Program
Day 1 - Wed, Nov 6
Arrival at Rome international airport Leonardo da Vinci and transfer to hotel in the center of Rome. Depending on guests' arrival and how tired people are we will decide what activity to do. Most likely we will take a walk to see some of the more iconic Roman squares starting from the elegant Farnese Square, seat of the French Embassy and proceeding to Piazza Navona, an architectural masterpiece with its beautiful fountains. We would then head to Piazza Rotonda where the extraordinary Pantheon is found and continue on to the celebrated and flamboyant Trevi Fountain. We would conclude our afternoon stroll heading down posh Via Condotti that leads to Piazza di Spagna where the very popular Spanish Steps are. Welcome dinner in one of Rome's many fine restaurants.
Day 2 - Thurs, Nov 7
After breakfast we will dedicate the morning to Ancient Rome starting our tour from Piazza Venezia where the colossal, white-marble Altar of the Nation (Vittoriano) dominates the square. Climb up the graceful Cordonata staircase to reach the beautiful hilltop square, Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo. From here you can get a sweeping view over the Ancient Roman Forum, our next stop: an impressive sprawl of ancient ruins of what once were grand temples, basilicas and vibrant public spaces some of which date as far back as 7th century B.C. Finish the morning tour seeing the Colosseum, the very symbol of Rome itself. After a short lunch break continue to explore this awe-inspiring city by taking a golf cart tour of Villa Borghese, Rome's most celebrated park that offers breathtaking views of the eternal city. Visit the Galleria Borghese museum that houses some of the city's most spectacular works of art. Have dinner in one of the characteristic taverns of the lively Trastevere neighborhood.
Day 3 - Fri, Nov 8
After breakfast we will dedicate this day to the Vatican. Begin the day's tour crossing the Umberto I bridge where the impressive Palace of Justice, seat of the Italian Senate, rises up ahead of you. From this bridge you can get one of the very best views of St Peter's. Walk over to the basilica's sweeping piazza and visit its opulent interior.
Have lunch in a local trattoria after which we'll go to the Vatican Museums to see the brilliant Raphael Rooms and the jaw-dropping Sistine Chapel where Michelangelo's overpowering frescoes lie. As we head back to the hotel we can cross over the lovely Sant'Angelo Bridge lined with statues of angels. Dinner on your own.
Day 4 - Sat, Nov 9
After breakfast transfer to villa in the Umbrian countryside stopping in the charming town of Tivoli en route to see the fabulous fountains of Villa d'Este. Get a bite to eat before getting back on the road. Arrive at villa in the afternoon. Check into rooms and enjoy welcome drinks on the villas terrace overlooking a beautiful view. Dinner at villa.
Day 5 - Sun, Nov 10
After breakfast take part in your first hands-on cooking course preparing a full-course Umbrian meal to be had for lunch. In the afternoon take a drive down a scenic wine route and have a wine tasting to try the excellent local Montefiascone wines. Return to villa for dinner.
Day 6 - Mon, Nov 11
After breakfast learn new recipes in another hands-on cooking class. Taste your culinary creations at lunch and enjoy a bit of post-meal downtime before leaving for the beautiful medieval town of Todi which has been called an ideal city. Return to villa for dinner.
Day 7 - Tues, Nov 12
After breakfast visit Perugia, the tiny capital of Umbria. Its historic center is a helter-skelter of cobbled alleyways, arched stairways and piazzas framed by magnificent buildings. Perugia is also home to some unique workshop museums: a stained-glass studio and a loom weaver studio located inside Perugia's oldest Franciscan church. No visit to Perugia would be complete without a visit to a chocolate maker as this city is renowned in Italy for its long lasting tradition of chocolatiers. Return to vill for dinner.
Day 8 - Wed, Nov 13
After breakfast visit Assisi, the birthplace of St Francis who was born in this town in 1181. Assisi's striking beauty and pristinely preserved medieval historic center is a fabled haven which has earned it Unesco world heritage rankings. Return to villa in the afternoon. Dinner in villa.
Day 9 - Thurs, Nov 14
After breakfast we'll cross the picturesque Umbria countryside to reach the imposing and thoroughly medieval town of Gubbio perched on a steep slope. Its stunningly well-preserved Gothic buildings wind their way up a hill and as you wander the streets its evocative alleyways and staircases will elicit textbook visions of Italy. For those who wish a fun activity, go on a giddy ride to the top of Monte Ingino in an open-air, birdcage-like funicular. It's a thrilling and a bit scary experience, but the view at the top will make up for any jitters you may experience. Have lunch in Gubbio. Return to villa for third and last cooking class followed by dinner.
Day 10 - Fri, Nov 15
After breakfast go to Orvieto that drammatically sits atop a volcanic plug above fields of vines, olive trees and cypresses. It is a remarkable town from the very first time you set eyes on it. It's a very photogenic city with a wedding cake-like Gothic cathedral of exquisite detail. One of the coolest places to visit in Orvieto is underground: a series of caves that for milennia have been used for several purposes: as shelters from Romans, barbarians and WWII bombings and as wine cellars, refrigerators and wells. Have lunch in Orvieto on your own. Return to villa in the afternoon. Farewell dinner at villa.
Day 11 - Sat, Nov 16
After breakfast transfer to Rome international airport Leonardo DaVinci for departures. The transfer is 2 hours and half.
Gallery of villa
FUN. REAL. ENLIGHTENING.
PRICE INCLUDES:
- ACCOMMODATION
- ALL MEALS IN VILLA
- ALL TRANSPORTATION MENTIONED IN ITINERARY
- ENTRANCE FEES TO ALL GARDENS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY;
- WALKING TOURS THROUGH ALL THE TOWNS;
- HANDS-ON COOKING LESSONS.
*All activities are subject to change on the basis of which options are deemed to be the most suitable in terms of current culinary standards, the weather conditions on a given day, and other relevant criteria.
Amenities
DOUBLE ROOMS ALL WITH PRIVATE BATHROOM
FREE WIFI
Price does not include airfare
Please contact us to receive a booking form which includes payment methods we support along with our terms & cancellation policy.
contact us: info@whatscookin.it
