Palazzo Fiumi-LaPlaca

Did you ever wish you had this really cool friend who lived in Italy—in a beautiful palazzo in a charming hilltown—who just loved having guests? Well, you do. Michael La Placa calls his establishment a “Bed and Breakfast”, but it is so much more, and so much better. His palazzo, built in the 17th century, has been lovingly and tastefully restored by Michael himself. It retains all of its old world charm, but is extremely comfortable, with great bathrooms and amenities. It is located in the small and endlessly picturesque town of Bettona, a stone’s throw from Assisi and Perugia. I have been three times in a row during the summer. If you want to be on your own, that’s fine, but Michael is most willing to be your guide to the wonders of Umbria, which he knows extremely well. In addition to the obvious tourist spots, like Assisi, he’s shown me wonderful off-the-beaten-track spots, like the Church of San Franceso in the village of Montefalco, with marvelous Renaissance frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli. (We were the only ones in the church!) You will take back wonderful memories and be eager to return often.