Where are you located?
In Ripoli di Lari - a small town, located about 25 minutes south east of Pisa, and about 45 minutes south west of Florence. Detailed maps and driving directions can be found on our website.

How do I get there?
When you book a cooking school package, transfers from Pisa International Airport are included. For room reservations or if you're not travelling to Pisa you can arrange to take the train to the Pontedera Train Station and then a taxi to Villa Delia. The taxi ride will cost approximated 24.00 EURO (about $45.00 Canadian with tip). Taxi drivers are familiar with Villa Delia and will know (or should know!) how to get there.

From Rome to the Villa via train: you should take the Pendolino - the "fast train" (you must make a reservation for the fast train and it saves time). It takes you to the Stazzione Termine Firenze. From there you take the train to Pontedera, and then a taxi to the Villa. Train reservations can be made through your Travel Agent.

What should I wear?
We recommend casual, comfortable outfits with COMFORTABLE walking shoes. You may wish to pack a few more dressy outfits for dinner and meals out.

What is the weather like?
Villa Delia enjoys warming winds from the Mediterranean, but being higher up in the hills, it can certainly cool down in the evenings.

The average temperatures are listed below by month:

Are there hairdryers and laundry facilities?
Yes, there are hairdryers provided in the rooms. Laundry services are available and subject to applicable charges.

What will I get charged for?
At the end of your stay, you will receive a bill for any bar items, telephone calls, laundry and incidentals (i.e. fax, internet etc...). If you are not part of the cooking school program, any meals, wine and beverages consumed will be billed to you at the Villa (unless pre-paid).

Driving distances - how far from the Villa is it to……..
Pisa - 25 minutes
Florence - 45 minutes
San Gimignano - 45 minutes
Lucca - 1 hour
Siena - 1 hour and 45 minutes
Amalfi Coast - 4 hours

Will Umberto be there?
Umberto spends his time between his restaurants on the West Coast of Canada and the Villa. His schedule is subject to change frequently and at the last minute due to television appearances, cooking demonstrations and business demands in Canada. Generally, he is at the Villa in the spring and the fall each year. In the meantime, his sister Marietta is the very capable, resident Chef and his brother-in-law Silvano is the ever accommodating, Director of Sales.

How do I exchange money?
Bring some EURO for traveling, when in Italy, you can usually exchange small amounts of cash right at the Villa or at the Banks in town. EURO currency is generally easier to exchange. Bank machines (ATMs) are readily found in most cities and are a convenient way to get cash.

Do I need a converter for plugging in electrical equipment?
If you are bringing an electrical appliance (i.e. laptop/ razor, etc.) you should bring an appropriate converter for Italy. We do have access to e-mail at the Villa, however if you need to check your e-mail regularly we request that you bring your own laptop or PalmPilot.

When will I get a finalized itinerary for the 10 day program?
We offer a Sample Itinerary on our website, which offers an idea of the program we offer. Each outing is subject to weather, availability and whether or not it compliments the particular group attending. For example, the hike at Cinque Terre is a very challenging athletic walk, and not all guests are interested in this excursion. Rest assured that we will plan an exceptional, exciting itinerary that will highlight the very best of the region. We enjoy fabulous wine tastings; informative guided tours, markets, olive oil tastings, pasta factories and delicious gourmet food. Leave it to the Umberto and his family to show you the best that Tuscany has to offer.

How do I request a particular room?
All the rooms at Villa Delia are large, beautifully furnished and have a view of the Tuscan countryside. All are equipped with private bath. We do not take room requests, please leave to us to decide with each group which room assignment is most suitable. All the rooms are equally nice!

What about the pool /tennis court/ mountain bikes?
The pool is not heated, so is generally only in use in the summer months. The tennis courts have been professionally designed and are exceptional - we provide tennis racquets, but if you are particularly attached to your racquet, you should bring it. Mountain bikes are available for your use. We also do a morning walk before breakfast on our property, for those who are interested - there are 54 acres of vineyards and olive groves and you're sure to work up an appetite for breakfast!

Where can people get a hold of me at the Villa?
They can call the Villa directly at: 011 39 0587 684 322
Or fax to theVilla directly at: 011 39 0587 684 331
Please alert your guests of the time change and ask them to refrain from phoning and waking everyone up in the middle of the night!

Other questions?
Contact Umberto Management Ltd. by e-mail at inquire@umberto.com
Phone 604-669-3732 or by fax 604-669-9723