Food N' Wine Vacations Blog

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?

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.

Rolling hills dotted with centuries-old homes, sit amidst sun-drenched olive groves and grapevines laden with promise. Cafes beckon the traveler and offer a bit of respite, along with an excellent glass of regional wine and dishes of local fare. Tours in Tuscany provide memories which will last a lifetime.

The Tuscan region, renown for it’s fine contributions to the world, is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. It’s easy to see where the inspiration came from for Tuscany’s art and culture, which impacts the world to this day. Medieval towns and cultural strongholds such as Florence and Siena are rich with art, music and history.

From seaside towns to rich river valleys, Tuscany provides diverse farming opportunities which have, for centuries been recognized as some of the best areas in which to grow olives, varietal grapes, premium grasses on which dairy cows graze, and many of the fruits and vegetables of the region. Gifted home cooks and skilled chefs alike find many ways to entice the tourist in the true Italian tradition.

Local Food Specialties

Traditional Tuscan foods are very simple. Herbs and produce hale from well-planted kitchen gardens. Tours in Tuscany provide visits to family dairy farms which produce some of the world’s finest cheese like pecorino Toscana, a sweet and mild cousin of the pungent pecorino Romano.?Marzolino, a creamy variety, made from sheep’s milk, is used in many local dishes.

Crusty bread would likely be offered accompanied by local olive oil. Beans are a staple and the region’s most popular export, besides Chianti, is surely Pasta Fagioli. Honey is a local favorite and mushrooms, and truffles, abundant. You’ll just as likely be served wild boar as local livestock from small family farms. You’ll experience a cooking lesson from a local chef, and probably be pulled into a kitchen or two in the name of Italian hospitality.

One of a Kind Wineries

Most recognized for superior reds produced in Chianti and Montalcino, wines such as Luce, Brunellos, Campo ai sassi, and Seansanos, along with Chianti are equally impressive. Tours in Tuscany family wineries offer a kinship which grows with each sip.

Don’t bypass the lovely regional white wines seen on tours of Tuscany. Vernaccia di San Gimignano may be the most famous bianco, or white, of the region, however any of the whites will stand up on their own.

A Lifetime of Memories

Joining in tours of Tuscany offers a chance to truly live the Tuscan lifestyle. Get to know the locals and you’ll become one with the region, returning home knowing how to live la dolce vida. Or, perhaps you’ll extend your tours in Tuscany indefinitely.