Our well-traveled family of five stayed in Poggiardo at Palazzo Umberto for six days earlier this month during a three week Italy adventure. We live in Los Angles, California but always enjoy traveling abroad with our kids when we can. Our "kids" are now ages 20, 22, and 23. Upon arrival, we were happily greeted by Maria who gave us a tour around her grand home. Needless to say, Umberto is even more beautiful in person than the photos depict! The house is spotless and is well equipped with everything to make any visitor's stay comfortable and enjoyable. While staying there, our family rented bicycles for several days to sightsee around the area. Traveling by bicycle was quite enjoyable for our group. It was a lovely way to visit the small towns surrounding Poggiardo. We especially enjoyed riding the bikes along the Adriatic Sea and eating lunch in Santa Cesera Terme. After each day's ride, we were happy to come home to a sparkling clean salt water pool to cool off. We spent several hours throughout the week in the garden seating areas enjoying wine with appetizers before heading into one of the many delicious restaurants for dinner in the neighborhood. You can't go wrong with any of the food establishments! All the restaurants prepare fresh food and are very generous with the portions they serve! The pastry and gelato shops in town are also quite fabulous! It was a good thing for us that we stayed active during the days because no one ever left much food on their plates! Each member of our family would love to return to Poggiardo and stay in Palazzo Umberto again. We cannot thank Maria and her husband, Andrea, enough for their wonderful hospitality and kindness to our family. Mille grazie! We hope to return someday soon!