Opulent Immersion into the Foods & Wines of Italy Gastronomic Extravaganza: Tuscany, Umbria & Lazio
Italy's rich culinary heritage is a tapestry woven with flavors that span centuries of tradition and innovation. Among the many regions that contribute to this exquisite fabric, Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio stand out as true gastronomic treasures. With a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, these regions offer a remarkable experience for food and wine enthusiasts. From indulging in renowned wines to uncovering the secrets of truffle hunting and cheese making, this journey promises to tantalize the senses and create lasting memories. Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio are culinary destinations that cater to all senses. The wines tell stories of generations, the truffles and cheeses reflect the connection to the land, and the cooking classes and gelato tastings provide hands-on experiences that bridge the gap between tradition and modernity. As you journey through these regions, you'll uncover the essence of Italian gastronomy – a blend of history, artistry, and a deep-rooted passion for food and wine. So, pack your bags, prepare your taste buds, and embark on a gastronomic journey that promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.
A Trilogy of Taste - Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio
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ItineraryAccommodationsMapFAQ
VACATION HIGHLIGHTS
Please note:
Tour inclusions can change depending upon
seasonality and weather conditions.
•7 Nights Luxury Accommodations
•Round-Trip Rome Airport Transfers
•Round-Trip Rome to Tuscany Transfers
•Tuscan Breakfast Each Morning
•Welcome Tuscan BBQ Dinner
•Two Hands-On Cooking Lessons
•Five Dinners, Five Lunches
•Immersive Wine Tasting
•Vineyard and Cellar Visit
•Dinner in Siena
•Pienza and Pecorino Exploration
•Truffle Hunt with Master & Hound
•Dinner in Sarteano
•Guided Foraging Experience
•Citti Della Pieve, Umbria Dinner
•Guided Visit to Orvieto & Montepulciano
•Temple of San Biagio Tour
•Villa Lante & Lake Bolsena Lazio Tour
•Funicular tickets in Orvieto
•Visit to Orvieto Cathedral
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
Availability includes April 14 - 21, 2024; September 29 - October 6, 2024. Groups of 4 or more may request alternate dates. This tour runs from Sunday to Sunday.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.
Click arrows (▶) to show details
Day 1
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Airport Transfers | Arrival and Check Into Your Rome HotelOn your arrival day into Italy, you will be met at the Rome Airport by your driver for transfer to the heart of Rome. One of the true luxuries of international travel is to spend one evening adjusting to the time change, allowing your internal clock to reset. This evening is on your own to explore the Eternal City. Your hotel is situated in one of the most beautiful and exclusive areas of the City, between the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain.
Day 2
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Roman Breakfast BuffetA full European style buffet breakfast is included in your package, served in the hotel's Restaurant. Your breakfast buffet features fresh fruits, juices, tomatoes, mozzarella and an assortment of cold meats. Of course, traditional hot breakfast dishes and exquisite home-made pastries are available in ample supply.
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Rome to Tuscany Transfer | Wine Lodge Arrival | Tuscan BBQ DinnerIn the late morning your driver will escort you to Tuscany in style for arrival this evening at your luxury Wine Lodge. The 180-year-old farmhouse buildings have been beautifully restored and sit over the cellars that date back through the centuries to the time of the ancient Etruscans. This picturesque wine estate offers magnificent views and accommodation in 14 suites. Enjoy the views from the pretty pergola overlooking the infinity pool as you soak in the Tuscan sun. On arrival this evening taste the most delicious Tuscan steaks prepared for your BBQ dinner and enjoy the red wines grown on the Estate, as you meet your hosts. After a career as a successful bartender, Steve helms the Tuscan estate bought with his brother. In honor of tonight's wine themed please wear something red for dinner tonight.
Day 3
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Tuscan BreakfastThis morning you will enjoy a traditional Tuscan breakfast that embodies the simplicity and authenticity that characterizes the region's culinary traditions. Tuscan breakfasts are a reflection of the region's commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and celebrating the flavors of the land. It's a meal that encourages savoring simple pleasures and setting the tone for a day filled with authentic culinary experiences.
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Hands-On Cooking Lesson | Winery Visit with Tastings | Dinner in SienaThis morning enjoy a classic cooking lesson to prepare fresh Pici, a wonderful dish of the local pasta traditionally prepared in Montepulciano, which is often prepared with L'Aglione, a spicy tomato sauce made the large local Valdichiana Garlic bulbs, which can weigh 800g or a frugal sauce of toasted spiced breadcrumbs. Unlike fresh egg pasta, pici are lighter so you can eat even more of them every day – they are perfect with the local Vino Nobile. Once you have finished enjoying your creation. During the afternoon take a visit through history and discover the Etruscan foundations under the Wine Lodge. Talk with the wine maker to discover the grape varieties farmed on these ancient lands, the methods, and viticultural traditions. Enjoy a tutored tasting to understand how each vintage is different from the next. If you fall in love with the wine and want to ship some home, you can even design your own label to display at home. This evening transfer to Siena, a majestic medieval city that rivalled Florence for supremacy over Tuscany. Strolling the ancient streets, you can see the Piazza del Campo where the Palio horse race is held twice a year, and shop for Panforte, the local specialty sweets, before dinner in a typical Sienese Trattoria.
Day 4
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Tuscan BreakfastThis morning you will enjoy a traditional Tuscan breakfast that embodies the simplicity and authenticity that characterizes the region's culinary traditions. Tuscan breakfasts are a reflection of the region's commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and celebrating the flavors of the land. It's a meal that encourages savoring simple pleasures and setting the tone for a day filled with authentic culinary experiences.
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Exploration of Pienza and Pecorino | Truffle Experience & Tastings | Dinner in SarteanoPienza's pecorino cheese is today renowned as one of Tuscany's best, but it owes much to the Sardinian shepherds who moved to the area in the 1960s. Learn how pecorino cheese is heated gently until the curd can be shaped in perforated 'fuscelle' baskets, before it is dry salted to ensure the formation of the rind and then affined, often with grape pomace or walnut leaves for superior flavor. Enjoy lunch tasting the young and seasoned cheeses with accompaniments such as local honey, figs and balsamic vinegar to find your perfect pairing. This afternoon there will be time to explore the hill top Pienza, transformed at the behest of Pope Pius II who wished to renew his birthplace according to the Renaissance ideas of the perfect city As the evening dusk approaches enjoy a truffle hunt in the woods accompanied by a local Lagotto Romagnolo truffle hound and his master to find the world's finest white truffles. The gourmet specialty grows in symbiosis on the roots of local oak trees and is so prized by gourmands, it fetches its weight in gold. This evening enjoy dinner in the picturesque town of Sarteano, a small hilltop hamlet with a Sienese castle.
Day 5
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Tuscan BreakfastThis morning you will enjoy a traditional Tuscan breakfast that embodies the simplicity and authenticity that characterizes the region's culinary traditions. Tuscan breakfasts are a reflection of the region's commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and celebrating the flavors of the land. It's a meal that encourages savoring simple pleasures and setting the tone for a day filled with authentic culinary experiences.
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Guided Foraging Experience | Hands-On Cooking Lesson | Citta Della Pieve, Umbria DinnerEnjoy a second lesson with your hosts in a celebration of Tuscan resourcefulness and frugality. Enjoy a walk in the beautiful estate foraging for local herbs before learning to make a classic Ribollita. Meaning 're-boiled', you will discover how to preserve this wonderful vegetable soup, enjoyed with Tuscan bread and topped with the excellent local olive oil. This afternoon you journey to neighboring Umbria for a visit to the charming hilltop town of Citta della Pieve, celebrated as the birthplace of the painter Perugino, Raphael's master. See the masterpiece Adoration of the Magi conserved in the church of Santa Maria dei Bianchi before discovering the secrets of the town's celebrated spice saffron with an expert chef who will explain how to use it in cooking. Enjoy an included dinner in Citta della Pieve.
Day 6
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Tuscan BreakfastThis morning you will enjoy a traditional Tuscan breakfast that embodies the simplicity and authenticity that characterizes the region's culinary traditions. Tuscan breakfasts are a reflection of the region's commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and celebrating the flavors of the land. It's a meal that encourages savoring simple pleasures and setting the tone for a day filled with authentic culinary experiences.
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A Full Day Visit to Historic Orvieto and MontepulcianoThis morning journey to Orvieto, taking the funicular railway to the top of this city perched on a volcanic outcrop above the Tiber Valley. Discover the beautiful Cathedral, whose triptych silhouette can be seen from miles away and see the celebrated cycle of frescoes painted by Luca Signorelli at the turn of the 1500s. Here in the chapel of San Brizio gaze on the faces of the past. The artist has painted himself standing next to his forebear, the painter Fra Angelico, and a host of notable figures such as Pope Pius II witness the unfolding of the Apocalypse. You will also explore the markets and enjoy the stalls where the vendors hawk their wares in the local market before and an Italian gelato tasting in the pretty historic center. In the afternoon visit the extraordinary Temple of San Biagio, designed by Antonio da Sangallo and simply the most hauntingly beautiful and perfect Renaissance masterpiece in Tuscany. Enjoy the ethereal architecture set against the backdrop of Tuscan hills before strolling up the village streets in nearby Montepulciano with its many cantina, the perfect place to enjoy the city's noble wines with dinner. (Please note on this day lunch and dinner are on your own to explore)
Day 7
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Tuscan BreakfastThis morning you will enjoy a traditional Tuscan breakfast that embodies the simplicity and authenticity that characterizes the region's culinary traditions. Tuscan breakfasts are a reflection of the region's commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and celebrating the flavors of the land. It's a meal that encourages savoring simple pleasures and setting the tone for a day filled with authentic culinary experiences.
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Villa Lante in Lazio | Lake Bolsena in Northern Lazio | Farewell DinnerToday journey into Lazio to visit one of the region's most beautiful gardens, Villa Lante created by the 17th century architect Vignola which is celebrated for its water features that adorn the three levels of the gardens, most famously the water-chain cascade. Next visit a wine producer to learn the story of the famous local white wine Est Est Est! from Montefiascone. They say this Latin message 'Here It is! Here it is! Here it is! was enthusiastically scrawled on the doors of a Montefiascone inn in the 12th century by the servant of a wine loving Bishop, on his way to meet the Pope. You can try the wine together with the local specialty Coregone, Whitefish, overlooking the beautiful lake of Bolsena nearby. This evening back at your wine lodge share your own stories with new friends over a special farewell dinner.
Day 8
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Tuscan BreakfastThis morning you will enjoy a traditional Tuscan breakfast that embodies the simplicity and authenticity that characterizes the region's culinary traditions. Tuscan breakfasts are a reflection of the region's commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and celebrating the flavors of the land. It's a meal that encourages savoring simple pleasures and setting the tone for a day filled with authentic culinary experiences.
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Check-Out and Departure | Transfers to Rome AirportYour final day has come too soon, but it is time to pack your bags with an new appreciation for "la dolce vita" at its finest, and travel back to the Rome Fiumicino Airport. Remember, short excursion packages are often available in nearby cities or historic destinations (such as Rome). Should you desire an extension, please let your Culinary Travel Specialist know prior to your departure. May your future travels come from sweet dreams and create tasty memories!
Hotel dei Borgognoni Rome
Situated in one of the most beautiful and exclusive areas of the city, between the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain, Hotel dei Borgognoni embodies all the atmospheric charm of a truly fascinating, yet almost unknown corner of central Rome. No ordinary hotel, the Borgognoni is a heaven for those in search of peace and tranquility. In addition, it is located right in the pulsing heart of the capital, just a short walk from some of the city's most famous landmarks. A unique location for a charming hotel of timeless elegance. The Hotel dei Borgognoni is housed in a 19th-century mansion house once the property of the Farmiento brothers, who, in the years after 1870, had it restored, bringing it up to the same height as the two adjacent buildings.
Casa M Wine Lodge
Casa M is located near Montepulciano in Tuscany. The existing wine estate and building are 180 years old with the cellars dating to a far earlier time, with over 100 acres of woods, olive trees and vines looking deep into a sweeping valley. Casa M offers 14 suites with panoramic views, with a stunning pergola leading to an infinity pool. One of Ferucio Lamborghini's favorite wine estates, his estate being only 20 minutes away. The Vineyard has a number of classic 1960's Lamborghini tractors in distinctive blue and orange that guest can tour the estates in at their leisure. It is a fully working vineyard where guests can get involved in the production. We currently produce Chianti, Nobile Montepulciano, Super Tuscans, Rose, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a series of special labels designed by John Springs.
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
Gifts and Gift Cards
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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