21/08/2024
PAI Travel Diary No. 11
It’s hard to believe that twenty years have passed since a small group of eager Melbourne based “mature aged students” gathered in Arezzo to join the inaugural Passionate About Italy cultural tour.
The PAI tour project was launched in 2004 following several successful Italian ventures involving Secondary level students. The question had arisen “Why should the children have all the fun?” So attention was diverted towards developing a parallel “adults only” program.
During May and June, two groups of enthusiasts explored cities, cultural sites and landscapes in Tuscany, Umbria and The Marches from a base in the picturesque Tuscan hamlet of Arsicci. Destinations included Assisi, Urbino, La Verna, Arezzo, Florence, Sansepolcro, Lake Trasimeno, Cortona et al.
Along the way there was much to be learnt, appreciated and enjoyed. Local produce was savoured, vino imbibed and friendships forged.
All in all, the inaugural PAI project was a great success and would be the first of many similar Mediterranean adventures. Here we have a selection of snapshots from the 2004 program…
