Your time in Italy will be enhanced by his intriguing insights into Italian culture and society generally, as well as, locally, insights into Spoleto’s charms.
You may be wondering how this concept came to fruition. We invite you to learn more from a Q&A with Jay Bonner here.
Fall 2024 Dates: October 25 – November 2
Participants will depart the United States on Friday, October 25 with an arrival in Rome, Italyon Saturday, October 26. The group will depart on November 2 from Rome. These dates work best for those interested in watching olive oil and wine production, which typically take place beginning in November in Umbria and Tuscany. The itinerary will include travel to Siena, Assisi, Florence, and local towns.
Fall 2024 Itinerary: Spoleto Itinerary
Please view the full schedule in the linked itinerary to learn about the daily excursions, activities, and learning opportunities that await.
Accommodations:
Tour participants will be staying at the Palazzo Leti, a 13th Century residence restored as a bed & breakfast. From the Italian-style garden you can enjoy breathtaking views of some of Spoleto’s most iconic landmarks.
Trip Fees:
- Base Tour Price: $3,900 USD (for a shared room), $4,250 USD (for a single room), includes lodging, transportation in Italy, and breakfast and dinner each day.
- Required Tour Deposit: $500 is due upon application to reserve your spot
- Final Balance: Remaining $3,400 ($3750 for single room supplement) is due by July 30, 2024.
- Additional Costs: International air travel, lunch, incidental expenses. There will be opportunities to shop not only in Spoleto but also the other cities we visit.
- Fees are calculated on 2024 exchange rates and are subject to change. They are based on double occupancy and include lunch on arrival day, continental breakfast and dinner each day, and travel and fees for all group activities included in the itinerary. This does not include airfare, daily lunches, health or travel insurance, or personal expenses. A single hotel room is available for an additional $350. Travel insurance is at the traveler’s discretion; however, it is strongly advised.
Readings: In advance of the travels, participants will be asked to read selections from Luigi Barzini’s The Italians. (Rachel Cusk’s travel memoir, The Last Supper, includes comments on several of the cities we visit, but previous participants have found her tone annoying. I still recommend the book for a contemporary take on Italy. If interested, we would discuss chapters connected to our travels. Easy to do over an aperol spritz!) There may well be a Zoom class of Italian readings offered in Fall 2024 in anticipation of this experience!
Please contact Jay Bonner by email or phone (828-712-8652) with any questions about this special opportunity. The deadline to sign up for Fall Travels with Bonner is July 30. More details about readings and the itinerary are forthcoming.
Italy Trip Resources:
Please include your deposit or full payment check with the travel form to reserve your spot on the trip.
Checks should be made out to Asheville School and mailed to:
Asheville School
Attn: Anne DeGennaro
360 Asheville School Rd.
Asheville, NC 28806