VILLA GELSI Guidebook

Some helpful background: We hope you will find this information useful during your stay at Villa Gelsi. • The Simply supermarket in San Lorenzo is open Monday to Saturday from 08.00 to 13.00, and again during the summer from 16.30 – 20.00 in the afternoon. Winter afternoon hours are from 16.30 to 19.30. Sunday openings are 09.00 - 12.00. It’s 6km (10 minutes) away. There’s also a Tigre supermarket just outside San Lorenzo on the road to Pergola, and their opening hours are generally more convenient than the other two in the town, and it’s a little closer to Villa Gelsi - just 3.5km (6 minutes) away. • Shops are usually open from 09.00 until 12.30, then from 15.30 to 19.30. In the towns, many shops do not open on Monday mornings. • On Tuesdays, there is a street market in and around the central square in San Lorenzo, where you can buy fresh vegetables, meat, cheese, clothes, shoes, and other delights. There is a similar (but larger) street market in Pergola on Saturdays. In both cases, you will find car parking a little bit more difficult on these days, but it’s worth the fun. • If you’re buying fresh vegetables, most supermarkets supply plastic gloves and bags. Make sure you use them! Some product price signs also display a ‘tasto’ number. When you’ve made your selection, put the bag on the nearby scales and press the number shown for the product. Stick the printed label on your bag ready for the check-out. • The beige ring binder file in the kitchen includes a comprehensive list of restaurants – both local, and further afield - with detailed directions from Villa Gelsi. We’ve tried them all, and feel confident enough to recommend them. • Some smaller businesses – restaurants, petrol stations etc. – don’t always accept credit cards, so it’s better to carry cash with you. Those that do often require you to produce identity documentation – so you’ll need to carry your passport. • When you’re out driving always remember to take your driving licence with you. It’s a legal requirement to always carry your documents. • Adhere to the speed limits. The Italian Police are quite keen on setting up manual speeds traps with hand-held cameras in the area, so drive with care! Flashing headlamps from on-coming vehicles are a possible warning sign of trouble ahead. • Always drive with dipped headlamps – even during the day. This is another legal requirement. • The Italian police are getting tough on drink/driving offences. Penalties can be severe. • When parking, always ensure you park in a space marked out with blue lines. Set the clock on the windscreen to your time of arrival. Some of the larger towns have pay-and-display for on-street parking. • Many garages operate a ‘24hr’ service with special machines for payment. Insert your euro notes (or your credit card) into the appropriate slot, wait for the machine to register your cash (or card) then select the required pump number, and start filling. The pump will automatically stop when it reaches the cash limit. • For those using Ancona Airport, there’s a convenient service station (Esino Ovest) on the autostrada just a few kilometres before the junction where you turn off for the airport, and where you can fill the tank before returning your hire car. • Le Marche is a major wine producing region of Italy, and so not surprisingly, there are a number of cantine (wine cellars) where you can taste the local grower’s vino. Additionally, if you are lucky, you could also experience olive oil tasting. You may wish to combine these delights with an Italian cena (evening meal) at a nearby restaurant, or possibly even indulge in a typical family feast prepared by a local Le Marche cook. To enjoy the flavour of real Italian country life talk to Hans, who will be happy to help you as he lives locally and knows all the best hidden gems.