Culinary tours to Italy

Spello, a picturesque town in Umbria, is renowned for its enchanting "Borgo Fiorito" (Flowery Village) festival. Each year, during late spring and early summer, the streets and balconies of Spello are adorned with vibrant floral displays. This colorful spectacle attracts visitors from around the world who come to admire the creativity and beauty of the floral decorations against the backdrop of medieval architecture.

Assisi, located in the heart of Umbria, is renowned worldwide as the birthplace of St. Francis, patron saint of Italy. This medieval hill town is famous for its stunning Basilica di San Francesco, adorned with frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue. Assisi's narrow streets, ancient Roman ruins, and panoramic views over the Umbrian countryside make it a cherished destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.

Black Celery of Trevi is an ancient variety of celery unique to Umbria, particularly cultivated in the Trevi area. Known for its intense flavor and aromatic properties, this celery is prized in cuisine for enhancing soups, sauces, and traditional Umbrian dishes. Its dark color and distinctive taste make it a unique ingredient in local gastronomy, representing an important part of Umbrian culinary tradition.

The South Peloponnese region of Greece is renowned for its diverse and flavorful cheeses. Key varieties include kalathaki, a brine-soaked cheese with a tangy taste, and sfela, often called "the feta of the South," known for its slightly spicy flavor. These artisanal cheeses, often made from sheep's or goat's milk, reflect the rich pastoral traditions of the area.

The South Peloponnese region in Greece is renowned for its exceptional wine production. With a rich viticultural history, it boasts diverse terroirs and indigenous grape varieties. The region's sunny climate and fertile soil yield distinctive wines, celebrated for their complexity and unique flavors, reflecting the area's deep-rooted winemaking tradition.

Umbrian extra virgin olive oil is renowned for its exceptional quality and fruity flavor. Primarily produced from the Moraiolo, Frantoio, and Leccino varieties, this oil is prized for its intense green color and robust herbaceous notes. The Umbrian hills, with their ideal climate and fertile soil, provide perfect conditions for cultivating high-quality olives, making Umbrian olive oil a culinary delight admired worldwide.

Sagrantino di Montefalco is a robust red wine renowned in Umbria, famous for its intense aromas of black fruits, spices, and earthy notes. Grown on the hills of Montefalco, this wine is distinguished by its complex structure and tannic character, ideal for aging.

The hosts Marco and Valeria are both around 4o years old and were born in the Valle Maira and are therefore experts of their region. They are waiting for us at our accommodation. The restaurant, excellently run by Valeria, is located directly in the accommodation and this is also where we will have our welcome dinner. You will be introduced to the region with Occitan and Piemontese specialities and spend a wonderful first evening with Marco, Valeria and your fellow travellers.

Montepulciano, a historic town in Tuscany, is renowned for its medieval architecture, Renaissance palaces, and scenic views of the Val d'Orcia. Famous for its Vino Nobile wine, Montepulciano also boasts ancient churches, charming piazzas, and underground cellars. The town's cultural richness and culinary delights make it a popular destination for tourists exploring the Tuscan countryside.

The Florentine steak is an iconic dish of Tuscan cuisine, renowned for its quality and unique preparation. This cut of meat comes from the Chianina breed of cattle, one of the oldest and most prized in Italy. The steak is grilled and traditionally served rare, featuring a crispy crust and a tender, juicy interior.

Pienza is a charming Renaissance town located in the province of Siena, Tuscany. Founded in the 15th century by Pope Pius II, the town is renowned for its outstanding example of Renaissance architecture, including the splendid Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Pienza is also famous for its delicious pecorino cheese, locally produced and known for its superior quality.