The Artisan Tour in Italy
What if your next vacation was more than a break from the normal routine at home and more than a series of selfies in front of picturesque landscapes or impressive monuments? What if your time away was about becoming present in one stunning and ancient place, where you had time to make meaningful connections to the life, history, people, and culture of that place? What if this sojourn was able to rekindle your passion and creativity, delight all your senses, and evoke true joy and contentment such that you returned home with an awakened heart?
Come join me for a magical week in Umbria, and together let’s slow down, immerse ourselves in the soul of this place . . . while simultaneously connecting with our own!
Highlights of the Week-long Umbria Experience:
Transfer from Rome to the ancient hill town of Todi, your home base for the week
7 nights’ accommodation in a charming, historic, hotel steps from the main square
Daily breakfast, lunch, and evening cocktails
Welcome and farewell group dinners
Walking tours and site visits in Todi exploring its ancient, medieval, Renaissance and contemporary art and architecture
Guided visits with lunch to Assisi, home of St. Francis and to Orvieto, an Etruscan hill town with Umbria’s most spectacular Gothic cathedral
Wine tasting, Umbrian cooking demonstration, and and a visit to an organic farm
Majolica ceramics demonstration and visit to a unique shrine in Deruta
Private visit with an Italian Count to tour his Renaissance palazzo and garden in Todi
Plenty of time to relax and soak up the local culture, nature, and art, and connect with Julianna, residents of Todi, and your fellow tour participants
Our tour is limited to 10 participants
Not included:
Transportation to and from Italy
Some meals not listed above
Transportation from Todi at the end of our week
Itinerary for the October 23-30, 2026 Tour:
Day 1: Arrival in Todi
Arrive in afternoon and settle into your hotel for the week. Free time to rest and enjoy the views from the roof terrace. We will meet around 6pm for a quick orientation to the town and an aperitivo in the Piazza before walking to a welcome dinner at one of Julianna’s favorite Todi restaurants. After dinner we will take an evening stroll down to see Todi’s most famous church, Santa Maria della Consolazione, designed by Bramante, the architect of the Vatican in Rome with help some locals say by Leonardo da Vinci.
Day 2: Getting to Know Todi
Spend a relaxed morning in Todi with Julianna and enjoy a casual lunch at her favorite pizza place with a terrific view. After experiencing the traditional afternoon pausa, or a time for rest, we will reconvene for a lively walking tour of some of Todi’s historical sites with local guide, Elisa. Our tour concludes with an aperitivo at Julianna’s house with its many terraces to enjoy the sunset. Dinner is on your own.
Day 3: Following the Footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi
Travel by private van to Assisi, a world heritage site about 45 minutes from Todi. Our wonderful guide Alessandro will take us on a journey back in time to visit the major sites dedicated to St. Francis, including the medieval monastery where he lived and the incredible two-story Basilica decorated with fresco paintings by Giotto. We will lunch in the main piazza overlooking a Roman temple and have time to peruse Assisi’s many beautiful shops and museums. We will return to Todi with plenty of time to enjoy the evening with dinner on your own.
Day 4: Umbrian Cuisine on an Organic Farm and an authentic Medieval Hamlet
Venture into the picturesque countryside that we have been viewing from the hilltop of Todi. Our first stop is a small olive grove and farm run by two sisters. They will guide us in a short Umbrian cooking lesson followed by a lunch sampling the new oil and several traditional dishes. Then we will visit Monte Castello di Vibio, a tiny, intact, and beautifully restored medieval hamlet just across the valley from Todi. After a visit to Teatro della Concordia, known as the smallest theater in the world, you’ll have time to wander and sit with some refreshments before heading back to Todi for free time. We will convene for diner at a special restaurant in Todi’s historic center.
Day 5: The Magnificent Orvieto
An all-day excursion is to Orvieto, home of one of Italy’s most beautiful cathedrals. We will learn from our Italian guide about the Etruscan, Medieval, and Renaissance history of this glorious hill town. After our tour and time to explore the incredible façade and interior frescos of the Cathedral, we will lunch together and have time for further adventures in Orvieto before heading back for dinner on your own in Todi.
Day 6: Umbrian wine, olive oil and the hill towns of Montefalco & Bevagna
After a relaxed morning in Todi, we’ll embark on a picturesque drive through the countryside to learn about the history and distinctive qualities of two of the region’s most beloved wines, Grecchetto and Sagrantino. We will have lunch on the piazza in Montefalco and see stunning artworks by Bennozzo. Gozzoli and Perugino. After visiting an olive oil mill in nearby Bevagna, we will conclude our afternoon at a small independent winery run by Fillipo Peppucci on the outskirts of Todi. We will enjoy a private tour and tasting with Fillipo and learn about his unique wine production based on ancient varieties and modern technology. You’ll have the evening to spend on your own.
Day 7: Majolica Pottery and a Unique Shrine in Deruta
Just up the road from Todi, discover Deruta, a center of majolica pottery since the Middle Ages. We will meet Chiara Grazia and learn about her family’s ceramics company in continuous business since the 1200s! After visiting an inspirational shrine with masterpieces of vernacular majolica, we will return to Todi for the afternoon. Revisit your favorite spots, fit in some last-minute shopping, and grab a cappuccino at Piannegianni’s. We will meet in the early evening for a tour of a Renaissance Palazzo and an aperitivo with its owner Count Pongelli in his magnificent walled garden. Then we are off to our farewell dinner.
Day 8: Departure
Enjoy one more leisurely morning in Todi with breakfast at your hotel and a stroll on the Piazza. Prepare for your departure from Todi, or you can choose to extend your stay. Travel from Todi is on your own, but Julianna can help make the arrangements via private coach or bus back to Rome or wherever else your travels may take you in Italy.