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.