TRUFFLES, WINES AND CHOCOLATES OF UMBRIA

In the morning, you will join a truffle hunter and his dogs on his daily truffle hunt in the unspoiled Umbrian forests. During this unique experience, learn all there is to know about two main types of truffles (“tartufi” in Italian): the precious black truffle - Tuber melanosporum, and the summer black truffle - Tuber aestivum. Afternoon at leisure to relax or to enjoy your included 50 minute body massage at the hotel’s spa. (B)

Meet with your guide after breakfast. As you stroll through a maze of streets, alleys and staircases surrounded by fortified walls, you will meet local artisans in their studios who will teach you about the ancient art of pottery, wood engraving and iron works. After a salumi and cheese tasting, you will continue your tour with a visit of St. Francis church and San Martino neighborhood. You will then stop by the Bargello Fountain, also known as “Fontana dei Matti” (Fountain of the Madmen). Folklore has it that if you complete three laps around the fountain you officially become a lunatic. Continue to the impressive Piazza Grande home to Palazzo dei Consoli, a towering Gothic building of limestone lined with narrow arched windows. The tour will end with dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

This morning, head to Perugia, the region’s capital city. After a wine tasting session held at a charming estate dating back to the 13th century, you will enjoy a visit of the chocolate factory known for its production of the ”Baci Perugina”. Arriving in Perugia for an afternoon tour, the town’s Etruscan past is present in the massive Etruscan walls, while the Medieval and Renaissance past is present in the elegant buildings that dot the city. Return to Gubbio in the late afternoon. (B)

Today, learn the secrets of Umbrian cuisine under the hotel chef’s guidance. After class, you will be invited to feast on the dishes you have prepared for lunch. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax at the hotel’s spa or to visit, on your own, the Sant’Ubaldo Monastery, a basilica perched upon the summit of Mount Ingino amid olive orchards, chestnut trees and wild flowers. For a unique experience, take the open air funicular that travels along a wire hanging over the rocky hill. (B,L)

During the Renaissance, Gubbio’s strategic position and the dominance of wealthy and politically important families greatly contributed to the development of arts and crafts. At that time, the fame of Gubbio pottery increased enormously thanks to Mastro Giorgio’s lustre plates which are among the most relevant pieces of Italian Renaissance art. Today, enjoy a pottery class and learn all there is to learn about this unique and traditional technique. The afternoon is free to shop or relax while enjoying your 25 minute facial at the hotel’s spa. Tonight enjoy dinner at the hotel. (B,D)

Morning transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)