Culinary Exploration through Medieval Umbria

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Priced From

$4,298 USD *

(For One Person, Double Occupancy)

* Plus taxes. Tours sold on an availability basis.

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7 days | 6 nights

Cooking, Touring & Tasting your way
through Umbria with an Italian Celebrity Chef.

The fortified village of Montone is closed to traffic, and, on one of its steepest alleys is the locanda (inn) of "Captain" Giancarlo Polito – economist, photographer, hotelier and chef. He adores showing off his village, loves talking about food and knows every producer in Umbria. You will sample wines and cheeses in Tipico, their on-site osteria - with a choice of 400 wines. Cooking classes with a celebrity chef, medieval village tours, bread baking, truffle hunts and visits to wineries are all part of this immersive, culinary adventure. Your home this week will be a beautifully restored stone mansion located in the fortified village of Montone. Surrounded by green hills, dotted with ancient oaks and olive trees, the village of Montone appears before the eyes of the unsuspecting traveler, high up above the winding road: harmonious, austere, mysterious. Its centuries' old fortified ramparts, ancient homes, splendid churches and monasteries, harken back to its medieval past.

Culinary Exploration through Medieval Umbria

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Itinerary Accommodations Map FAQ

VACATION HIGHLIGHTS

Please note: Tour inclusions can change depending upon seasonality and weather conditions.

•6 Nights' Accommodations

•Round Trip Airport Transfers

•All Meals During Your Tour

•Multi-Course Welcome Dinner

•Lessons with Celebrity Chef

•Antipasto Cooking Class

•Guided Olive Mill Tour

•Escorted Truffle Hunt with Dogs

•Traditional Umbrian Cooking Class

•Medieval Montone Village Tour

•Umbrian Countryside Villages Tour

•Wine Tour & Tastings

•Cheese & Prosciutto Cellar Tour

•Italian Desserts Pastry Class

While our tours are designed as soft adventure experiences, walking, climbing stairs, and in rare cases mild hiking may be required. If you have mobility issues, you should speak with one of our culinary travel specialists to determine if this tour is appropriate for your situation.

AVAILABLE DATES

April through November

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.

(click item for details)

Day 1

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Round-Trip Airport or Train Station Transfers to Montone

You will be greeted at the Rome (FCO) International Airport, then traverse the Apennine Mountains on your 2-hour picturesque journey through Lazio and the Umbria Region on your way to La Locanda del Capitano in Montone, Umbria. This beautifully preserved medieval hilltop village was founded in AD 800, and is officially listed as one of The Most Beautiful Towns in Italy. After you have settled into your lovely room, you will meet for cocktails and a briefing of what you have in store for the week.

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Medieval Village Tour | Welcome Dinner

Packed with picturesque hill-top towns, resplendent with religious treasures and offering a feast of irresistible edibles, Umbria is Italy's spiritual heart. Traditional farmhouses have massive hearths and thick walls built on quiet, tree-lined slopes, perfect for taking in the magnificent panoramas of the surrounding countryside. You will take a tour of the Medieval Village of Montone before you settle in for your multi-course Welcome Dinner this evening.

Day 2

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Morning Breakfast Buffet

Each morning, relax and enjoy breakfast as you await the day’s activities. The hotel serves a full international buffet breakfast to energize you for the adventures ahead. Savor fresh fruits, yogurts, breads and pastries, as well as cooked items.

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Traditional, Umbrian Cooking Class | Lunch | Dinner

The Umbrian table is legendary. Local traditions are handed down through generations. Today you will embark on your first cooking class in the early afternoon – learning traditional Umbrian pasta dishes. Probably the most typical Umbrian pasta dish are strangozzi, often served with black truffles, or a spicy tomato sauce from Spoleto. Other pasta dishes include umbricelli in salsa di Trasimeno, a fish based sauce made from lake perch fillets, shallots, garlic and chili pepper. Other heartier pasta dishes include pappardelle alla lepre, (wild hare ragu), seasoned with bacon and cloves, or tomato based sauces made with rabbit or duck. Lunch will be enjoyed at the conclusion of your instruction. Dinner this evening is at La Locanda del Capitano.

Day 3

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Morning Breakfast Buffet

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Olive Mill Tour | Lunch | Umbrian Antipasto Cooking Class | Dinner

After a delicious breakfast, you will have the opportunity to visit a local olive mill, learn how oil is produced, and sample the different varieties. Enough tastings will be provided to serve as your lunch today. In the afternoon you will put your knowledge of olive oil to the test as you embark upon a culinary journey preparing a variety of Antipasti dishes. Antipasti in Umbria also reflect this region’s best, and can be as simple as a variety of bruschetta topped with olive or truffle pastes, a platter of grilled vegetables dressed with locally produced olive oil, or a selection of the region’s exceptional salumi, or cured meat specialties. In the spring, fava beans dressed simply with olive oil and Pecorino cheese are often served, while in the fall when olive oil is harvested, antipasti may include Pinzimonio, fresh vegetables dipped in seasoned olive oil, or Fettunta, grilled bread slices drizzled with new olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt. This evening you will dine on the dishes you created during your class.

Day 4

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Morning Breakfast Buffet

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Truffle Hunt & Mushroom Foraging | Lunch | Dinner

When traveling March through November, you may be able to enjoy a traditional truffle hunt. Ninety percent of all black truffles in Italy come from Umbria. Far away from the stress, in the green heart of Italy, Montone has its own truffle wood. On a unique truffle hunting expedition with dog and guide, you will discover the mysteries of the elusive black truffle. If you visit Umbria during the truffle offseason, you will instead embark on an additional cooking course. The stars of the Umbrian table are truffles and mushrooms, backed up by a noisy rustic chorus line of beef, pork and veal, eaten in the familiar sequence of antipasti, pasta, main course and then a light dessert and sometimes cheese. Learn dishes such as Castelluccio lentil soup, Saffron risotto and goat cheese, & chocolate panna cotta. In the evening, you'll enjoy dinner at La Locanda del Capitano, and some free time to explore the village at night.

Day 5

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Morning Breakfast Buffet

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Prosciuttificio & Cheese Caseificio Tour | Lunch | Desserts Lesson | Dinner

Today you will visit a local farm and enjoy a lesson about the local tradition of making Ham and salami, and a selection of different cheeses. You will have an opportunity to taste a variety of these unique products which are made by the farmer using ancient techniques. Umbrian cheese is produced from both cow and sheep milk and includes such varieties as fresh ricotta, caciotta, ravigiolo, pecorino, and even a variety of truffle flavored cheeses. The different types of hams include Prosciutto di Norcia, wild boar, Umbrian Salami, and many others. Lunch will be enjoyed at the farm. In the afternoon return to your accommodation and learn how to prepare an assortment of traditional Umbrian desserts such as panna cotta and many others. Dinner at La Locanda del Capitano.

Day 6

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Morning Breakfast Buffet

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Wine Tasting in Umbrian Countryside | Lunch | Farewell Dinner

In the morning we will visit the famous town of Montefalco, land of the Sagrantino red wine, where you will experience a local winery and taste the many different varieties during lunch. In the evening you will experiencing the culinary skills of celebrity Chef Giancarlo Polito. Chef Giancarlo's philosophy is to revive the foundation of Italian cooking, by designing dishes in accordance with authentic Italian traditions and using original, and whenever possible, locally grown ingredients, integrating past and present cooking methodologies. Your evening will end with a multi-course farewell dinner at one of the best restaurants in the region.

Day 7

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Morning Breakfast Buffet

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Check-Out and Departure | Airport or Train Station Transfers

Time flies when you’re having so much fun, but alas…it is time to check out and depart this delicious, “Edible Destination.” Remember, short excursion packages are often available in nearby cities or historic destinations. Should you desire an extension, please let your culinary travel specialist know prior to check-in. Transfers back to Rome or other nearby airports/train stations will be provided. May your future travels come from sweet dreams, and create tasty memories!

La Locanda del Capitano

Restored to provide the traveler with an intimate peaceful respite, La Locanda del Capitano offers its clientele ten charming bedrooms, each with private bath and all modern comforts. The bedrooms have been personally furnished by the owners with antique family furniture as well as fine reproduction pieces made by local craftsmen. After one day of discovering Umbria, the green heart of Italy, a sense of wellbeing in the pristine and unspoiled medieval lounge. As days get longer and nicer, breakfast and dinner are served on the verandas, each with unique views of the old village.

Montone, Italy

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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What Currency is being quoted?

The Currency Code is listed directly after the published amount. If it states USD, then the quoted price is in United States Dollars. If it states CAD, then the quoted price is in Canadian Dollars. If it states EUR, then the quoted price is in European Union Dollars…etc. However, please note that all charges are processed in USD, and Epitourean’s Merchant Bank automatically calculates the currency conversion on the day of the charge.

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What does Double Occupancy mean?

Two persons traveling together, and staying in the same room. Tour prices are normally quoted as “per person, double occupancy” in case two people are traveling together and staying in the same room, but paying separately. The cost of the lodging is also shared by two people, thereby reducing costs. This could be a married couple, two friends or relatives.

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What is a Single Supplement?

Whenever a person travels alone, the cost of their lodging cannot be shared by another person. When tour products are priced, they are normally stated as “per person, double occupancy.” Whenever a guest occupies a room as a solo, the whole cost of the lodging must be incurred by that one individual. Tour companies accommodate this by charging a Single Supplement. Epitourean does its best to keep the single supplement as low as possible, but it is a real cost that tour companies must absorb, and must pass along to the single traveler.

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If I am a Solo Traveler, will I be paired with another person?

Epitourean never pairs a solo traveler with another person without a special request. If you book Single Occupancy, you will have a room entirely to yourself. However, should you wish to be paired with another solo traveler to save on the single supplement, you may make this request. We cannot guarantee that we can accommodate such requests, since it would take another solo traveling on the same tour for the same dates. But if requested, we will certainly try.

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Are flights included in the tour price?

No. Flights are never included in the price of our land-only tours. Epitourean does not provide air, rail or sea travel, unless expressly noted in the itinerary.

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May I give a culinary tour as a gift?

Yes. Epitourean has a special program designed specifically for this purpose. Our Gift Packages come with features such as special messages to the recipient, gift box option, gift link (without pricing), and floating dates (should you not know when the gift recipient wants to travel). Contact a Culinary Travel Specialist at 800-390-3292 or customerservice@epitourean.com to receive additional information about this unique offering.

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May we request separate beds if sharing a room?

Yes. In most cases, Epitourean can accommodate a request for two beds to be placed in one room. Just make sure to make this request in the comments section of the reservation process.

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Does each guestroom have a private bathroom?

Yes. Epitourean partners with the best lodging options in each destination, and private (en suite) bathrooms are a requirement. However, you should inquire as to the configuration of bathrooms should you have a special need. For example, some tours include accommodations in medieval villages, where either a shower or bath(but maybe not both) are present.

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Can your tours accommodate my dietary restrictions?

In almost all cases, Epitourean can accommodate dietary choices and restrictions. But we do request that you ask a Culinary Travel Specialist prior to making your reservation so that we can assess your individual situation.

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If I am unable to use a portion of the tour, can I get a partial refund?

Unfortunately, due to vendor and supplier contracts, we are unable to provide partial refunds for unused portions of any tour or tour component.

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Are Transfers included in the Itinerary?

Round-trip transfers from the airport or train station are normally included in our international tours. Transfers to the destination (for both international and domestic tours) are not included in the tour price. Please see the Sample Itinerary. If it mentions that transfers are included, then yes, transfers are included at no additional cost.

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What meals and excursions are included in the tour?

The Sample Itinerary should be your reference. If the meal or excursion is described in the Sample Itinerary, then it is included at no additional charge. For those days where it expressly notes Free time, then any optional activities you elect to participate in might have an additional cost. In addition, if the itinerary states "evening on your own," it would imply that you have the opportunity to visit a restaurant of your own choosing, and at your own expense. If you have any question about inclusions, please submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button under the price section.

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Is it possible to book pre or post tours or stays through Edible Destinations?

Yes, we often do have optional 2 and 3 night excursions that are priced separately from the tour. We can also assist with pre and post night stays in a hotel if you choose to come in early before the tour starts, or stay on after a tour ends. The price of those hotel stays are not included in the price of the tour, but we would be happy to provide a quote. Simply ask your Culinary Travel Specialist, or submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button.

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Are Guide or Host Gratuities included in the price of the tour?

Since tipping guidelines and customs vary widely between countries, we do not include gratuities in the price of the tour. Your Culinary Travel Specialist can provide you with recommendations. But the general rule is to tip modestly when you are pleased with a guide’s services, either at the end of the tour, or at the conclusion of a specialty day excursion where you will only be with that guide (or chef) on that day.

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Should we plan on any personal expenses during the tour?

All lodging, meals, transfers, classes and excursions mentioned in the Sample Itinerary and Vacation Highlights are included in the price of the tour. However, we highly recommend taking local currency for purchasing personal items, souvenirs, tipping, etc. You can either get the local currency at an airport exchange service, ATM or from your local bank prior to travel. However, you should note that many hosted destinations do not accept credit cards for personal purchases.

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Do you recommend Travel Protection?

We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans can include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. For more information on the available plans or to enroll, click on the link below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 06-0248.

The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (formerly known as Stonewall Insurance Company), 1314 Douglas Street, Suite 1400, Omaha, NE 68102. 11.17 E7N

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OUTSTANDING
CULINARY TRAVEL
Category Member of ASTA

Cooking, Touring & Tasting your waythrough Umbria with an Italian Celebrity Chef.

Culinary Exploration through Medieval Umbria

Cooking, Touring & Tasting your way
through Umbria with an Italian Celebrity Chef.