• Frequently Asked Questions

    What exactly is Casa Della Zia?
    A small, hosted, immersive stay in the medieval village of Vallo di Nera (Umbria).

    It’s not an Airbnb: we host you, guide you, and handle logistics so you can relax.

    What kinds of trips do you run?
    Small themed weeks (e.g., plein air painting, photography, writing, yoga)

    plus custom groups—friends or families who want a tailored Umbrian experience.

    How many people are in a group?
    Typically 6–12 guests. Small by design for access, flexibility, and real village life.

    Who leads the weeks?
    Jessica (your host) & her companion Gary + select guest instructors (e.g., artists, photographers, writers).

    Local experts join for specialized activities.

    Where do we stay?
    At Casa Della Zia in Vallo di Nera. Guests enjoy privacy; the hosts stay nearby (about 100 meters away) to assist and translate.

    What’s included?
    Airport/train station pickup within the arrival window, local transport to activities, hosted experiences, daily breakfasts and select meals, wines/beer/soft drinks,

    and curated tastings. Exact inclusions vary by week—see your trip page.

    Is wine included?
    Yes, we serve local wine with hosted meals/tastings (non-alcoholic options always available).

    Can you accommodate dietary needs?
    Yes—vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergies with advance notice.

    How active are the days?
    Expect moderate walking on cobblestones and some stairs in hill towns.

    We pace days sensibly and can suggest lighter options.

    Is the house accessible?
    Vallo di Nera is a medieval stone village; full wheelchair access is limited.

    If mobility is a concern, contact us before booking so we can advise.

    Do I need to speak Italian?
    No. We translate and handle reservations. You’ll learn helpful phrases if you’d like.

    When should I arrive?
    We ask guests to arrive within 1–2 hours of each other to coordinate pickup smoothly. We’ll help you choose flights.

    Which airport is best?
    Rome Fiumicino (FCO) is the easiest. From there we coordinate pickup—

    or you can train to Spoleto and we’ll collect you at the station.

    Can I add days in Rome?
    Yes. We offer an optional Rome add-on (quiet neighborhood, fast metro to the center),

    including a day of highlights and vintage/antique browsing.

    What’s the weather like?
    Spring and fall are mild (layers recommended). Summer is warm; winter is quiet and crisp. We’ll send a packing list.

    What should I pack?
    Comfortable walking shoes with tread, a light rain layer, any meds, and a small daypack. We cam provide a detailed list after booking.

    Is there Wi-Fi and phone service?
    Yes, reliable Wi-Fi at the house. For phones, consider an eSIM/Italian SIM or enable international roaming.

    Can I do laundry?
    Yes—off site, light laundry access during the week (details in your welcome pack).

    How do payments work?
    A deposit holds your spot; the balance is due before arrival. Exact amounts/timelines appear on each trip page.

    What’s your cancellation policy?
    We keep groups small, so cancellations impact the week.

    See your trip page for terms. We strongly recommend travel insurance.

    Are children welcome?
    Most weeks are adult-focused. Family or multi-gen trips can be arranged as a private/custom booking.

    Are pets allowed?
    No, sorry—no guest pets.

    Can you design a custom itinerary?
    Absolutely. Tell us your dates/interests (food, hiking, ceramics, Roman ruins, festivals), and we’ll build your Umbrian week.

    Will there be photos/video?
    We sometimes capture casual images for social media. Tell us if you prefer not to be photographed—we’ll honor it.

    How do I book?
    Choose your week on umbriacasa.com, complete the inquiry/booking form,

    and we’ll confirm availability, inclusions, and the deposit.

    Questions not covered here?
    Email info@umbriacasa.com

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