They had visited Italy in '96 and '97, staying for two weeks each trip at the Italian Cycling Center. Unlike conventional, cross-country tours, the Cycling Center offers a sort of base camp from which you take daily cycling excursions. In this area everybody rides a bike. Everybody - and the bike is an important part of the Italian culture. Kevin reported that everywhere they went the locals would scrutinize their bikes and equipment.
Flowers are everywhere - such as apartments with flower boxes under each window.
Things are very neat and well maintained, with no litter to be found. As you might expect, the churches are all magnificent. Many include masterpiece level art. Afterwards you'd have fun in the afternoon, which may or may not include more riding. Breakfast consisted of cereal, fruits, yogurt, and cake or bread.