Italy is synonymous with stunning landscapes, rich cultures, - and great food and wine! Central to this matrix is its rich and healthful olive oils. From olive groves that grace hillsides to the magnificent ancient specimens that pre-date the Roman Empire, these trees form a part of the fabric that unites landscape and culture.
In our Flavors of Italy workshop, we will serve a "tasting menu" of the landscapes of our remarkable region. Immersed in its stunning scenery, our focus in this "a la carte" overview, will be to feast on central Italy's cultures, food and wine, - and of course its extraordinary olive oil!
As soon as we pick you up at the Rome/Fiumicino Airport, we will begin our with "sampler" by going all the way back to the volcanic origins of Italy with a visit to beautiful crater-lake - Bolsena where we will spend the night on its tranquil shores in the classic, Hotel Columbus. Afterward, we will travel to Tombolo, a 5-star seaside luxury resort, (https://www.chgroup.eu/tombolo/) where we will spend two lovely evenings while enjoying the sea, the spa, and the wonderful facilities. On Day 4, we will view the splendid cathedral of Siena - the Duomo- with a guided tour followed by a sampling of the famed traditional pastry's of the city. From here, we will travel on to our Umbrian village of Monte Castello di Vibio. In this beautiful and tranquil medieval hill town the vistas seem endless, the nights are cool, and air if filled with culture and history.
Umbria is the region called the Green Heart of Italy. It is a land of olive trees, grape vines, wheat fields, and rich in ancient traditions. In the farms surrounding our village, we are very fortunate to produce some of the finest oils in Italy. Those who have never experienced it, will be amazed by the complex flavor: smelling of the green of freshly cut grass, then rich and buttery, and finally - a spicy finish! Our "Green -Gold" as it is sometimes called, is among the most complex oils in the world! We are fortunate to be, just uphill from Passo del Palomba, a farm estate owned by Alessandro Gilotti and his wife, Claudia. Sandro is an internationally renowned expert on olive oil, and owner of one of the most highly-regarded producers in the region. The couples passion for this land as well as for the oil and wine they produce, is infectious and participants will soon be won over by their enthusiasm for the health benefits of his oil and his vast knowledge of cultivation and production. We will spend three mornings with Sandro and Claudia sampling oils and wines they produce, while learning about the history and the health benefits of this incredible food!
We will spend 4-nights in Monte Castello before moving on to Castello del Postignano. The castle spilling down the mountainside looking out over the mysterious Sibillini Mountains was restored by American architect, Norman Carver and is now a unique luxury resort and will be a fascinating place to spend an evening enjoying great food and wine. On day 9, we will depart Postignano for the Adriatic Coast of Italy where we will visit the extraordinary Conero Rivera. Turquoise water, and huge white cliffs make this an area of stunning beauty and a destination for seafood lovers. After visiting a local, mountain winery, we will stay the fascinating, Fortino Napolianico, in Portonova. This former fort of the Napoleonic age, has been converted into a stunning hotel. Sitting directly on the sea, the location provides exceptional beach access, pool with grassy yard, and gourmet seafood meals. On Day 11, we will head back for a final night in Monte Castello stopping en route at Assisi for a brief tour of the church of San Francesco, one of the most important churches in Italy. The following day, we will head to Fiumicino for an overnight at the beautiful Isola Sacra Hotel. The next morning, participants will be transported to the FCO airport for their morning flights. 
Refund/Cancellation Policy
Payment in full must be made within 30 days of submission of € 500 (Euro) non-refundable deposit in order to hold the reservation.
Payment in full is required within 60 days of the start of the workshop- no participant will be admitted to our airport transfer with an outstanding balance.
All payments are non-refundable after payment in full has been made - however, under certain circumstances (see below) credit from one course may be utilized for another within a one-year period.
Session Cancellation by ICARTS
ICARTS only “cancels” retreats in the event of low enrollment or in circumstances in which providing the opportunity to re-schedule is not possible.
In circumstances in which travel is interrupted due to travel restrictions or health protocols, Force Majeure (such as a: strike, riot, acts of God) ICARTS WILL NOT CANCEL and will re-schedule programs to the soonest reasonable opportunity.
In case of death or illness. of instructor, a substitution will be made at the discretion of ICARTS
Each ICA Retreat requires a minimum number of participants in attendance - including the Residency Program. While the minimum enrollment number may vary according to the timing and duration of the session, the limit is typically, six (6), to nine (9)
If the minimum number of participants is not reached, we reserve the the right to cancel those programs.
If deemed necessary, notification of cancellation will be made as soon as possible following the close of Registration or typically, 30 days before the start of the session/course/tour/event.
When a condition arises that results in a cancellation, participants will be notified and the class will be rescheduled to a later date.
In event that ICA determines that enrollment for a particular session/Retreat is insufficient, ICA will typically offer you:
(a) an option to join an alternative session/course/tour/event, within a one-year period or
(b) to defer your participation until the rescheduled date of the intended workshop
Cancellation by the Participant
Cancellation by the participant is not possible however, in certain circumstances - such as illness of the participant or illness or death of a close relative or spouse - payment may be applied to another workshop within a one-year period.
Candidates seeking to cancel due to personal hardship, illness, or death should contact the ICA in writing, stating full personal and course details. In this case, fees paid – excluding deposit - MAY BE applied to another workshop within a one-year period. However, this withdrawal and substitution may not cause the enrollment to fall below the minimum number, and this is the case substitutions cannot be made.
Up to 90 days before a session/course/tour/event starts a participant may also request a transfer to another session/tour/course/event, provided the original session/tour/course/event still has the minimum number of participants.
NOTE:
In cases of Force Majeure (such as a: strike, riot, acts of God, unforeseen illness or death, or death of a family member) we highly recommend that your travel insurance policy include coverage for any trip cancellation that may occur prior to or afterdeparture. Policy coverage varies. Often, it is advantageous to purchase your coverage prior to reservation payments with us and your flight provider. Check your specific policy carefully for more information. See the travel insurance section of the ParticipantHandbook for more information.
Enjoy a full-day at Tombolo 5-Star Luxury Resort, Carducci: Beach pool, and many other activities await. Meals are not included and may be scheudled independently according to preference
