Much to my surprise I will be celebrating my 60th birthday this July.
While this doesn’t seem possible, time stops for no man - and - I am no exception!
So I’ve chosen to embrace reality in a way that makes me smile - with people I care about in a special place with amazing food.
Come to Italy and help me celebrate at Casa Rustica!
Casa Rustica is a charming, renovated farmhouse surrounded by 13 acres of fruit and olive trees, sunflowers and cultivated fields in the rolling countryside 20 minutes outside of the ancient Roman seaside resort town of Fano.
Near the beautiful little village of Serrungarina with our wonderful hostess, Manuela and her staff!
July 21st & July 22nd
July 21st, Sunday
Wine Tour & Tasting
4:30 - 6:30PM
If you have arrived in the area on Sunday, July 21st you are invited to a wonderful local winery in the area for apperitivo at 4:30PM.
Via S. Filippo, 24, 61038 Terre Roveresche
Phone +39 0721 890100
We will be given a tour of the winery and have a tasting to select wines to be served at the birthday dinner at Casa Rustica
If you would like to join us for wine tasting please let me know so we may provide the winery with a count of people.
After the wine tasting there are several restaurants in and around the towns in the surrounding area. I am told by our hosts at Casa Rustica that is ‘highly recommened' to reach out to make reservations since it is high season.
Among the recommended restaurants where you might wish to dine that evening in the area”
MONDAVIO
Trattoria al Giardino da Giamburesti
Giardini Giacomo Leopardi, Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 61040 Mondavio
In the historic center of Mondavio, steps from the fortress and with an amazing panoramic view on the surrounding hills, great menu.
MONTEMAGGIORE
Via delle Mura, 16, 61036 Montemaggiore Al Metauro
Characteristic aperitivo in beautiful settings and sunset over the hills.
FANO
Via Ruggero Ruggeri, 18, 61032 Fano PU, Italy
Nice restaurant and pizzeria with sea view.
Via Solferino, 25, 71016 San Severo
Delicious seafood and pizza, home made pasta.
***These two restaurants above are traditional restaurants where local have been going for decades with classic dishes from our region such as :arrostita di pesce / mix grilled seafood with breadcrumbs - brodetto / authentic fish soup - tortelloni di pesce / seafood stuffed ravioli like pasta - baked clams, mussels and scallops.
July 22nd, Monday
Birthday Dinner al fresco
4:30PM - Until the wine runs out!
Via Perello 4
Colli al Metauro (Serrungarina) Can input this in Google Maps!
For easy directions is recommended to input:
Ristorante Da Luisa - Via Roma, 8, 61036 Serrungarina PU
Casa Rustica is 2 mins away. If you are not renting a car (Uber or taxi are not common in rural Italy) please let us know and we can help to connect you with other guests who might be staying near you or will make arrangements for transportation for you.
The night’s activities:
4:30pm Guests Welcome
5:00pm Pasta Lesson - Guests will be divided into two groups to learn hands-on how to make fresh pasta with local chefs! You have to work for your dinner!
5:30pm Pasta Lesson
6:30pm Happy Hour / Aperitivo
8:00pm Dinner from a wonderful well-loved restaurant who is coming to offer a 6 course meal for us among the olive trees at Casa Rustica
Contacts
We suggest getting What’s App if you do not already have it. It’s a free app that provides secure fast connection when traveling and calling abroad.
Here are What’s App contacts for when you are in Italy if you need to reach us:
From Casa Rustica:
Manuela +39 336 727871
Alessia +1 347 393 0484
Michael +1 954 614 8740
Travel
Getting to the area is easy!
Flights into Italy are best to the International Airport in Bologna -approximately 100 miles from Casa Rustica and the port of Fano. We know…it is a bit of journey - but that’s part of the plan. And your presence is indeed VERY much appreciated.
There are several ways to get from the airport to the Fano area. We can also connect you with other guests who might be arriving around the time you are to join efforts!
Rental Car - Possible from the airport with several agencies, including: Dollar, Budget, Hertz, Avis and Enterprise plus a variety of Italian companies.
Private Car takes about 75 minutes and costs under $60.
Contacts can be provided.
There are also frequent trains from the airport to the Bologna city terminal then on to Faro. Takes about 2h 30 min and costs under $50
By train from Rome is about 4 hours and Milan is about 4.5 hours.
Bookings can be made through ItaliaRail
Accommodations
There are many wonderful hotels and guesthouses in the area as well as Airbnb's and other private "agri-turismo" properties and private rentals.
These are recommended by the hosts at Casa Rustica:
Booking.com & Kayak.com offer many more!
Things to do around la Casa Rustica
If you are interested in exploring the culture and nature in the area of Casa Rustica:
Fano
Visits at the local market and historical sites plus you can inquire about underground visits of the Roman remains and hidden gems of this beautiful authentic Roman town.
(Food market every morning in the city center, clothing / accessories market every Wednesday and Saturday am)
Castello di Gradara
Castello di Gradara, an authentic Medieval fortress.
(45 minutes from the Casa/Fano)
Mondavio
Mondavio is a romantic medieval town where you can enjoy a classic Italian aperitivo while watching the sunset.
(10 minutes from the Casa/Fano)
Urbino
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Urbino is a hilltop town and one of the most important renaissance sites in Italy.
(35) minutes from the Casa/Fano)
Grotte di Frasassi is a unique and spectacular site formed naturally, they are among the most famous karst caves in Europe. (1 hour and 15 min from the Casa) + Gola Del Furlo, is a spectacle of nature that offers lofty heights and deep canyons that will take your breath away.
A spectacle of nature that offers lofty heights and deep canyons that will take your breath away.
An authentic Medieval fortress. (45 min from the Casa)
Romantic medieval town where you can enjoy a classic Italian aperitivo while watching the sunset. (10 min from the Casa)
Hilltop town and UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most important renaissance sites in Italy. (35 min from the Casa)
Portonovo Beach
https://www.viaggiesorrisi.com/da-vedere-a-portonovo-spiaggia/ (Gorgeous beach in Marche region)
Kayaking
https://www.marmittedeigigantiincanoa.it/ (you can also do kayak excursion upon booking)
Grdana Castle
A beautiful medieval castle
Frasassi Caves
