“DELICIOUS” JOURNEY, package tours for grp. min. 10 pax

Discovering Umbria is now the OFFICIAL TOUR OPERATOR for the tours developed by "IL PALAZZO DEL GUSTO - ORVIETO”, one of the most important Regional Institution for the promoting and developing of local food and wine tradition.

Here a series of package tours for groups of min. 10 pax

For info and quotation contact us : info@discoveringumbria.it

1) ANCIENT AROMAS AND ART IN SMALL TOWNS
1° day - Orvieto
In Orvieto, guided visit to the main monuments : Duomo and San Brizio Chapel, Torre del Moro, Palazzo del Popolo, Orvieto Underground. Guided visit to Il Palazzo del Gusto and Enoteca Regionale dell’Umbria (Regional Wine Library), hosted in evocative ancient cellars dating back to Etruscan times. Light lunch at the Enoteca with typical local products and guided wine tasting of regional wines.
In the afternoon, free time for shopping and to enjoy the town on your own.
Dinner in a typical restaurant in the historical centre of Orvieto. Overnight stay in a 3 star hotel in the historical centre of the town.
2° day Ficulle - Montegiove
Arrival at the village of Ficulle and visit to the Romanesque-Gothic style church of S. Maria Vecchia and to the crafts workshop specialized in terracotta. Guided visit to a wine estate located in the countryside surrounding the ancient hamlet of Ficulle. Visit to the vineyard and the cellar. Following lunch with typical local products matched with the wines produced by the winery. Departure for Montegiove and visit to “La Scarzuola”, a surreal building conceived by the famous architect Tomaso Buzzi. Departure.
The package tour includes : 1 overnight stay in DBL room in 3 star hotel in the historical centre of Orvieto; 3 meals; guided visits and entrance tickets for the museums and monuments as described in the programme; guided visit to Il Palazzo del Gusto/Enoteca Regionale, guided tour of a wine estate.
Package tour for groups of min. 10 pax

2) ORVIETO AND TODI
1 ° day: Orvieto
In Orvieto, guided visit to the Etruscan necropolis of the Crocefisso del Tufo and to San Patrizio Well, to the Duomo and San Brizio Chapel. Lunch at a typical restaurant in the historical centre of the town. In the afternoon guided visit to the National Archaeological Museum and to the Claudio Faina Museum. Guided visit to Il Palazzo del Gusto and Enoteca Regionale dell’Umbria (Regional Wine Library), rich appetizer and tasting of Doc, Docg, Igt Umbrian wines. Dinner in a typical restaurant in the historical centre. Overnight stay in a 3 star hotel in the historical centre of the town.
2 ° day: Todi
Arrival in Todi and guided visit to the Church of Santa Maria della Consolazione, Palazzo del Popolo, del Capitano, del Podestà and the Church of San Fortunato.Lunch in a typical family-run trattoria. In the afternoon guided visit to the Art Gallery, Todi Underground (Roman Cisterns) and to the new Carved Stones Museum of Lucrezie. Departure.
The package tour includes : 1 overnight stay in DBL room in 3 star hotel in the historical centre of Orvieto; 3 meals; guided visits and entrance tickets for the museums and monuments as described in the programme; guided visit to Il Palazzo del Gusto/Enoteca Regionale and wine tasting.

3) ORVIETO: THE WINE AND THE CITY

1 ° giorno: Orvieto
In Orvieto, guided visit to the Etruscan necropolis of the Crocefisso del Tufo, Belvedere Temple, San Patrizio Well, the Duomo and San Brizio Chapel. Lunch at a typical restaurant in the historical centre of the town. In the afternoon guided visit to the National Archaeological Museum, Claudio Faina Museum and to the Medieval Quarter. Following rich appetizer and tasting of Docg, Doc, Igt Umbrian wines with guided visit to Il Palazzo del Gusto and the Etruscan cellar hosting the Enoteca Regionale dell’Umbria (Regional Wine Library). Dinner at a typical restaurant in the historical centre. Overnight stay in a 3 star hotel in the historical centre of the town.
2 ° giorno: Countryside around Orvieto
Arrival at a wine estate close to Orvieto and guided visit to the vineyard conducted by a Sommelier FISAR (Italian Federation of Sommeliers).The tour focuses on winegrowing and wine production. Visit to the cellar. Following light lunch with typical local products matched with the wines produced by the winery. Departure.
ADOPT A VINEYARD PROJECT
The wine estate offers to wine lovers the chance to adopt one or more rows of vine and to realize a dream becoming the “owner” of a portion of a vineyard in Umbria.
The package tour includes : 1 overnight stay in DBL room in 3 star hotel in the historical centre of Orvieto; 3 meals; guided visits and entrance tickets for the museums and monuments as described in the programme; guided visit to Il Palazzo del Gusto/Enoteca Regionale and wine tasting; guided tour of a wine estate with Sommelier.
Package tour for groups of min. 10 pax

4) FROM THE ETRUSCANS…. WINE, OIL AND FLAVOURS
1° giorno: Orvieto
Arrival in Orvieto and guided visit to the “Pozzo della Cava”, Etruscan well, entirely dug into the tufa of the cliff of Orvieto. Guided visit and workshop on the ritual Etruscan banquet. Guided tasting of some dishes prepared after Etruscan recipes found in Roman texts and on Etruscan painted pottery and frescoed tombs. In the afternoon, guided visit to the National Archaeological Museum and to Claudio Faina Museum, where the most important Etruscan finds of the necropolis of Cannicella, Settecamini and Hescanas are collected. Following rich appetizer and tasting of Docg, Doc, Igt Umbrian wines and guided visit to Il Palazzo del Gusto and Enoteca Regionale dell’Umbria (Regional Wine Library). Dinner at a typical restaurant in the historical centre. Overnight stay in a 3 star hotel in the historical centre of the town.
2° giorno: Orvieto - Montecchio
Arrival at a renowned oil-mill close to the village of Montecchio. Guided visit to the Oil Museum and the mill. Light lunch with products from the oil mill. Following transfer to a famous wine estate. Guided visit to the winery and wine tasting. Departure.
The package tour includes: 1 overnight stay in DBL room in 3 star hotel in the historical centre of Orvieto; 3 meals; guided visits and entrance tickets for the museums and monuments as described in the programme; guided visit to Palazzo del Gusto/Enoteca Regionale and wine tasting; visit to an oil mill and Oil Museum; visit to a wine estate and wine tasting.


5) THE ROMANS AND UMBRIA
The ancient Roman Roads : Amerina and Flaminia - Carsulae “The Pompei of Umbria”- Amelia
1° day – The ancient Via Amerina
Arrival near the Castle of Montenero 8 km to the south of Todi. Departure with hiking guide for a day of trekking (10,2 km) along the trail of the ancient Via Amerina, built in the III century b.C. to connect Rome to the Adriatic coast. Pic-nic with local salami. Departure for Amelia; dinner and overnight stay in a 3 stars hotel 3, 100 mt. from the historical centre.
2° giorno: Dunarobba – Frattuccia – Collicello – Sambucetole – Amelia
Arrival in Dunarobba and guided visit to the Fossil Forest. Following lunch at a renowned osteria in the village of Avigliano Umbro. Departure for Amelia, driving through the pictureque villages of Frattuccia, Collicello and Sambucetole. Back to Amelia and guided visit to the main monuments: the Polygonal Walls (VII° C. b.C.), Roman Cisterns, Palazzo Boccarini and the Archaeological Museum. Dinner and overnight stay in a 3 stars hotel.
3° day - Carsulae “ The Pompei of Umbria” – The Via Flaminia
Arrival in Carsulae, ancient Roman municipium built along the Via Flaminia traced in 220 b.C. Guided visit to the archaeological park and the museum. Departure for a family-run farm and visit to the attached museum dedicated to the “peasant” life of the past centuries. From the many artefacts exhibited it is possible to glean a real understanding of life as it was for those working the land and in the kitchen. An important area is dedicated to a magnificent “geared-lever press” (16th – 17th century); the only example of its kind in all of Umbria. Light lunch with the products of the farm. Departure.
The package tour includes : 2 overnight stays in DBL room in 3 star hotel in Amelia; 4 meals; 1 pic-nic; guided visits and entrance tickets for the museums and monuments as described in the programme; visit to a family-run farm and its family museum.

IT'S TIME TO THINK ABOUT YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY IN UMBRIA!

2010 has arrived and now it's time to think about you next holiday in the GREEN HEART!!

The splendid natural landscape of Umbria can be visited at all times of year. It is fascinating to observe this wonderful land where the colours and perfumes change in accordance with the eternal cycle of the seasons: from the verdant green of spring, to the yellow grains of summer, to the thousand colours of the leaves in autumn and the rarefied, magical atmosphere of winter...

BOOK NOW YOUR UMBRIAN DREAM !! CONTACT US !!!

BOOKING IN ADVANCE MEANS SAVING MONEY !!!

info@discoveringumbria.it

NEW EXCURSIONS 2010!! BOOK NOW!!!

NEW EXCURSIONS 2010!! BOOK NOW!!!
Finally, after two months of inspections and several km around Umbria, Discovering Umbria is happy to inform you that we have finalized the detailed programme of Excursions and Special Services for "discovering (our) Umbria" for 2010.



In addition to the most successful previous excursion such as the "sold out" "On the Sagrantino's Road" and "The Via Flaminia" we are now proud to introduce you our new exciting proposals for lovers of food and nature:

1) THE VALNERINA: MYSTICISM, NATURE AND LOCAL EXCELLENCE

A whole day exploring one of the wildest and most beautiful areas in Umbria: the Valnerina.This includes Norcia, the birthplace of Saint Benedict, the patron of Europe and home to the finest cured meats in Italy, and the plain of Castelluccio, with its outstanding colours and magic atmosphere. The town of Norcia boasts countless environmental, artistic, gastronomical and cultural resources –making it both attractive and unique in the eyes of every visitor.

2) THE VIA AMERINA AND ITS LANDSCAPE
A day of trekking in the beautiful countryside around Todi, discovering the ancient ruins of the Roman road “Via Amerina” under the guidance of an expert Hiking Guide (10,2 km walk)

Contact us for the complete list and quotation of 2010 1 day excursions!

DISCOVER UMBRIA WITH LOCAL PEOPLE!

AMAZING NEW EXCURSIONS FOR 2010!

DISCOVERING UMBRIA IS HAPPY TO INFORM YOU THAT WE HAVE OPENED THE SALES FOR THE NEXT SEASON 2009-2010 WITH A NEW BROAD OFFER OF EXCURSIONS AND FOOD, WINE AND OIL TASTING!

COMING SOON:

MYSTIC&TASTING

HIKING IN THE WILD

contact us:

info@discoveringumbria.it

IN AUTUMN UMBRIA AWAITS YOU FOR.........

IN AUTUMN UMBRIA AWAITS YOU FOR.........

enjoying the amazing colours of the leaves, tasting the speciality of the Season, living the Green Heart of Italy!

Forget the stress of modern-day living and get in touch with nature. The splendid natural landscape of Umbria can be visited at all times of year. It is fascinating to observe this wonderful land where the colours and perfumes change in accordance with the eternal cycle of the seasons.Don't miss the thousand colours of the leaves in autumn, the red, yellow and brown of the thousand vinyards, the ever-silver-green of the olive trees, the aromas and taste of this romantic season!


LONG WEEKEND - EXPERIENCE DOCG UMBRIAN WINES "SAGRANTINO&ORVIETO CLASSICO"
AVAILABLE FROM THE 1ST SEPTEMBER

4 NIGHTS/5 DAYS DISCOVERING THE SECRETS OF THE WINE AND THE PLEASURE OF UMBRIAN CUISINE!
starting from only 400€ p.p. for 2 pax

AND MORE!

Contact us for the detailed programmes: info@discoveringumbria.it

We would like to take this opportunity to inform that our Weekend proposal "The Secret of the Wine" developed in collaboration with FISAR (Italian Federation of Sommeliers) has been recently accepted to partecipate to the I° Edition of "Premio Turismo Responsabile Italiano" ("Italian Responsible Tourism Award"), award based on the Global Code of Ethics on Tourism.

The Award has been promoted by "L’Agenzia di Viaggi", the most important Italian professional newspaper since 1965, with the patronage of ENIT (Italian State Touris Office), UFTAA (United Federation of Travel Agents' Associations) and FIAVET (Italian Federation of Travel Agencies)

The winners will be rewarded during BIT in Milan next February 2010.

The original article published on "L'Agenzia di Viaggi" Clik on the image:

LONG WEEKEND NATURE&FOOD SPECIAL PRICE!!

4 NIGHTS/5DAYS TO DISCOVER THE AMAZING NATURE AND TO TASTE THE FANTASTIC FOOD OF UMBRIA




LONG WEEKEND – NATURE&FOOD

Thursday
Arrival in Todi. Meeting with Discovering Umbria staff and settlement in the apartment
Afternoon: Visit to the town of Todi with Discovering Umbria Assistant
Dinner in a typical trattoria in the historical centre (drinks excluded).
Overnight

Friday
Italian breakfast at a traditional pastry shop 10 mt. from the apartment.
Departure for a full-day “food&wine” excursion in Sagrantino’s lands. Visit of a home-based oil mill producers of oil, followed by a oil tasting of 3 different olii extravergine DOP Umbria – Colli Martani, blend extravergine e Monocultivar Moraiolo e Leccino and light lunch with legumes soup/vegetables of the season/toasted bread with olive oil (water and wine included). Visit of the oil mill and the olive tree grove with the owner of the farm.
After lunch visit of the Medieval town of Bevagna. On the way back visit of a winery producing Sagrantino and wine tasting of 4 wines (Grechetto, Rosso di Montefalco, Sagrantino secco dry and passito sweet) with cold cuts. Return to the accommodation.
Overnight

Saturday
Italian breakfast at a traditional pastry shop 10 mt. from the apartment.
Departure with DU assistance for Titignano, ancient castle built in 937 A.D., situated on an hill surrounding Corbara Lake. Departure for a half day birdwatching in company with an expert ornithologist (English speaking) to admire the fauna of Corbara Lake and the amazing landscapes.Visit to the ornithological bird ringing station. During the walk it is possible to observe the many birds and mammals dispersed here. Back on foot to the wine estate and traditional Italian lunch at the farm including: Umbrian appetizer, 3 first courses (including pappardelle with wild boar or hare), roast meat with baked potatoes or salad, dessert with Vin Santo or Vendemmia Tardiva wine, fruit and espresso coffee. Local wines and water included. Back to Todi in the afternoon.
Overnight

Sunday
Italian breakfast at a traditional pastry shop 10 mt. from the apartment.
Departure for a full day “food&culture” excursion to the ancient Roman road Via Flaminia and to Carsulae “The Pompei of Umbria” with DU assistant. Arrival at Carsulae, ancient Roman city situated in the countryside. Visit (entrance included) to the museum and the ruins. Departure for the farm and visit to the attached museum dedicated in particular to the “peasant” life of the past centuries. From the many artefacts exhibited and information provided it is possible to glean a real understanding of life as it was for those working the land, tending their animals and working in the kitchen. One room is dedicated to a display of embroidery dating from around the 1900s that includes the tools and implements used by the grandmother of the current owner. Another important area is dedicated to the implements used in the cultivation of the grapes and, due to a recent renovation, now displays a new find dating from the 16th – 17th century in a magnificent “geared-lever press,” the only example of its kind in all of Umbria. Light lunch with chickpeas soup, lentils patè, bruschette bread with extra virgin olive oil (drinks included).
Following departure for Massa Martana and visit to the extraordinary Fonnaia Bridge (part of an impressive road structure built from large, perfectly squared blocks of travertine marble) and to the ancient church of Santa Maria in Pantano (sec. VII).
Back to Todi.

Monday
Italian breakfast at a traditional pastry shop 10 mt. from the apartment. Departure

STARTING FROM ONLY : 490 € per person


The quotation includes:
4 nights in three-room apartment fully equipped and well furnished in good taste with Umbrian style furniture in the historical centre of Todi.
Italian breakfast at a traditional pastry shop 10 mt. from the apartment
1 dinner in a typical trattoria in the historical centre (drinks excluded)
Visit of Todi with DU assistance
Full day excursion “On the Sagrantino road” including :light lunch (water and wine included) at the oil mill and oil tasting, wine tasting in a wine estate, visit of Bevagna as described in the programme above.
Half day birdwatching excursion with ornithogist and traditional Italian lunch in a famous wine estate (drinks included)
Full day excursion of the “Via Flaminia” including entrance ticket to the ruins and the Museum, light lunch - tastings (water and wine included) visit to the farm museum, as described in the programme above.

The quotation excludes: tips/insurance/personal expenses, other services not mentioned in “the quotation includes”.

LONG WEEKEND – WINE&FOOD SPECIAL PRICE!!

4 NIGHTS/5 DAYS TO DISCOVER UMBRIAN WINE & FOOD



PROGRAMME
Thursday
Arrival in Todi. Meeting with Discovering Umbria staff and settlement in the apartment
Afternoon: Visit to the town of Todi with Discovering Umbria Assistant
Dinner in a typical trattoria in the historical centre (drinks excluded).
Overnight

Friday
Italian breakfast at a traditional pastry shop 10 mt. from the apartment.
Departure for a full-day “food&wine” excursion in Sagrantino’s lands. Visit of a home-based oil mill producers of oil, followed by a oil tasting of 3 different olii extravergine DOP Umbria – Colli Martani, blend extravergine e Monocultivar Moraiolo e Leccino and light lunch with legumes soup/vegetables of the season/toasted bread with olive oil (water and wine included). Visit of the oil mill and the olive tree grove with the owner of the farm.
After lunch visit of the Medieval town of Bevagna. On the way back visit of a winery producing Sagrantino and wine tasting of 4 wines (Grechetto, Rosso di Montefalco, Sagrantino secco dry and passito sweet) with cold cuts. Return to the accommodation.
Overnight

Saturday
Italian breakfast at a traditional pastry shop 10 mt. from the apartment.
Departure for Orvieto with DU assistance following the road along Corbara Lake and its amazing views.
Arrival at the wine estate near the city of Orvieto and visit to the vineyard and to the cellar to learn the secrets of the vine cultivation and wine production. The visit is conducted by an oenologist and owner of the estate and a sommelier FISAR (Italian Federation of Sommeliers) from Enoteca Regionale di Orvieto (Regional Wine Centre).
Following light lunch with porchetta (roast pork), local cheese, lumachelle from Orvieto (cheese bread), sweets and tasting of 4 wines.
Back to the accommodation. Overnight

Sunday
Italian breakfast at a traditional pastry shop 10 mt. from the apartment.
Departure for a full day “food&culture” excursion to the ancient Roman road Via Flaminia and to Carsulae “The Pompei of Umbria” with DU assistant. Arrival at Carsulae, ancient Roman city situated in the countryside. Visit (entrance included) to the museum and the ruins. Departure for the farm and visit to the attached museum dedicated in particular to the “peasant” life of the past centuries. From the many artefacts exhibited and information provided it is possible to glean a real understanding of life as it was for those working the land, tending their animals and working in the kitchen. One room is dedicated to a display of embroidery dating from around the 1900s that includes the tools and implements used by the grandmother of the current owner. Another important area is dedicated to the implements used in the cultivation of the grapes and, due to a recent renovation, now displays a new find dating from the 16th – 17th century in a magnificent “geared-lever press,” the only example of its kind in all of Umbria. Light lunch with chickpeas soup, lentils patè, bruschette bread with extra virgin olive oil (drinks included).
Following departure for Massa Martana and visit to the extraordinary Fonnaia Bridge (part of an impressive road structure built from large, perfectly squared blocks of travertine marble) and to the ancient church of Santa Maria in Pantano (sec. VII).
Back to the accommodation. Overnight.

Monday
Italian breakfast at a traditional pastry shop 10 mt. from the apartment. Departure.

STARTING FROM ONLY: 400 € per person


The quotation includes:
4 nights in three-room apartment fully equipped and well furnished in good taste with Umbrian style furniture in the historical centre of Todi.
Italian breakfast at a traditional pastry shop 10 mt. from the apartment
1 dinner in a typical trattoria in the historical centre (drinks excluded)
Visit of Todi with DU assistance
Full day excursion “On the Sagrantino road” including :
light lunch (water and wine included) at the oil mill and oil tasting, wine tasting in a wine estate, visit of Bevagna as described in the programme above.
Full day excursion of the “Via Flaminia” including entrance ticket to the ruins and the Museum, light lunch - tastings (water and wine included) visit to the farm museum, as described in the programme above.

The quotation excludes: tips/insurance/personal expenses, other services not mentioned in “the quotation includes”.

1 DAY EXCURSIONS

Are you visiting Umbria? DISCOVER THIS AMAZING REGION WITH LOCAL PEOPLE! AN EXPERIENCE THAT YOU WILL NEVER FORGET!

NEW EXCURSIONS 2010!! BOOK NOW!!! Finally, after two months of inspections and several km around Umbria, Discovering Umbria is happy to inform you that we have finalized the detailed programme of Excursions and Special Services for "discovering (our) Umbria" for 2010.
DISCOVER OUR 1 DAY EXCURSIONS!

OUR TWO NEW 2010 EXCITING PROPOSALS:

1) THE VALNERINA: MYSTICISM, NATURE AND LOCAL EXCELLENCE NEW!!

A whole day exploring one of the wildest and most beautiful areas in Umbria: the Valnerina.
This includes Norcia, the birthplace of Saint Benedict, the patron of Europe and home to the finest cured meats in Italy, and the plain of Castelluccio, with its outstanding colours and magic atmosphere. The town of Norcia boasts countless environmental, artistic, gastronomical and cultural resources –making it both attractive and unique in the eyes of every visitor.

The journey to Norcia, passing through Spoleto, follows the ancient route of the Via Flaminia. Norcia is positioned in the most mountainous and striking part of Umbria, in the area of the Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini (Monti Sibillini National Park). Here profound spirituality is complemented by the fascination of the surrounding nature, the marvels of art and the authenticity of the local gastronomy. The undisputed culinary fame of this beautiful little town has been well documented since the Middle Ages. Among the wealthiest and most sought after gastronomical paradises in the whole of Italy, Norcia is not only the capital of “norcineria” meats (an evocative term which clearly takes its name from that of the town itself), but also of the prestigious black truffles, cheeses and famous lentils of Castelluccio.
The journey to Norcia takes about one and half hours, passing through the mountainous landscape of the Apennines.

Programme:
Early morning departure from Todi. Arrival in Norcia and short visit to the main monuments: the statue dedicated to Saint Benedict, the Palazzo Comunal and the Church of S. Benedetto and the Church of Santa Maria Argentea.
Free time for a walk along Corso Sertorio, the main street of the city full of shops of typical products. Time for the tasting, a light lunch (not included) and shopping.

In the early afternoon we leave for the Plain of Castelluccio, a unique feature of the landscape. The most striking feature of the high Carsic Plains of Castelluccio (1350m above sea level) is enchanting meadowland which blossoms in spectacular fashion in late Spring. We stop here to take some photos and then move on to the charming village of Castelluccio itself, which, at 1452 m. above sea level, is the highest settlement in the entire Umbrian-Marches Apennines and at the very heart of the Monti Sibillini National Park.Our tour of the village includes time for a quick rest before we return to Todi in the late afternoon.

2) THE VIA AMERINA AND ITS LANDSCAPE NEW!!

A day of trekking in the beautiful countryside around Todi, discovering the ancient ruins of the Roman road “Via Amerina” under the guidance of an expert Hiking Guide (10,2 km walk)

Programme:
Morning: departure from Todi by car for the village of Montenero at approx.10 km from Todi.
The village stands at 407 metres above sea level and is inhabited by only 23 people. Throughout the Middle Ages the Castle was inhabited by several families from the area.
Arrival in Montenero. After a few kilometres on foot we find some abandoned springs, a clear indication that these woods were once inhabited and full of life. In the past the woods were frequented not only by shepherds with their flocks but also charcoal burners who used to directly cut the timber they needed for their charcoal, and so-called ‘calcinari’, lime workers who produced lime from the chalk rock typical of these woods.
We take a short break at the springs and then move on to the ‘solfatare’ – fumaroles of water and mud which form as a result of underground vulcanic activity in the area. Indeed, the soil here gives off carbon dioxide, which creates gurgling pools of rainwater. This mud, at room temperature, rich as it is in carbon dioxide, was and still is used by the local peasants to treat animals with illnesses of the skin. These animals, goats, sheep and hunting dogs are put into the curative pools for a few minutes. In Pre-Roman times the ‘solfatare’ were considered sacred places (dedicated to the divinities Silvano and Fauno) whose gurgling mud was interpreted as an oracle.
Stop for a picnic with sandwiches with porchetta (roast pork) and local salami.

We continue walking again until after a few kilometres, we reach what is known as the Roman bridge. This bridge, which in reality dates back to the Early Middle Ages, is the oldest of its kind remaining today in the Municipal area of Todi. The name ‘Ponte Romano’ (Roman Bridge) derives from the fact that an earlier bridge was built in wood, in Roman times, precisely around 2 B.C., on this stretch of the via Amerina, the road which connected Rome to the Adriatic coast before the via Flaminia was built. The construction of the via Flaminia, more important and with a better quality surface, brought about the rapid decline of the via Amerina, which was no longer used for several centuries. Following the fall of the Roman Empire and the conquest of the Duchy of Spoleto by the Longobards, and the consequent occupancy of the via Flaminia, the via Amerina became once again the only passable means of communication between Roma and Ravenna, which was at the time the capital of the Byzantine Empire, and thus acquired renewed importance and vitality. This led to the need for a new bridge, built in the same spot where the wooden Roman brdige had stood.
After a stop at the bridge, we walk on to Montenero. Back to Todi by car.


____________________________________________________________________

THE OTHER SUCCESSFUL "SOLD OUT" FULL DAY EXCURSIONS:


ON THE SAGRANTINO ROAD

Sagrantino di Montefalco Dogc wines are named after the Sagrantino grape from which they are made. Cultivated for centuries on the hills of Umbria, Sagrantino is considered the only one really autochthonous and its DOCG (that means "di origine controllata e garantita"-checked and guaranteed origin) makes a major contribution to the reputation the Region of Umbria has earned as producer of fine wines.




1 day to discover the Sagrantino road and its famous DOCG wine.
Lunch at a family-run oil mill specialized in 3 different kinds of extra virgin olive oil.

PROGRAMME:
Morning: departure for the full day excursion “On the Sagrantino Road” with DU assistant . On the way to Bevagna stop to admire the amazing view of Todi. Second stop to Santuario di Madonna delle Grazie from which it is possible to see the cities of Assisi, Spello, Foligno and the valley of Mount Subasio. Transfer to the oil mill and visit to the ancient olive tree grove where there is the possibility to see 400 hundreds years old trees. Light lunch with technical oil tasting of 3 different kinds of olio extra vergine di oliva. Arrival in Bevagna and short introduction of the town of Bevagna. Stop for relax and free visit. Transfer and visit of a winery, producing Sagrantino wines. Tasting of 4 several types of wines (Grechetto, Montefalco rosso and the famous Sagrantino secco = dry and passito= sweet) accompanied by a mix of cold cuts, bruschette bread, soupes and sweet tozzetti = cookies.
Back to Todi.
______________________________________________________________________________

VIA FLAMINIA AND CARSULAE ‘THE POMPEI OF UMBRIA’




Walking on the ancient ruins of Carsulae “La Pompei dell’Umbria” and Via Flaminia.
Lunch at a family-run farm specialized in the production of extra virgin olive oil, legumes and walnuts.

This one-day excursion focuses on the discovery of ancient Roman archaeological sites and includes a walk on the remains of the ancient Via Flaminia, named after a Roman official by the name of Caio Flaminio around 220 B.C. The Via Flaminia connected Rome to ports on the Adriatic and to the northern regions of Italy, tracing its way across Umbria.

Programme:
Departure for a full day excursion “The Via Flaminia” with DU assistant. Arrival at Carsulae, ancient Roman city situated in the countryside. Visit (entrance included) to the museum and the ruins.
Departure for the farm and visit to the attached museum dedicated in particular to the “peasant” life of the past centuries. From the many artefacts exhibited and information provided it is possible to glean a real understanding of life as it was for those working the land, tending their animals and working in the kitchen. One room is dedicated to a display of embroidery dating from around the 1900s that includes the tools and implements used by the grandmother of the current owner. Another important area is dedicated to the implements used in the cultivation of the grapes and, due to a recent renovation, now displays a new find dating from the 16th – 17th century in a magnificent “geared-lever press,” the only example of its kind in all of Umbria. Light lunch with chickpeas soup, lentils patè, bruschette bread with extra virgin olive oil.
Following departure for Massa Martana and visit to the extraordinary Fonnaia Bridge (part of an impressive road structure built from large, perfectly squared blocks of travertine marble) and to the ancient church of Santa Maria in Pantano (sec. VII).
Back to Todi.
_________________________________________________________________________________

BIRDWATCHING AT CORBARA LAKE



1 day in company with an expert ornithologist to admire the fauna of Corbara Lake and the amazing landscapes.
Rich lunch at a famous farm with wine estate.


Programme:
Morning: departure with DU assistance for Titignano, ancient castle built in 937 A.D., situated on an hill surrounding Corbara Lake. Visit to the ornithological bird ringing station. Departure on foot for the ruins of the ancient castle of Roccaccia (5 km; 4 h). During the walk it is possible to observe the many birds and mammals dispersed here. The excursion is conducted by an English speaking ornithologist from the centre for Ornithology “Antonio Valli da Todi”.
Back on foot to Titignano and rich lunch at the farm including: Umbrian appetizer, 3 first courses (including pappardelle with wild boar or hare), roast meat with baked potatoes or salad, dessert with Vin Santo or Vendemmia Tardiva wine, fruit and espresso coffe. Local wines and water included. Back to Todi in the afternoon.

___________________________________________________________________________________ WINE EXCURSIONS IN ORVIETO: DEPARTURE FROM TODI OR ORVIETO

“THE SECRETS OF THE WINE”



1 day at a celebrated wine estate in the countryside near Orvieto to learn the secrets of the vine cultivation and wine production.

Programme:
Morning : departure for Orvieto with DU assistance following the road along Corbara Lake and its amazing views.

N.B. For clients who stay in Orvieto’s area, the meeting point is Orvieto railway station.

Arrival at the wine estate near the city of Orvieto and visit to the vineyard. The visit is conducted by 1 oenologist and owner of the estate and 1 sommelier the Wine Centre in Orvieto.
Following light lunch with porchetta (roast pork), local cheese, lumachelle from Orvieto (cheese bread), sweets and tasting of 4 wines.
Back to Todi.

“HISTORY OF THE WINE IN ORVIETO”

1 half day to discover the ancient history of the wine production in Orvieto, called in the past times “Oinarea”, “the city where the wine flows”.

Programme:
Departure for Orvieto with DU assistance following the road along Corbara Lake and its amazing views.

N.B. For clients who stay in Orvieto’s area, the meeting point is Orvieto railway station.

Arrival in Orvieto and visit of an Etruscan well (entrance included) , entirely dug into the lithoid tufa of the cliff of Orvieto: 36 meters deep, including the meters of spring water at the bottom. The well is connected with sixth underground rooms, used in the Middle Age as wine cellars.
Walking tour to the Medieval Quarter. Arrival to the Wine Centre, where all the wines produced in Umbria are collected. Visit of the Centre conducted in English by a Sommelier.

Following professional wine tasting in English of an Umbrian white wine and a red wine with local cheese, lumachelle from Orvieto (cheese bread), cold cuts (salami and ham).
Free time for a visit of the Duomo of Orvieto.
Back to Todi.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, AVAILABILITY AND COSTS WRITE TO: info@discoveringumbria.it

A WEEK AT ANTONIO'S AND LUCIA'S PRICES

A WEEK AT ANTONIO'S AND LUCIA'S

Price per person (minigroup 5 pax, max 6 pax) :

SPECIAL PRICE STARTING FROM : € 2.200

Dates of the programme: from the 4th of April to the 12th September

The quotation includes:

6 nights in three-room apartment in “agriturismo” farm-house with swimming pool 10 km from Todi, with the exclusive usage of the entire structure.
3 workshops of Umbrian and Italian cooking in English language followed by dinner based on the dishes prepared during the class and other courses (in total 15 hours).
A 3 full day excursion with DU assistance including light lunch and tastings.
1 half day excursion to Todi with DU assistance and lunch in a typical trattoria.
1 half day excursion to Orvieto with tourist guide in English and light lunch in a wine cellar.
Welcome and farewell dinner with Discovering Umbria staff.
Italian breakfast at the farm-house.
Total meals: 7 Italian breakfasts, 7 dinners and tastings at the accommodation, 4 light lunch and tasting at the oil mills, wineries and wine estates, 1 lunch in a typical trattoria in Todi.
Unlimited beverages (water and d.o.c. and i.g.t. Umbrian wines IN BOTTLE) for dinner in the farm-house
Daily cleaning and tidying up of the apartments, mid week linen change.
DU assistance during all the stay
Assistant present in the structure.
DU gadgets

SUPERPRICE:
THIS PROGRAMME IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR 10 PEOPLE WITH A VERY SPECIAL PRICE!!

Enrolment Conditions:

THE COOKING CLASS IS OPEN TO BEGINNERS AS WELL AS TO LOVERS OF ITALIAN FOOD. IT IS NOT REQUIRED ANY KNOWLEDGE OF COOKING TECHINIQUES, BUT ONLY….PASSION!

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT US!

FOOD AND WINE TOUR

NEW OFFERS ARE COMING SOON!

IN THE MEANTIME E-MAIL OUR BOOKING OFFICE: booking@discoveringumbria.it