Tour Introduction
A tour designed for the discerning traveller who wishes to
explore the unique art treasures and beautiful countryside of Umbria
in the heart of Italy. Make culinary discoveries sampling the local
cuisine - one of the finest in Europe. Enjoy the unique atmosphere
of an exclusive house party at a private villa, situated halfway between
Florence and Rome. Immerse yourself in superb Renaissance art and
architecture. Enjoy gourmet food accompanied by fine wines of the
area, served in beautiful, panoramic surroundings.
The programme is designed for those who appreciate fine art and food
in equal measure.
As far as art is concerned, you will visit the most notable of nearby
repositories of art, such as Assisi, Gubbio, Orvieto, Spoleto and
several others. Over pre-dinner drinks we will chat about the treasures
you will be seeing the next day. You will receive tailor-made notes
by an art historian and academic in an approachable and vivid style
that will bring it all to life. You can take your own time, find your
own viewing rhythms and have sufficient time to digest the experience
before we talk things over. You will be encouraged to make your contribution.
We shall explore the Umbrian art treasure trove together.
As far as the food is concerned, the only contribution you are invited
to make is to appreciate it! There will be long, leisurely meals and
good wines taken on Casa Fontana’s panoramic loggia, accompanied
by lively conversation. Your hostess is an expert cook whose dishes
will give you new culinary experiences as well as offering international
favourites. Devotees of the slow cuisine, your hosts source all their
meals from fresh local ingredients to produce meals such as:
Bruschete con Pepperoni
(Char grilled Roast Pepper toasts, dressed with a hint of garlic and
Casa Fontana’s own cold pressed, 100% extra virgin olive oil)
Prosciutto di Parma, dolce e staggionato
(A platter of two kinds of Parma ham:
The tender fresh as well as the mature, well seasoned varieties)
Insalata di Fagioli e Sedano
(A salad of rich borlotti beans with crisp celery and aromatic, mild
red onions)
Fettucine con Finocchi
(Home made fresh pasta with fennel in a creamy saffron sauce)
Faraone con rosamarino e pancetta
(Locally farmed guinea fowl baked with rosemary and smoked bacon on
a bed of fluffy potato puree and leeks)
Panna Cotta alla Frutta di Bosco con Limoncello
Frappe
(A cream mould with vanilla seeds, served with berries and leaves
of mint, accompanied by Limoncello liqueur on crushed ice)
Wines:
Sparkling: Prosecco del Veneto
White: Grechetto della Cantina Goretti
Red: Nero d’Avola
Not a meal to hurry – buon appetito!
Accommodation:
Your accommodation is self-contained within an Umbrian villa situated
near Panicale, with views of Lake Trasimeno and Assisi from the hill
above us. Casa Fontana ( www.casafontana.net ) is a recently converted
farmhouse, set in five acres of olive grove on a terraced hillside.
The secluded pool is on the second terrace, with glorious views over
valleys and mountains. You will stay in one of three apartments, each
offering high levels of comfort and subtly individual in style. They
all have lounge / kitchen, double bedroom, shower room with WC, outside
patio and dining area. Your apartment is equipped with fridge and
dishwasher and contains breakfast provisions. The main meal is taken
on the spacious loggia with its wonderful views. Memories of the stunning
sunsets will remain with you long after your visit has ended.
Dates
Early Summer Tour: 1st to 7th June
Late Summer Tour: 7th to 14th September
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