Literary Lunches
with Huon Mallalieu 15th May to 21st May 2020
Last June, 20 lucky Oldie readers stayed with Alexandra at her home, the magnificent Castello di Mandela. The tributes came flooding in … ‘best ever’. We promised a unique tour because lots of Alexandra’s friends opened the doors to their palazzi. And she delivered. Well, she wants us back … with a completely different itinerary. It would be impossible for any of us to have this experience as chance visitors, rather than as her guests. DON’T MISS OUT. We are in the hands of a great hostess and expert guides.
We shall eat splendidly either at the Castello, with local produce and family-produced olive oil and wines, or in a range of restaurants.
Full itinerary and terms and conditions at: www.theoldie.co.uk/tours Friday 15th May – Arrival
Depart London Heathrow at 12.45 on BA0560; arrive Rome 16.15. Tour of castle and grounds. Welcome cocktails, introductory talk by Huon, dinner.
Saturday 16th May – Rome
We will visit the magnificent gardens of Villa Medici, the Gardens of the Aventine and the Abbey of the Tre Fontane, on the site where St Paul was beheaded.
Sunday 17th May – The summer retreats in the hills of Rome
Morning tour of the palace and gardens of the Pope at Castel Gandolfo; afternoon in Ariccia, a Chigi palace by Bernini, with wonderful collections in their original place. Visconti filmed the ball scene of
The Leopard here. The gardens will be opened for us.
Monday 18th May – Subiaco in the footsteps of St Benedict
Monastery of Saint Scholastica, Monastery of Sacro Speco and the Rocca Borgia, where Lucrezia was born.
Tuesday 19th May – Abbey of Farfa
We will visit this splendid medieval abbey and its untouched hamlet, and eat in an agriturismo near Farfa with local cuisine and the proprietors’ produce.
Wednesday 20th May – Monte Cassino
Very special tour of the Abbey and visit to the library.
Thursday 21st May – Blighty
Depart Rome Fiumicino at 12.55pm; arrive Heathrow 2.40pm.