The Classic – Central Regions

Meal: Breakfast, Picnic lunch, Dinner

This morning we visit a local “alimentari”, delicatessen to taste some local delicacies. Stefania, the owner, is a very passionate host and makes the best prosciutto crudo ever!

We then meet our local guide, who will tell us everything about the Etruscan civilization. He will take us through the old “vie cave”, deep and narrow roads built by the Etruscans in the 9th century B.C.

After a wonderful day outdoor we will have dinner in our favourite trattoria where we will eat something really special: porcini mushrooms popped up from the humid soil of the nearby Monti Cimini.

After dinner we will return to our accommodation for our last night in beautiful Lazio.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning we check out of our hotel and we head north to Toscana.

We arrive to the beautiful hilltop village of Montepulciano, where one of Italy’s oldest wine is produced: the highly regarded Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Upon arrival we have the privilege of learning the history of the village and its wine tradition from the Count of Montepulciano himself who will open the doors to his private historical cellars and teach us all about his special wine over a typical Tuscan lunch in the Count’s Osteria.

In the afternoon we drive to the hills surrounding Arezzo (Colline di Arezzo) where we check into our beautiful fully organic Agriturismo.

Upon arrival Tulio, the host, will welcome us with a tasting of his organic wines and give us a tour of his farm. You can then choose to end the day with a dip in the pool or a passeggiata, a stroll, in the vineyards. The agriturismo has a cozy restaurant on site where you may wish to have dinner if you’re still hungry.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning after breakfast we will discover the beauty of the nearby medieval town of Arezzo and its artisan stores (botteghe artigiane). Here in Arezzo you can enjoy a ‘passeggiata’, do some gift-shopping and perhaps, treat yourself to an authentic gelato!

Upon returning to our agriturismo we will join Tulio and his crew in the annual wine harvest before being rewarded with a traditional Tuscan dinner! After our long lazy dinner Tulio guides us through his Vin Santo cellars where we enjoy this delicate after dinner Tuscan drink.

What a wonderful way to farewell Toscana!

Meals: Breakfast, Tasting of local products, Dinner

Emilia Romagna is the epicentre of Italian cuisine, a region where you can discover one of the oldest culinary traditions of Italy. Today as part of our street food tour of Modena, we visit the iconic Mercato Albinelli where both locals and world famous chefs of the calibre of Massimo Bottura do their daily grocery shopping. Guided by the expertise of Caterina, Ben’s cousin, you will have the chance to sample local delicacies such as gnocco fritto and tigelle, aged Parmigiano Reggiano and a glass (or two) of sparkling Lambrusco.

In the late afternoon after freshening up we rejoin Caterina for a cooking class followed by a delicious dinner together.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Early in the morning we visit a fully organic local dairy farm to learn the complex process in making small batch artisanal Parmigiano Reggiano. We then continue our journey by visiting a well-known family producer of Aceto Balsamico di Modena. Here at a family owned Acetaia we also enjoy a balsamic inspired lunch finished off with local house made grappa.

In the afternoon we visit a traditional leather laboratory where you can create your own souvenir. Enjoy the rest of the day and dinner at your leisure in Modena.

Meals: Breakfast, light Lunch, Seafood Dinner

Missing the sea side? It’s time to head east towards the Adriatic coast. We will have a special lunch break on the border between Emilia Romagna and Le Marche regions, where we will try the delicious Piadina Romagnola.

In the early afternoon we check into our accommodation; a fifteen century castle overlooking green rolling pastures and the Adriatic sea.

We then head to Senigallia, a small and vibrant beach town that offers everything we love: crystal clear waters, gentle rolling hills, medieval castles, exquisite olive oils and top organic wines.

Today we discover the seafood culinary tradition of Le Marche region with a long and tasty ‘cena di pesce’ (seafood dinner) with freshly caught fish.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

We start our day with a visit to our passionate farming friend Andrea. Andrea will introduce

us to the art of olive farming and the production of artisan made extra virgin olive oil before teaching us how to properly taste extra virgin olive oil. Andrea and his brother Matteo are also organic wine producers and we will sample their wines over a fun Italian style family barbecue in the shade of Andrea’s olive grove!

The late afternoon and early evening is free for you to stroll around Senigallia before we head back to our Castle to retire for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Light Lunch, Dinner

Ready for a bit of adventure? On the way to our next destination we stop for an excursion to discover the incredible Frasassi Caves, one of Europe’s largest caves ever discovered. After a picnic lunch outside the caves we then head to the old city of Ascoli Piceno, known as the city of ‘a hundred towers’ and one of Europe’s largest preserved Medieval towns.

After checking in we will embark on a walking tour around the perfectly preserved historical centre and we will end our day with a dinner in a beautiful restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast. Lunch

You finally “ate” your way to the end of our Benfatti tour and you definitely gained the privilege to finish in “truffle heaven”. Today we go truffle hunting with our friend Pierpaolo who always remains optimistic that we will find a few treasures. After our truffle hunt we then enjoy a well deserved long lunch where obviously TARTUFO is the protagonist and get ready, Pierpaolo is a very generous host!

Enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure in the beautiful town centre of Ascoli Piceno.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After departing Ascoli Piceno we head to Roma via the beautiful mountains of Abruzzo where we stop for our final lunch together in a cute little town. We then drop you off in Rome for the afternoon at your preferred hotel accommodation. From here you are free to discover other parts of Italy or indeed travel to other parts of Europe.

Arrivederci Roma!