100 Days in Europe 2/100 A Walk in the Woods

by David McGuffin | Apr 18, 2016 | Destinations

2/100 Days in Europe

Le Marche region of Italy

I try to put in 5 miles a day (not counting walking on tours) for jogging/walking exercise.  This seems almost like a chore at home, but when in Europe it gives me a chance to explore new areas from a different perspective.  This morning was no different.

I left my agriturismo B&B and hiked up the hillside and took a walk on the ridge line leading to the nearby hilltown.  I heard a cuckoo bird nearby. I think this was the bird, but not ever having seen one and only hearing them in Europe, I cannot guarantee this is a cuckoo bird.

Spring has arrived in central Italy (primavera) and everything is busting out in blooms, the fields are verdant green and like at home, pollen is everywhere.  The hilltop village of Force (pronounced “for-che”) is home to about 1400 people and provided a picture perfect backdrop for my hike.  This entire region is loaded with these picturesque hilltowns that seem to be painted ever so perfectly by a 19^th century landscape artist.

Arriving back at the agriturismo, I walked around the property finding two burros, an inviting pool, rustic tables, a firepit and an orchard blooming in vivid white.  Needless to say, I am liking the Le Marche region.  There are no tourists to speak of… only real people working to provide genuine hospitality and information about their neck of the woods.

Your Adventure Starts Here!

Kicking off 100 days of travels in Europe

by David McGuffin | Apr 17, 2016 | Destinations

I arrived in Europe early this morning to begin 100+ days of leading tours and researching new destinations. I hope you’ll follow my adventures in Europe!  I’ll be posting on Facebook, and blogging here on my website, everyday for at least the next 100 days and I hope you’ll follow along and participate in my adventures.  You can get started by visiting and liking my Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/ExploringEurope/

We are packed with our tours from now until August.  Many tour departures are already filled with the maximum number of travelers (12-18 depending on the tour).  Sitting here in Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, I can tell by the hurried rush of people, that travel is not slowing down in Europe.  My flight last night was completely full from Atlanta to Amsterdam.  I am heading down to central Italy to do a little research in a new region, Le Marche, and leading a small group of four on an adventure around Tuscany.

Local Ciauscolo Salami, the owner’s olives and olive oil and local vino rosso known as Piceno Superiore.

My flight from Amsterdam to Florence was uneventful and I even got in about an hour of sitting sleep!  At the Florence airport, I picked up my Fiat 500, with a tiny trunk and no leg room, and drove five hours south through Tuscany and Umbria and ended up in the middle of nowhere at Agriturismo Ramusè.

I find that the “middle-of-nowhere” is often the best place to be.  This is my view of the local hill town and the cat (il gatto) at 8:30 p.m.  Ciao for today!

-David