Umbria’s Villa In The Vineyard.™

Tie on your aprons for cooking classes in Umbria with Chef Salvatore in the green heart of Italy. Not only will you discover the charming town of Orvieto, but you’ll also learn about Orvieto food and fine white, rose and red Umbria wine.  In the kitchen, Chef Salvatore leads you through hands-on cooking classes that will temp and delight.  Bask in the antiquity of the ancient city of Orvieto on a day tour that leads you through it culture and history, lavish gothic cathedrals, and underground tunnels. Wander around its Medieval streets or venture to the hillsides, or  join lighthearted locals Orvietani for their nightly passeggiata through the beautiful  cobble-stoned streets by night. Your cooking program also includes a tour of the property’s award-winning vineyard, followed by a wine tasting.  You will also experience a half-day tour of Orvieto with our wonderful guide Manuela who will help you uncover the secrets of Orvieto’s illustrious past, while stopping off for a food tastings along the way.

Orvieto

The ancient city of Orvieto sits perched high above the Umbrian valleys on a volcanic tufa cliff with views both magnificent and soulful. Steeped in history, Orvieto has been an important city since its ancient beginnings as a major Etruscan settlement, and traces of the city’s rich 3,000 year history can be seen every twist and turn of the way. Climb the Torre del Moro bell tower for an awe-inspiring bird’s eye view of the sprawling countryside, rolling in a sea of wine fields and farms. Once you have seen Orvieto from above, take a trip down into the underbelly of the town. The tufa rock on which the city is built is riddled with some 1,200 underground tunnels built by the Etruscans, and guided tours of the tunnels are an exciting must! Another journey below the city takes you to the Pozzo di San Patrizio, next to the funicular station, a well with a double-helix staircase from which you can descend and ascend without retracing your steps. The well was built to guarantee water supply to Orvieto during a siege, and is a nod to the town’s medieval history you will not want to miss! However, the splendor of Orvieto, does not lie only in its visible ties to antiquity, but also in its magnificent gothic cathedrals. In fact, Orvieto is quite famously known as the Cathedral town of Umbria and is home to one of the most beautiful Cathedrals in all of Italy. Inside the Duomo of Orvieto, visit the Last Judgement fresco and other intensely beautiful mosaics and frescoes throughout the Cathedral. The Cappella di San Brizio, with frescoes painted by Luca Signorelli during the Renaissance, is held in high regard as one of the great Renaissance treasures of Italy. Michelangelo himself spent much time in the chapel, studying the figures painted by Signorelli, and later incorporating the inspiration into his own work. With its captivating mosaics and statues, the Duomo is a gem both inside and outside, with spectacular Gothic architecture. If you are lucky enough to take a visit to the Cathedral around sunset, watch in awe as the glittering, golden-tiled mosaics on the façade dance with the last rays of the setting sun against the Umbrian countryside. After an enchanting sunset, make like the locals and enjoy a refreshing aperitivo, while wandering the streets of the town in the evening, as is part of la dolce vita. Your time in Umbria, the history, the sights, and the cuisine are sure to sweep you away gently, and deeply, like the captivating Umbria landmarks and local people.

Umbria Cooking Classes

Tie on your aprons and prepare to prepare Umbrian cuisine!  Chef Salvatore leads you in hands-on cooking classes through the delicate, rustic traditions and flavors of classic Umbrian cuisine. Cooking classes focus on beloved umbrichelli, and pappa al pomodoro, gnocchi ignudi, crostini alla norcini, and galline ubriaca. With Chef Salvatore at the helm, you will learn the secrets antipasto, hand-made pastas like tagliatelle, fettucine, strozzapreti, ravioli, agnolotti, and tagliolini, with seasonal fillings and sauces. Master the art of cooking hearty roasted and pan seared meat and fish with traditions like braised fennel, grilled pumpkin and stuffed eggplant.  Farm fresh eggs, flour and creamy butter combine to make tozzetti, crostate, and mousse with Vin Santo! The hands-on classes are taught in both English and Italian and use only fresh seasonal ingredients. After learning the secrets and techniques from start to finish, dinner follows and includes the Orvieto food that was prepared in cooking class, surrounded by great company and beautiful views on the terrace.  Local wine is included.  Your cooking classes in Umbria will have you cooking like a professional chef!!!

Umbria Accommodation

High up above lush green Umbrian hills is the villa –  nestled amongst Italian cypress trees and grape vines. Originally built in the 13th century as a pilgrim’s inn, the villa is as richly and uniquely steeped in history as the land around it.  A marriage of stone and woodwork inside, soft hues and delicate lighting create a cozy atmosphere, and one that transcends time. Enjoy free Wifi throughout, flat screen TVs, comfy King size beds. With an ancient stone façade, balconies and stone columns, and intricately designed windows that open onto to a picturesque landscape.  The historic palazzo also lies at the heart of one of Orvieto’s most exclusive wine estates, making it easy to lose oneself in the beauty of the ancient vineyards.  A leisurely stroll around the lush grounds, and chestnut woods offers a peaceful escape with spectacular views of the Umbrian countryside.  A restaurant and well- stocked wine cellar compliment every part of our stay.

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Itinerary ~ 5 Days, 4 Nights

Day 1: Arrival and Benvenuti

• Transfer from Orvieto train station to the property.
• Check-in, relax, and enjoy a stroll round the grounds.
• Welcome dinner at the property featuring a Chef’s Tasting Menu.  Beverages are not included and available at a surcharge.

Day 2: Cooking Class 1

• Breakfast is served.
• Following breakfast, you will meet your driver and English-speaking guide for a  visit to the property’s vineyards and Cellar.  A wine tastings with light finger foods follow and is included.
• In the afternoon, tie on your aprons, and head to the kitchen for your first hands-on cooking class with Chef Salvatore who will introduce you to the world of Umbrian cooking!  Create a full course dinner.  Everyone enjoys the foods that were prepared in the cooking class to follow with a toast of local wine.

Day 3: Landmark & Food Lover’s Tour of Orvieto

• Breakfast is served.
• After breakfast, meet your English-speaking guide for a half-day food lover’s tour of Orvieto. Discover the sights and landmarks of ancient Orvieto, while enjoying tastings of local specialties along the way. Pick out a little trattoria for lunch (not included), then return to property.
• Free for dinner. Suggestion dine at the villa restaurant.

Day 4: Cooking Class 2

• Breakfast is served.
• Morning free. Take the morning to explore Orvieto on your own.  Visit the many artisan food, wine and craft shops.
• In the afternoon, tie on your aprons, and head to the kitchen for your first hands-on cooking class with Chef Salvatore who will introduce you to the world of Umbrian cooking!  Create a full course dinner.  Everyone enjoys the foods that were prepared in the cooking class to follow with a toast of local wine.

Day 5: Check out and Arrivederci

• Breakfast is served.
• Check out and transfer to Orvieto train station.
• Arrivederci until next time!