MY SPECIAL TOURS
If you want to immerse yourself in the ancient and authentic traditions of Umbria, if you want to discover its most hidden treasures and taste its infinite delicacies, you are on the right way!
FROM THE BLOG
Food and wine experiences
ON THE PATH OF BACCHUS. WINE TASTING AND VISIT TO THE MOST IMPORTANT WINERIES OF UMBRIA.
In our beautiful region we produce two red DOCG (this is the highest quality level) wines and nine DOC wines, most of which are white. If you are curious to know the story behind each of them, we can visit the most prestigious wineries, where you will taste the precious nectar paired with tasty local delicacies - unforgettable wine and food experience.
Perugia, Assisi, Spello, Trevi, Bevagna, Montefalco, Torgiano, Todi, Orvieto
TRUFFLE HUNTING. IN SEARCH OF THE BLACK GOLD.
Recommended for children.
This is the ideal opportunity to spend a few hours immersed in a truffle ground area, where an expert hunter will guide you in search of this sought-after product of the earth. Treat yourself to an authentic cultural experience in a private oasis, with a route adapted to your needs. Once you have found the truffle, you can savour the truffle flavour having lunch in a typical restaurant.
Trevi, Spoleto, Norcia & Cascia, Gubbio, Città di Castello
OSCARWORTHY OIL MILLS. FROM THE "SEA" OF UMBRIA , AN EXCELLENT EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL.
Emerald green hued, intense and fruity, Umbrian olive oil with its pleasant bitter and slightly spicy taste is considered among the best Extra Virgin olive oils not only in Italy, but also in the world. Let's join this tour to learn the secrets about the production of our "green gold" and its infinite health benefits. Don't miss this worthwhile experience to taste a top quality extra virgin olive oil directly in the mill where it is produced.
Assisi, Spello, Trevi, Bevagna, Montefalco, Spoleto, Todi, Orvieto, Lake Trasimeno
DISCOVERING THE ART OF PORK BUTCHERY.
You are right in the land where this ancient craft was born. The name, in fact, comes from Norcia, where the practice of pork meat processing originated to make delicious cold cuts famous all over the world. During this tour you will get to know a prestigious farm that will reveal the secrets of the "norcino". Recently, the ancient pig breed called "cinturino", raised in the wild, has been brought back to life. Come and taste the native PGI-certified ham and the wild boar salami with truffles.
Assisi, Norcia & Cascia
VISIT TO A FARM AND CHEESE TASTING.
Recommended for children.
If you are curious to learn about the art of cheesemaking and love the pleasant country life, this farm is a unique and fun experience.Goat cheese production is becoming increasingly popular in Umbria, thanks in part to the love of this farmer for his 300 goats. Children will have fun. They will delight watching the goats trotting when the goatherd calls them.About a dozen varieties of goat cheeses will tantalize your palate and you won't resist their wines.
Trevi, Bevagna, Montefalco, Norcia, Cascia, Spoleto, Lake Trasimeno
WHERE WHEAT BECOMES BREAD.
As a tribute to my father who was a miller, I have the pleasure of escorting you to a mill where you can learn about the entire production chain of wheat. At the end of the visit you will taste a very high quality bread like the one made by our ancestors and many other delicacies.
Spello, Bevagna, Montefalco
FROM THE BLOG
Cooking classes
KITCHEN WITH A VIEW.
Try your hand at cooking real Umbrian recipes in a tranquil hideaway farmhouse overlooking the splendid Basilica of St. Francis. Learn the secrets of authentic Italian home cooking under the expert guidance of a chef and author of two wonderful cookbooks.
Assisi, Perugia
FARMER CHEF.
An internationally acclaimed chef will introduce you through the flavors of Umbria. Under the guide of this eccentric chef you can try typical recipes of the Umbrian culinary tradition, using ingredients coming directly from his garden; everything will be seasoned by his irony and overflowing charm.
Bevagna, Montefalco
COOKING IN A CELLAR.
In the famous Sagrantino area you will enter a professional cooking school inside a prestigious winery, where you will enjoy cooking and learn how to best pair the wine with food.
Spello, Bevagna, Montefalco
FROM THE BLOG
Archeo tours
ON THE TRACES OF THE ETRUSCANS IN PERUGIA.
If you are passionate about the Etruscan civilization don't miss a stop in Perugia and in its area with its great Etruscan heritage and the numerous well-preserved archeological sites. We will enter the city through its beautiful Porta Marzia that the founders of Phersna built in the III century BC and which was later embedded in the papal fortress. Walking through the ancient Piazza del Sopramuro, built on top of the Etruscan walls, we arrive in a few minutes at the Etruscan Well, an Etruscan masterpiece of hydraulic engineering. From one of the most beautiful panoramic points of Perugia, we will go downhill to the imposing Augustus Gate recently restored by the "prince" of cashmere. This III century BC gate is considered the most important Etruscan artifact in Italy. From there we will walk uphill towards the historical center, walking along a stretch of the mighty Etruscan walls with breathtaking views of Via Appia, the ancient city aqueduct. Our trip can end with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum of Umbria, which preserves finds of great importance such as the Cippus from Perugia and the reconstruction of the tomb of Cai Cutu. If you have more time I will let you discover the monumental tomb of the Hellenistic Age, the Hypogeum of the Volumni along with many other tombs form the Necropolis of the Palazzone.
Perugia
ROMAN ASISIUM AND ITS HIDDEN WONDERS.
From the pre-Christian age the town has always had a spiritual vocation as a sanctuary dedicated to the cult of healing waters and to recent studies of the Dioscuri. Join this fascinating journey where you can admire the hidden monuments of the Roman Asisium. The Area of the Amphitheater, where part of the two ancient Roman aqueducts is visible; the Cathedral of St. Rufino with the cistern used as the foundation for the bell tower and the sustaining walls; the Area of the "Forum" with the Roman ruins underneath the main Piazza del Comune; the imperial Domus of the Muse (probably dedicated to the Latin poet Propertius) in the church of S. Maria Maggiore and the Domus of the Lararium in the Giampè Palace (the visit of these two Roman houses requires a special permit) with mosaics and extraordinary frescos.
Assisi
ON THE TRACES OF THE ETRUSCANS IN ORVIETO.
The Etruscan Velzna was the main religious site of the Etruscan dodecapolis. Its Fanum Voltumnae, the sanctuary dedicated to god Vertumno, similar to the Roman Jupiter, was the place where the leaders of the twelve lucumonie or city-states met to celebrate sacrifices and make political decisions. Visiting its necropolis is an experience you cannot miss, as well as its museums rich in archeological finds unearthed during the various excavations of the territory. Our visit includes: Claudio Faina Archaeological Museum, one of the largest archaeological collections in Italy; the National Archaeological Museum with the extraordinary original frescoes coming from the Golini tombs; the "Crocefisso del Tufo" Necropolis, considered the "archive" of Velzna; the Belvedere Temple , whose foundation is still visible on the cliff of Orvieto.
Orvieto
FROM THE BLOG
Ancient Arts & Crafts
PLOTS OF WOMEN.
Perugia is famous since the Middle Ages for its Perugian-style tablecloths/altar pieces, requested by high prelates and aristocratic families, still preserves a treasure trove of textile craftsmanship. Let me take you to a famous weaving atelier, where an extraordinary woman still makes those fine hand-woven textiles using ancient looms. Recently her talent has been internationally recognized by fashion designer Fendi.
Perugia
VISIT TO A POTTER'S ATELIER.
Recommended for children.
In one of the many Umbrian towns with a reputation for ceramics you will experience the magic that transforms a shapeless block of clay into an authentic artwork, loved and appreciated all over the world.
Gubbio, Deruta, Torgiano, Orvieto
A DAY IN A MEDIEVAL MARKET. THE CIRCUIT OF THE MEDIEVAL CRAFTS OF BEVAGNA.
Recommended for children.
Bevagna has risen to the national limelight for its Market of the Gaite, today considered among the most important historical festivals in Umbria. The term "gaita" derived from the Longobard language and indicated the four districts of Bevagna. After exhaustive research of the town statutes, in 1983, the historical reconstruction of a medieval market was documented and recreated once a year. For ten days in mid-June, Bevagna time warps back to the authentic settings of the Middle Ages, the ancient shops and workshops open to display and demonstrate the medieval crafts and mestieri. The streets are populated by the locals donning medieval garb. You will relive the exciting experience in a magical medieval atmosphere as you visit the various fascinating workshops: the paper mill, the candle making and the silk making and the silk making.
THE ART OF STAINED GLASS MAKING.
Recommended for children.
If you want to learn about stained glass making, I will show you an extraordinary laboratory where you will be shown the traditional techniques of medieval stained glass windows. We will enter the fascinating world of the museum-laboratory Moretti Caselli, today in the hands of a woman, heiress to generations of glassmakers who created luminous masterpieces for important churches, such as the Basilica of St. Clare in Assisi or a huge 120 sq.ft brilliant recreation of Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper at Forest Lawn in Glendale, California.
Perugia
GRIFANI DONATI TYPOGRAPHY SINCE 1799.
Recommended for children.
It will be like diving into a bygone era in a magical place, where the passion of the owner will show you the fascinating world of typography. Ancient, but still working machines, sheets of paper, letter characters, inks, smells and tools used in the past will time warp you back to the 1800s.
Città di Castello
SOLOMEO, THE VILLAGE-FACTORY.
It's considered an excellent example of the Italian entrepreneurship in the world. In 1985 the enlightened Brunello Cucinelli began restoring this 14th century tumbledown castle in the hamlet and made it into his corporate headquarters. The dwellings have become factories and warehouses, while a room of Medici taste has been turned into a canteen, la Piazza della Pace is an open-air theater. Solomeo also pleases very much the powerful of the Silicon Valley, such as Jeff Bezos founder of Amazon. Among its recent achievements we can mention the winery and the monument "Tribute to the Dignity of Man".
Perugia, Lake Trasimeno
TELA UMBRA.
Recommended for children.
If you happen to be in Città di Castello the small Museum of Tela Umbra inside Palazzo Boubon del Monte is a must-see. A treasure- trove of materials, history and social awareness, which is still kept alive today. You will take a step back in time when human hands ran expertly along the wefts of the fabrics to produce something unique. The various aspects of the visit will be intertwined with the history of important figures such as Maria Montessori, who established a classroom for the children of unwed mothers, who worked the looms.
Città di Castello
FROM THE BLOG
Art and nature trails
LADY POVERTY AND "SISTER STONE". RELIVE THE SPIRITUALITY OF FRANCIS.
This historical-naturalistic trekking along one of the main trails of the Regional Park of Mount Subasio will lead us to the Hermitage of the Prisons, where Saint Francis used to retreat in solitude with a few of his followers. Level of difficulty: tourist-hiking level. Gradient: 1800 ft. Duration: 3/4 hours.
Assisi
TREKKING ALONG THE ROMAN AQUEDUCT OF SPELLO.
Recommended for children.
Historical-naturalistic hiking along the trail which runs along the ruins of the ancient Roman aqueduct of Spello. Immersed in an uncontaminated landscape among olive trees, secular oaks, ravines and ancient bridges, we will retrace the history of these extraordinary waterworks and of their surrounding environment. Level of difficulty: easy hiking. Length: 4 miles. Duration: 2,5 hours.
Spello
FROM THE BLOG
Contemporary art
BEVERLY PEPPER PARK.
It is the first single-site park of contemporary sculpture in Umbria and the artist's first in the world. The sixteen works donated by the artist are exhibited in the park opened in 2019. Retracing her artistic career from the distant 1963 until today, we will admire the main monuments of Todi. The park is reminiscent of English outdoor meeting places like those dedicated to Henry Moore or like the one dedicated to Isamu Noguchi in the United States.
Todi
THE REVOLUTIONARY ART OF ALBERTO BURRI.
Burri was born in Città di Castello in 1915. He was a medical doctor who spent two years during World War II in Texas as a POW. His art, made with poor materials, became the emblem of the lacerations of the human soul. With his works he struck at the heart of the academic world. His earlier works are displayed in the 15th-century Palazzo Albizzini in town, while his later works in the stupendous spaces of the former Seccatoi del Tabacco, an industrial complex originally used to dry tobacco.Even if you are not very familiar with modern art you will enjoy this fabulous display of one of the most important 20th century contemporary artists.
Città di Castello
FROM THE BLOG
Experiential Tour
IN BATTLE WITH HANNIBAL.
Recommended for children.
An immersion in the ancient Roman history, back to Second Punic war, when the Carthaginian forces of Hannibal defeated the Roman army at Lake Trasimeno. It is possible to retrace the itinerary of the battle in the permanent documentation center and on the historical-archaeological route.
Lake Trasimeno
APERITIF AND ART IN A HISTORICAL MANOR IN ASSISI.
After a pleasant walk along an olive grove surrounding Assisi, we reach a place full of history of the mystical Subasio Mountain. The doors of a beautiful historical residence will be opened by its kind owners exclusively for you: St. Angelo in Panzo. The monastery of S. Angelo was built on a previous Roman settlement, favored by the presence of a millenary spring that provided and still provides water to Assisi. It was the first convent where St. Clare took refuge and, legend has it, where she performed her first miracle.
Assisi
THE "FIORITA" OF CASTELLUCCIO.
Recommended for children.
Norcia is surrounded by the Sibillini Mountains, part of a National Park. In the summer the high plains of Castelluccio di Norcia are tinged with a multitude of colors, creating a spectacle known as the "Fiorita" of Castelluccio: fields of daffodils, cornflowers, poppies and lentil flowers give the impression of living in a Van Gogh painting.
Norcia
FISHERMEN FOR A DAY.
Recommended for children.
Aperitif on boat: toast on board with a glass of Colli del Trasimeno white wine paired with a cartoccio of fried whitebait. End your day with the romantic sunset as your backdrop.
Lake Trasimeno
TOUR WITH A PERSONAL PHOTOGRAPHER.
If you would like to be immortalized in the places you visit and make your memories unforgettable, you can live a unique experience with an expert photographer at your entire disposal. You can take home digital photos or have an actual album delivered to your home.
tutte le località
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST. FRANCIS.
Assisi is the town where the Saint was born and where his mortal remains are preserved. It is here that he founded his Order that radiated a message of peace and tolerance throughout the world. We will relive all the milestones of his life by visiting the many mystical places which are still to be seen in his native town .The Papal Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, built around the Porziuncola chapel: the most beloved place by St. Francis, where he founded his first brotherhood and where he wanted to die; the Basilica of St. Clare built on the tomb of the Saint. It preserves the famous Crucifix of St. Damian, which, tradition has it, spoke to St. Francis; Chiesa Nuova with the paternal house of the Saint; the Basilica of St. Francis, that houses the Saint's tomb and where the magnificent frescoes by extraordinary painters such as Giotto and Cimabue can be admired; the Sanctuary of St. Damian, surrounded by an olive grove, where St. Clare and her sisters lived for forty years. This is the place where St. Francis got his calling from the famous Crucifix . In the Hermitage of the Prisons, immersed in a secular holm oak forest, you can experience the contemplative life of St. Francis and his early followers.
Assisi
BIRDWATCHING AT LA VALLE NATURAL RESERVE.
Recommended for children.
A wetland of great ornithological interest, with shallow waters and extensive reed beds, an important stopover and nesting place along the migratory routes from northern Europe to sub-Saharan Africa. Over the course of a year, 201 different species of birds can be seen.
Lake Trasimeno
JEWISH PERUGIA, FROM ITS "GHETTO" TO THE FIRST "MONTE DI PIETA".
Come and discover with me the intriguing maze of narrow alleys in the district, not far from the Etruscan Gate, where some Jewish families lived for many centuries. During this pleasant stroll you will have the chance to get to know interesting stories about the important Jewish presence in Umbria.
Perugia
ASSISI UNDER THE STARS.
Join this relaxing walk under a starry sky in the historic center of Assisi. We will wander in its medieval alleys, not only to admire the most famous monuments, but also its hidden gems. While telling you anecdotes about famous travelers such as Hermann Hesse and Goethe I will show you the magical and less known face of one of the most beautiful towns in Umbria.
Assisi
FROM THE BLOG
Springs and falls of Umbria
WATERFALL OF MARMORE: THE HIGHEST IN ITALY.
Recommended for children.
Immerse yourself in nature and visit the famous Marmore Falls, a Roman masterpiece of hydraulic engineering, obtained by diverting the river Velino into the Nera. The three spectacular drops were praised by the most well-known Grand Tour travelers such as Goethe and Dickens. You can choose one of the many itineraries offering different durations and levels of difficulty or you could simply admire their "horrid beauty" enjoying a cup of coffee with a typical sweet, called panpepato.
Spoleto, Norcia & Cascia
RASIGLIA: ITS SPRINGS, ANCIENT CRAFTS AND SPIRITUALITY.
Recommended for children.
This lovely hamlet is known for its springs that flow through the narrow alleys and stone houses. It recalls ancient times, when weavers, dyers and carpenters used to work here. Our visit will be accompanied by the gentle flow of water. Using the hydraulic power, the inhabitants of this village built many factories such as gualchiere, grain mills, wool factories and, in the last century, two hydroelectric power plants.The pervasive spirituality of the place is witnessed by the beautiful nearby Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie. The church, surrounded by a luxuriant nature, was erected on the site where a sacred image was found and was later frescoed in different periods.
Foligno
CLITUMNUS SPRINGS.
Recommended for children.
This bucolic naturalistic and botanical park, located along the Roman Flaminian Way, is home to an array of swans, ducks and other aquatic birds, guardians of the Springs of Clitumnus. The underground spring waters form a mirror of water with colors ranging from turquoise to emerald green and from yellow to blue. In antiquity its sacred waters were navigable and many emperors came often, sailing up on the Tiber from Rome to ask god Clitumnus for his oracles. This silent, peaceful place inspired many famous historians and poets such as Pliny the Younger, Virgil, Byron and Giosuè Carducci, who dedicated a famous ode to these Springs. Nearby is the Clitumnus Temple, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bevagna