Caspin Journeys Ltd - Travel and walking tours and holidays in italy and england

A Princeton college reunion

...There it was in front of me...a small white cup with the steaming press near-by. The morning mist circling the olive trees had caught my eye so that I must have been lost to the breakfast bustle. Usually, filling my cereal bowl, grabbing toast and cheese and securing a bit of espresso was my \"job.\" (an attempt to help). Yes, busy as you were with 16 of us, you quietly brought that special cup....to me... I will always remember this....even though such kindness from you and Pino was an every-day -affair, all of us hold those 11 days as extraordinary!

We see each other and talk of nothing else.

We e-mail each other and talk of nothing else.

We will gather in Naples, FL in late Feb. and talk of nothing else.

And I, hopefully, we, will come back to Tuscany, to Cortona, to your incredible home,

We are well, and send you not only an enormous thank you for ALL that you did for us, but special greetings to Carol, Luca, your beautiful children and to you, two remarkable hosts that have stolen our hearts.

The best in 2011!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! gratefully, Carol and Himself.

12.12.2010

Class of 51 reunion

When in Tuscany Itinerary 15th - 25th June 2010

Historical excursions, Culinary adventure, gourmet food & fine wine with Caspin Journeys

Tuesday 15 June       Arrival day

Pick up between 14.00 and 16.00 at Cortona -Terontola train station.

Welcome dinner prepared by cook with introduction to the week’s activities by Pino & Caroline Nobile.

Wednesday 16 June     Exploring Cortona

Visit the tranquil setting of Le Celle Franciscan hermitage outside the Etruscan city walls.

Enter Cortona through one of the ancient city gates and explore its alleys.

Wine tasting of Cortona wines and a tasty picnic lunch. Relaxation time at the Villa.

Thusday 17 June       Medieval Monks and Ancient Etruscans

Visit to Monte Oliveto Maggiore 14C abbey with frescoes by Sodoma and Signorelli.

Enjoy an Etruscan style lunch back at our Villa.

Guided tour in the afternoon of the world class Etruscan museum of Cortona.

Friday 18 June          Free day

Saturday 19 June     Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wine country

Visit renaissance Pienza with its charming cathedral square and taste delicious pecorino cheese.

Lunch in the tiny walled hamlet of Monticchiello.

Visit Montepulciano, its magnificent palazzos and historic wine cellars.

Sunday 20 June         Siena & Chianti wine country

Visit the Castello di Brolio whose owners, the Ricasoli family created the blend for Chianti Classico.

Travel through the idyllic Tuscan countryside and stop in Monteriggioni for lunch.

Guided walking tour of the heart of Siena with some free time.

Monday 21 June        Free day

Tuesday 22 June       Deruta & Assisi

We travel to Deruta to see the famous ‘majolica’ ceramics.

Lunch on the slopes of Mount Subasio.

Excursion to Assisi, the home town of St Francis.

Wednesday 23 June    Brunello wine country

Visit Montalcino, famous for Brunello, one of Italy’s finest wines with wine tasting lunch in the Rocca castle.

Continue to the Abbey of Sant’Antimo, where monks still celebrate mass in Gregorian chant.

Scenic drive and magnificent views of the Val D’Orcia and Monte Amiata.

Thursday 24 June    Free Day

Farewell dinner at the Villa.

Friday 25 June     Departure day

Drop off at Cortona-Terontola station

Notes:- breakfast is available every day from 7.30-9.30; welcome and farewell dinners are included; lunch and dinner  with beverages are provided on the excursion days. Excursions are planned to depart at 9.30am returning to the Villa at approx 4.30pm.

10.12.2010

Il Molinello Apartment

May 16, 2009

 Joan LeBlanc

Review Rating : 5/5

\"This was our first trip to Italy (we are a fifty-something married couple). It was recommended by a friend. This is the perfect place to either relax and stay put OR to take day trips to every hilltown in Tuscany & Umbria. A great central location for both. We couldn\'t decide which we preferred! Turned out our favorite hilltown was nearby Cortona. Our experience was beyond our expectations, the farmhouse is so lovely and inviting, spotlessly clean, well furnished, the pool is wonderful, and the owners treat you like special guests. We originally scheduled a week\'s stay and ended up staying an extra 3 days! The pictures do not even begin to capture this breathtaking place. We hope all our of friends can eventually find their way to this incredible place. \"

09.06.2009

Torre Suite Apartment

Peter Robert Hadfield

Review Rating : 5/5

\"As you drive down the track lined with Cypruss trees and Molino di Bordoni comes into view your first reaction is \"this is too good to be true - it\'s beautiful\". We\'ve stayed here 3 times now and still get that initial buzz arriving at Pino & Caroline\'s place. Our latest visit was the best ever. We were lucky to have such good fellow guests, we really clicked with each other. Daytime we went our separate ways, evenings we shared our experiences and stories over a glass or two of wine on the patio. The weather was so warm we sat out chatting \'til late every night!

Pino & Caroline have a super family and the warmth of their hospitality made all the difference to our stay. This is the kind of place where you can do as much or as little as you want. You\'ll have a great time.\"

09.06.2009

Recommendation

We are having a marvellous time here at Il Molino di Bordone....we still have another week here and are looking forward to further exploring the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside.  We are staying in La Fontanella and everything is superb.  The kitchen is a showcase...all very modern appliances and such but built in a delightful Tuscan wood decor...beautiful granite counters.  Everything here is done to a very high standard and the decor is inspirational.  While the photos on the website are attractive, they don\'t capture the full beauty of La Fontanella and the surrounding gardens and green areas.

04.06.2009