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March 21, 2013 by Mtaussig

Ray leaving old Chapel with 15th century fresco on Wanda’s farm in Umbria. (inset is their photo of the fresco inside)

1. Tell us a little bit about your most recent UnTour.

It was a dream vacation: 8 days on the Variety Voyager, the sleek 73-passenger yacht that put us ashore at the fabled ports of Capri, Lipari, Malta, plus 4 ports in Sicily. Then, a train ride to the sparkling Cinque Terre for 4 nights and a heavenly 2 weeks in the fabulous Bonalumi apartment in Locarno, with a breathtaking view of Lake Maggiore.

2. Why did you choose to go there?

It was sweet serendipity when we found that the Locarno apartment would be available in October and would mesh with the sailing time of the South Italy cruise. We had wanted to visit Sicily with its many layers of history, and happily discovered that the cruise was being offered at half price. No hesitation. It was fate! The only problem was that it was not long enough!

3. What is your favorite UnTours memory?

We have enjoyed 18 UnTours and loved the diversity found in each. How to choose a favorite? Perhaps the most memorable was an Austrian UnTour, based in Werfen and Vienna. That allowed for a fascinating pilgrimage to the sites where Brahms created many of his beautiful compositions, knowing that he always chose a beautiful location to inspire him during his summers of composing.

4. How is taking an UnTour different from other ways of traveling?

The UnTours philosophy fits our notion of satisfying travel. We love to choose an intriguing location, do some research, and when we arrive, unpack and discover how life unfolds in that location. A Richard Holmes quote that we enjoy is β€œreal travel…..It was losing yourself, then finding yourself again: casting yourself, at least for one moment, into the lap of the gods, and seeing what happened.” The knowledgeable UnTours staff is a wonderful anchor. We know that we will have help if we need it.

5. If you could describe an UnTour in just three words, what would they be?

Anticipation…..Realization ……Recollection

UnTours that the Healds have chosen
2013

Gracieuse on a Paris UnTour

2012

Bonalumi Upper on the Swiss Ticino UnTour

2010

Maria on the Umbria UnTour

2009

Heinrichgasse on the Vienna UnTour

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