7 Day Authentic Cooking Holiday in Umbria, Province of Perugia, Italy
Italian Cooking and Culture Holiday
The charming region of Umbria, Italy, renowned for its cuisine, fresh olive oil and fine wines, will be the setting of this wonderful rustic Italian cooking and culture holiday. Tucked away in the rolling hills of rural countryside is this farm surrounded by acres of olive groves and vineyards, situated in the heart of Italy.
In addition to bringing traditional dishes to the table, your experience will also take you out of the kitchen and will bring you to visit the local producers and find the ingredients to incorporate into favourite dishes with homemade pasta, legumes, meat and, of course, cakes.
Meet the instructors
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Highlights
- Hands-on cooking classes
- Chocolate factory and museum visits
- Visit the oldest ceramics factory in Deruta
- Wine tour with tastings and Umbrian specialties
- Lets Cook in Umbria apron and recipes
- Certificate of participation
- 6 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
5 days with instruction in English
Accommodation
Facilities
- Swimming pool (outdoor)
- Barbeque facilities
- Environmentally friendly
- Garden
- Kitchen
- Lounge
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry
- Tour assistance
During your cookery holiday in Italy, you will stay on a beautiful, spacious, working farm in the heart of Umbria - a region famous for its green countryside, cuisine and medieval towns. Your culinary escape into the Italian rural lifestyle is conveniently located, only 15 minutes from Perugia airport.
Just 4 kilometres away lies the capital city of Umbria, Perugia, which is steeped in history, dating well back before 309 BC. Perugia has a flare for culture and the arts. You will have free time to get to explore it, know it and fall in love with it.
The farm is home to your host, Rafaella, her husband, and many pets. Rafaella has a great passion for her home region of Umbria, its people, food and culture. Your Italian cooking classes will take place within her traditional kitchen, using the freshest products from the local surroundings and producers.
'La volpe e l'uva' (The Fox and The Grapes) farm is a little corner of paradise - a quiet, peaceful oasis, an ideal place to relax and unwind surrounded by the Umbrian hills, valleys and medieval villages. The property consists of 10 hectares of olive groves, vineyards and orchards.
Five lovely, two-room, apartments (named Rocco, Riding, Fico, Oca and Paulownia) have been renovated paying close attention to detail. The apartments are sunny and comfortable so that guests, even those who stay for a few days, feel welcomed.
In your free time you can hike, try the local wineries, or jump in the car for a day trip to one of several surrounding medieval cities. Or, perhaps, for something more leisurely, you can unwind by the swimming pool, in the gardens under the shade of the fruit trees, or in the bright communal garden.
Refine your cooking skills and daydream on this lush, laid back, Umbrian farm, packed with regional specialties and the mountains and valleys awaiting you.
Program
Your host, Raffaella, takes her inspiration from her grandma. It is guaranteed that you will feel the love from her special treatment and warm home.
Accommodation is set the apartments of the family "Agriturismo". Each apartment has been adorned to reflect the styles and trends of old, yet modernized with a private ensuite bathroom. The grounds include beautiful gardens and pool an ideal setting to relax and sample delicious local produce.
This Italian cookery holiday is a true culinary idea that will fuel your passion for good food. you will experience stunning scenery, meet like-minded people and take home sacred recipes from this beautiful area to treasure for a lifetime.
Day 1 - Arrival
Welcome to Let’s Cook in Umbria Cooking School!
Your Umbrian journey begins with a relaxed afternoon check-in from 2:00 PM onwards. To make your arrival seamless, we can arrange private transfers from the train station or airport upon request.
Your first evening is free to unwind and settle in at your own pace. You may choose to dine in your apartment, preparing a simple meal with ingredients you’ve brought, or venture out to the historic center of Perugia for a restaurant dinner. If you wish, we can arrange a taxi to take you into the city, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely evening discovering its charm.
Day 2 - Cooking, Assisi tour
The morning begins with your final hands-on cooking class, where you’ll prepare another delicious traditional Umbrian meal. With expert guidance, you’ll discover the techniques, tips, and secrets behind classic local recipes. The session concludes with a lunch featuring your creations, accompanied by our estate-produced wine.
In the afternoon, you’ll visit the famous city of Assisi, birthplace of Saint Francis. A knowledgeable guide will take you through the city’s rich history, artistic treasures, and hidden gems, bringing its stories and heritage vividly to life. After the guided tour, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace—shop for local crafts, sip a coffee in a picturesque piazza, or simply take in the serene beauty of this iconic Umbrian city.
A day that perfectly combines the pleasures of cooking with the magic and inspiration of one of Italy’s most remarkable destinations.
Day 3 - Cooking, Olive oil, Deruta ceramic
Your third full day begins with a hands-on traditional cooking class. Throughout the morning, you will prepare a four-course meal using time-honored Umbrian recipes and fresh seasonal products from our own farm. The class is followed by a convivial lunch where you will enjoy the dishes you’ve created, paired with our estate-produced wine.
In the afternoon, the tour continues with a guided visit to an olive oil mill in Bettona, where you will discover the secrets behind high-quality olive oil production. The experience includes a tasting session to appreciate the nuances of freshly pressed Umbrian oil.
Next, you will travel to Deruta, a town renowned worldwide for its ceramics. Here, you’ll visit an artisanal ceramic workshop and learn about this centuries-old regional craft. Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, you will have the chance to shape your own ceramic piece and experience the artistry firsthand.
A day rich in flavor, tradition, and creativity awaits you..
Day 4 - Cooking, wine tour
Your day begins with an engaging morning cooking class, building on the skills you’ve learned so far. You’ll prepare a new traditional four-course menu, working hands-on with fresh, seasonal ingredients from the farm. Along the way, you’ll uncover the stories and traditions behind each dish. The class concludes with a relaxed lunch, where you can savor your creations paired with our estate-produced wine.
In the afternoon, embark on a wine tour in the renowned Sagrantino region, one of Umbria’s most prestigious wine areas. The tour includes a guided visit to a family-run winery, a stroll through the vineyards, and tastings of their finest wines—including the celebrated Sagrantino.
Afterward, enjoy free time in the charming hilltop town of Montefalco, known as the “capital of Sagrantino” and fondly called the “Terrace of Umbria” for its stunning panoramic views. Wander through medieval streets, browse artisan shops, or simply soak in the breathtaking landscapes that surround this remarkable town.
A day that perfectly combines culinary exploration, exceptional wines, and the beauty of Umbrian landscapes.
Day 5 - Cooking, Gubbio Tour
Your morning begins with another hands-on cooking class, where you’ll explore new traditional recipes and techniques to create a delicious Italian four-course meal. As always, the experience concludes with a delightful lunch paired with our estate-produced wine.
In the afternoon, the journey continues with a guided tour of Gubbio, one of the most ancient and fascinating towns in Umbria. Rich in history, Gubbio is known for its remarkably well-preserved medieval architecture, its majestic palaces, and its unique atmosphere that seems to transport visitors back in time. Perched on the slopes of Mount Ingino, the town offers breathtaking views and a deep sense of connection to Umbria’s past.
Visiting Gubbio means discovering a place where history, legend, and tradition come together—from the story of Saint Francis taming the wolf to the impressive Palazzo dei Consoli and the famed Festa dei Ceri. It’s a destination that captures the essence of medieval Italy and offers an unforgettable cultural experience.
A day where culinary creativity meets the timeless beauty of one of Umbria’s most extraordinary towns.
Day 6 - Cooking, Perugia tour
Your day begins with the final cooking class of the program. Once again, you’ll gather in the kitchen to prepare a traditional four-course meal, followed by a leisurely lunch where you can enjoy the dishes you’ve created.
In the afternoon, you’ll join a guided tour of Perugia’s historic center. A specialized guide will lead you through the city’s artistic and architectural highlights, sharing stories and insights that reveal Perugia’s rich past and vibrant character. After the tour, you’ll have free time to shop, relax, and soak in the atmosphere of this beautiful Umbrian city.
A perfect day that combines the joy of cooking with the pleasure of discovering Perugia’s timeless charm.
Day 7 - Departure
Departure after breakfast.
Included excursions
- Assisi tour
- Deruta ceramic tour
- Montefalco wine tour
- Gubbio tour
- olive oil tour
- Perugia tour
Instructors
Raffaella Bucefalo
After she decided to give up her job in scientific research, Raffaella Bucefalo, PhD in Micropalaeontology, rediscovered, reclaimed, and developed her three great passions: cooking, connecting, and creating. Since 2005, she has run courses teaching traditional Italian cookery at her agriturismo in Umbria. In 2020, Raffaella published her first cook book "Sprinkle with Flour": a journey into the world of fresh pasta, the food that symbolizes Italian culinary culture. In the book, the description of 19 pasta shapes illustrated with handmade drawings and 22 traditional recipes with photo.
Location
The farmhouse La Volpe e l'Uva is located in central Italy, Umbria, north of Perugia, in a hilly position, very near to the main Umbrian towns and near to the Tuscany. It is only 4 kilometers far from the historic center of Perugia and it offers a suggestive view of the Umbrian hills. The proximity of Perugia makes the farm's position ideal for visiting other artistic towns in Umbria, such as Assisi, Gubbio, Todi, Orvieto, the Trasimeno Lake, and towns in Tuscany like Siena, Arezzo, and Cortona.
Features
Activities
- Cooking classes
- Massage
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Shopping
- Swimming
- Wine tasting / tour
General
- Barbecue facilities
- Dining area
- Garden
- Kitchen
- Lounge
Services
- Free Wi-Fi
- Hair dryer
- Parking lot
- Tour assistance
Food
During your stay, Cook in Umbria will offer you daily breakfasts and lunches. In your apartment, you will find everything you need for your breakfast, such as coffee, milk, tea, cereals, bread, biscuits, eggs, jams made with fruits from the farm, fruits, and yogurt. You will prepare your breakfast in your apartment respecting your time. Send Raffaella a list of foods that you want to find in your apartment. For lunch, you will dine on your creations from the cooking classes accompanied by local, delicious, organic, red wines completely made in the farm. The lunch will be in Raffaella's home or in the garden of the farm.
Dinners are not included. The lunches from your cooking classes are very rich and the afternoon tours often include tastings, so you should enjoy light dinners in order to be ready for your next cooking class. In the apartments, your well-equipped kitchen is at your disposal and, after each tour, your driver can make a stop at a supermarket from where you can buy anything you will need. You can also ask the driver to bring you in the historical center of Perugia and dine in a restaurant; you will come back by taxi ( 20 euro). During your classes, you will be preparing a wide variety of dishes that include appetizers, first course, main course, and dessert.
Appetizer
Tasty and delicious, starters have evolved as a true course meal of the Italian cuisine. Cold or hot, it can open a tasty meal or a special buffet. Some of the dishes you can prepare are:
- Bruschette - tomatoes and mushrooms
- Cake with zucchini, potatoes, and Taleggio cheese
- Crostini with chicken liver
- Crostini with roasted peppers
- Focaccia with onion and sage
- Fry flower zucchini
- Millefoglie with eggplants
- Mixed grilled vegetable with bread and garlic
- Panzanella
- Parmigiana with eggplants
- Salad with fennels and orange
- Salad with melon and mint
- Small onions in balsamic vinegar
- Spelt salad
- Torta al testo with ham and rucola
First course
A journey into the preparation of the symbol of Italian diet: pasta. The dry and fresh versions will alternate with different fillings and combinations of sauces inspired both by tradition and fantasy. Pasta sauce is made of fresh and seasonal ingredients. Either fresh or egg pasta, adapt well to many cooking styles or as a basic ingredient of Italian-style soups. Some of the types of pasta that you can prepare are:
- Gnocchi
- Homemade cannelloni with ricotta, prosciutto, mozzarella
- Lasagne
- Lentil soup
- Pasta and beans
- Pasta and chickpeas
- Handmade pasta (tagliatelle, strangozzi, maltagliati, pappardelle)
- Pasta sauce
- Pizza and focaccia
- Polenta
- Ravioli
- Risotto
- Soup with spelt
Main course
You will discover the world of meat by focusing on the techniques of preparation and cooking of both white and red varieties, two parallel universes, which often meet. Some of the dishes that you can prepare are:
- Chicken in a rich herb, olive, and vegetable sauce
- Chicken roller with Umbrian ham
- Hearby roast beef
- Italian vegetable quiche
- Pork loin with grapes and juniper
- Pork with pears and pecorino cheese
- Rabbit all'arrabbiata
- Rabbit with wild herbs
- Salmi of guinea fowl
- Salted cod in a tomatoes sauce
- Stuffed artichokes
- Stuffed vegetables
- Umbrian meatloaf with pine-seeds and dry grapes
Dessert
You are invited to discover the many facets of pastry, the preparations, and cooking techniques. A journey through cakes, cookies, and cream to delight your days and those of your friends. Some of the desserts that you can prepare are:
- Cake with carrots and almonds
- Cake with chocolate and pears
- Castagnaccio
- Crostata (with cream, fresh fruits, and jams)
- Panpolenta with ice cream
- Rocciata
- Tiramisú
- Tozzetti with holy wine
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Alcoholic beverages
Things to do (optional)
On the day of the arrival, you have several options:
- Reserve a private dinner in the farm
- Reserve a private transfer to the Perugia city center and dine in a restaurant
Spa treatments
Massages are available in the farm.
What's included
- 1 trekking tour
- 4 tours as indicated in the itinerary
- 5 cooking classes
- 5 four-course meals from the cooking lessons
- 6 nights accommodations
- 7 breakfasts
- Apron of Let’s cook in Umbria
- Certificate of participation
- Folder with all the recipes
- Umbrian wines during meals, liquors for after dinner/lunch
What's not included
- Airfare
- Dinners
- Personal expenses
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Transfer available for additional US$ 291 per person
Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport
149 km away from your destination
Transfer available for additional US$ 47 per person
Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi – Umbria International Airport
11 km away from your destination
Driving directions from Rome
- Motorway A1, exit Orte, follow Terni-Perugia, pass the exit Perugia and continue following the sign Cesena until the exit Ponte Felcino
- Continue straight until exit 100 metres
- Make left turn under E45
- Look for sign "Zona Industriale", make right at sign and continue for about 5-6 kilometers
- You will pass an IP gas station on left, keep going
- You will see sign at right for Ponte Rio, immediately on left you will see Total Gas station and Bar Pizzeria
- Just after pass Bar Pizzeria next right is "Strada Comunale San Marino"
- Take this road that go up to the hill, and after 3 kilometers you will find at right the sign "La Volpe e l'Uva"
Driving directions from Florence
- Motorway A1, exit Bettolle, follow Perugia, pass the exit Perugia and continue following the sign Cesena until the exit Ponte Felcino
- Continue straight until exit 100 metres
- Make left turn under E45
- Look for sign "Zona Industriale", make right at sign and continue for about 5-6 kilometers
- You will pass an IP gas station on left, keep going
- You will see sign at right for Ponte Rio, immediately on left you will see Total Gas station and Bar Pizzeria
- Just after pass Bar Pizzeria next right is "Strada Comunale San Marino"
- Take this road that go up to the hill, and after 3 kilometers you will find at right the sign "La Volpe e l'Uva"
Driving directions from Cesena
- Go out at the exit Ponte Felcino
- Continue straight until exit 100 metres
- Make left turn under E45
- Look for sign "Zona Industriale", make right at sign and continue for about 5-6 kilometers
- You will pass an IP gas station on left, keep going
- You will see sign at right for Ponte Rio, immediately on left you will see Total Gas station and Bar Pizzeria
- Just after pass Bar Pizzeria next right is "Strada Comunale San Marino"
- Take this road that go up to the hill, and after 3 kilometers you will find at right the sign "La Volpe e l'Uva"
Arrival by airplane
The nearest airports to the location are Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR), Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO), or Pisa International Airport (PSA).
Arrival by train
The nearest station is Perugia railway station.
GPS
- Longitude: 12 23' 23'' E
- Latitude: 43 8' 90'' N
Distances
- Assisi, 15 kilometers
- Gubbio, 28 kilometers
- Orvieto, 45 kilometers
- Spello, 15 kilometers
- Todi, 45 kilometers
- Trasimeno Lake, 20 kilometers
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.
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