Italy Cooking Classes: Cooking Vacations in Umbria

A Culinary Adventure in Umbria - NEW
Norcia, Umbria

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About the Location: Norcia, a town famed for its black truffles, its nestled in the center of the region of Umbria, completely enclosed by its 14th century walls and surrounded by the Monti Sibilllini Park. With a great culinary history, the town is known for its lentils, sausages, cheese, as well as the truffles. The region is rich with culture, Renaissance art, wine and gastronomy, as well as hand-crafted products.

Spend six magical nights at Palazzo Seneca, a hotel in an Umbrian palace. This charming residence dating back to the sixteenth century is located in the heart of Norcia, and has recently been fully restored. The fusion of design and tradition, simplicity and quality, is the secret of this elegant project realized by Vincenzo and Federico Bianconi, the latest generation of a family who has been offering hospitality and food service since 1850. The skilled restoration, the research of unique materials and objects, along with the work of the best Umbrian craftsmen, have made Palazzo Seneca a unique destination in its genre.

About the cooking lessons: Learn the secrets of Umbrian cooking using ingredients such as black truffles from the territory of Norcia, lentils from the plateau of Castelluccio, lamb provided by local farms situated in the Monti Sibillini National Park, Chianina beef from a pasture in the Visso area, pork from a small farm in Pieve Torina, Salumi prepared by a small producer according to the local tradition, one-year-old pecorino cheese matured in a cellar, and fresh ricotta cheese from a local producer. Classes are held either in the original house of the Bianconi family, or in the beautiful, well-equipped kitchen of the Vespasia Restaurant. Your instructor for the week, Chef Flavio, gives classic Umbrian recipes a modern and delicious touch. He has worked in many prestigious restaurants around Italy, such as ‘Al Palazzo,’ (one Michelin star), ‘I Vechhi Tempi,’ and ‘La Frasca,’ (two Michelin stars), and has had many years of experience as a culinary teacher.

A Culinary Adventure in Umbria - NEW Itinerary

Day 1

  • Transfer from the Rome Fiumicino Airport to Palazzo Seneca in Norcia.
  • This afternoon, enjoy a welcome drink and a short presentation on your cooking course.
  • This evening, enjoy a dinner at Ristorante Vespasia of Palazzo Seneca.

Day 2

  • After breakfast, your introduction to Umbrian cooking gets underway with your first cooking class.
  • Lunch based on your efforts.
  • In the afternoon a black truffle hunt. (During the months of May & September another activity will be substituted.)
  • Dinner tonight will be at Granaro del Monte restaurant.

Day 3

  • After breakfast, depart for an excursion to the legendary Assisi, the city of Saint Francis (with guided visit).
  • Lunch on your own.
  • Afterward, it’s on to the famous town of Montefalco, land of the Sagrantino red wine, and a visit to a local winery where we will be invited to taste wonderful wines.
  • Return and dinner at Ristorante Vespasia this evening.

Day 4

  • Breakfast, followed by your next cooking lesson.
  • Lunch based on your efforts.
  • In the afternoon visit some local producers (cheese, prosciutto, sausages & salami).
  • Dinner at Granaro del Monte restaurant this evening.

Day 5

  • After breakfast, the next cooking class with lunch based on your efforts.
  • Afterward, a visit to Spoleto, a bronze-age town located on the slope of a sacred mountain in the Apennines. Just one of their numerous ancient Roman and medieval sacred sites is the Duomo, which is home to Filippo Lippi’s last fresco cycle.
  • Return to the hotel. Ristorante Vespasia for dinner.

Day 6

  • Breakfast followed by your final cooking lesson.
  • Lunch to follow based on your efforts.
  • Afternoon at leisure. At an additional cost, you will have the optional opportunity to shop for cashmere (Umbria is well known for its production of cashmere). Alternatively, you might want to visit a shoe outlet. Either of these optional excursions can be requested locally.
  • Tonight’s dinner will be at Ristorante Vespasia.

Day 7

  • Breakfast at the hotel, final farewells and depart for your transfer to Fiumicino Airport in Rome.

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