10 Day Tour Of Italy
Italy Food And Wine Tour
"Slow Down & Smell The Pasta"
Italy Off The Beaten Path -- 10 Day Tour Of Italy
Get Ready To Take An Italy Food And Wine Tour Of Gourmet Culinary Delights And Enjoy Outstanding Wines
Italy is known worldwide for the variety and high quality of its food, wine, olive oil, cheeses, cured meats and many other artisan foods. There are a huge number of wines to taste and to enjoy from more than 310,000 Italian wineries -- as compared with just 11,000 wineries in the U.S. Most of the wine produced in Italy stays within Italy.
There is much to discover here in the land of high quality artisan wine producers – most of which are unknown to foreigners.
For these reasons, we are able to offer one of the best food and wine tours of Italy. This tour is geared toward those who consider themselves gourmets, foodies, and wine lovers.
We are located in the heart of Central Italy in the regions known as Umbria and Tuscany. This geographic area is famous among Italians but not so much with foreigners. Among Italians, it is known for being among the best places for food and wine in Italy.
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A recent Trip Advisor study concluded that this region has the best food in all of Italy. Forbes Magazine recently crowned a local town "one of the top six wine touring cities in all of Europe."
During your Italy food and wine tour, you will sample and enjoy delicious fresh food, much of it organic and locally grown. Enjoy a combination of authentic lunches and gourmet dinners at Italian restaurants, trattorias, local wineries, and farmhouse hotels. Indulge in a scrumptious meal at a charming Conde Nast-rated family restaurant.​
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Savor delightful and exceptional wines from some of the best Italian vineyards and best Italian wineries to visit. We’ll treat you to a special rare red wine from a grape variety that is seldom found elsewhere the world. Shop for fresh Italian produce, take a private cooking class with an authentic chef or Italian “nonna”, and enjoy your private meal in a 17th century storybook palazzo.
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There will be ample private time to do things on your own so you can enjoy during your relaxing trip to Italy.
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Typical Italian Itinerary
Italy Food And Wine Tour
An Italy Food And Wine Vacation To
Umbria, Tuscany, Florence And Siena
10 Day Tour Of Italy - For 10 Days / 9 Nights
Saturday
Travel To Italy To Start Your Italy Food And Wine Vacation
Sunday Day 1
10 Day Italy Food And Wine Tour
Arrive In Italy And Travel To Enchanting Spello
Arrive in Rome at Fiumicino airport. You will be met by an Italian/English-speaking chauffeur who will whisk you away by private car for your visit to the spectacular heart of Italy.
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Experience your first leisurely lunch in Italy at a restaurant that features local Italian specialties such as prosciutto ham, tartufo mushrooms, seasonal wild asparagus, and more.
The setting includes a stunning vista of the Italian countryside.
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Enjoy the remainder of your afternoon on your own while relaxing at your authentic Italian hotel, lounging by the pool, or exploring the quaint small town of Spello.
We will start our evening early with an informal get-together where you will receive a brief orientation with a casual wine tasting and with a sampling heavy appetizers in a genuine privately-owned 17th century Italian palazzo.
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Private driver from Rome Airport, lunch with local Italian wine (if desired), and a light dinner with drinks and heavy appetizers are included.
Monday, Day 2
Italy Food And Wine Tour
An Authentic Umbrian Truffle Hunt & Feast
A favorite among our Italy Adventures travelers, your first day is a deep dive into the heart of the Umbrian mountains, far off the beaten trail.
Following a relaxing breakfast, we’ll wind our way to a secluded stone village. Here, you’ll be welcomed by a family whose roots in these mountains span centuries across their private 2,500-acre estate. Over a morning espresso, your hosts will introduce you to their expert truffle-hunting dogs before heading out on foot.
As you walk along panoramic ridgelines and through ancient oak forests, you’ll watch the dogs work, feeling the thrill of uncovering genuine Umbrian truffles. Leading the way is the capo of the hunt, whose encyclopedic knowledge and humor add a rich layer to every discovery.
Your morning rewards start in an alpine meadow, where you'll enjoy fresh truffles grated over scrambled eggs or farmhouse cheese, paired with crisp prosecco.
Upon returning to the village, Maria will host an intimate cooking demonstration, revealing the secrets to crafting perfect tagliatelle from scratch. As you watch, sample local prosciutto, homemade salami, and regional wines.
The day culminates in a leisurely farm lunch at a lively communal table. Feast on wood-fired bruschetta, artisan-cured meats, handmade truffle pasta, and grilled specialties—with local wine flowing freely. You will need to come to lunch hungry in order to enjoy all of the great food!
We’ll then return to Spello to relax. If you still have room, we will escort you to a delightful local restaurant with a beautiful 14th-century interior for a light dinner.
Included: All meals, coffee, tea, sparkling water, truffle hunt, and local Italian wine, if desired.
Tuesday, Day 3
Italy Food And Wine Tour
Visit Roman Gubbio & Wood-Fired Pizza
This morning we will venture off the beaten path into the mountains for a scenic drive to Gubbio, an unforgettable Roman and medieval hilltop town. Regarded as one of Italy’s best-kept secrets, this mystical destination seems to float halfway up Mount Ingino, visible from miles away.
Gubbio is a food lover’s paradise, renowned for mountain delicacies like wild mushrooms and wild boar.
Since it is Tuesday, we’ll explore the vibrant weekly market—the largest in Umbria—where over 200 vendors offer local crafts, clothing, kitchen gadgets, leather goods, fresh produce and fruits, street food, and many other things.
Afterward, you can enjoy a self-paced day: we can take you to ride in the open-air cable car up Mount Ingino and enjoy sweeping vistas of the Apennines and of Gubbio. You can wander through town and stop at several artisan shops, or visit some of the museums. For lunch, we will go to a popular local restaurant that serves a large number of local specialties.
We’ll return to Spello in the late afternoon so you can relax and refresh before dinner.
Tonight features a casual but unforgettable meal: a feast of authentic, wood-fired pizzas at a beloved local pizzeria.
Included: All meals, coffee, tea, sparkling water, and local Italian wine, if desired.
Wednesday, Day 4
Italy Food And Wine Tour
Authentic Umbria Cooking Lesson
After a leisurely breakfast, we will treat you to the ultimate culinary adventure: an authentic half-day cooking lesson at a charming family farm in the rolling hills near Spello. This fully hands-on, interactive experience completely immerses you in the heart of traditional Italian culture.
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Far from a simple demonstration, you will work in a small, intimate group under the warm guidance of an English-speaking Italian chef, learning the secrets behind regional recipes passed down through generations.
You will pick fresh, seasonal produce directly from the estate’s lush organic garden and pair them with ingredients sourced from local markets. Working from scratch, you will master essential Italian techniques while preparing a magnificent four-course meal:
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A classic starter
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Handmade pasta or gnocchi
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A traditional meat or vegetarian main with a seasonal side dish
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A delectable dessert
The highlight of the day comes at lunch, where you will gather to savor the fruits of your labor. Relax and enjoy the four courses you just created, beautifully complemented by the farm's organic extra-virgin olive oil and estate-produced wines. Complete with a convivial atmosphere, great conversation, and espresso, it is a true celebration of Italian hospitality.
Before you say arrivederci, you will receive an official participation certificate, a customized apron, and a recipe folder so you can confidently recreate a taste of Umbria at home.
After the cooking lesson, we will take you to visit and shop in the world-famous city of Assisi for the rest of the afternoon. Founded over 2,500 years ago, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a stunning ancient Roman town and the historic hometown of St. Francis.
Note: If you are still hungry after your culinary immersion, dinner is on us at one of several excellent, family-owned local restaurants.
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Included: All meals, coffee, tea, sparkling water, and local Italian wine, if desired.
Thursday, Day 5
Italy Food And Wine Tour
Olive Oil Tasting & Mountain Lunch
This day is dedicated entirely to the "liquid gold" and rich culinary heritage of Umbria, designed explicitly for our signature, slow-paced style of our Italy Food & Wine Tours. Curated for travelers who like to try different foods and true wine lovers, today’s small-group itinerary takes us off the beaten path and into the heart of Central Italy.
During the day, we will weave through ancient, sun-drenched olive groves, vineyards, and high-mountain retreats to showcase exactly why Umbria is called the "green heart of Italy" and is celebrated for authentic Italian cuisine.
After a leisurely breakfast, our private driver will take us to an olive grove that has one of the oldest olive trees in Umbria, an “ulivi millenari”. This olive tree is over 1,000 years old and striking in its size.
We’ll walk through their olive grove to their tasting room. Guided by one of the owners, you will learn how to properly warm olive oil in your hands; inhale the vibrant aromas of green tomatoes, artichokes, and freshly cut grass; and to recognize the characteristic peppery kick at the back of the throat—the true marker of award-winning, extra virgin olive oil.
Following the olive oil tasting, we will drive up into the pristine mountains nearby to reach an authentic mountain lodge restaurant. There with many locals, you’ll enjoy lunch featuring traditional, hearty Umbrian food. You can try some Umbrian bread -- torta al testo -- baked right on a wood fire, pasta with truffles, wild boar ragu’ and other specialties, washed down with a robust Montefalco wine.
After lunch, we will return to Spello to the local olive oil coop to see how olives are turned into brilliant, emerald-green Umbrian olive oil. You will also have a chance to sample some of the olive oils they produce.
You will have some time to relax or lounge by your pool before having dinner at a small, family-owned restaurant.
Included: All meals, coffee, tea, sparkling water, olive oil tasting, and local Italian wine, if desired.
Friday, Day 6
Italy Food And Wine Tour
Scenic Walk & Tuscan Barbeque
Today’s adventure offers a choice of two beautiful morning walks.
If you love history, take a leisurely stroll along a scenic path tracing an ancient Roman aqueduct, where you'll be surrounded by wild flowers, lush olive trees, and rolling vineyards.
Alternatively, you can wander down a quiet, narrow country lane used by local farmers, offering views of sprawling olive groves that stretch as far as the eye can see.
For lunch, we’ll head to Montefalco—a town legendary for its bold red wines. We’ll dine at a Condé Nast- and Gambero Rosso-recommended gem featured on the Italian television program 4 Ristoranti. Here, you’ll savor a spectacular, seasonally inspired lunch that showcases the region's best flavors.
The afternoon continues with an exclusive tasting at one of our favorite family-owned wineries. We'll tour their historic wine cellar and sample a premium selection of their signature red and white wines.
Later, we’ll return to Spello so you can pack up before tonight’s unforgettable grand finale. We gather at a private palazzo for a festive farewell dinner: a classic Tuscan barbecue featuring Bistecca alla Fiorentina.
Sourced from prized Chianina cattle—a historic breed dating back to the Romans—this massive, thick-cut steak is grilled to absolute perfection, then sliced and finished with robust extra-virgin olive oil and flaky sea salt. While traditionally served rare in Italy, our chef will happily prepare it exactly to your taste (your secret is safe with us!).
Included: All meals, coffee, tea, sparkling water, and local Italian wine, if desired.
Saturday Day 7
10 Day Italy Food And Wine Tour
Trip To Tuscany For Tour Of Florence And Siena
We’re off today to see some of the most popular places in Italy. During the last few days of your Italy Food And Wine Tour, you’ll see the incredible Tuscan towns of Florence and Siena.
Florence was once one of the wealthiest and most influential cities in the world. Today it is a major artistic, cultural, commercial, political and financial center. It is known for its extraordinary Renaissance architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Forbes ranked Florence as the most beautiful city in the world in 2010.
We’ll make the short trip to Florence by train to enjoy the beautiful Italian countryside as we depart Umbria and arrive in Tuscany for our Florence adventure.
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When we arrive, we will check-in to your 4-star Italian hotel located in the heart of Florence. We’ll grab a light lunch at a restaurant that specializes in Tuscan cuisine including homemade pici pasta, Tuscan meats, various tomato or bean soups, great Tuscan red and white wines, and more.
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After lunch, we’ll take a guided walking tour conducted by a knowledgeable local tour guide to get oriented to Florence.
Florence will be a marked change from Umbria since it is not a hilltop town. Instead the historic center is quite flat. It is also a great place to mingle, explore and walk since vehicle traffic is restricted for local residents, taxis and hotel guests.
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After your walking tour you can continue to explore the labyrinth of ancient Florentine streets while admiring the exquisite renaissance architecture. You can stop to taste some creamy Italian artisan gelato; admire numerous quaint jewelry shops which line the oldest bridge in Florence, the famous Ponte Vecchio; walk along the Arno River; do some shopping at myriad small shops, or grab a cocktail or glass of wine from one of the many wine bars in Florence. There are lots of different things to do in Florence that we can recommend.
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You’ll will have dinner tonight at one of our favorite Tuscan restaurants. It is tucked away in a corner of an ancient piazza. The restaurant serves award winning authentic Tuscan foods. The fresh pasta and bread are prepared daily and made on-site. All dishes are based on the best seasonal ingredients and the menu changes with the season. For a special treat, you can also sample their deep green Tuscan olive oil which is produced on the restaurant owners’ estate outside of Florence. If you still have energy, you can go back to the sky terrace at your hotel to have a nightcap and enjoy a nighttime view of Florence.
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Included: Transportation by train from Umbria to Florence, guided tour of Florence, all meals, coffee, tea, sparkling water, and local Italian wine (if desired) and lodging in Florence.
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Sunday Day 8
10 Day Italy Food And Wine Tour
Tour Of Florence - Continued
Today, we’ll visit the Galleria dell’Accademia, one of Italy’s most popular museums. This well-known museum features Michelangelo’s colossal statue of David.
In addition to the David, there are six large unfinished marble statues that line the gallery. Many people grow quiet when they enter and stare in awe. The figures are so lifelike that they seem frozen in time.
After our experience seeing the David we will walk five minutes to the nearby Mercato Centrale. This 150-year old open-air marketplace features artisan food shops that cater to local residents and restaurants.
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As part of your Italian small group tour you will be able to peruse the many interesting shops. They offer a vast selection local produce: cheeses, meats, salami’s, wine, liquors, soft drinks, and much more. We’ll get a whiff of the wonderful scents of all kinds of products and especially prosciutto hams with the local favorite called “Cinta Senese” that is prized throughout Italy. It is a lot of fun to sample and discover what you like best.
We will then have lunch at one of the authentic casual restaurants inside the market or from one of the many restaurants located outside, depending on your preference.
After lunch, we will go up to a square on a promontory high above Florence – the famous Piazzale Michelangelo. From here you can see an incredible panoramic view of all of Florence. You’ll see the giant basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore which from this vantage appears to be small. You see the historic wall surrounding parts of Florence and arc of the Arno River. The square is a great place to take some fine photos.
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We’ll then return to the center of old Florence. You’ll have some time to do things on your own before dinner. You can go back to relax at your hotel, continue shopping, or walk around Florence and explore the narrow streets.
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Florence is an international city that offers you some wonderful international dinner options. We’ll recommend several restaurants where you can find Indian, Turkish, Thai, or Japanese cuisine.
Or, you can select from one of our many favorite Italian restaurants. Perhaps tonight is the night to try an authentic Florentine beefsteak -- Bistecca alla Fiorentina -- or select from numerous other tasty Tuscan specialties.
Included: Museum tickets, transportation within the city center, and all meals, coffee, tea, sparkling water, and local Italian wine, if desired.
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Monday Day 9
10 Day Italy Food And Wine Tour
Tour In Siena
After breakfast we’ll take you on a short public bus ride for your own Italian small group tour to one of the most beautiful cities in Italy – Siena.
Siena was first settled by the Etruscans around 2,500 years ago. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was one of the most important cities in medieval Europe. Siena is famous for its food, art, museums and its medieval landscape. It also has one of the oldest universities in the world.
When you arrive in Siena, you will definitely feel like you have gone back in time.
You’ll see the gigantic Piazza del Campo which is regarded as one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares. It is renowned for its architecture and beauty and is lined with red brick buildings. Siena is also the site of a famous horse-race held twice each summer – the Palio of Siena.
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After walking around a bit and having time to admire the piazza, we’ll have an early lunch at a Tuscan restaurant and pizzeria on the main square. You can do some people watching while enjoying a view of the piazza and all of its architectural glory.
After lunch we will stop at the Palazzo Pubblico across the piazza. The palace is a grand work of architecture in itself, with nearly every interior room frescoed. You can climb the stairs in the medieval tower next door to get a commanding view of Siena.
Siena is also a wonderful shopping town. We’ll walk around the medieval road that surrounds the piazza and is lined by all kinds of intriguing shops.
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We’ll then visit the main duomo or cathedral located just a couple of blocks away. The duomo was completed in the 14th century and is a masterpiece of Italian Romanesque-Gothic architecture. It has an imposing zebra-like facade featuring alternating white and black marble.
You’ll have plenty of time to explore the town, do some shopping, or grab another gelato. Late in the afternoon we will take the bus back to Florence. There you can freshen up at your hotel.
We’ll then have a fond farewell celebration with cocktails, wine and a Tuscan dinner. There you can talk about the wonders of Italy and perhaps even start dreaming of a future return trip!
Included: Transportation to Siena and all meals with coffee, tea, sparkling water, and local Italian wine, if desired.
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Tuesday Day 10
10 Day Italy Food And Wine Tour
Depart For Florence Airport Or Rome Airport
Your tour ends after breakfast. On the final morning of your 10 day tour of Italy, you will be picked up at your hotel to take you to the Florence airport for your flight back home. Instead, if you are flying out of Rome, we will escort you to the Florence train station and guide you to the high-speed train which will take you to Rome and Fiumicino Airport.
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Transportation to Florence Airport or Rome Airport and breakfast are included.
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Please Note: This schedule may change subject to weather and availability.
What’s Included
10 Day Italy Food And Wine Tour
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10 Day Tour Of Italy: For 10 days / 9 nights
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All-Inclusive In Italy Tour
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Ground transportation from Rome airport upon arrival. Upon departure, transportation to Florence Airport Or Train Tickets from Florence to Rome airport if departing from Rome. Bus transportation to and from Siena to Florence
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9 nights lodging in two Italian 4-star hotels in Central Italy regions of Umbria and Tuscany
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Transportation for each day of the tour as needed
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All breakfasts, lunches and dinners with Italian wine, if desired
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Private dinner prepared by an Italian chef
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Museum tickets
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Cocktail party featuring heavy appetizers at a private storybook palazzo
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Wine tastings will take place at cozy wine bars in Italian wine country. The tastings will also include tours of wine cellars and vineyards.
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Professional Italian tour guide available during portions of the tour
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Numerous opportunities to shop
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Optional time for biking, walking, hiking, trekking, cycling, e-biking or e bike
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Additional private time to do things together or on your own
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What's Not Included
Italy Food And Wine Tour
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Flights to and from Italy
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Travel Insurance
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Passport Fees
Italy Food And Wine Tour Accommodations
​We select independent, distinctive boutique hotels that are often family-owned and deeply connected to their local communities. Many are nestled within remarkable historic properties—such as beautifully restored, centuries-old stone mills or hilltop estates—offering a true sense of place.
You will rest comfortably in charming, authentic Italian 4-star properties featuring essential modern amenities, including Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and private, en-suite bathrooms. Our guests frequently share that these intimate, memory-making properties are a highlight of their trip, offering warmth, personality, and scenic charm that generic corporate hotels simply cannot replicate.