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Walk & Cook Umbria
Highlights: Lively hands-on cooking lessons, distinguished hilltowns, little known villages, lovely quiet walks, wonderful wines, unrivaled fresh ingredients.
This unusual trip combines glorious countryside walking with two
lively cooking lessons. Our delightful walking route takes us
through fields of flowers and silvery olive groves to the
picturesque towns of Orvieto, Todi, Assisi and Spello, as well as
to the tiny unknown villages in between. Each town is built of a
different-colored stone, each with its own charm and character, so
it’s hard to pick a favorite! Discover the joy of cooking
with farm-fresh produce and superb extra-virgin oliveoil, while
quaffing the heady red wines that are the perfect complement to
Umbria’s rustic cuisine.
Day One: Meet in the town of Orvieto, noted for its magnificent cathedral adorned in resplendent mosaics. After a welcome lunch we take an 8 km (5 mile) walk that wanders through olive groves and woodlands with sweeping views of lovely Lake Corbara. We stay two nights at a peaceful, comfy farmhouse with stunning views. Tonight we meet the chef who prepares us a special meal based on the finest Umbrian traditions.
Day Two: This morning we take a 13 km (8 mile) walk through a rural landscape of stone farmhouses and vineyards, with inviting towns silhouetted on the nearby hilltops. At midday, we rest in an olive grove and indulge in a splendid picnic. Continue to the perfect little village of Montecastello di Vibio, and visit the town’s impeccably restored 99-seat theatre. Time to relax or take a dip in the pool, before a relaxed dinner rounds out the day.
Day Three: This morning participate in our first cooking lesson, using local fresh produce as we learn how to quickly produce savory pasta dishes easily duplicated when we return home. After a lunch of our perfectly-prepared dishes, we visit the town of Todi, whose graceful piazza is bustling with life. Then it’s on to the lovely hilltown of Spello, built of pale pink stone which takes on a soft lavender glow at twilight. We’ll be staying for 3 nights in an attractive 4-star hotel in the center of town. Free night to choose a restaurant for dinner.
Day Four: We head up to the quiet green hills where St. Francis of Assisi came to meditate in such a serene setting, and visit his tiny monk’s cell on a secluded mountaintop. We then cross Monte Subasio, taking an exciting 12 km (7.5 mile) walk with sweeping views of the Umbrian plains. Tonight we dine in an elegant ristorante whose innovative menu is complemented by an excellent wine list.
Day Five: This morning we tour nearby Assisi with a local guide who takes us into the cathedral and explains the amazing restoration process of the priceless frescoes. After a light lunch, we follow a tranquil pathway for 8 km (5 miles) back to Spello. In the late afternoon, we meet our cooking hosts at a professional kitchen, and indulge in our second cooking lesson, using fresh seasonal ingredients, such as black truffles or plump porcini. After an aperitivo in the private home of a local friend, we’ll dine with our chefs on a truly sublime meal. Tonight we select from the best bottles in the wine cellar, sampling a ruby Sagrantino, the perfect complement to our celebratory mood.
Day Six: Morning transfer to the Foligno train station, for connections on the Rome-Florence rail line. Arrivederci!
*Our prices are guaranteed in all currencies, with no surcharge for currency fluctuations.
