In Roman mythology a Genius Loci was the guardian spirit of a place. Today, “Genius Loci” refers to a location’s distinctive atmosphere, its “spirit of place” and its unique and cherished aspects – those celebrated by artists and writers, folk tales and festivals. Genius Loci is as much in the invisible weave of culture as it is in the physical aspects of a place. The term is most often applied to a very special rural and pure landscape.

"I can think of no greater pleasure than to get lost on some country road in Umbria."

Frances Mayes

An exciting Festival dedicated to the world of First Course Dishes, with Tastings, Lessons, and a Biological Products Village takes place in Foligno from September 25-28. We are pleased to offer a 10% discount to guests staying at least 2 nights at Genius Loci.

A WOMENS' "WEEK...OR TWO WITH MARY" - SHARE MARY'S UMBRIA DURING THE SPECTACULAR FALL SEASON-SHARE HER INSIDER'S INSIGHT OF UMBRIA GAINED FROM 40 YEARS OF LIVING IN UMBRIA. VISIT THE BEST CRAFT WORKSHOPS, VIEW ART MASTERPIECES, TAKE A COOKING LESSON, ENJOY AN IN-HOUSE TYPICAL UMBRIAN HEARTH-COOKED MEAL, TAKE ART LESSONS, TRY YOUR SKILLS AT INFORMAL ITALIAN CONVERSATION HOURS, WRITE, JOURNAL, BLOG, PHOTOGRAPH, DINE OUT, VISIT THE PICTURESQUE HILL TOWNS, HAMLETS, ABBEYS, TASTE WINES AND OLIVE OILS. DO AS MUCH OR AS LITTLE AS YOU LIKE, CREATING YOUR VERY OWN SCHEDULE, ALTERNATING ACTIVE DAYS WITH LAZY DAYS CURLED UP BY THE FIREPLACE WITH A BOOK, GLASS OF WINE AND ROASTED CHESTNUTS, ENJOY A GLASS OF PROSECCO AND CONVERSATION BEFORE DINNER. TO BE HELD OCT. 20-27 AND/OR OCTOBER 28-NOVEMBER 4, 2009 AT MAGICAL GENIUS LOCI IN THE MIDST OF THE CRIMSON RED-BURNT ORANGE-FLAMING YELLOW VINEYARDS! For photos please see Oct. 8th entry on www.slowtrav.com/blog/maryt FOR FULL INFORMATION PLEASE EMAIL info@geniuslociumbria.com

To read Mary's impressions on and experiences in Umbria, please take a look at: www.slowtrav.com/blog/maryt

BY RESERVATION ONLY, COOKING CLASSES, WINE AND OLIVE OIL TASTINGS ARE OFFERED FOR A MINIMUM OF TWO PARTICIPANTS AT EUROS 160 PER PERSON PER COOKING LESSON WITH LUNCH (INCLUDING WINE) -WINE TASTINGS IN OUR OWN WINERY AT EUROS 35 PER PERSON (MINIMUM TWO PARTICIPANTS) AND OLIVE OIL TASTINGS AT EUROS 20 PER PERSON. TASTINGS INCLUDE APPROPRIATE SNACKS TO ENHANCE THE TASTING EXPERIENCE. PLEASE EMAIL FOR DETAILS AND RESERVATIONS.

Genius Loci is available for EXCLUSIVE RENT for private events. Please consider us for your destination wedding, family reunion, wine tourism, yoga therapy vacation, watercolor, writing and photographic retreats, honeymoon, babymoon or any other special occasion.