Tasting, Touring and Cooking Your Way through Umbria - the Green Heart of Italy
Embarking on a culinary journey through Umbria is an indulgence in rustic delights and gastronomic treasures. Renowned for its hearty and flavorsome cuisine, Umbria boasts an array of delectable dishes rooted in tradition and local ingredients. From earthy truffles and velvety olive oils to savory cured meats and artisan cheeses, every bite offers a taste of the region's rich terroir. Pasta dishes like strangozzi al tartufo and umbricelli al sagrantino showcase the simplicity and elegance of Umbrian cooking, while hearty soups like zuppa di farro provide comfort in every spoonful. Don't miss the opportunity to savor porchetta, slow-roasted pork bursting with fragrant herbs and spices, or indulge in a glass of robust Sagrantino wine, emblematic of Umbria's winemaking prowess. With its emphasis on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and time-honored recipes, Umbrian cuisine is a celebration of authenticity and flavor that leaves a lasting impression on every palate.
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ItineraryAccommodationsMapFAQ
VACATION HIGHLIGHTS
Please note:
Tour inclusions can change depending upon
seasonality and weather conditions.
•6 Nights Resort Accommodations
•Round-Trip Rome Airport Transfers
•Umbrian Breakfast Each Morning
•Welcome Umbrian Dinner at the Resort
•Two Chef-led Cooking Classes
•Excursion and Visit to Medieval Todi
•Excursion and Visit to Medieval Assisi
•Visit to Medieval Spello with Brewery Tour
•Visit to Perugia & Chocolate Factory Tour
•Wine & Olive Estate Visit with Tastings
•Lunches & Dinners Per Itinerary
•Farewell Gala Dinner at the Resort
While our tours are designed as soft adventure experiences, walking, climbing stairs,
and in rare cases mild hiking may be required. If you have mobility issues, you should
speak with one of our culinary travel specialists to determine if this tour is
appropriate for your situation.
AVAILABLE DATES
Select dates from May through December. This tour starts on a Sunday and ends on a Saturday. Please note that the December week starts on Wednesday and ends on Tuesday in order to take advantage of the Christmas Markets in Umbria.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.
Click arrows (▶) to show details
Day 1
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Rome Airport Arrival and Transfer to Umbria | Casual Welcome Dinner
A 12:00pm Noon pickup at the Rome Airport, with transfer to Perugia, is included in your tour, along with water and light snacks during this two-and-a-half-hour picturesque ride. A quick check-in to your superior room upon arrival will be followed by a wonderful, yet relaxing welcome dinner served in the resort's frescoed dining room. A short orientation of your week ahead will also be provided at the beginning of your welcome dinner. (D)
Day 2
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Traditional Umbrian Breakfast Buffet
This morning you will enjoy a Continental Buffet Breakfast consisting of croissants, assorted pastries, cereals, biscuits, jams, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, salad, tomatoes, boiled eggs, a selection of dried fruits, fruit salad, yogurt, assorted meats, cheese, tea, coffee, and juices. This morning ritual celebrates the rich flavors and culinary traditions of Umbria, setting a satisfying tone for the day ahead.
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Hands-On, Chef-led Cooking Class with Lunch
Mid-morning, you will meet with the Resort's Chef for your first hands-on cooking class. To set the mood, you will slip into your apron and don your hat prior to creating the Umbria Region's famous strangozzi pasta. Chef will also guide you in the preparation of a potato flan and Italy's best Tiramisu savoiardi dessert. At the conclusion of your instruction, the group will enjoy a hearty lunch consisting of the dishes you helped prepare.
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Afternoon Visit to Todi | Multi-Course Dinner at the Resort
After lunch enjoy a visit to the magical, medieval village of Todi. Nestled atop a picturesque hill in the heart of Umbria, Todi embodies the quintessential charm of Italian medieval towns. Its ancient cobblestone streets wind through a labyrinth of well-preserved Renaissance palaces, Gothic churches, and quaint piazzas adorned with bubbling fountains. Towering above the town is the impressive Palazzo dei Priori, a symbol of Todi's storied past. You will have several hours on your own to wander through the town's narrow alleys, admiring the intricate architecture and soaking in the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Dinner this evening will be back at the Resort. (B, L, D)
Day 3
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Traditional Umbrian Breakfast Buffet
This morning you will enjoy a Continental Buffet Breakfast consisting of croissants, assorted pastries, cereals, biscuits, jams, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, salad, tomatoes, boiled eggs, a selection of dried fruits, fruit salad, yogurt, assorted meats, cheese, tea, coffee, and juices. This morning ritual celebrates the rich flavors and culinary traditions of Umbria, setting a satisfying tone for the day ahead.
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Morning Visit to Assisi
This morning you will head through the hills of Umbria to the enchanting village of Assisi. Assisi captivates visitors with its spiritual aura and breathtaking beauty. This medieval hilltop town is renowned as the birthplace of St. Francis, Italy's patron saint. Its winding streets are lined with ancient stone buildings adorned with colorful frescoes, while the majestic Basilica of St. Francis dominates the skyline, drawing pilgrims and tourists alike. Beyond its religious significance, Assisi enchants with its picturesque vistas of olive groves and vineyards, offering a tranquil escape from the bustle of modern life. You will have ample opportunity to explore the town's historic sites, wander through its charming piazzas, and savor authentic Umbrian cuisine at cozy trattorias (lunch is on your own today).
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Wine and Olive Vineyard Tour and Tastings | Multi-Course Dinner at the Resort
In the late afternoon, you will visit a family-run winery and olive orchard where you will learn a few of their secrets for producing the celebrated Montefalco Sagrantino, and cold pressed virgin olive oils. Your tour will end with multiple wine tastings, and a cheese and charcuterie board with olive oil and bread appetizers. Dinner this evening will be back at the Resort. (B, T, D)
Day 4
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Traditional Umbrian Breakfast Buffet
This morning you will enjoy a Continental Buffet Breakfast consisting of croissants, assorted pastries, cereals, biscuits, jams, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, salad, tomatoes, boiled eggs, a selection of dried fruits, fruit salad, yogurt, assorted meats, cheese, tea, coffee, and juices. This morning ritual celebrates the rich flavors and culinary traditions of Umbria, setting a satisfying tone for the day ahead.
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Hands-On, Chef-led Cooking Class with Lunch
Mid-morning, you will meet with the Resort's Chef for your second hands-on cooking class. Today you will learn how to create other delicious Italian pastas, sauces and a typical second course dish. Chef will also guide you in the preparation of Umbria's famous chocolate role. At the conclusion of your instruction, the group will enjoy a hearty lunch consisting of the dishes you helped prepare.
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Afternoon and Evening Free to Explore
Day 5
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Traditional Umbrian Breakfast Buffet
This morning you will enjoy a Continental Buffet Breakfast consisting of croissants, assorted pastries, cereals, biscuits, jams, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, salad, tomatoes, boiled eggs, a selection of dried fruits, fruit salad, yogurt, assorted meats, cheese, tea, coffee, and juices. This morning ritual celebrates the rich flavors and culinary traditions of Umbria, setting a satisfying tone for the day ahead.
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Morning Visit to Spello
Found amidst the verdant hills of Umbria, Spello is a quaint medieval town that exudes timeless charm and tranquility. Its ancient stone streets wind through a labyrinth of flower-bedecked houses, creating a picturesque setting that feels like a step back in time. Renowned for its vibrant floral displays, Spello bursts with color during the Infiorata, an annual festival where intricate floral carpets adorn the streets in a breathtaking display of artistry. You can wander through the town's enchanting alleys, admiring its well-preserved Roman and Renaissance architecture, including the majestic Church of Santa Maria Maggiore with its stunning frescoes by Pinturicchio. With its peaceful ambiance, rich history, and scenic beauty, Spello offers a delightful retreat for those seeking an authentic taste of Italian village life.
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Afternoon Visit to Local Brewery (Umbrian Beer Factory) with Tastings | Multi-Course Dinner at the Resort
On the way back from Spello, you and your newfound friends will drop in for a visit to a famous beer factory for a tour and tasting experience. You'll taste six different beers while enjoying a typical Umbrian aperitivo (cheeseboard, charcuterie, and bruschetta with Umbrian olive oil). Dinner this evening will be back at the Resort. (B, T, D)
Day 6
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Traditional Umbrian Breakfast Buffet
Perugia, the capital of Italy's Umbria region, is a city steeped in history, culture, and stunning vistas. Perched atop a series of hills, its ancient streets wind around historic buildings, grand palaces, and idyllic squares. The centerpiece of the city is the Palazzo dei Priori, a magnificent medieval palace housing the National Gallery of Umbria, showcasing masterpieces from the region's rich artistic heritage. Perugia is also famous for its annual chocolate festival, Eurochocolate, drawing sweet-toothed visitors from around the world. No visit to Perugia would be complete without experiencing one of its famous chocolate factories, exuding tantalizing aromas as artisans craft confections using time-honored techniques and locally sourced ingredients.
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Morning Visit to Perugia | Chocolate Factory
Perugia, the capital of Italy's Umbria region, is a city steeped in history, culture, and stunning vistas. Perched atop a series of hills, its ancient streets wind around historic buildings, grand palaces, and idyllic squares. The centerpiece of the city is the Palazzo dei Priori, a magnificent medieval palace housing the National Gallery of Umbria, showcasing masterpieces from the region's rich artistic heritage. Perugia is also famous for its annual chocolate festival, Eurochocolate, drawing sweet-toothed visitors from around the world. No visit to Perugia would be complete without experiencing one of its famous chocolate factories, exuding tantalizing aromas as artisans craft confections using time-honored techniques and locally sourced ingredients.
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Multi-Course Farewell Dinner at the Resort with Music
On your final evening in Umbria, you will be treated to a customized, four-course dinner created especially for Epitourean guests. Dinner tonight will also be accompanied by lively entertainment, creating a memorable evening to cap off your time in the Green Heart of Italy! (B, T, D)
Day 7
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Traditional Umbrian Breakfast Buffet
This morning you will enjoy a Continental Buffet Breakfast consisting of croissants, assorted pastries, cereals, biscuits, jams, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, salad, tomatoes, boiled eggs, a selection of dried fruits, fruit salad, yogurt, assorted meats, cheese, tea, coffee, and juices. This morning ritual celebrates the rich flavors and culinary traditions of Umbria, setting a satisfying tone for your departure day.
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Check-Out and Departure | Transfers to Airport
Your final day has come too soon, but it is time to pack your bags with a new appreciation for "Il cuore verde d'Italia", and travel back to Rome Airport. Remember, short excursion packages are often available in nearby cities or historic destinations (such as Rome or Florence). Should you desire an extension, please let your Culinary Travel Specialist know prior to your departure. May your future travels come with sweet dreams and create tasty memories! (B)
Abbazia Collemedio Resort
Situated in the hills of Umbria just outside Perugia, guests will enjoy the hotel's relaxing resort ambiance. Set in the small town of Collepepe on a hill overlooking the countryside, Abbazia dei Collemedio is a unique hotel which was once a Franciscan monastery. Every area of the hotel is rich in heritage including the grotto used by monks for prayer. Your superior room comes with air conditioning, heating, free wi-fi, a flat-screen TV and a minibar. The bathroom has a hairdryer and free toiletries. The Abbazia dei Collemedio features a seasonal swimming pool, fitness center and tennis courts for your enjoyment.
The Currency Code is listed directly after the published amount. If it states USD, then the quoted price is in United States Dollars. If it states CAD, then the quoted price is in Canadian Dollars. If it states EUR, then the quoted price is in European Union Dollars…etc. However, please note that all charges are processed in USD, and Epitourean’s Merchant Bank automatically calculates the currency conversion on the day of the charge.
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What does Double Occupancy mean?
Two persons traveling together, and staying in the same room. Tour prices are normally quoted as “per person, double occupancy” in case two people are traveling together and staying in the same room, but paying separately. The cost of the lodging is also shared by two people, thereby reducing costs. This could be a married couple, two friends or relatives.
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What is a Single Supplement?
Whenever a person travels alone, the cost of their lodging cannot be shared by another person. When tour products are priced, they are normally stated as “per person, double occupancy.” Whenever a guest occupies a room as a solo, the whole cost of the lodging must be incurred by that one individual. Tour companies accommodate this by charging a Single Supplement. Epitourean does its best to keep the single supplement as low as possible, but it is a real cost that tour companies must absorb, and must pass along to the single traveler.
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If I am a Solo Traveler, will I be paired with another person?
Epitourean never pairs a solo traveler with another person without a special request. If you book Single Occupancy, you will have a room entirely to yourself. However, should you wish to be paired with another solo traveler to save on the single supplement, you may make this request. We cannot guarantee that we can accommodate such requests, since it would take another solo traveling on the same tour for the same dates. But if requested, we will certainly try.
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Are flights included in the tour price?
No. Flights are never included in the price of our land-only tours. Epitourean does not provide air, rail or sea travel, unless expressly noted in the itinerary.
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May I give a culinary tour as a gift?
Yes. Epitourean has a special program designed specifically for this purpose. Our Gift Packages come with features such as special messages to the recipient, gift box option, gift link (without pricing), and floating dates (should you not know when the gift recipient wants to travel). Contact a Culinary Travel Specialist at 800-390-3292 or customerservice@epitourean.com to receive additional information about this unique offering.
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May we request separate beds if sharing a room?
Yes. In most cases, Epitourean can accommodate a request for two beds to be placed in one room. Just make sure to make this request in the comments section of the reservation process.
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Does each guestroom have a private bathroom?
Yes. Epitourean partners with the best lodging options in each destination, and private (en suite) bathrooms are a requirement. However, you should inquire as to the configuration of bathrooms should you have a special need. For example, some tours include accommodations in medieval villages, where either a shower or bath(but maybe not both) are present.
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Can your tours accommodate my dietary restrictions?
In almost all cases, Epitourean can accommodate dietary choices and restrictions. But we do request that you ask a Culinary Travel Specialist prior to making your reservation so that we can assess your individual situation.
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If I am unable to use a portion of the tour, can I get a partial refund?
Unfortunately, due to vendor and supplier contracts, we are unable to provide partial refunds for unused portions of any tour or tour component.
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Are Transfers included in the Itinerary?
Round-trip transfers from the airport or train station are normally included in our international tours. Transfers to the destination (for both international and domestic tours) are not included in the tour price. Please see the Sample Itinerary. If it mentions that transfers are included, then yes, transfers are included at no additional cost.
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What meals and excursions are included in the tour?
The Sample Itinerary should be your reference. If the meal or excursion is described in the Sample Itinerary, then it is included at no additional charge. For those days where it expressly notes Free time, then any optional activities you elect to participate in might have an additional cost. In addition, if the itinerary states "evening on your own," it would imply that you have the opportunity to visit a restaurant of your own choosing, and at your own expense. If you have any question about inclusions, please submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button under the price section.
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Is it possible to book pre or post tours or stays through Edible Destinations?
Yes, we often do have optional 2 and 3 night excursions that are priced separately from the tour. We can also assist with pre and post night stays in a hotel if you choose to come in early before the tour starts, or stay on after a tour ends. The price of those hotel stays are not included in the price of the tour, but we would be happy to provide a quote. Simply ask your Culinary Travel Specialist, or submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button.
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Are Guide or Host Gratuities included in the price of the tour?
Since tipping guidelines and customs vary widely between countries, we do not include gratuities in the price of the tour. Your Culinary Travel Specialist can provide you with recommendations. But the general rule is to tip modestly when you are pleased with a guide’s services, either at the end of the tour, or at the conclusion of a specialty day excursion where you will only be with that guide (or chef) on that day.
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Should we plan on any personal expenses during the tour?
All lodging, meals, transfers, classes and excursions mentioned in the Sample Itinerary and Vacation Highlights are included in the price of the tour. However, we highly recommend taking local currency for purchasing personal items, souvenirs, tipping, etc. You can either get the local currency at an airport exchange service, ATM or from your local bank prior to travel. However, you should note that many hosted destinations do not accept credit cards for personal purchases.
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Do you recommend Travel Protection?
We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and
your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans can include
coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency
Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. For more information
on the available plans or to enroll, click on the link below or contact Travelex
Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 06-0248.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries
and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including
limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA
Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire
Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (formerly known as Stonewall Insurance Company),
1314 Douglas Street, Suite 1400, Omaha, NE 68102. 11.17 E7N