Sunday

Arrive at Foligno railway station. Drive to Bevagna and a B & B country house on a hill of olive groves.  Stroll in picturesque Bevagna. Welcome dinner in a Bevagna restaurant to savor typical local dishes.

Monday

Every morning for breakfast, B & B owners Maria and Guelfo welcome you a wonderful buffet of home-made breads, cakes and preserves. During your week, you'll get to know this sweet, hospitable couple.

Near Montefalco, visit the Arnaldo Caprai winery and taste Sagrantino wine, one of Italy's best red wines.

In hill town of Trevi, admire the awe-inspiring views of hills of olive trees and the valley. Visit an olive mill to learn how olives are grown and how olive oil is produced. Enjoy free time to explore the town, and have lunch in the historic center.

Take part in a cooking lesson on typical regional dishes with an excellent home cook in her kitchen.  Dine at her table on your authentic Umbrian feast for the senses.

Tuesday

In the morning, drive into the Valnerina Valley to the Plains of Castelluccio, home of the best lentils in Italy. Drive through this beautiful valley to appreciate the spectacular views.

Visit Norcia, famed for its cured meats. Explore Norcia's historic centre with Italian foodie shops and lovely medieval piazza. Enjoy lunch to sample wonderful salamis and ham in Norcia at typical trattoria.

Drive back to your B & B for a rest and savor local specialities at a nearby restaurant.

Wednesday

Visit a truffle hunter and his family in the mountains. This joyful man will take you on a truffle hunt in the forest and show you how his dogs sniff out these rare delicacies from among tree roots. You’ll be rewarded for this exertion with lunch at the farm – including truffles, of course.

That afternoon, stop in Spoleto for a guided walk of this picturesque hillside town. Drive to Foligno and walk to explore the lively centre. Dinner is on your own in Foligno.

Thursday

Drive to Perugia for a walk with a local guide through the historic center, with ancient Roman and Etruscan monuments and a lovely boulevard lined with tempting shops. Perugia is perhaps best known for its baci ("kisses") chocolate.

After a lunch in town, take time to shop or laze at a piazza-side café as you watch the locals on their traditional “passeggiata”.

Drive to Deruta to visit a Majolica ceramics workshop and learn how local artists decorate these beautiful, hand-painted objects. 

That evening, enjoy a cooking lesson at your B&B where your genial hostess, Maria, a truly excellent home cook, focuses on dishes made with local grains. Prepare a fabulous soups, pastas and more focusing on lentils, ceci beans and farro grain. Sit down with your fellow cooks to enjoy eating this unusual meal.

Friday

Visit the town Assisi, home of St. Francis, which sits on a hill marked by a distinctive medieval castle. Visit the famous Basilica di San Francesco with its magnificent Giotto frescoes covering it from floor to ceiling. Free time to stroll in Assisi. 

Drive across the valley towards home to visit a family-run winery that makes excellent Sagrantino and other wines. Tour the cellars with their congenial son, taste their fine wines and enjoy a light lunch "al fresco" on a shaded patio overlooking their vineyards, with lovely views all the way to Assisi. 

Drive up to hill town of Montefalco, enjoy a stroll, admire its Renaissance architecture and browse in its shops of unique, handmade linens. Celebrate your week of discovering Umbria at your farewell dinner in an elegant restaurant in Montefalco.

Saturday

After breakfast, depart in a private vehicle for Foligno station and reluctantly say arrivederci to Umbria and the warm people you've met.

Note: Although the itinerary is subject to minor changes, we will do our best to keep these changes to a minimum.

2010 Tour Dates

Dates by request

Prices per person

2475 Euros (approx $4085 Cdn, $3340 US), per person, double occupancy, land only.
Single supplement: 150 Euros

Includes:

• 6 nights accommodation with private bath
• 2 Italian cooking lessons
• all meals
• all excursions in itinerary
• local wine with meals
• very attentive guide/tour director
• private transport throughout
• transfers to/from Foligno
• 1/2 hour Italy trip planning consultation with Mama Margaret

Please contact Mama Margaret for more information or to reserve.