Culinary and Cultural Tour: UMBRIA, ITALY

Culinary Tour Adventure in Umbria, Italy 2008

La Pietra Villa & Amore Sapore Cooking School
September 13–20, 2008 • May 9–16, 2009 • October 3–10, 2009

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You are invited to join a small group of fellow culinary enthusiasts for a one-week program featuring the best of central Italy-wine tasting, truffle hunting, cheese making, farmer’s markets and many fabulous meals.

In the heart of Italy’s wine growing and truffle region is the medieval village of Umbertide, lying along the border of Tuscany and Umbria. Nearby, on a 155-acre estate, surrounded by chestnut trees, olive groves and an organic garden, stands La Pietra, an 17th century stone farmhouse and our spectacular accommodations for the week. From here, we will venture out into the surrounding areas, exploring walled villages, vineyards, local artisan workshops, and extraordinary markets and restaurants. (for more information on La Pietra, photos and activities in Umbria, go to www.altabella.com)

Our tour will focus on farm-to-table Italian cooking. Learn to make delicious Italian meals from local chefs, including fresh ravioli, gnocchi, pasta sauces, roasted quail and homemade cheeses. Also learn to work with seasonal produce, fresh truffles and “just picked” chestnuts and olives, all while savoring fabulous local wines. Whether you love to be in the kitchen or prefer to sightsee and shop, our culinary adventure in Umbria will exceed your expectations. (for more information on cooking classes and meals, go to www.amoresapore.com)

Benevenuto!!
After your afternoon arrival at the Terontola-Cortona train station, the group will drive to La Pietra and settle in. We will share in some wine and introductions on the terrace, while the chefs of Amore Sapore cooking school prepare a fabulous dinner for us featuring just picked wild mushrooms.

After a scenic drive through Valdichiana valley, we'll arrive at picturesque Cortona to wander the ancient hilltop alleys before having lunch at the town's best restaurant. We'll visit a 12th century Franciscan abbey before heading back to La Pietra for the evening's cooking class and the art of making gnocchi.

We'll head to Perugia, Umbria's capital-a sophisticated university town, famous for its Etruscan and medieval architecture, shopping and chocolate. Late afternoon wine tasting and dinner at Gritti Girasole winery.

Off to the ancient hillside city of Gubbio, famous throughout the Roman era until its height in the early Renaissance. We'll lunch in a restored medieval cantina before returning home for a cheese-making demonstration.

Since the 13th century Deruta has been Umbria's ceramics center. After visiting Umbertide's local farmer's market, we'll head to the ceramic shops and lunch in the center of town. Dinner at home.

We'll set out for the Upper Tiber Valley and the exquisite hill town of anghiari. After a tour of the Busatti linen factory and a gourmet lunch, we'll begin the anticipated truffle hunt. A cooking demonstration will incorporate the afternoon's bounty into a 5-course meal.

A free day in the region's most famous town, art-filled Assisi. After touring the church and wandering the streets, we'll head back to La Pietra for our farewell dinner and cooking class of homemade ravioli and roasted duck.

Buon Viaggio!
After a final breakfast together, depart for the train station for your return to either Florence or Rome.

Pricing For Our 2008 Umbria, Italy Culinary Tour*:
Double occupancy $3200, private bath
Double occupancy $3000, shared bath (with one other room)
Single supplement $450

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*included in the price are 7 nights accommodations at La Pietra, all ground transportation after arriving at the Terontola-Cortona train station, all group activities, cooking classes and demonstrations, and most meals, except for lunch in Perugia and Assisi.

A $1000 deposit is needed to secure your place in our Culinary Adventure in Umbria, Italy. Since the number of participants is limited and accommodations vary, early registration is advised. The balance of the tour is due 60 days prior to departure. If not received by that time, CULINARY ADVENTURES OF MEXICO reserves the right to treat the reservation as cancelled.
**itinerary subject to change depending on local festivals and markets.

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