I went to Italy, to the Umbria/Perugia area specifically, to visit churches, shrines and homes of the Saints (i.e., St. Benedict, St. Scholastica, St. Rita, St. Francis, St. Clare, etc). Casa Vacanza Piantamori was the perfect home base for my self-directed pilgrimage. Casa Vacanza Piantamori is owned by husband and wife duo, Luigi and Christine. They own and run a beautifully restored former nobleman's mansion, that's been turned into several apartments for rent. My apartment was superbly furnished, clean, and well appointed. There was nothing missing. The bed was comfortable and I had plenty of room to move around and feel like I was at home. Although breakfast is free and included with the stay, it runs from 9am until 10am. So, on the days that one needs to get an early start, Christine will prepare a beautiful continental breakfast upon request and place it in the kitchen/refrigerator of the apartment the night before. I truly appreciated that gesture on several occasions. She is very thoughtful and extremely kind. There is an amazing garden area for eating or sitting and reading. I wish I had taken advantage of the garden more during my stay. The view and tranquility are truly worth the stay all by itself!
In addition to the apartment rentals, Luigi is a chef and Christine is a baker. They co-run a restaurant in the wine cellar area of the hotel called La Cantina. It is a spectacular and world class restaurant that provides gourmet dining at reasonable prices. A gem!
