Culture, Cuisine and Chasing the Lights

[ellen10]

Great trip report!
Loving all the pictures and information.
Weather looks great.

 

[amaroo]

Hertz - Argh! Booked an Audi A6 ... end up in a Volvo XC60 . The kids and luggage just fit.

Driving in the centre of Rome is something everyone should do We survived, and managed to drive around Piazza Venezia - one of life's pleasures.



Perugia for Christmas



Driving under the odd Aqueduct / outer wall is another exciting highlight of driving in Rome.





Arriving in Perugia and finding the car does fit - Bellissimo!

 

[ellen10]

Italian driving is always an experience.
But I would not be game to drive in the centre of Rome.

 

[amaroo]

Hotel Brufani Palace

This supposedly 5* hotel has the location, but not much more. The rooms are dated and in dire need of refurbishment.

We knew all of this - so our expectations were met in full. Not much choice in Perugia...

We booked a suite connecting to deluxe.

 

[amaroo]

..........

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

Hotel Brufani Palace
This supposedly 5* hotel has the location, but not much more. The rooms are dated and in dire need of refurbishment.
We knew all of this - so our expectations were met in full. Not much choice in Perugia...
We booked a suite connecting to deluxe.

Doesn't look too bad Amaroo ! You are not actually slumming it you know :shock:

 

[amaroo]

The best this hotel has to offer.

 

[amaroo]

Perugia is beautiful! Two nights is all you need.

 

[amaroo]

Been looking forward to this meal. La Travena https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Rest...verna-Perugia_Province_of_Perugia_Umbria.html

 

[amaroo]

Dessert display...



Our selections...







Xmas freebie ... OMG, delicious!



Sensational Xmas eve dinner. Put this one on your list when visiting Perugia.

Ps; the Chef/Owner has an impressive history with Hyatt and a few other establishments around the globe.

 

[ellen10]

Mmm looks yummy.
Love eating in Italy!

 

[amaroo]

Doesn't look too bad Amaroo ! You are not actually slumming it you know :shock:

Breakfast exposes all establishments.

So far we've stayed in three 5* hotels - guess which one I didn't eat.

Rome



Perugia



Venice

 

[amaroo]

Christmas morning - Beautiful Sunrise.



After a less than satisfactory breakfast - we're off to see Umbria.

Spello



Spoleto



Trevi



Short drive back to Perugia

 

[amaroo]

Spello - gorgeous!

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spello

Once we were down from Perugia the fog was pretty thick.



It appeared the whole town was at the Christmas service - standing room only. Wonderful to watch from the back... certainly one to remember.

 

[amaroo]

Spoleto https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spoleto

Jeez, they must get some big numbers visiting in the high season! The town has a very impressive escalator/lift system that delivers you to all the major sites - must have cost mega bucks to build.

 

[amaroo]

Trevi https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trevi,_Umbria

Perfect location for Christmas lunch.

 

[UpInTheAir:)]

Gorgeous pictures Amaroo

 

[amaroo]

But I would not be game to drive in the centre of Rome.

Moving forward is the key ... otherwise, your ears will start bleeding from horn abuse

 

[amaroo]

Christmas Lunch - Osteria la Vecchia Posta https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Rest...a_Posta-Trevi_Province_of_Perugia_Umbria.html

One of those places you hope to discover around the next corner - beautiful!

Fantastic Christmas lunch for under €80... put this one on your Trevi list.







Perfect crackling

 

[amaroo]

Gorgeous pictures Amaroo

Thanks UITA. Lucky the iPhone is half decent, as I'm too lazy to bother with anything bigger or more complicated.

If we get lucky with the Nth Lights in Tromso the guide has all the super duper equipment - saves me having to bother