Food N' Wine Vacations Blog

Umbria caught me by surprise. I have been to many places and traveled through different regions in Italy, yet I was not ready for the stunning beauty of Umbria. For some odd reason, Umbria does not get the same PR as its neighbor, Tuscany.  Umbria is the shy, beautiful sister, sitting quietly, waiting to be discovered, waiting to be fallen in love with.

 I was driving from Tuscany to Umbria as part of my job. What job? I am a tour designer specialized in finding interesting places, activities,  people, Food and Wine, in order to create itineraries for  travelers who look for one of a kind experience. 

As I was driving on the main road from Tuscany to Umbria, thinking, probably Umbria will be more or like Tuscany, same villages. Not much of a difference. But then the scenery starts changing and you start to see from both sides of the road green mountains. And you keep driving and you see more of these green mountains with forested slopes and you start thinking that you arrived to another country and you get the feeling that this is not Tuscany anymore. No rolling hills and winding roads but beautiful forested slopes.

And all of a sudden Assisi rises above, high up at the top with its powerful architecture.

More about Assisi in the next  blog post: Magical Towns of umbria

One of the things you will discover in Umbria is that most villages you visit go way back before the medieval ages, they are strategically located very high up, which always a striking view from the road, a presence, has surrounded by the lavish green mountains and they are beautifully preserved. You will mostly see Italians, locals, which will make you feel part of the local life. You will see them shopping for everyday products, standing in line in their street bakery to buy home favorite biscuits or local cake, or going to the check if there is fresh ricotta cheese from the shepherds, or special jam from a local convent that the nuns make.

One of the things I realized very quickly that Umbria is very easy to navigate. Unlike Tuscany, that sometime gets you carsick from all the winding hills and never ending tiny hill roads, Umbria has good major roads and you don’t have to spend too much time driving from one place to another.

 Umbria is big on Food. The cuisine is known for being fresh and seasonal, simple and delicious.  Umbria is famous for truffles, grains and the best cured meats in Italy.

Read more about  the Food and wine in Umbria in next blog post. 

There are qualities to Umbria that sets it apart: Old traditions and adventure, gastronomy and mysticism, magical towns and genuine people all surrounded by majestic landscape.

i invite you to fall in love with Umbria! 

Want to see a sample itinerary in Umbria: Culinary Paradise

 

The most memorable vacations aren't necessarily the most extravagant, nor the most opulent. In order for a vacation to truly stay with you, and provide a lifetime of glorious return on your investment, it needs to be more of an experience and less of an event. You need to look back on your photographs and allow your senses to engage, becoming awash with nostalgia.

The best tours of Italy are like that. Authenticity is the theme and finding yourself among the fields of Tuscany, the hills of Umbria, and the grounds of the beautiful B&B you’ll come to love as your Italian vacations home, is just the beginning.


Learn to cook in the way of those native to the region. Time and patience may be in short supply in your home kitchen, but they are key ingredients in any genuine Italian dish. The culinary customs of your instructor are sure to become a vital part of your new-found recipe for life.

Small Towns Big Memories

As you traverse the small towns and unique villages which are part of the itinerary, you’ll come to know Tuscan life in a manner absent from the less-intimate, generic commercial tours. You’ll be offered an opportunity to get to know the people and culture, the heartbeat of the region, in a way unlike any other. Your experience will be yours and no one else’s.  You’ll experience one of the best tours of Italy.


Intimate family wineries, owned and operated through generations of famiglia, welcome you in the most hospitable way. You’re invited to see the art of winemaking, and likely be offered a sample of their product. You may be invited to sit, converse and get to know your hosts. You arrive a visitor, and depart feeling as though you’ve made a friend on the best tours of Italy.
 
Accommodations for the best tours of Italy could not be more splendid. This beautiful villa has been owned by nine generations of a noble family, who've taken every consideration in preserving the architectural integrity of the centuries-old home. From the hand-painted frescos to the breathtaking gardens, you’ll marvel at your home for the week on one of the best tours of Italy.

Nestled in the lush hills of Chianti, this lovely villa provides a balm for the senses. Quiet, reflective moments in the gardens, or relaxing by the pool, become infused with the scent of lemon and lavender. Birdsong tickles your ears and the sight of vineyards, olive groves, and the rolling distant hills will never grow old on one of the best tours of Italy.

The best tours of Italy are ones which engage you for a long time after you bid “Ciao” to your hosts and the new friends you’ve made. Italian vacations aren’t difficult to find, however a vacation to Italy that becomes the experience of a lifetime is rare. Don’t pass up an opportunity to immerse yourself in the cuisine, culture, wine and artistry among the best tours of Italy.. 
 
 Want to see unique itineraries in Italy: Check out Best Tours of Italy

 

 

 

 

Fall in Italy is a unique time for food vacations. Mother nature sets a glorious backdrop of rich autumnal color, and  "sagre", or festivals, abound! Every town has it's own celebration around a unique harvest or local delicacy and food vacations to Italy are a great way to experience the culture.

The Italian region of Umbria literally comes alive with food festivals in the Fall. As the harvest time draws to a close, many of the villages, large and small, are in a festive mood and with the grape and olive groves paused in production, it’s time to celebrate. 


The festivals we visit on food vacations to Italy are unique and individual as these quaint villages themselves. From the  beautiful accommodations in Medieval Spoleto, we’ll embark on a journey of discovery, touring classic towns such as Assisi, Norcia, Perugia, Montefalco, Spello and Todi. We’ll take in a cooking lesson, taste the local flavor in an intimate way, and, of course, experience true Umbrian fun as we tour the sagre. 
 
 
Truffle Festival

Truffles, a rare delicacy often reserved for the rich, are celebrated in October. For foodies, a taste of this uniquely-flavored and rare fungi is certainly on their “bucket list”. Even those individuals who have no interest in tasting this delectable morsel will enjoy the festival. You can wander from stall to stall sampling local meats, cheeses, and other Umbrian delicacies. 


 Chestnut Festival

Surely, if Autumn in Italy had a flavor, it would be roasted chestnut. The streets vibrate with this delicious tree nut. The aroma of roasting chestnut tickles your nose and awakens your senses the minute you disembark to tour the festival. Your mouth waters as you realize you'll sample various dishes. From sweet to savor, food stands beckon you to try and buy on your food vacations to Italy.
 

 Chocolate Festival

The highlight of all food vacations to Italy in the Fall.  Chocolate, in all it’s decadent deliciousness is displayed in every form imaginable.  Display tables groan under samples of chocolate available to taste and purchase, from sweet to savory-all temptingly calling to your senses.
Sample such too-good-to-not-be-sinful items as truffles infused with everything from hazelnuts to chillies, languidly luscious hot chocolate, from deep and dense to lightly sweet, richly infused baked goods, and chocolate in it’s most basic form.
Purchase treats from some of the world’s most recognized chocolatiers. Names such as Lindt, Perugina, Toblerone, Milka, and Motta are easily recognized, but smaller, lesser known artisans of this lusty confection are represented as well. 
 


Fall food vacations to Italy are like no other.  though sampling special treats is what these sagre are all about, your palate isn’t all that will be delighted on these unique food vacations. Many local artisans and craftsmen are present and ready to provide you with a unique souvenir of this most unique of vacations to Italy.  The warm hospitality of your hosts, and the one-of-a-kind experience of staying in a private estate, combined with the celebratory atmosphere of Umbrian Autumn is sure to provide a lifetime of memories.

Want to see a sample itinerary: Fall for food vacations to Italy

 

 

Italy is rich with historical significance and there exist infinite possibilities for those on a Food Vacation to experience Italy. To engage in an adventure for all the senses, immerse yourself in a region known for it's fabled history, stunning local artistry, breathtaking vistas, true artisan cheeses, wines which embody the very sunshine dappling the vineyards, and local culinary examples with flavors that dance on the palate. That region is Umbria.

For those on a Food Vacation, Umbria offers an intimate perspective of all things essentially Italian. Stroll Spoleto's cobbled streets, as saints and majesties before you, and imagine the walled settlement as it was centuries ago. Climb the hills of Todi, where legend has it Hercules faced down his fire-breathing foe, Caucus, and witness vistas of heart-tugging beauty.

Assisi, rich in Christian history, is the birthplace of much-venerated saint, Francis of Assisi. The Basilica of Saint Francis D’Assisi houses stunning frescos, and galleries along humble streets showcase the areas celebrated art. Breathtaking views abound as you wind along the lofty streets of Assisi on your Food Vacation in  Umbria,Italy

The fanciful town of Bevagna beckons you within its city walls.If the timing is right, you’ll be treated to a taste of medieval Italy by way of one of the famed street festivals. In Montefalco, those on a food and wine tour Italy will sample wines from the oldest, and still operational, winery in Umbria. A sumptuous luncheon proffers celebrated local fare, along with wine made from grapes grown under the Umbrian sun.

 

On a Food Vacation in Italy you'll meet Umbrian cheese makers, artisans who craft local treasures which evoke images of rolling hillsides and long lazy days. Famed Umbrian truffle farms offer a chance to discover these precious culinary gems for yourself. The chocolate of Perugia is a work of art. Once you taste this sensuous repaste, perhaps one you’ve created yourself, under the tutelage of a master chocolatier, your deepest chocolate desires will be sated.

Umbria opens it’s arms in welcome, enfolding you into a region whose history and pride spans bloodlines and borders. Your Food Vacation in Italy becomes your own unique experience, foretold by the ages, philosophers, statesmen and majesties alike, and one you will cherish for a lifetime. Your enchantment cannot be bound by a single visit as you relive your experience again and again.

Want to see a sample itinerary in Umbria?

Travelers embarking on a tour to Tuscany have varied reasons and expectations for taking such a trip. Some go for the exquisite food and to experience another culture, some venture to these storied and fabled hills and valleys to learn more of the history surrounding this ancient region. At the end of the day, however, the joy of a tour of Tuscany comes when the traveler allowing himself to be like local for a day or a week,

Such an experience starts from the moment you arrive to Florence. Your tour to Tuscany will feel much like visiting family. Quite at home in a villa, tucked into the hills of Chianti, the grounds alive with native fruit and flora. Birdsong will greet you as you relax and get to know your hosts. 

You’ll be enchanted from the start. Tour a local winery and sample the heady and rich wine for which Chianti is widely known, taste true artisan cheeses made for centuries by a succession of simple cheese crafters. Stroll the quaint villages where you’ll meet the local residents, who are only too eager to offer an anecdote, a story, or a hand in friendship. Enjoy lunch in a sun-drenched café and know a moment in time, unique to your own experience in your tour to Tuscany. 

A visit to the region of Tuscany is to be cradled in the arms of the Renaissance. Art and architecture abound and, even those who don’t wear the mantle of art-enthusiast will come away with a deep appreciation for the ancient and authentic works of the masters, further accenting your tour to Tuscany. 

An excursion into the Tuscan countryside will fill you with anticipation as you drink in all with which mother nature has blessed this beautiful region. The breathtaking views of the Val D’Orcia provide a backdrop for a garden of earthly delights. Stroll the organic farms, sampling the pride of generations in the ricotta and pecorino, famed cheese of Tuscany. Honey, olive oil and, of course, wine are all rendered from the lush hills of the Tuscan countryside. Enjoy a repast in this gorgeous setting, creating a memory for the rest of your life. 

From the medieval villages of Siena, and Montepulciano, you’ll gain a unique perspective. You can walk the path journeyed by residents for hundreds of years. Enjoy an afternoon getting lost in another time, and be forever changed by it.  Another experience in your tour to Tuscany. 

The Tuscan markets are a unique experience in your tour to Tuscany. You can trust the locals to assist you in choosing the most flavorful herbs, freshest produce, and exquisite accoutrements for your cooking class. Once again, the intimate experience will be yours and yours alone. Call upon all of your senses to create-then lock in-the memories. Learn a new dish from a local chef, an artist revered and renown for creations so sublime. 

Amidst the grandeur of Toscana, you’ll thrill at the beauty which is Cinque Terre. Translated to mean The Five Lands, this rugged and unspoiled coastline, peppered with villages, is only accessible by boat or train. A true adventure in your tour to Tuscany. 

Very few vacations can provide most everything a traveler could want to experience, but a tour to Tuscany, this authentic, humble, and breathtaking region, can offer what matters most-a soul-satisfying journey and an opportunity to create memories for a lifetime.

Nestled deep in a valley of the Sierra Cantabrian mountain range, bathed by the warm Mediterranean breezes, La Rioja, Spain produces some of the richest red wines to ever tempt a palate. The region, bordered by Basque country, produces an array of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and meat which mingle to create a mouth-watering buffet of flavors. 

To know this region of Spain is to witness yesterday and today come together. Architecture and art, winemaking, artisanal cheese, and family farms ripe with traditional agriculture offer a landscape for the senses. You may expect to see a shepherd guiding his flock along the pastoral hillsides overlooking the rivers and streams that feed the valley of La Rioja. 

Modern roadways replace cattle trails and shepherds paths, providing access to the unique and diverse towns of  La Rioja. Spend time with the locals and you’ll feel at home in this regional bridge between Basque and Castellan cultures. Enjoy the food, wine and fellowship of the Riojan people and you’ll soon be planning your return. 

The walled city of LaGuardia hasn’t changed much since the 13th century. Situated high on a stone foundation, the city’s narrow passageways and intact maze of underground tunnels render it an auto-free zone. Wandering the bodegas (wineries) and cafes of LaGuardia proves a pleasant way to spend your day. 

Logrono is the most populated town in La Rioja and a literal mecca for those who enjoy tapas. Although the casual dining genre didn’t originate in Logrono, it’s said there are more tapas bars between the city’s two bridges than anywhere else in Spain. Logrono was a favorite destination for famed writer, Ernest Hemingway, whose lusty epicurean pursuits are legendary. 

Briones, a tiny, sleepy village, boasts some of the most passionate winemakers in La Rioja. The charm of this quaint foothills town is most noted in the picturesque and unspoiled views. 

Employing long-held traditional methods of local viticulture has served Haro’s wineries well in the end result. The town is considered the regional wine capital and the much-anticipate Haro Wine Festival, held in June, is a premiere event for grower, vintner, and connoisseur alike. 

Her fertile ground goes beyond the celebrated winemaking of La Rioja and is lush with pears, peaches, lettuces, asparagus, artichokes, and the popular piquillo pepper, present in the many regional dishes. Riojan barbecue is less genre and more culture. Believed to have evolved as a way to showcase the fruity palate of LaRioja red wines, one may challenge that theory, in turn, offering that the wine was made to enhance barbecue. 

Welcome guests to the region will understand that the area, as the locals remind those fortunate visitors, is neither France, nor Spain, but simply La Rioja. 

 

Great share from guests who just came back from Provence
Vicky and I have finally recovered from the trip back from a glorious vacation in France and wanted to follow up and give you some feedback from our week in Provence.? It was outstanding!!!? We have never done a small group tour like this and were initially concerned about the interaction of everyone, particularly given the intense schedule of activities.? We were so pleased?to be with a wonderful group of people who shared a?similar?interest in food and wine.? The?accommodations?were lovely, Sandrine was a perfect hostess and the beautiful villages of Provence were an ideal backdrop. All that being said one thing made this trip truly magical and that ?was our tour guide. ?The energy, enthusiasm and passion turned what would have been a nice vacation into a very special one. In reviewing the week's itinerary I truly don't believe there is anything I would change. It certainly was an intense week but we loved each and every activity, such a nice mix of dining experiences from the goat farm to lunch at the market place. The itinerary really did give us a wonderful introduction to Provence and food and wines that we might never sample again (thinking of non-EU approved cheeses). The only suggestion that I might have (and it's a small one) is the length of the cooking class.? The first one was a bit long, I think David may have tried to do a little too much. However, the second one, on the last night, was a good length, maybe he had a better appreciation of our abilities!? Also, I think it's important to make sure we have some down time between our daytime activities and the nightly outing.? Maybe it's age, but we did appreciate at least at hour to re-charge our batteries at the end of the day. Please know these are very minor points, nothing could distract from the wonderful week we spent in Provence.
All the best,
John & Vicki

Sam, had a great time!
It was a perfect week. The weather was good. I enjoyed meeting the other couples. I think we all got along great. ?Our tour guide was fantastic. I knew we were going to be busy but I enjoyed everything. Can't think of anything I would change. Food/wine choices during the week were good.
Can't think of anything negative about it.? Again, our tour guide was the perfect guide/host for this trip. Her knowledge of all things Provence really help us understand the area better. There wasn't any question she couldn't answer.I don't know when I'd be able to afford another food/wine trip but I would sure look at what you offer if I'm going to.
Thanks,
Liz


Here are kind words ?that one of the guest wrote about our tour guide in her blog:
She is a gracious hostess who draws you in whether she’s describing how olive oil is made or how a village was taken by force in the 14th century, where to buy authentic Provence linens (not those made in China) or what wine you must try with your chocolate. she has friends throughout Provence which makes for some interesting locations for lunch. Whether it be a lesson in how to decapitate a chicken at the Avignon market — quite a lesson for a city girl — lunch at a goat farm high in the mountains, or at Lolo’s farm.

 

 

Close your eyes and imagine a place so tranquil you immediately feel a sense of peaceful belonging, yet so full of life and bursting at the seams to share La Dolce Vita with any and all who inhabit it’s confines. This is the region of Tuscany.

While a tour to Tuscany provides ample opportunity for the traditional tourist to take in it’s richly-fabled and historic gems of Florence, Siena, Val D’Orcia, Pienza and the centuries-old architectural beauty of the Cathedral of Pisa, Toscana’s truest treasure is found in the experience of day-to-day life in this unique region.

Awaken in a place which has played host to Italian Renaissance. Experience the art of life itself which nurtured such notable artisans as Michelangelo, whose famous statue of David resides in Florence, Dante, the poet best known for his Inferno and Divine Comedy, and later, opera composer, Puccini, along with many others who’ve made a name in art, music and literature. Tuscany’s artistic legacy spans the ages.

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes along the River Arno , stroll the galleries around Arezzo, Florence and Grosseto , experience the music that is Lucca and Pisa and Siena. Linger over a mid-day meal in a trattoria, unhurried, enjoying each bite, tasting each flavor in true Tuscan fashion. Sip a glass of this region’s world-class Chianti as you gaze upon vineyard hills and feel your stress ebb away.

To truly know the region , you must take your tour of Tuscany to the next level. Don’t merely visit, experience. Uncover the secrets that lie in the joy you feel as the breezes caress your face, carrying the heady perfume of olive groves, vineyards, and wildflower hills. Gaze upon the mountains, valleys and foothills and let your smile erupt into an unbidden sense of happiness. Share in a laugh with a locally celebrated chef as you learn the art of Tuscan cuisine. Toast the night’s blanket of stars with a local wine. This is how you experience your Tuscan vacation.

Along the way you’ll discover the secrets of Tuscany aren’t so secret at all. Just let yourself be carried along the gentle current of Tuscan life. Soon, those secrets won’t be so mysterious, but sacred and connected to your inner traveler. A tour?to Tuscany won’t just lead you to uncover the secrets of this Renaissance region, you’ll uncover a certain character long hidden in your very soul.

 

 

We are so excited to share with you the latest addition to our Culinary Tours.
A week-long culinary tour in Umbria will provide you full immersion in the local culture. We'll stay at a private palazzo in the medieval town of Spoleto, and from there we will explore classic charming towns like Assisi, Perugia, Norcia, Spello, Montefalco and Todi. We will enjoy cooking lessons with a chef, wine tastings at the oldest winery, visit a family farm and go truffle hunting, taste the best and famous cured meats, and get our hands “dirty” in a chocolate making class.
Consider? joining us on this unique Experience!

Culinary Paradise