A Food and Wine Tour of Tuscany and Lazio
May 12- 19, 2022
Thursday May 12
Morning
We’ll ask you to meet in Ostia, near the Leonardo di Vinci Airport, where we’ll be ready with ground transport to the Tuscan countryside. Plan on arriving in Rome the day before so that you’ll be rested and ready for our adventure.
We’ll head to our first destination, an agriturismo (farmhouse) in southern Tuscany. Along the way we’ll stop at an Autogrill, a beloved Italian roadside institution, that sells coffee and hot food, where we can stock up on some snacks and beverages.
Early Afternoon
Arrival at our agriturismo, a beautiful estate on farmland near Montepulciano located on a hill with 360 degree views of the Val d’Orcia. We’ll get settled into our apartments, relax, and explore the property while enjoying some nibbles and locally produced wines.
Evening
We’ll go into Montepulciano, a nearby medieval village famous for its wines, for a Tuscan welcome dinner.
Friday May 13
Morning- Afternoon
We’ll enjoy a light breakfast at our agriturismo before leaving for our farm tour.
The farm is 100% organic and besides fruits and vegetables, it produces cheese, wine, oil, grains, and honey. We’ll see the beautifully cared for property, greet the goats, and see how cheese is made. We’ll also learn the life cycle of the products and how they travel from the hardworking hands at the farm to your dinner plate. We'll finish up our visit with lunch and a cheese and wine tasting (all items produced on the property!)
After our lunch we’ll go into Pienza, a gorgeous small hilltop Tuscan village that’s been a UNESCO World Heritage spot since 1996, for a walk and sightseeing. Pienza is known as the ideal Renaissance village, famous for its charm and magnificent views of the valleys below.
Afternoon- Evening
We’ve earned some relaxing time at our beautiful agriturismo before we go into Monticchiello, a nearby little village rooted in Estruscan and Roman history. After a little exploring we’ll have dinner at an award-winning restaurant that serves regional classics with a modern twist.
Saturday May 14
Morning
After breakfast we’re off to Bagno Vignoni, a small village with a large natural hot spring in the center of town. While we won’t be allowed to bathe in the center of town, we’ll spend the day at other nearby thermal baths. You'll have free time to bathe, take a nature walk, or to simply walk around the enchanting village and enjoy lunch.
This day’s lunch is not included in the price.
Afternoon
We’ll head back to the agriturismo for some relaxation where we’ll enjoy a casual meal with local delicacies and wine.
Sunday May 15
Morning
Enjoy a lazy morning with time to pack your bags and linger over breakfast before we say goodbye to Montepulciano and head to an Orvieto winery, Madonna del Latte. Built on an ancient estate, this family-run winery produces certified organic wines on environmentally protected land. Take in the spectacular property before enjoying a wine tasting with local cheese and charcuterie.
Afternoon
After our wine tasting, we’ll head to the village of Orvieto, a charming hilltop Umbrian city that’s almost unbelievable at first sight, appearing as if it’s been entirely carved out of rock. We’ll spend a night here so that we have time to enjoy the underground caves, the famous duomo, the darling streets, the ceramics, and of course, the food.
This day’s dinner is not included in the price.
Monday May 16
Morning and Afternoon
We’ll enjoy the morning in Orvieto before we leave for Rome.
Once in Rome, we’ll check into our rooms and you’ll have some free time to acclimate to the city.
Evening
We’ll meet again and feast on traditional Roman dishes.
This day’s lunch is not included in the price.
Tuesday May 17
Morning
Today we’re going to see the largest market in the Trionfale neighborhood near the Vatican. We’ll walk among the food stalls, meet some of the vendors, learn how Italians do their shopping, and of course enjoy some delicious treats.
Afternoon and Evening
Enjoy some free time before meeting in the evening for a sommelier-led cheese and wine dinner. You’ll try artisanal cheeses and cured meats and learn traditional as well as surprising pairings.
Wednesday May 18
Morning
Learn the secrets of pasta and Italian cuisine during a cooking class with Sfoglina Julia, (pasta master) and Chef Pino. You’ll use your very own hands to make a delicious lunch!
Afternoon
After your cooking class and lunch, celebrate with a gelato and a stroll across the river. You’ll have some more free time for wandering.
Evening
Afterwards, we’ll have a bit of free time before our farewell dinner.
Thursday May 19
Today we say goodbye and head our separate ways. If you plan on staying longer in Rome or Italy let us know if you need any help coordinating your plans!
Cost $2900 per person double occupancy, $3100 for single occupancy, not including airfare or any accommodations outside of the schedule.
This trip is limited to six spots.
Reservations and a deposit of $500 are due by March 1, 2022.
The remaining money owed is due April 15, 2022.
Cancellations after April 1, 2022 forfeit the deposit.
Please email kitchentabletravel@gmail.com to book.
Italian Farmhouse: Autumn
Experience the Beauty of Autumn in the Italian Countryside with our Small Group Tours
Autumn in the Italian countryside is a magical time when the grape and olive harvests are at their peak, the aroma of fresh truffles permeates every restaurant, and the scent of fresh-roasted chestnuts lingers on city streets. The days are a little shorter and the evenings cooler but the summer crowds are long gone and time feels like it’s slowed down.
Your tour takes you through the Italian regions of Lazio, home of the Etruscans; Tuscany, the birthplace of the Renaissance; and Umbria, the “Green Heart” of Italy as well as Rome, the Eternal City. We’ll visit vineyards and meet winemakers, take cooking classes from expert pasta makers, hunt for truffles with hounds, and pick olives from ancient groves. We can customize your experience with incredible and unique options such as a classic Roman dinner with a culinary historian, a slice of la dolce vita with pampering at thermal baths followed by a luxurious massage, guided walks through Etruscan ruins, Roman market and art tours, and mosaic-making classes.
October 31 to November 11 (Sold Out)
Autumn Itinerary
October 31, 2021 to November 11, 2021
Italian Countryside- Autumn
With Cat Nelson and Georgette Nelson
Kitchen Table Travel
Sunday, October 31
10:00am
We’ll all meet in Ostia, near Rome’s Fiumicino. Plan on arriving the day before so that you’ll be rested and ready for our adventure. There’re plenty of charming, inexpensive places to stay in Ostia during the off season and it’s only a few miles from the airport.
From Ostia, we’ll drive to our first destination, an agriturismo in Lazio. Along the way we’ll stop at an Autogrill, a beloved Italian roadside institution, where we can stock up on some snacks and beverages.
2:00pm
Arrival at our agriturismo near the village of Acquapendente. We’ll get settled into our apartments, rest, explore the property, and meet Francesco, the owner.
5:00pm
Gather for aperitivi and cicchetti (small plates) and perhaps a few games to help get to know one another.
7:00pm
Dinner at a nearby, homestyle, family-owned restaurant where we can sample some regional dishes.
Monday, November 1
8:00am
Breakfast
9:00am
Meet to leave for our farm tour.
10:30am
Arrival to the farm, an old fashioned 100% organic institution that produces cheese, wine, oil, grains, and honey. We’ll take a tour of the farm, meet the animals, and follow up with a guided cheese and wine tasting. This area is very well known for pecorino and wine so we’ll be tasting some of the very best!
12:00pm
Leave for Pienza, a small, Tuscan hilltop town that was named a UNESCO World Heritage sight in 2006. Known as the “ideal” Renaissance village, it’s famous for its charm and views of the picaresque Val D’Orcia. You’ll have free time here for lunch, sightseeing, and taking lots of pictures!
4:00pm
Depart for Montepulciano, a nearby medieval village surrounded by vineyards that produce wine of the same name. There you’ll be free to wander on your own for shopping and exploring or relaxing with the occasional spritz or espresso. They’re plenty of wine tasting rooms in town where you can sample the famous red and learn more about its production.
7:30pm
Meet for dinner featuring traditional, seasonal Tuscan dishes before heading home.
Tuesday, November 2
8:00am to 9:00am
Breakfast
9:00am
Departure for Orvieto, a beautiful little city that looks like it fell from the sky and landed on top of a giant rock.. Beneath this memorable village runs a network of tunnels and caves originating from Estrucan times. The mineral-rich soil produces some of the best white wines in Italy. From the Duomo to the caves, there’s much to see here and wandering the streets while scoping out ceramics is a must.
10:30am to 12:30pm
Optional: Tour of Orvieto to get oriented.
After the tour you'll have free time for lunch, sightseeing, and shopping.
6:00pm
Meet and depart Orvieto
7:00pm
Dinner Out in Aquapendente (Option: go back to the farmhouse for relaxation.)
Wednesday, November 3
8:00am
Breakfast followed by some well-deserved downtime.
10:00am
We’ll meet with Francesco to head to the stores in Aquapendente. We’ll buy ingredients for our dinner and explore the town that’s famous for its ceramics and terracotta. You can enjoy lunch in town or head back to the farm to relax.
In the afternoon we’ll meet again with Francesco and his mom who’ll help us put our dinner together. We’ll learn from, cook with, and eat with our favorite Italians!
Thursday November 4
Breakfast and departure by 8:45am
9:30am
On our way to the next agriturismo, we’ll pay a visit to the Sacro Bosco, a 16th century garden also called the Garden of Bomarzo, or the Park of Monsters! It’s a unique 16th century garden filled with large, dramatic sculptures that have been somewhat taken over by nature.
1:00pm
Depart for lunch and our next agriturismo.
3:30pm
Arrival. We’ll check in and get settled at our B&Bs and enjoy a bit of rest.
6:00
We’ll gather again for some pre-dinner nibbles and prosecco.
7:00pm
Dinner with and prepared by the chef and sfoglina, or master pasta maker!
Friday, November 5
7:00am
Breakfast
8:00am
Today we’ll be helping with an olive harvest and getting the olives picked and ready to get to the mill to be made into oil. Learn about what it takes to maintain the orchard and grow olives that produce incredible extra virgin oil.
1:00pm
We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch as a reward for our hard work, and joining us will be a local olive oil expert who will guide us through an oil tasting and pairing before leading us on a tour of his groves and mill. We’ll see the process from beginning to end today!
5:00pm
Enjoy some rest and down time.
8:00pm
Dinner at home prepared by the chef.
Saturday, November 6
8:00am
Breakfast
9:00am
We’ll meet for our cooking class with the chef and sfoglina. We’ll be preparing our very own lunch as a group and then enjoy a rest period.
4:00pm
Meet to head into Montopoli di Sabina for sightseeing and dinner.
Sunday, November 7
8:00am
Breakfast
9:00am
We’ll meet up with a licensed environmental guide who’ll take us on an easy walking tour of the Sabini Mountains where we can see Roman villas and marble caves in the beautiful pastoral village of Cottanello.
1:00pm
Our guide will join us for a homemade vegetarian lunch at the farmhouse.
3:00pm
A hike and a walk should always be followed by a nice rest! We can also schedule massages with a 3 person minimum, if anyone is interested.
Optional: Book a massage.
7:00pm
Meet for our farewell dinner with our hosts.
Monday, November 8
8:00am
Breakfast
9:00am
Today we go to Rome for the final leg of our trip.
Upon arriving there, we’ll drop off the cars and get our baggage to the B&B.
12:00pm
We’ll get settled and join our guide/sommelier for an orientation, a bit of lunch, and a driving tour around Rome to get an idea of how the city is laid out. We’ll see the Roman aqueducts and the ancient Appian way along with other important sights.
3:00pm
Enjoy some free time before meeting up for dinner.
8:00pm
Dinner at a classic Roman restaurant for a real Roman meal!
Tuesday, November 9
8:00am
Breakfast
10:00am
We'll meet with our guide for a market and neighborhood tour in the Roman suburbs, the shopping hub of the locals. We’ll learn how the market works, how to pick out cheese and produce, sample some food and wine, and check out some street art.
Break for lunch and free time.
3:00pm
Mosaic making class in Central Rome.
7:00pm
Dinner with wine pairing led by our guide/sommelier. This will be a multicourse meal, both educational and really fun!
Wednesday, November 10
10:00am
Today we’ll be treated to a somewhat irreverent and risque 100% fact-based retelling of Roman history whilst seeing the sites. Of course we’ll stop for snacks and drinks along the way to keep our energy up.
Break for free time and lunch
7:00pm
Our final, farewell dinner! In the name of research, we’ll try two different types of pizzerie and compare the traditional and modern.
Thursday, November 11
Departures!