A Food Lover's Paradise in Norcia

Our one week stay in Norcia was one of the most memorable and special vacations we've ever taken - far exceeding our expectations! We would highly recommend this particular cooking vacation to everyone. There is so much to say, it's difficult to convey how special this experience really was in such a brief review. Our stay at Palazzo Seneca was top notch and very welcoming. The friendly, warm and welcoming staff at the hotel and Vespasia restaurant really elevated this vacation to another level. The Bianconi family, who own and manage the hotel and restaurant were very welcoming as well. Over the course of one week in four 2.5 hour session, Michelin star chef Valentino Palmisano and his wonderful team (Fabio, Kido and everyone else we met in the kitchen) taught us tips and techniques of regional and traditional Italian cooking. The entire culinary experience, from the lessons to dinners at Vespasia, are unforgettable. It was sad to leave after spending time with and getting to know everyone. The restaurant staff were exceptionally welcoming, friendly and genuine. The excursions included in the package were just as memorable. Our trusted, thoughtful tour guide, companion and friend Tiziano turned each one into something far beyond our expectations - taking time to carefully explain the history and background of each stop over the course of the week. From truffle hunting with Nicola and his four-legged companions (Lulu and Tempestina), tours of Antico Frantoio Carletti (olive oil), Il Casale de li Tappi (Norcineria), Arnaldo Caprai Montefalco winery, and visits to Assissi, Spoleto, and a nearby Benedictine monastery, we were able to experience a great deal of what Umbria offers in a short time. We spent time walking around the village and the countryside - gorgeous views from the hills in mid-September. The International Kitchen staff (Adrian) were extremely helpful in confirming details of our travel, including coordinating transport from Rome, and travel to Florence at the end of the culinary vacation. The pickup at the airport and travel to Florence were both well-planned and flawless. We'd definitely recommend the Norcia cooking vacation to anyone - in particular, food lovers and those who are looking for a memorable culinary experience with an expert, welcoming team. We can honestly say that there were absolutely no negatives about our entire experience in Norcia. We are already missing Norcia, Palazzo Seneca, Vespasia and all the wonderful people we met there. We'll be back!

I just wanted to send you a quick note to thank you and the International Kitchen for organizing such a fabulous trip for us. Everyone in Norcia was fantastic! I don't know if I've ever encountered a more hospitable group of people. Our guide and driver, Tiziano, was superb. He is friendly and very knowledgable about the region. He really went above and beyond the call of duty to show us a great time. He really deserves a lot of praise. All the hotel and restaurant/kitchen staff were amazing. Most notable of course were Emanuele and Filippo, the chefs. Their talent is bar none. They taught us well and were an absolute hoot to be with. As I said in my first email to you from Norcia, their creations made us realize that we can't cook! The only problem with our trip was that we had to leave! Thanks again for a job well done. I look forward to booking another trip through you in the future.

This was a once in a life time vacation. Everything was first class. The accommodations were above expectations, the food was out of this world and the service exceptional. The owners of the hotel and restaurant were always available and spoke with us every evening to make certain everything was as expected. The chef and his staff who taught the cooking class was very personable. I was more than satisfied with this trip, it was a great value for the money.

I attended the cooking school at Palazzo Seneca in Norcia recently with my mother, and we had a wonderful, almost magical week! The hotel is lovely, the town is perfect and the staff almost universally excellent. the chef and the entire kitchen and wait staff are a delight, and the service at all levels was superb. Bottled water was available at each lesson and our choice of coffee always offered to us. Mauro, the Maitre' D at Vespasia, was of particular assistance, one day volunteering to re- set our lunch table in the garden so we could enjoy our meal there. We thoroughly enjoyed our well planned outings to Assisi, to the Olive oil and Cheese manufacturers, the pig farm, the visit to Castellucia, and the truffle hunt with Nicola and his dogs Lulu and Nina was a treat. All these places and experiences would be difficult to arrange on our own, and having Tiziano to capably drive us and shepherd our group of six to and from these outings was invaluable. We were also exceedingly pleased to meet 4 other International Kitchen travelers with whom we shared cooking lessons and meals, and really forged wonderful friendships. On the not as positive side, there was a lack of a single point person at Palazzo Seneca for our group. Prior to departure from the States, we were given an overview of each day's itinerary but not specific times and locations, and often found the front desk staff had either no information or contradicting information about things like start times for the cooking lessons, whether they would be in the hotel kitchen or in another location and if/when various outings would occur. Rectifying this would go a long way towards making the trip even better. We also did not receive any printed recipes and after another member contacted International Kitchen about this, we were told they would be emailed to us. We've been home over a week and have not received them as yet, and wonder if we will. This is highly unorthodox, in any cooking class or demonstration we've attended, there have always been printed recipes, even going back years ago when we saw Jacques Pepin at a cooking demonstration in NYC.
Response from The International Kitchen: Thank you for your feedback! There's always a point person on site, and we're not sure why there wasn't while you were there. We will ensure there will always be one going forward. We'll also be sure to get the recipes sent to you as soon as possible.

The trip was amazing! It was the perfect balance between cooking and sight-seeing, group time and solo time, down time and activities. I felt incredibly well taken care of, and as I was traveling alone, I was even more grateful for this.

From the get go, our little group was made to feel we were special guests of the Bianconi family. From the staff at Palazzo Seneca to our driver guide, Tiziano, to Senora Bianconi who welcomed us into her home for our cooking lessons, all showed us unending Italian hospitality. Flavio, executive chef, was serious about his craft, but not TOO serious. We had a lot of laughs The truffle hunt with Lulu and Nina, two lovely dogs, was a fabulous experience. The setting in the hills among the oak and juniper trees was beautiful. There was no scarcity of summer truffles! Then, the visit to the farm with it's free range pigs was, surprisingly, a highlight. Charming Valentina, daughter of the owners of the small operation, whistled the pigs out of the forest so we could see the 3 different varieties. She had set up a table on the side of the road at the edge of the forest where we sampled various salamis and sausages her pigs provide along with a glass of homemade red wine. Learning that the chefs from the White House had recently visited there to learn more about Italian products was impressive. The small town of Norcia felt so very "authentic" as the tourists were almost exclusively Italian. Loved it all.

What an exciting, yet charming trip to Norcia, Palazzo Seneca and The International Kitchen cooking school! Our group of 7 was welcomed warmly by the Palazzo Seneca staff and made to feel pampered all week. Wonderful room and balcony! Palazzo Seneca is a fascinating building with many areas for relaxing. The Bianconi family generously welcomed us into their home for our classes, even coming to personally greet each of us. Chef Flavio spoke English well and was really lots of fun-serious about his work yet relaxed so that I never felt nervous. He always patiently answered our questions, explaining things as we worked. Three special moments for me--the truffle hunt with dogs Nina and Lulu, the trip up to Castelluccio village to visit the cheese maker family and the stop at the pig farm with lovely Valentina. Delightful hostess who provided us with a beautiful tray of sliced sausages from the family pigs. Fun trip! Can't say enough good things about our wonderful driver and guide, Tiziano, always at our disposal, explaining everything, thoughtful and kind. The best! Go to Norcia! The staff was knowledgeable and answered my questions when I called. The International Kitchen did plan our transport to Florence after the class was over as well as a hotel in Rome. The hotel was very nice at a super rate and in a safe area close to the main train station. Transport to Florence was flawless. Great driver.

I thought the trip was great but I didn't like the cooking class structure. I wasn't fond of the "lunch" class which wasn't really lunch, and having to eat dinner every night at two restaurants. That didn't work for me. I went one time to each and ate elsewhere the other days. I loved the cooking instructor, however there wasn't enough hands on cooking. When I did the trip on the Amalfi coast, that was perfect. I loved the location and our guide Tiziano. The hotel was also fantastic. I didn't like the fact that we went to Assisi and the guide monopolized our time. I wanted to see Assisi and shop and have lunch and we weren't allowed too. We ended up having to have lunch at some roadside place because it was the only thing open. We should have been given the option to follow her tour or meet someplace at a certain time.

I loved my week of cooking at Palazzo Seneca in Umbria and I will never forget it. Norcia was delightful, small and quaint, exactly what I wanted. Palazzo Seneca exceeded my expectations. It is so tastefully done and feels more like you are staying in a grand home rather than a hotel. There are many communal areas. Each room had been renovated with tasteful furniture, some new and some antique, maintaining an old world charm. It was great to be able to move into the fireplace room for drinks after dinner, or eat outside in the courtyard. However the thing that I found most outstanding was the staff. Everyone was so nice and helpful and the service was incredible, nothing was too hard or too much trouble. It was 5-star service but everyone was still friendly and approachable. Flavio, the chef was amazing, as well as our waiters Mauro and Laura and even our driver Tiziano was a gem of information and friendliness. The food at the hotel was outstanding and I can't believe how much food was included every day. It wasn't just quantity but quality — deconstructed tiramisu, rabbit, fish I had never seen before, egg with bread and parmesan crumb on pappa di pomodoro, a very exciting and sophisticated take an Italian food. While it was nice to go to some of the other places in town, for me Palazzo Seneca was by far the best place to eat. And the breakfast! A display of the freshest ingredients, legs of prosciutto crudo, salami, fresh bread, homemade jam, tarts, cakes, coffees, an egg station - loved it all! The classes themselves were great, I liked that there was some flexibility on what we learnt and all the recipes were things I had never done before, or at least not in that way, so that was great. I cook a lot of Italian food so I was worried it would be what my mum could teach me but this was so much more than that, it was learning from a very talented chef, and watching him work and think in a functioning restaurant kitchen was very insightful and a great opportunity. Overall I highly recommend the course and the place. What a great way to spend a week! I needed advice about which course to choose, there were so many to choose from and they all sounded great for different reasons and it was hard to figure out which one would be a good fit for me and my group. Chatting with The International Kitchen was very helpful rather than just reading about it online. They were able to guide me given I have a 5 year old and the rest were not traveling with children.

I was truly impressed with how well this trip was organized. Palazzo Seneca was beyond my expectations. The entire staff was professional and extremely accommodating. The family was constantly watching out for us. Norcia was a delightful town, a hidden gem. The side trips were expertly picked. I would have liked more time in Orvieto and Spoleto. The farm trips were fascinating, trips we could have never experienced on our own - I would not hesitate to recommend The International Kitchen.

We loved the town of Norcia and the hotel Palazzo Seneca. The staff were very accommodating and had been well trained in the philosophy that the guest's request is very important. Staff was particularly helpful when one of our party had a tooth abscess which needed medical care and medication. The Bianconi family, parents and especially the two sons, made a point of visiting with us, and were interested in our feedback. I love the open mindedness of the chef, Alberto, who took extra time with us in the hotel kitchen, also Sarah, his wife who made among other wonderful things, the most delicious focaccia! The truffle hunt evening and the visit to the pig farm were highlights. All in all, a very special experience.

It's taken me quite a while to write about our experience at Palazzo Seneca. Not because it wasn't everything I dreamed of and more, but because it so exceeded all of my expectations that I wrote and re-wrote my experience trying to capture it all in the best way possible. My husband and I travel to Italy every year and have for years, we love the country, the people, and, of course the food and wine. I love to cook and it had been my dream to take a cooking class in Italy. I've imagined what it would be like so many times, that I was prepared to be a bit disappointed. How could it live up to my expectations I wondered. We're very seasoned travelers, due to our work we travel all over the world and we've been lots of places, and we've come to expect certain things especially when we're on vacation. This trip was the most fantastic experience of my life! Exceeded all my expectations and everything was absolutely perfect! We looked at every cooking class offered and we finally decided on Palazzo Seneca, because of its location, the hotel itself, and that it offered 4 days of cooking! From the moment we arrived and were met at the airport by Tizano - who we became instant friends with. He was our driver and our guide and we so valued his knowledge of the area - he made our excursions really wonderful, and I know our friendship will continue for years to come. It's hard to describe the class - because it was so perfect. I was so excited I felt like a kid on Christmas morning. Our first day began with meeting the chef and his team. He has a small but very dedicated and talented team, and they were great to work with and watch. It turned out that it would be just my husband and I for the class - which was fantastic, having it all to ourselves. ...Each day we learned something new - and I have to say that on day two we were joined by another couple and they were wonderful, newlyweds from London and we had THE BEST time together learning how to make pasta! Our classes began with breakfast and appetizers, then on to pasta, main courses and of course ended with desserts. We took copious notes and my husband drew pictures which really helped when we got back home and tried the recipes ourselves. We also had fantastic day trips, one day we went to a pig farm - the only one in Italy where the pigs are free range (there are only 3 in all of Europe), we went on a truffle hunt - so much fun!!! And we also went to visit a goat and sheep farm, and of course we went to a winery too! I also want to note that Palazzo Seneca is beautiful and just perfect for us, lots of places to sit and read or have a drink and relax. Our room was beautiful, and very comfortable (I'm still dreaming about the bed), we've stayed in places all over the world and Palazzo Seneca ranks up there at the top of the list. The staff are wonderful, and we felt so comfortable and right at home. It's truly lovely. At the end of a trip what remains -- those lasting impressions -- is the people you meet and experiences you have. Ours was the best ever -- I learned so much, not just about food but also about the people and the culture of Norcia and Umbria. The best advice I have is - GO!!! ...

Norcia was charming and the Palzzo Seneca was lovely - Beautiful 5 star boutique hotel with friendly staff. The details were well organized starting with our Mercedes car service and driver from the Rome airport. Each day was the perfect blend of personal time, cooking, and activity. The staff was very accommodating to our schedule and preferences. The cooking classes ranged from 1-3 hours and focused on technique and regional cooking. The classes tended to be a blend of demonstration and "hands-on." We thoroughly enjoyed the planned activities - truffle hunting, visiting a pig farm, day trips to Assisi and Spoleto with a highly educated guide who spoke good English. We also appreciated not having to plan a thing once we landed in Rome! The food and meals were spectacular. I would recommend this to anyone with discerning tastes and an appetite for a peaceful, yet active, vacation. I would not classify this as a cook school, but cooking classes.

Norcia was charming and the Palzzo Seneca was lovely - Beautiful 5 star boutique hotel with friendly staff. The details were well organized starting with our Mercedes car service and driver from the Rome airport. Each day was the perfect blend of personal time, cooking, and activity. The staff was very accommodating to our schedule and preferences. The cooking classes ranged from 1-3 hours and focused on technique and regional cooking. The classes tended to be a blend of demonstration and "hands-on." We thoroughly enjoyed the planned activities - truffle hunting, visiting a pig farm, day trips to Assisi and Spoleto with a highly educated guide who spoke good English. We also appreciated not having to plan a thing once we landed in Rome! The food and meals were spectacular. I would recommend this to anyone with discerning tastes and an appetite for a peaceful, yet active, vacation. I would not classify this as a cook school, but cooking classes.

My daughter and I really enjoyed our time in Norcia. The hotel Palazzo Seneca was lovely. Our accommodations were perfect. The staff was very, very hospitable, competent and went out of their way to satisfy our every need. Our chef was truly knowledgeable and shared his love of Italian food. We enjoyed every part of our trip to Umbria but the classes were by far the best part of it all. I would have liked a bit more 'hands on' participation like we did when making fresh pasta but other than that, everything was perfect.