Diane Morrisey’s Italian Food Tour | May 2023
Join Kelsey & Diane from @dianemorrisey in Italy next May!
In May 2023, Diane Morrisey and Travel Advisor Kelsey Ebner will join forces and enjoy food focused adventures through Umbria and Lazio. You’ll first stay in Perugia and the second part of the trip will be in Rome. Together, we will taste our way through both regions – leaving no carb or piece of cheese behind!
On the final night of the last tour, Diane and Kelsey sat down at a wine bar in Bologna and Kelsey asked Diane, with a very straight face, “So Diane, would you want to do this again next year? What do you think? Did you enjoy this week with your followers?” Diane let out a laugh and replied something along the lines of “Kels, are you kidding me? Yes! Yes I would love to do this again! Where are we going?!”
Which brings us here. To another, not your average group tour and we’re headed back to Italy. This time we’re taking you to Perugia & Rome!
Your trip will include the following (and more!)
8 nights in 5 star accommodations at central, well located hotels in both Perugia and Rome. Transportation for scheduled activities, breakfast daily, some lunches and dinners, snacks, water, and of course, we won’t let you go without great, local wines during your meals. Activity wise, we’ve selected nothing but the best! Each day we have a little something special planned for you to enjoy. Professional, Italian guides will be included on some of our tours. Then your host, Kelsey, will be with you each day to show you the way- and to be sure you’ve eaten well and that you are enjoying your trip. Let’s not forget, the fabulous Diane Morrisey will be there as well and she can’t wait to also explore these places for her first time!
What is not included on the trip?
Airfare to and from Italy, travel insurance, gratuities for guides and drivers, and any optional excursions or meals not listed on the itinerary are not included. Shopping and personal expenses. All other expenses incurred during your free time. Kelsey can assist you with pre and post plans around the tour. If you’d like to start in another city, Venice, Florence, Milan, all of these have main airports that you can fly into and start your trip. Then you can either take a train, hire a driver or even drive to meet us in Perugia. Make this trip your own and add some time to enjoy exploring more of beautiful Italy!
How much free time do these trips include?
Although some scheduled free time is included on our tours, most days are planned with activities for everyone to enjoy together. We try to leave free time in the afternoons and time in the evenings to go and enjoy dinners on your own or with someone else from the group. Kelsey will provide you with info on what to do independently and of course, she will have a long list of restaurants to share with you.
Can we opt out of activities?
While we encourage everyone to take part in the included activities, we recognize that sometimes you—or your travel buddy - need a break! You can certainly meet back up with the group later. We just ask that you share your decision with Kelsey beforehand. Also, we know you won't want to miss out on what we've included on this trip!
Dietary restrictions?
We are happy to accommodate most food allergies. This will not be the right trip for you if you are vegan or a full 100% vegetarian. The hotels, restaurants and guides will do their best to accommodate our gluten free clients or even pescatarians, but we are better matched with adventurous eaters, looking to try it all!
Physical Rating?
Average, nothing too strenuous. Certainly no hiking and there won't be any biking either. However, we will be walking around both Perugia and Rome. So yes, there will be quite a bit of walking expected on some days during our tours. Leave your heels at home ladies. We are walking on a lot of cobblestone streets and sometimes stairs, we want you in comfortable walking shoes for exploring!
Full Itinerary:
Day 1 - Arrival | Sunday, May 7th
Independent arrival in Perugia. The meeting point is at the hotel, we hope you can arrive before or around 5pm so we can enjoy the welcome dinner all together! 6pm we will meet for a welcome drink at the hotel bar and our welcome dinner is at 7:30pm.
Note: Arrival transfers can be added for an extra cost and Kelsey will assist you with the logistics for your trip!
Overnight in Hotel Sina Brufani.
Day 2 - Perugia Food Tour & Glass Painters Studio Visit | Monday, May 8th
Breakfast at the hotel.
10.30 am – 2.30 pm Meet the guide at the hotel’s lobby.
Today you will discover Perugia from another point of view: food of course! You’ll be surprised by its delicious local products. The tour will start tasting the “torta al testo”, then you’ll have a chance to taste some other recipes with one of the best known ingredients of Umbria, truffle. The tour ends with the tasting of one of the products for which Perugia is famous, chocolate. During your tour you will have the chance to visit a family run artisan laboratory of Master Glasspainters. A family of artists has been making enameled glass windows in the historic centre of Perugia since 1860. Francesco Moretti was one of the greatest 19th century restorers of stained-glass windows. History and food, a great insight to this incredible region and a fun day for all of us to enjoy the start of this tour together.
Dinner on your own. Overnight in Sina Brufani.
Day 3 - Assisi Tour, Spello Oil Mill Visit Lunch | Tuesday, May 9th
Breakfast at the hotel.
9.00 am A private driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you on a journey through the heart of Umbria to visit two beautiful Umbrian towns rich in artistic jewels and architectural wonders.
9.45 am – 11.45 am First, we will enjoy a leisurely stroll through the town to start. Long before St Francis walked the streets of Assisi, the Ancient Romans built a town they named Asisium on the rises of Monte Subasio. The Basilica of Saint Francis is unique. Nowhere in Italy there is so rich and complete representation of the art of the late 13th and early 14th centuries. The spectacular complex of the Basilica di San Francesco (Basilica of Saint Francis), recognizable by the massive arched buttresses of the convent, is located at the extreme western flank of the town. Saint Francis was born in Assisi in 1182, and the construction of his basilica began two years after his death in 1228. Between the end of the 13th and the beginning of the 14th century, the basilica’s walls were frescoed by the best-known artists of that time; Giotto, Cimabue, Simone Martini, Pietro Lorenzetti.
11.45 am Transfer to Spello oil mill.
12.15 pm – 2.30 pm Umbria, known as “the green heart of Italy”, between the coasts of Mount Subasio, within the sub-area to a protected designation of origin of Assisi-Spoleto hills rise the green foliage of the olive groves. You will visit the oil mill and will discover the phases of processing and production of olive oil “extra-vergine”. The tour will end with a complete lunch (Norcia prosciutto, cheese, focaccia, egg with truffle (something Kelsey absolutely loves), “barbazza”, legumes soup and dessert. Of course we will also enjoy an extra-virgin oil tasting.
2.30 pm – 3.30 pm transfer back to Sina Brufani.
Dinner on own. Overnight in Sina Brufani.
Day 4 - Perugia Walking Tour & Palazzo | Wednesday, May 10th
Breakfast at the hotel
9.30 am – 1.00 pm Meet your guide and start you walking tour of Perugia. Perugia is a city full of charm and history. You will visit also Palazzo Sorbello. In the historic center of the city of Perugia, a few steps from the Cathedral and the Etruscan Well, an ancient palace dating back to the XVII century houses a precious collection of paintings, porcelain, printed works, manuscripts and embroidered fabrics. The noble residence of the Bourbon Marquises of Sorbello welcomes you in rooms with frescoed vaults among elegant furnishings and eighteenth- century chandeliers, with a suggestive view of Perugia and the valley of Assisi.
Lunch and dinner on own. Overnight in Sina Brufani.
Day 5 - From Perugia to Rome with Stop in Chocolate Factory & Orvieto Lunch | Thursday, May 11th
Breakfast at the hotel.
9.30 am Pick up in hotel and transfer to Chocolate factory near Perugia.
10.00 am – 11.00 am Perugia is renowned for their chocolate! During this tour you will have the chance to discover the history of the chocolate in Perugia and the various steps of chocolate processing. You will also enjoy a visit and explanation of the factory from a privileged point of the laboratory where you can observe the entire production process. The tour ends with a chocolate tasting.
11.00 am – 12.15 pm Then transfer to the hilltop town of Orvieto. You’ll have time to explore this beautiful town independently and also enjoy lunch on your own. We’ll hop back in our transfers around 3.00 pm and head to our next stop on our trip- ROME!
3.00 pm – 5.00 pm Drop off in Rome.
Check in and dinner on own.Overnight in Hotel Bernini Bristol.
Day 6 - Rome Food Tour & Private Opening of Aristocratic Palace with Aperitif | Friday, May 12th
Breakfast at the hotel.
10.00 am Pick up in hotel. Meet the guides in Campo de’ Fiori.
10.30 am – 1.30 pm Roman street food is so authentically representative for Romans culture, with specialities you can only eat in Rome: Supplì, local cheese, specialty cold cuts, pizza and of course coffee and delicious pastries. As you walk through the side streets of downtown Rome, your local guide will take you to our favorite stops for genuinely delicious Roman street food. Learn about the ingredients, origins and traditions behind each of these. After the tour, enjoy free time in the city to explore.
5.15 pm – 5.30 pm Pick up in hotel.
5.30 pm – 7.00 pm Far from the crowds and the classic tourist circuits, if you want to discover a hidden corner of Rome, this is a destination not to be missed. Here you will find a home that is linked to the past of this ancient family, who have resided here since 1642! You will have the chance to visit this historic Palace and be accompanied directly by the owner, who will reveal all of the secrets of this amazing palace. You’ll be humbled by his dedication to the management of the artistic heritage that he’s inherited, which he enjoys sharing with his guests. His stories and anecdotes are related to the history of the Palace and his family. In a setting rich in charm you can admire an exceptional collection of paintings, sculptures and original furnishings. You will end your tour with a special wine tasting of the prestigious Frescobaldi wines.
Dinner on your own. Overnight in Hotel Bernini Bristol.
Day 7 - Castel Gandolfo Visit and Cooking Class | Saturday, May 13th
Breakfast at the hotel.
9.15 am – 10.15 am Transfer to Castel Gandolfo. A day trip that you’ll never forget!
10.15 am – 1.30 pm You will be welcomed by the English-speaking chef who is ready to assist you in learning how to prepare fresh pasta. Then you’ll be able to go home and impress your friends with your new pasta making skills! You will prepare fettuccine, gnocchi and ravioli with their traditional sauces or fillings. After the cooking class, lunch is served! We will sit down and you will have the chance to taste the pasta you made, with an appetizer and a dessert.
2.00 pm Meet the guide. Get ready to learn about these incredible grounds with all of the interesting history! After the visit of the Papal Gardens, visit the Borgo of Castel Gandolfo. In a splendid position overlooking Lake Albano, Castel Gandolfo is situated on the brink of a volcanic crater. The town is known for the beauty of the surrounding nature and its elegant old town center encircled by the walls. It was elected as one of “The most beautiful villages in Italy”. Castel Gandolfo and the neighboring towns were the favorite place to build summer residences since the Roman era, initially by Patrician families and emperors and later by the high clergy and Roman aristocracy.
5.00 pm – 6.00 pm Transfer back to the hotel in Rome.
Dinner on own. Overnight in Hotel Bernini Bristol.
Day 8 - Ape Car Tour & Farewell Dinner | Sunday, May 14th
Breakfast at the hotel.
9.30 am - 12.30 pm Pick up at hotel in an Ape Car. Enjoy this Ape Car tour of Rome, during which you will see the main sights of the city of Rome- from a new perspective. Have a instagram moment and discover the city on wheels. You’ll love exploring the city this way! Enjoy lunch and the afternoon on your own.
7.30 pm Farewell dinner for the group. Overnight in Bernini Bristol.
Day 9 - Departure- Ciao ciao & Grazie | Monday, May 15th
Breakfast at the hotel.
Independent departure to the airport for those flying out. Kelsey can assist with booking you a private driver or a train to your next destination on your trip.
Pricing
5,645 EURO per person, prices are based on double occupancy.
If you want your own room or are traveling solo, there is a single supplement fee of 1350 EURO per person.
Deposit - 1690 per person. Due immediately to hold your spot on the tour. This is a non refundable deposit.
CITY TAXES END EXTRAS NOT INCLUDED
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Pricing and Availability are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed until a 30% deposit has been made. Deluxe Italy requires 30% down payment and the final balance 50 days prior to travelers arrival to Italy. This can be accepted either by bank wire or credit card. A cancellation of a confirmed package is subject to 100% penalty. Your deposit is non refundable.