umbria food tour

THE 10 BEST Umbria Food Tours

Food tours in umbria.

• Cultural Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Taste Perugia Food Tour Led by Local

2. Winemaker for a Day: Tour an Organic Winery

3. E-bike tour in Orvieto in small group: history, culture with lunch or dinner

4. Truffle Hunt & Bio Lunch in Assisi

5. Bevagna E-Bike Farm to Table

6. Apprentice Olive Oil taster for a day!

7. Wine and Cheeses

8. Umbria Wine Lovers Tour l Montefalco & Bevagna l Small group Tour

9. Aperitif in the famous underground caves of Orvieto

10. Wine tour in Umbria along the Sagrantino trail with light lunch

11. A Full Day in Orvieto from Rome (free tour)...

12. Food and wine tour

13. Olive Oil And Wine Museum With Food And Wine Tasting + Quad tour

14. Day Trip: Perugia Private Tour with Lunch and Perugina Chocolate House

15. Assisi with Gourmet Lunch&Wine Fullday from Florence

16. Day Trip: Vinyard Tour By Horse & Carriage+ Lunch + Montefalco And Todi Pr.tour

17. Perugia Art & Food Tour

18. Day Trip: Gubbio Private Tour with lunch in Wine Cellar + Horseback ride

19. Assisi ShorExcursion Gourmet Lunch&Wine Included from Civitavecchia Cruise Port

20. Olive oil tasting experience with oil mill tour in Umbria.

21. Assisi ShorExcursion Gourmet Lunch&Wine Included from Civitavecchia Cruise Port

22. Evo Tour & tasting

23. Umbria Wine Tour and Tasting in Torgiano.

24. Assisi ShorExcursion Gourmet Lunch&Wine Included from Civitavecchia Cruise Port

25. Assisi with Gourmet Lunch&Wine Fullday from Florence

26. Assisi Town with Gourmet Lunch&Wine Fullday from Rome

27. Assisi Town with Gourmet Lunch&Wine ShoreExcursion from Civitavecchia Port

28. Honey Tour & tasting

29. Assisi Town with Gourmet Lunch&Wine Fullday from Rome

30. Assisi Town with Gourmet Lunch&Wine ShoreExcursion from Civitavecchia Port

What travellers are saying.

THE 10 BEST Umbria Food Tours

Umbria food tours.

• Cultural Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Taste Perugia Food Tour Led by Local

2. Winemaker for a Day: Tour an Organic Winery

3. E-bike tour in Orvieto in small group: history, culture with lunch or dinner

4. Truffle Hunt & Bio Lunch in Assisi

5. Bevagna E-Bike Farm to Table

6. Apprentice Olive Oil taster for a day!

7. Wine and Cheeses

8. Umbria Wine Lovers Tour l Montefalco & Bevagna l Small group Tour

9. Aperitif in the famous underground caves of Orvieto

10. Wine tour in Umbria along the Sagrantino trail with light lunch

11. A Full Day in Orvieto from Rome (free tour)...

12. Food and wine tour

13. Olive Oil And Wine Museum With Food And Wine Tasting + Quad tour

14. Day Trip: Perugia Private Tour with Lunch and Perugina Chocolate House

15. Assisi with Gourmet Lunch&Wine Fullday from Florence

16. Day Trip: Vinyard Tour By Horse & Carriage+ Lunch + Montefalco And Todi Pr.tour

17. Perugia Art & Food Tour

18. Day Trip: Gubbio Private Tour with lunch in Wine Cellar + Horseback ride

19. Assisi ShorExcursion Gourmet Lunch&Wine Included from Civitavecchia Cruise Port

20. Olive oil tasting experience with oil mill tour in Umbria.

21. Assisi ShorExcursion Gourmet Lunch&Wine Included from Civitavecchia Cruise Port

22. Evo Tour & tasting

23. Umbria Wine Tour and Tasting in Torgiano.

24. Assisi ShorExcursion Gourmet Lunch&Wine Included from Civitavecchia Cruise Port

25. Assisi with Gourmet Lunch&Wine Fullday from Florence

26. Assisi Town with Gourmet Lunch&Wine Fullday from Rome

27. Assisi Town with Gourmet Lunch&Wine ShoreExcursion from Civitavecchia Port

28. Honey Tour & tasting

29. Assisi Town with Gourmet Lunch&Wine Fullday from Rome

30. Assisi Town with Gourmet Lunch&Wine ShoreExcursion from Civitavecchia Port

What travellers are saying.

Umbria Wine Tours

Umbria Wine Tours The World of Wine & Food Tourism in Umbria, Italy.

Montefalco & martani hills.

A food and wine journey into the heart of Umbria, between picturesque villages, the land of Sagrantino.

Orvieto & Amerini Hills

Travel through history and nature along the west side of Umbria; Orvieto, Amelia and Terni.

Perugia, Trasimeno & Altotiberini Hills

The route between Perugia, Assisi, the villages of Trasimeno lake and the enchanting Tiber Valley.

Spoleto & Valnerina

An Umbrian itinerary through the “wild” side including Spoleto, Norchia, Valnerina and the Sibillini Park.

Umbria Wine Tours is a portal dedicated to food and wine tourism in the Italian region of Umbria: t he “Green Heart of Italy”

We are dedicated to providing the best information, and helping visitors authentically discover Umbria  and all of its rich traditions of culinary excellence which are harmonically linked with its beautiful untamed nature, quaint villages, and ancient cities.

Umbrian wine , in its various stages of production and its vast varieties of high quality grapes is one of the great symbols of the region itself, and just one of its attractions. A center of great food production and numerous regional food events and festivals, here you can discover the tastes and flavors of tradition.

This portal contains information about Umbrian wine and great local culinary traditions. You can find information on events, wineries, restaurants, agricultural producers, specialty food shops, agriturismos, and even request a customized food and wine tour. We have divided the region into four main areas which correspond to areas of production of fine wines and typical agricultural products. Each area has their own special characteristics pertaining to wine, food, culture, history, and nature.

The Umbria Wine Tours presents the complete world of wine and food tourism in Umbria, Italy. 

We Suggest:

Torre Bisenzio

Agriturismo Belvedere delle Crete

Cantine Neri

Società Agricola Ginepreta Cimicchi

Umbria, italy.

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• A wonderful valley
• Discover Umbria
• Fascinating ancient civilizations: Etruscans and Romans
• Three regions road bike tour
• The Assisi-Spoleto bike path
• Treasures of the green valley
• Treasures of the green valley slow
• Umbria Escape
• Short break in Umbria
• Medieval villages and a fascinating lake
• Medieval Umbria
• A surprising Umbria
• Two wonderful Umbrian towns: Assisi & Spoleto
• The way of Saint Francis
• Looking for the most beautiful villages of Umbria

Cycling and wine-tasting tour

• Eno-gastronomic cycling tour
• Walking in Umbria, an eno-gastronomic surprise
• Delicious Umbrian food & wine tour
• Umbria, an eno-gastronomic discovery
• A food & wine tour through the Valle Umbra

An Umbrian foodie vacation in historic houses

• Hiking through the vineyards of Montefalco and wine-tasting
• Bike & Wine or Bike & Lunch
• The world of Olive Oil
• Walking and enjoying the Umbrian landscape
• Cycling with a guide and enjoying the Umbrian landscape
• Paragliding
• Difficulty levels
• Bike Rental in Umbria

Gourmet Tours

Food & wine experiences.

In Umbria there is not only a l ot to see , but also to taste . It is a land with great flavours .  Food and wine have a central place in the Umbrian hospitality. Umbrian’s love to invite their friends to have a good meal together.  It is the homeland of excellent red and white wines , black truffle , pecorino cheese , cured meat like salami’s, raw hams from Norcia, lentils from Castelluccio, deep green extra virgin olive oil and the roasted pork ‘porchetta’.

Our food and wine tours are an excellent way to experience the good and genuine local gastronomic traditions and the tasty wines of this lovely area.

Umbria is beautiful and tasty !

An eno-gastronomic cycling tour

This tour for  foodies is the perfect combination of  cycling  in a natural environment,  exploring culturally interesting  towns,  and  discovering  the excellent  wines  and gastronomic traditions of this lovely area.

Difficulty : 2 Departures : From 01/04/2024 to 31/10/2024

Code : CG002UMB

Cycle tour for foodies

Participants : 2 or more people. You cycle through a landscape of gentle, rolling hills. Throughout these tours the steeper slopes are short and the longer ones are not too steep.

A food tour through the Valle Umbra

This  food  tour offers the  best of Umbria : nature, cultural interesting towns, and good food.

Difficulty : 1

Code : G 008 UMB 

Departures : From 01/04/2024 to 31/10/2024 (excl. 04/08-20/08; holidays and festivities)

A wonderful discovery trip to culinary traditions

Participants : 2 or more people. Cooking class and truffle hunting

From  € 699

A yummy wander route.

This tour is suitable for everyone. It tour is a delightful   mixture  of walking and food & wine experiences.

Difficulty : 1 Departures : daily from April until the end of October (excl. 04/08-18/08 & during festivities on request)

Discover the delicacies of the Valle Umbra

Participants : 2 or more people.

During this tour you will discover the Umbrian valley, Valle Umbra in all it aspects. This green fertile valley stretches out from Assisi until Spoleto. CG 001 UMB

Umbria is known for its beautiful nature, medieval villages, fine wines and delicious local cuisine. During this tour you will see two different parts of Umbria.

Delicious Umbrian food & wine tour

The astonishing landscapes with rolling hills, small medieval towns, fertile lands with vineyards and olive groves, transparent rivers, small lakes and excellent food will make your holiday in Umbria an unforgettable experience. G 004 UMB

An eno-gastronomic discovery: shopping, cooking class & wine-tasting

This short eno-gastronomic holiday is a travel through the culinary tradition of the beautiful Valle Umbra, a fertile valley with many waterways surrounded by a backdrop of green hills covered with vineyards and olive groves. G 007 UMB

  [email protected]

GreenWays Italy

Bike tours & slow travel, you are > home / food&wine, food & wine experiences.

Started from our passion for food and wine, and Daniele's experience as a private chef in Canada and UK, we'd like to take you for a tasting journey through the traditions and the local producers and farmers of this incredible region. Grab some veggies from the garden and cook pasta with Mama, taste cheese at the farm, sip a full body wine Sagrantino, or a fruity Grechetto at the local organic winery. Are you ready for a culinary adventure together?  Explore, Taste, Live!

UMBRIA SLOW FOOD TOUR

Come see what makes Umbria a real paradise for foodies. Let's taste it, it's very yummy! 

UMBRIA WINE LOVERS

Explore one of the smallest yet most authentic wine regions in Italy!

UMBRIA COOK FARM TO TABLE

Visit a family-owened farm, pick some veggies and cook it with Mama. Local, natural, healthy. Simply good. 

• DESTINATIONS
• EXPERIENCES

Food & Wine Tours in Umbria that Every Traveler will Love

Umbria, known as the “Green Heart of Italy”, offers more than just lovely landscapes of rolling green hills – it’s also a food and wine paradise. Nestled between Tuscany , Lazio and Marches, this hidden gem may be small in size but it’s big on personality and unique gastronomic experiences.

Imagine strolling through medieval towns straight out of a fairytale that lead you to cozy trattorias, artisan shops and dazzling churches. From the enchanting city of Perugia, the region’s capital, to the captivating hilltop village of Assisi, where the spirit of Saint Francis still lingers, Umbria’s towns are like a collection of precious jewels waiting to be explored.

No matter where you visit in Umbria, the celebration of local produce and culinary traditions is strong. Dive into bowls of hearty lentil soup, savor plates of hand-rolled pappardelle pasta drenched in rich truffle or ragu sauce, and indulge in melt-in-your-mouth porchetta. And let us not forget the quality wines of Umbria – both wine connoisseurs and casual sippers will be clinking their glasses and saying “cin cin” in no time.

The Unique Flavors of Umbrian Cuisine

Umbria is your gateway to a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Truffles are a staple of Umbrian cuisine and the region is teeming with truffle producing hotspots. Be it the earthy black kind or the white variety, these aromatic wonders take center stage on the plate – gracing pasta dishes and infusing oils with their luxurious essence.

The area is also blessed with an abundance of olive groves that give rise to some of the world’s finest olive oils. Drizzling this liquid gold over fresh bread, local cheese and cured meats will transport you to foodie heaven. And pairing a classic Italian Charcuterie board with a glass of Sagrantino wine is the cherry on top of the experience. In fact, this bold red, born from Umbria’s vineyards, is the perfect companion for a range of meals.

When it comes to desserts, there are endless options: rocciata (pastry roll filled with goodies), crescionda (chocolate cake originating from Spoleto) and maccheroni con le noci (a sweet pasta and walnut treat). Each bite of these Umbrian desserts will have you licking your lips for more.

Introduction to Meravigliosa Umbria

To elevate your trip, there is one company you need to know the name of: Meravigliosa Umbria . In addition to their active adventures like walking, hiking and cycling – this highly-rated tour operator specializes in wine and olive oil tastings, truffle hunting and cooking classes. With a mission to showcase authentic Umbria – they have perfected the art of intertwining history, culture, and fantastic food and wine into each tour experience.

Meravigliosa Umbria’s tours aren’t just about eating and drinking – they are about experiencing. Every tour is crafted with love, attention to detail and an unyielding passion for sharing the finest aspects of Umbrian life. You will discover centuries-old family recipes, witness traditional cooking techniques and hear stories that breathe life into every dish.

By participating in the communal aspect of Umbrian cuisine, where friends and family come together, you will feel like part of an Italian famiglia. This is the chance to create connections, not just with the food but with the people who pour their hearts into each morsel. With Meravigliosa Umbria, you will have the opportunity to chat with the winemakers and learn about the science behind every bottle. From robust reds to crisp whites, each sip tells a tale of the region’s history and dedication to the grape.

5 Best Food & Wine Tours in Umbria

• Truffle Hunting in Umbria – Day Tour : With two options on the table – either in the hills/woods between Assisi and Spello, or on a farmhouse on the hills of Assisi in Monte Subasio – this is the perfect adventure for people who want to learn more about the truffle hunting process. Alongside a local expert and his dog – you will search for the fragrant diamonds – and once found, you get to eat them over a nice meal in a winery.
• Assisi: Cooking Class & Wine Tasting – Day Tour : Local hosts Maria and Anna Laura welcome you into their organic, family-run winery for the day and help you immerse yourself in a true winemaker’s spirit. This tour in Assisi includes information about the grape cultivation process, tasting a variety of wines and an engaging cooking class. While you are preparing iconic dishes like gnocchi, a guided olive oil tasting takes place which allows you to whet your appetite for the four-course meal to come.
• Bike & Wine or Bike & Brunch – Day Tour : This particular tour lets you choose between a bike and wine experience, or bike and brunch escapade, whatever tickles your fancy for the day. Both activities involve a bit of cycling, which is ideal for visitors who want to do some exercise while savoring the food and wine of Umbria. It’s also possible to book this tour as a self-guided journey, if you prefer to have more freedom and privacy.
• Hiking and Olive Oil Tasting – Day Tour : Starting from a charming olive oil mill next to the village of Pozzo, guests will be able to taste some of the best olive oil Umbria has to offer while stretching their legs on a decent walk through magical olive groves and woods. A typical Umbrian lunch is also part of the itinerary, ensuring you don’t go hungry. Learning about the production of extra virgin olive oil from a knowledgeable local guide will open your eyes to just how ancient and versatile this juice really is.
• Food & Wine Tour Through the Valle Umbra – 5 Days : The green Valle Umbra, surrounded by rolling hills and charming villages, is the setting for this special five day tour. Beginning in Trevi and ending in Assisi, this eno-gastronomic adventure sees you tick some special experiences off your Umbria bucket list – such as exploring Assisi, truffle hunting, trying authentic dishes with truffle, partaking in a cooking class, visiting an organic winegrower and staying in unique eco-accommodations.

Tips for an Umbria Food & Wine Trip

• Sip Wine Like a Sommelier: Umbria is known for its range of delectable wines – so don’t just drink, savor. Try the Sagrantino di Montefalco, a bold red with hints of dark berries, or the Orvieto Classico, a crisp white perfect for sunny days. Book a wine tasting tour with Meravigliosa Umbria to learn about the art of wine and to discover hidden gems in local vineyards.
• Say Yes Please to Cheese: Umbria is home to pecorino cheese that will make you question everything you thought you knew about cheese. From fresh and creamy to aged and crumbly, the local cheeses of Umbria are a must-try. Pair them with honey or jams for a match made in heaven.
• Go on a Truffle Treasure Hunt: Searching for these elusive fungi is a must-do experience in Umbria. Join a truffle hunting excursion with a local hunter and their trusty dog. Once you unearth that precious truffle, put it to use in pasta dishes or risottos for a taste that is simply divine.
• Understand that Nonna Knows Best: Seek out traditional family-run trattorias and restaurants where Nonna (grandma) is in charge of the kitchen. These places are like a portal to the heart and soul of Umbrian cuisine. From hand-rolled pasta to hearty slow-cooked stews, you will be treated to flavors that have been passed down through the generations.
• Sample the Veggie Dishes: The fertile lands of Umbria yield an array of fresh vegetables. Look out for dishes with fagiolina del Trasimeno, a delicate bean variety stemming from the hills and fields around Lake Trasimeno, and indulge in healthy soups packed with seasonal produce.
• Participate in a Festival Frenzy: Time your Umbria trip to coincide with food festivals. The Eurochocolate Festival of Perugia is a chocoholic’s dream, while the Sagra Musicale Umbra combines classical music with scrumptious local dishes. These festivals provide a feast for the senses.

Author:  Matt Lloyd

Matt Lloyd is a writer and editor for magnificentworld.com. His topics cover everything from travel and tourism, to economics and politics, to culture and world events.

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Delicious Italy

Happy Cooking Umbria Food Tours

• short break
• wine tasting
• umbria hospitality
• font size decrease font size increase font size

Daniela Paci , founder of Happy Cooking in Umbria , is your reference for learning more about the local gastronomy of the region.

Fluent in English, Daniela is a true Umbrian who has a special interest in the Etruscan origins of many of Umbria's dishes and recipes.

She is also a qualified and licensed tour guide who can customize cooking lessons and wine tasting experiences anywhere in the region.

Selected Wine Tasting and Umbria Wine Tours

Orvieto wine tour.

Day trip to a mysterious town with guided tasting of its famous wine. Morning: tour of a winery, guided wine tasting, light lunch. Afternoon: walking tour in Orvieto: Duomo, Medieval area, Underground City with its wells, caves, tunnels.

The Cantico Wine Road Tour

In the footsteps of Saint Francis of Assisi, walking tour of Assisi and guided tour of the Basilica of St. Francis, final picnic lunch in a vineyard with guided wine tasting.

Sagrantino Wine Road

A gorgeous drive through the Sagrantino wine road, visiting different wineries and properties as well as trips to the most interesting hill towns to taste their famous wines.

Città di Castello Tour

Città di Castello and surrounding small towns, tasting truffle and 'smoked vinsanto', a puzzle of arts and crafts, history, genuine food, along the most gorgeous and industrious land of Umbria.

Lake Trasimeno Tour

Beans and fish, the close relationship between land and water. Early boat trip with the fishermen, visit of a local olive oil mill, tasting of bruschetta and Trasimeno local beans, tour of Monte del Lago where a tragic love story took place.

Her lessons and tours and cooking lessons are ideal for honeymooners or as wedding or anniversary gifts.

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Abruzzo Basilicata Calabria Campania Emilia Romagna Friuli Venezia Giulia Lazio Le Marche Liguria Lombardia Molise Piemonte Puglia Sardinia Sicily Trentino Alto Adige Tuscany Umbria Aosta Valley Veneto

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The Heart of Italy Tour - Umbria

October 11 - 18, 2025.

Join us for a week in the heart of Italy!

Immersed in the green heart of Italy, silent and unassuming, stands Umbria, a land of gentle hills and valleys, mushroom truffles, wine, and olive oil.

This unexplored region is surrounded by mighty walls, vineyards, and olive trees and is full of churches, sanctuaries, monasteries, palaces, and museums. In Umbria, you’ll journey through the most beautiful villages of Italy, where history and culture mix with spirituality and a landscape that captivates the eyes and soul of those who experience it. Villages perched on green hills among flowering valleys and oak forests. Umbria is a region that surprises and allows for traveling slowly. In Umbria, you’ll be surrounded by centuries-old vines trees and sunflower fields that line the roads towards precious sanctuaries. Umbria is a region where you travel slowly, continuously up and down, on green hills and brushstrokes of yellow sunflowers that line the roads towards the picturesque villages like Assisi, Perugia, and Spello.

Journey through this still somewhat undiscovered region with us for a week and get to know it via its food, art, culture, and nature. In the greenery, you will enjoy truffle hunting in the woods and long guided walks in hamlets such as Spello, Assisi, Montefalco, and Bevagna. Taste just pressed olive oil, visit several wineries, enjoy leisurely lunches in unique spots, learn about the art of pork curing, and sample the many wines this region has to offer. When you’re not enjoying amazing experiences, you can relax at the pool of your 5* hotel or enjoy some time alone, wandering the safe streets of Perugia, where you will find medieval alleys to get lost in and breathtaking views.

• 8 days / 7 nights in 5* accommodations in the center of Perugia
• Private transportation for all our scheduled activities during the week
• Daily breakfast at the hotel and all lunches during the week
• Welcome and thank you multi-course dinners with ample wine
• Private tours with certified guides 
• Private visit to winery in the Sagrantino area with wine tastings and lunch on location
• Winery visit in Montefalco with afternoon guided visit in the city known for wine and olive oil
• Food tour of Perugia with ample tastings of local products and wines
• Guided afternoon in Assisi with entrance to the Basilica. Also time on your own to explore.
• Visit to agriturismo for a truffle hunt in the woods with lunch following
• Visit to olive oil mill to taste the year’s production of new olive oil
• Guided afternoon visit to Lake Trasimeno with entrance and tour of Palazzo della Corgna
• Hands-on cooking class in winery with large lunch following
• Guided visit to Spello, the city of flowers and art
• Bi-Lingual native Italian host at your service during the entire week

​NOT INCLUDED

• Airfare / Flights (Folks should fly into Perugia or Rome Airport).
• Transfer from / to airport
• Tips / gratuities for guides, instructors and drivers
• Travel Insurance: As of 2023, we will require everyone traveling with us to carry some form of Travel Insurance. Click here for info.

Day 1 - Welcome to Umbria!

Welcome dinner and meet and greet.

Umbria has been called the heart of Italy, and our home base, Perugia, can easily be named the heart of Umbria. Today, we will welcome you to Umbria at our 5* hotel in the center of Perugia. Settle in and unpack, relax tired muscles in the hotel pool, or head out for your first gelato. We will welcome you to Umbria tonight with a delicious typical dinner with abundant wine. During dinner, you’ll get to know your fellow travel companions and learn all about the week ahead.

Day 2 - Cooking Class in Agriturismo + Tour of Gubbio

Hands-on cooking class in agriturismo + tour of gubbio.

Today, you’ll have to work if you want to eat! We head a little north today to the enchanting city of Gubbio. Our first hands-on culinary experience will take place in an agriturismo . An agriturimso is a working farm which produces some of its products on location. During our class, we will be preparing several local Umbrian dishes to enjoy as a group afterwards. The location, the food, the company, the wine, it’s all a perfect combination! Weather permitting, we can enjoy our lunch outdoors.

After class, we enjoy a guided tour of the city of Gubbio. The city walls, the gray stone buildings, the cobbled streets, the charming little squares – Gubbio is one of the most beautiful and best preserved medieval cities in Italy. Its alleys offer enchanting views, where you can discover a cuddly cat, an old-school Fiat 500 still in use, some clothes hanging out, or a curious nonna looking from a window . In Umbria, you are sure to discover a place of peace and spirituality.

Day 3 - Food Tour of Perugia & Assisi

Morning walking food tour of perugia, afternoon guided visit to assisi.

Today, we will meet my dear friend Susan for a one-of-a-kind food tour of Perugia. Susan has been calling Perugia home for over ten years, and over these years, she has met amazing local food purveyors that you, too, will get to meet during our foodie walk. You’ll taste, sip, and stroll along the ancient streets and learn not only about these amazing foods but also about this equally amazing city.

In the afternoon, we will walk off our morning’s tastings in one of my favorite Italian cities, Assisi. Assisi is a fascinating village that seems to live in a world of its own, separated from the clamor and chaos of other cities. Thanks to its rich history and its incredible art, Assisi is a city with a multifaceted identity. During our guided walk, you will have the opportunity to wander with your imagination from the pre-Roman era to the Middle Ages, enjoying the extraordinary beauty of places full of spirituality such as the Basilica of Santa Chiara, dedicated to the founder of the Order of the Poor Clares, and the Basilica of San Francesco, home to masterpieces such as paintings by Cimabue, Giotto, Pietro Lorenzetti and Simone Martini.

Day 4 - Visit the Bevagna & Sagrantino Area with Lunch

All about wine visit several notable wineries in the sagrantino area with lunch on location.

Umbria is increasingly becoming famous in Italy and worldwide for its food and wine specialties. One of these is undoubtedly the wine produced among the rolling hills of this region. The most famous area for wine production in Umbria is the Sagrantino area, a red wine that is making its way worldwide thanks to its unique characteristics. The Sagrantino grape is grown mainly in Bevagna, and we will visit several wineries in the area today.

Bevagna is a perfectly preserved medieval village that has become one of Umbria’s main points of reference for traditions and medieval culture. Piazza Silvestri stands out in the center of the town as backdrops to the Romanesque churches of San Silvestro, San Michele, and the nineteenth-century Teatro Torti.

After a guided tour of this charming hamlet, we will visit several wineries in the area, enjoy lunch on their property, and taste numerous local wines.

Day 5 - Truffle Hunting and Olive Oil Mill

Visit to agriturismo for truffle hunting in the woods. afternoon visit to olive oil mill..

We’re visiting Umbria in the fall, so visiting the woods for some truffle hunting is a must. Did you know these highly prized funghi are cultivated the most in Umbria? More so than Tuscany and even Piedmont. The truffle in Umbria is a fundamental element of good cuisine. Combined with many dishes, it is an element that enriches the typical cuisine of the area. The soils of this region are rich in truffles, and living this truffle-hunting experience in Umbria will make for a most memorable experience! Experience the thrill of truffle hunting in the company of the quarryman and other expert truffle hunters. You will discover how this precious product is harvested, thanks to the talented truffle-hunting dogs, the real protagonists of our day! A complete lunch with truffle tasting will follow for a perfect conclusion to this unforgettable experience.

After our outdoor excursion and delicious lunch, we will tour a frantoio. A frantoio is an olive oil mill, and seeing as we’re visiting in the fall, we will get to taste the olio nuovo, the new oil. And Umbria is probably the region with the best quality in Italy, having won numerous global awards recently—a tradition devoted to the oil’s quality and not the quantity of production. So, while southern Italy gets most of the attention for olive oil production, oils from Umbria are also considered some of the best in Italy and the world.

Day 6 - Factory Visit and Visit to Lake Trasimeno

Morning visit to producer for food tasting and lunch with afternoon guided tour of lake trasimeno.

We will visit a local producer in the morning and learn about local products. We will enjoy lunch on their property before heading out to another unique destination for the afternoon!

In the past, Lake Trasimeno was called “the Sea of Perugia,” today, it offers a wide choice of attractions for visitors. Lago Trasimeno is a true natural gem that provides an oasis of tranquility and scenic beauty. Its clear waters and green banks surround rolling hills, medieval villages, and nature reserves, creating a unique and fascinating environment. The fourth-largest lake in Italy is located in the heart of the Umbrian hills. Today, we will visit this lovely area, enjoy a guided tour, and visit the Palazzo della Corgna, an imposing palace built on a pre-existing building lined with beautifully undiscovered frescos.

Day 7 - Cooking Class and Tour of Spello

Morning hands-on cooking class of local specialty product, plus afternoon in beautiful spello..

Grab your apron, and let’s head to the kitchen! Today, you will learn all the tricks to make the delicious Assisi Schiacciata! Visit one of the oldest organic wineries in Umbria, where you can learn how to create and taste this delightful special bread. After preparing the ingredients, all strictly local and with organic flour produced by the cellar with organic wheat, and kneading the schiacciata, all you have to do is wait for the quick cooking and be able to taste your dish immediately. You’ll enjoy this special bread with typical Umbrian cheeses and salumi. There will also be a special tasting of the cellar’s organic wines and the delicious extra virgin olive oil.

Make sure your camera is charged for this afternoon’s visit! After lunch, we visit Spello, one of the most picturesque towns in Umbria. This pretty town overlooks olive groves and is characterized by charming winding alleys adorned with pots of colorful flowers hanging everywhere. In the Renaissance, its main church was decorated with frescoes by Pintoricchio, one of Italy’s most important painters of the 15th-16th century. Art lovers must see it. You’ll love your time in Spello, the city of extra virgin olive oil, flowers, and art!

Day 8 - Arrivederci Umbria

Breakfast at the hotel before checking out.

It’s time to bid farewell to the heart of Italy. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out for your next destination or to return home after a most memorable week in the heart of Italy.

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Price & Details

8 Days / 7 Nights

Price: $5,200 USD Per Person in Superior Room / Single Supplement is $1,300 USD. $5,500 USD Per Person in Deluxe Room.

$1,000 USD Non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot.

Francesca Montillo, Native Italian, Owner and Tour Leader Accompanies all Activities​​. Contact Francesca at [email protected] for booking/reservation and further details.

If you would like to reserve a spot for this tour, or have any questions, please use the contact form below and we will send you the necessary booking instructions or additional information.

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Fill out the form below for more information about this trip!

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Umbria… Food and Wine Tour in the green heart of Italy

From Gubbio to Castiglione del Lago , from “torta al testo” to the famous Umbrian truffle: four days to discover history, taste and culture of Umbria, crossing historic villages and beautiful natural landsacapes .

SCHEDULED DATES:

• PERIOD A From 6th  to 30th of April 2023 and from  16th to  31st of October 2023
• PERIOD B From 1st of May to 4th of August 2023 From 27th August to 15th of October 2023
• PERIOD C From 5th August to 26th August 2023 minimum stay 5 nights

Contact us for info or reservations

From 9am to 12.30pm and from 2.30pm to 6pm

• Description

Details of itinerary

• Rate per person per tour 375€
• Double as single room supplement 170€
• Rate per person per tour 395€
• Double as single room supplement 190€
• Children rates in 3rd bed with accommodation in Superior room:
• – From 0 to 2 years old: Baby cot free on request (meals not included)
• – From 3 to 7 years old   235€
• – From 8 to 11 years old   265€
• – From 12 years old   305€
• Rate per person per tour 520€
• Double as single room supplement 320€
• – From 3 to 7 years old   330€
• – From 8 to 11 years old   355€
• – From 12 years old   410€
• *minimum stay 5 nights, other services included unchanged. On request we can suggest places to visit on additional days
• Accommodation in Abbazia di Collemedio**** Resort and Spa, historic proprety located on a beautiful hill overlooking the historic village of Collepepe and on the Tevere’s valley a few kilometers from Perugia – 3 nights in double room, bed and breakfast treatment;
• n.1 Italian pre dinner aperitif (one welcome drink, cheese and cold cuts board, some croutons)
• Tastings and lunches included: lunch in a famous “locanda” specialized in “torta al testo” (typical Umbria bread stuffed with cheese, ham, vegetables etc. etc.), visit and guided tasting in one of the most famous wine farm in Umbria region (tasting of 4 wines included the famous Sagrantino with some appetizer), lunch with typical umbria dishes in the best “trattoria” in Rasiglia, visit and tasting in a famous olive oil meal, lunch in Castiglione del Lago. All the meals are excluded drinks;
• General info about destinations and sites to visit: Gubbio, Bevagna, Spello, Spoleto, Rasiglia and Trasimeno Lake
• Service guide, transfer everything not mentioned in “rates include”
• Tourist tax to pay at destination (at the moment not applied)

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• Civita di Bagnoregio
• Monster’s Park
• Cheese Tasting
• Cooking Lessons
• Honey Tasting
• Olive Oil Tasting
• Truffle Hunting
• Wine and Craft Beer Tasting
• Bevagna and Montefalco
• Bolsena and Civita di Bagnoregio
• Food and Wine Itinerary
• Orvieto and Civita di Bagnoregio
• Orvieto Traditions and Tastings
• Pitigliano and Sovana
• Special Assisi
• Todi and Deruta
• Villa Lante and Palazzo Farnese

Umbria Food & Wine Tour

Have you ever been to Umbria?   Cities of art, overflowing with culture, breathtaking views across the unspoiled countryside, medieval villages that ooze with charm:  Umbria embodies the romantic concept of Italy .

Umbria your Green Heart

And above all there are wines and typical products of world renown  that will offer a delicious meal around every corner of ancient stone. let us take you on this 7-day food and wine tour and discover the authentic flavors of umbria.

DAY 1: SPOLETO

TRANSFER FROM APT TO SPOLETO ARRIVAL IN SPOLETO INTRODUCTIONS PRESENTATIONS WELCOME DINNER

DAY 2: ASSISI

COOKING CLASS IN A FARM HOUSE IN ASSISI WITH LUNCH GUIDED EXPLORATION WITHIN THE CITY OF ASSISI BACK TO SPOLETO DINNER AT PIZZERIA

DAY 3: SPELLO

VISIT OF THE ANCIENT CITY OF SPELLO FREE AFTERNOON DINNER AT RESTAURANT

DAY 4: BEVAGNA

VISIT OF BEVAGNA FREE LUNCH COOKING CLASS AND WINE TASTING IN A VINEYARD PRODUCING “SAGRANTINO” DINNER IN A VINEYARD

DAY 5: TRUFFLE HUNTING

TRUFFLE HUNTING IN A BEAUTIFUL SMALL VILLAGE SPECIAL LUNCH WITH TRUFFLE  DISHES BACK TO SPOLETO AND FREE TIME DINNER NOT INCLUDED

DAY 6: ORVIETO

VISIT OF ORVIETO UNDERGROUND CAVES AND DUOMO        WINE AND FOOD TASTING IN A LOCAL CANTINA BACK TO SPOLETO  FAREWEL DINNER AT RESTAURANT

Lucianna Coppola

Travel Designer & Tour Leader 05018 Orvieto  •  Umbria  •  Italy VAT IT 01633630551

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THE 10 BEST Umbria Food Tours

Food tours in umbria.

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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Taste Perugia Food Tour Led by Local

2. Winemaker for a Day: Tour an Organic Winery

3. E-bike tour in Orvieto in small group: history, culture with lunch or dinner

4. Truffle Hunt & Bio Lunch in Assisi

5. Bevagna E-Bike Farm to Table

6. Apprentice Olive Oil taster for a day!

7. Wine and Cheeses

8. Umbria Wine Lovers Tour l Montefalco & Bevagna l Small group Tour

9. Aperitif in the famous underground caves of Orvieto

10. Wine tour in Umbria along the Sagrantino trail with light lunch

11. A Full Day in Orvieto from Rome (free tour)...

12. Food and wine tour

13. Olive Oil And Wine Museum With Food And Wine Tasting + Quad tour

14. Day Trip: Perugia Private Tour with Lunch and Perugina Chocolate House

15. Assisi with Gourmet Lunch&Wine Fullday from Florence

16. Day Trip: Vinyard Tour By Horse & Carriage+ Lunch + Montefalco And Todi Pr.tour

17. Perugia Art & Food Tour

18. Day Trip: Gubbio Private Tour with lunch in Wine Cellar + Horseback ride

19. Assisi ShorExcursion Gourmet Lunch&Wine Included from Civitavecchia Cruise Port

20. Olive oil tasting experience with oil mill tour in Umbria.

21. Assisi ShorExcursion Gourmet Lunch&Wine Included from Civitavecchia Cruise Port

22. Evo Tour & tasting

23. Umbria Wine Tour and Tasting in Torgiano.

24. Assisi ShorExcursion Gourmet Lunch&Wine Included from Civitavecchia Cruise Port

25. Assisi with Gourmet Lunch&Wine Fullday from Florence

26. Assisi Town with Gourmet Lunch&Wine Fullday from Rome

27. Assisi Town with Gourmet Lunch&Wine ShoreExcursion from Civitavecchia Port

28. Honey Tour & tasting

29. Assisi Town with Gourmet Lunch&Wine Fullday from Rome

30. Assisi Town with Gourmet Lunch&Wine ShoreExcursion from Civitavecchia Port

What travellers are saying.

Traditional Umbrian Food: 12 Traditional Umbrian Dishes You Need to Try!

Author:  Caroline

The region of Umbria has some truly spectacular cuisine: Truffles, lentils, focaccias (and admittedly a lot of pig-derived charcuterie and meat) are real specialties of this marvelous region in the heart of Italy. So come with me and let’s dig into this authentic treasure trove that is Umbrian food!

Rolling hills dotted by castles and olive fields, beautiful castles, and amazing medieval villages. If you’re thinking about Tuscany, allow me to let you in on a secret: Umbria has all of the above in the same quality as its more famous neighbor and minus the hordes of tourists!

This food guide will run through both vegetarian and non-vegetarian specialties of Umbrian cuisine as well as give you a little insight into where the origins of the various dishes that are famous in this lesser-known province of central Italy .

Please note:  This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you).  Learn more .

Best tours to explore Umbrian food

There is no better way to get a deep understanding of Umbrian cuisine than by simply trying it. Long lunches, leisurely dinners, and plenty of snacks in between are part and parcel of a visit to this region.

When we traveled to Umbria, locals passionately imparted their knowledge of the various regional specialties and typical wines we had to try. This passion is also what drives many of the locally-led food tours and makes them great fun!

TOUR FOR WINE LOVERS: Umbria Wine Lovers Tour

Visit three traditional cellars to sample delicious Umbrian wines such as Sagrantino Montefalco DOCG and Montefalco Rosso, during informal guided tastings led by winemakers. Includes a delicious lunch with organic Umbrian specialties to be washed down with ample amounts of local Umbrian wine.

TOP FOODIE TOUR IN PERUGIA: Taste Perugia Local Food Tour

Eat your way around Perugia’s historical center in a 4-hour food tour. Taste more than 10 + regional foods from locally run restaurants, quaint cafes and artisanal shops dotted around Perugia. Learn about the city through the eyes of a local and end the day in one of Italy’s top gelaterias.

VALUE FOR MONEY TOUR: Assisi Wine Tasting Picnic

Have a picnic in a family-run vineyard in the shadow of the Basilica of Saint Francis Assisi. This 2.5-hour tour takes you through the vineyards and teaches you all about Umbrian wines and olive oil. Enjoy a delicious picnic filled with typical Umbrian delicacies (Torta al Testo, Perugian bread, cured meats and cheeses, and delicious Umbrian cookies) right in the heart of the vineyard.

Unmissable Food in Umbria: 12 traditional Umbrian dishes to try

Discovering Umbrian cuisine was a real highlight of my road trip through Umbria . No matter the size of the restaurant (from a tiny little hole in the wall to well-established) the food was, without fault, always delicious.

These 12 dishes are some of the region’s finest and a must-try for any self-respecting foodie!

Vegetarian-friendly food in Umbria

While it is true that the region is known for charcuterie and the concept of vegetarianism might seem a little strange to locals, rest assured you will not go hungry in Umbria as a vegetarian. Food in Umbria is focused on fresh, locally sourced ingredients which – thanks to the talent of local chefs – can be transformed into a finger-licking vegetarian meal in no time. Below 5 dishes are usually a safe bet to try as a vegetarian, but just to be sure always make sure to ask if the dishes are vegetarian o (vegetarian).

More Italian Food : To give you a few extra options, read up on these vegetarian dishes in Italy that are not typically Umbrian but can be found in most local restaurants.

The Arvortolo is a type of fried pizza typical for the region of Perugia, most commonly eaten during the traditional village feasts. The name means flipped in the local dialect, as the pizza is flipped continuously on either side to ensure proper cooking. What is this fried pizza made of?

Nothing could be simpler: Flour, oil, and salt. This traditional Umbrian food also exists in a sweet version, in which salt is substituted by sugar.

Get Cooking: Learn more about traditional Umbrian cuisine in a hands-on half-day cooking class in the city of Perugia. This top-rated class teaches you 4 recipes and provides plenty of Umbrian wine to sample. Check availability

Bandiera means flag in Italian and if you’re familiar with the Italian national flag ( Il tricolore) you’ll understand why this traditional side dish is called so: Green bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes make up this not exactly light recipe.

This patriotic referral notwithstanding, the Bandiera’s origins are forgotten in the midst of history: As is the case for most of the food in Umbria, this dish is in fact extremely old. Back in the day farmers would put together the ingredients of their orchard on top of hardened bread (a sort of old-style bruschetta), to this day the dish is still best enjoyed with a side of bread.

Farrecchiata di roveja

The difficult name of this recipe needs to be broken down in two to better explain this dish. Farrecchiata is a method of preparation, in which a legume or a grain gets dusted with flour and then cooked as Polenta. 

Roveja, on the other end, is the name of one of the typical legumes – belonging to the family of peas – from Umbria and in fact, can only be found in this region and in the neighboring region of Marche. The Farrecchiata di roveja is basically polenta with peas, just better! The cook adds a stir-fry of oil, garlic, anchovies, and sage to the polenta & pea mix.

Let me tell you when these get mixed together, it’s a real feast! If there is one traditional vegetarian Umbrian food you need to try on your this, let it be this one!

Torta al testo

T orta al testo is the traditional focaccia from Umbria, which can be found throughout the region. When I say traditional, I mean it: testo is the name of the stone plate used by the Ancient Romans upon which focaccia was cooked.

It comes in many different varieties, but the favorites of most locals remain the traditional one: local ham (Prosciutto di Norcia) and local cheese (Pecorino Umbro). Fret not, this dish can easily be transformed into a delicious vegetarian alternative by simply replacing the prosciutto. Ask for a vegetarian alternative to this traditional Umbrian food in any location that sells Torta al testo and they will be happy to oblige!

Impastoiata

Impastare in Italian means to knead and indeed there is a lot of kneading in this age-old Umbrian food! Traditional and with a long agricultural history, as is the case for many of the dishes in this list: This mix of Polenta and Borlotti beans was, in fact, one of the many ways that farmers used to address their chronic lack of meat.

Thankfully for us, their ingenuity gave us a delicious, healthy, and nutrient winter recipe that will warm everyone’s heart!

Meat-based Umbrian food

Umbrian cuisine is widely known for its farm-to-table approach when it comes to its ingredients, especially meat. Meat is either cooked in traditional dishes or transformed into delicate charcuterie which is the perfect accompaniment to a glass of nice Umbrian wine. As a vegetarian myself, I cannot personally attest to the taste of the below dishes. Therefore I asked my partner to be my official taste tester and ensure only the very best made it on the list.

Pasta alla Norcina

It would be impossible to write a guide on food in Umbria without mentioning the ever-present Pasta alla Norcina . This joy for the (carnivorous) palate is made with a sauce of onion, garlic, pork sausage, ricotta cheese, black pepper, and local black truffle. It is the quintessential plate of Norcia, which is renowned for its Norcinerie ( shops focused on pork-based charcuterie) and truffles.

Walking through the little town – unfortunately very much still destroyed by the 2016 earthquake – you’ll encounter dozens of them, a real risk for your wallet!

Photo courtesy of Paola via wikicommons

This a rather simple one, but a list of Italian dishes without mentioning a typical pasta shape would not be complete! Strangozzi is a pasta from Spoleto, similar to tagliatelle , and almost exclusively freshly prepared. To get a true feel of food in Umbria, order strangozzi with either truffle from Norcia (Umbria is famous in all of Italy for its truffles) or with the Norcina sauce.

Friccò all’eugubina

The names of this typical winter plate are difficult to understand, even for an Italian, therefore it deserves an explanation, actually two. Fricco’ could either come from Latin or French and it refers to the different manners of cooking meat. 

Eugubina means from Gubbio the foremost example of a medieval city in Umbria and a must-see on every trip through this beautiful region. So in short, this traditional Umbrian food is a stew of white meat (normally either lamb or rabbit) both stewed and seared served with potatoes and vegetables and sprinkled with the ever-present aromatic herbs. Nothing better to withstand the cold winters in the Umbrian hills!

Foodie Tip: If you are staying in Gubbio, be sure to check out their locally run street food tour. Try some typical food staples from Gubbio and bring food souvenirs back from trusted artisanal food shops. Check availabilities

Crostini alla spoletina

Food in Umbria was traditionally not only absolutely delicious, it also served an important purpose of providing energy for the populous. A prime example of this can be found in the Crostini alla spoletina .

Spoleto is one of the most beautiful towns in Umbria, with a stunning castle overlooking the entire medieval city and its valley. The city is built on a vertical axis, with plenty of steps and steep streets.

Walking up and down was a very tiring affair, it goes without saying that the inhabitant needed a filling meal to replenish their energy – cue Crostini alla spoletina : Grilled bread with black truffle, anchovies, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice.

The unusual combination of the strong flavors of both the truffle and the anchovies makes for a rather unique but delicious taste and – trust me – it is addictive!

Not to be missed while trying Umbrian food: Desserts

Italy sure loves its desserts and Umbria most certainly does the country proud! You will want to save some room to dry the typical Umbrian desserts .

Torcolo di San Costanzo

This typical dessert from Perugia is traditionally prepared for the day of Perugia’s patron-saint, Saint Costanzo on January 29 th and has a long list of popular tales linked to its origins: One story says the shape refers to the beheaded neck of Saint Costanzo, others link it to the gems-laced necklace the saint used to wear, others still say – in a more prosaic fashion – state that its hole was simply used to hang the dessert during the city’s celebrations.

Regardless of the origins of this Umbrian food, what is sure is that this dessert was donated to Perugia’s single girls who used to go pray in front of Saint Costanzo’s image hoping the image would wink back at them – a sure sign of an impending wedding.

If the statue wasn’t inclined to perform this less-than-ordinary gesture, the girls would receive the dessert as a consolation prize. Now, let’s dig into its actual composition: The Torcolo di San Costanzo has its origin in popular cuisine, hence it’s humble – but delicious! – ingredients: Water, flour, lard, sugar, and sweets like raisins, pine seeds, and anise. Its shape (hence the name Torcolo) is one of rolled dough.

From Perugia to wonderful Spoleto, the city of flowers. From a religious celebration to a pagan one, Crescionda is in fact typically prepared for Carnival. This dish dates back to the middle ages and does not have just one single official recipe.

As with much of the food in Umbria, the dish has at least 3 recipes: A three-layered one (amaretti and flour, egg-based cream, chocolate), a lighter recipe containing apples, and the Poretta, lemon-based recipe.

Regardless of the version, there are a few common ingredients: Anise liquor, rum, lemon zest, vanilla, and cinnamon. A real delicacy, worthy of Carnival’s extravaganza!

Explore more typical dishes from Spoleto: Visit artisanal food shops & sample traditional delicacies from Spoleto in a small-size immersive culinary experience. Check availabilities .

The Rocciata is a typical sweet delicatessen from Assisi – the city of San Francis – which might remind you of the Austrian-Slovenian Strudel , due to its rolled shape. This shape of this typical Umbrian dessert carries the secret to its name: The word roccia in the local dialect means “rolled”. The Rocciata’s dough is very thin, with a crunchy texture, stuffed with a filling that is made from a delectable mixture of walnut, apples, and dried fruit. To top it off, the dessert has a characteristic red hue, which it thanks to the light glazing of Alchermes (an Italian liquor used mainly in dessert and made of alcohol, sugar, water, cloves cinnamon, cardamom, raspberry, rosewater, and red colorant). Enjoy!

Umbrian food in a nutshell

I hope that this small culinary journey through the specialties of Umbrian Food has inspired you to visit the region. Its restaurants alone are worth a visit, even if without considering its architectural beauty and its breath-taking landscape. When you pair these together, you’ll find yourself wondering why tourists don’t flock in droves to Umbria. And, more importantly, why you didn’t visit before this – still relatively unexplored – gem.

So pack up, ignore your jeans’ threats about not fitting anymore and come indulge in the slow, beautiful pleasure that Umbria has to offer. Italian food is some of the tastiest food available, and any restaurant you go to whether it’s in Italy or, perhaps more local to home, you might find yourself falling in love with a new dish.

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Caroline Muller is an award-winning travel blogger. She writes and photographs full-time while oscillating between Sicily and Brussels as a home base.  She has documented over 60 countries across six continents and does not plan to stop any time soon. A staunch vegetarian for over 25 years, she loves exploring local cuisine in search of that perfect (plant-based) mouthful. With this blog, she hopes to help you travel slower, more sustainably and a hella lot more meaningfully. Pack your bags!

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Thanks for dropping in! My name is Caroline , and I am a full-time writer & photographer. With this blog, I hope to harness the power of travel to do good in the world. Think connecting with local cultures, sustainable tourism , and in-depth guides to known and lesser-known adventures. Adventure awaits!

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Perfect Days in Umbria

Discover umbria: food, traditions, culture and people, private day trips, experiences and tours in umbria, book amazing experiences during your holiday in umbria, private tours in perugia, assisi, todi, spoleto, trasimeno lake  and surroundings.

If you are in central Italy (Umbria, Marche, Tuscany or Lazio) for your holidays and you want to visit the some highlights in Umbria we help you to planning Private Tours throughout our wonderful Umbria offering various destinations and experiences.

You can choose a full day or an half day tour in our selected list of experience that includes cooking class in an Umbrian farm followed by the lunch, city explorations, wine tastings, truffle hunting, hiking and more.

We propose also Special excursions  coinciding with seasonal events and festivals ,  we build each Day Excursion with the aim  to show you an unusual view of the Umbrian life. It is a wonderful way that to enrich your vacation itinerary.

If you need accommodation we suggest the apartments of the Farmhouse ” La volpe e l’uva” in Perugia.

Our  experiences are ideal for couples, families, and friends who wish to travel together on the dates of their choice.

Day Trips / Excursions in Umbria available year round on request

Seasonal Day Trips / Excursions in Umbria

In each season the perfect experience .

In each month of the year we select for you amazing Tours, Activities, and Travel Experiences   to better know the Wonderful Umbria.

The more you come to know the region, the more extraordinary Umbria appears. Enjoy your visit!

Visit Italy Culinary Tour website to experience the culture, the history and the culinary art of Italy

5 Day Food Tour in Umbria

Easter cooking vacation.

Available for solo travelers, couples, families and groups of friends

5 Days from 28 March to 1 April 2024

4 night accommodation, cooking classes, Italian meals and  3 exclusive excursions 

Visit Italy Culinary Tours website to experience the culture, history and culinary art of Italy

Reasons to join our amazing Vacation

– FALLING IN LOVE WITH THE UMBRIA LANDSCAPE – Rolling green hills, olive groves, vineyards, dancing wheat and cyprus treesmdefine the Umbrian landscape. Set within this idyllic landscape you will find old churches and monasteries, pastures, and medieval hill towns to explore.

 – THE LOVELY HILLTOP VILLAS IN THE ANCIENT UMBRIA – Assisi, Gubbio, Perugia, Città della Pieve and more.

 – THE COOKING EXPERIENCE AND THE UMBRIA CUISINE – hands on cooking classes to prepare traditional winter recipes. Our cuisine is simple: authentic food served with pride. Savor the heirloom legumes, artisan charcuterie made from free-range pork, hand-rolled tagliatelle pasta tossed with ragù, tangy sheep and goat cheeses, and foraged mushrooms and greens.

 – THE UMBRIAN WINE – The wines in Umbria are exclusive, the Sagrantino di Montefalco is the rarest and most famous Umbrian wine in the world. It is made only from 100% Sagrantino grapes from Montefalco: the microclimate gives a peculiar flavour to these grapes.

Enjoy The Let’s Cook in Umbria Video

Admire the beauty of my city Perugia full of history, my cooking school and my Agriturismo ( farmstay) immersed in nature among vineyards and olive groves. Taste the atmosphere of my cooking classes .

I am waiting for you in Umbria!

If you are interested in LIVE ONLINE COOKING CLASSES  from ITALY go in the following site

www.online-cookingclasses.com

and bring me in your kitchen

How to book

Accommodation.

Food & Wine: Flavors of Tuscany & Umbria

4.7 out of 5 stars

You have up to 60 days to get a full refund

Feel good about putting a tour on the calendar today: Enroll in AutoPay or pay in full when you book, and if you change your mind,  you’ll get your money back .†

Taste the rustic flavors of central Italy.

Tucked-away towns make up the core of Tuscany and Umbria, while the cultural capital of Florence offers urban elegance and historic remnants from the Renaissance. From handmade pasta in heavy sauces to locally produced wines from Chianti, Montalcino, and Montefalco, discover the simple, honest flavors for which central Italy’s medieval villages and sweeping countrysides are known for on this small group Food & Wine Tour.

Your tour package includes

• 9 nights in handpicked hotels
• 9 breakfasts
• 3 dinners with beer or wine
• 4 wine tastings

Included highlights

• Mercato Centrale
• Tuscan cooking lesson
• San Gimignano
• Chianti wine tasting
• Montalcino wine tasting

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Day-by-day itinerary

Board your overnight flight to Florence today.

Welcome to Italy! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers during a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Set off with a local guide on a food-themed walking tour of Florence, the city at the center of the Renaissance.

• Learn about the city’s art and history at Piazza San Lorenzo.
• See Italian cuisine such as Tuscan breads, cold cuts, Chianina beef, tripe, lampredotto, vegetables, and herbs for sale at the Mercato Centrale.
• Stop for a typical Italian breakfast of cappuccino and brioches​.
• View the legendary Florence Cathedral, known as the Duomo.
• Pass Giotto’s Campanile, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
• Stop in the Pazzi Palace courtyard to try Tuscan croutons topped with chicken liver or olive paté, paired with a glass of Chianti.
• Walk to the lively Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio and see locals picking up their daily groceries.
• Taste finger foods loved by Florentines including coccole, fried dough balls, and veggies meatballs.

This evening, join a local chef for a cooking class where you’ll make pasta by hand, create two kinds of bruschetta and craft tiramisu for dessert. Savor your creations for dinner with accompanying wines.

Enjoy a free day in Florence or add excursions.

Villa Machiavelli Dinner

From $99 per person

Medieval Lucca & Farmhouse Lunch

From $129 per person

En route to the enchanting city of Siena, stop in San Gimignano, “the city of beautiful towers.”

• Explore the small medieval town of San Gimignano on your own.
• Sample some of the city's renowned gelato.

This afternoon, continue on to Chianti to tour a winery and sample some of the region’s fine wines at an agriturismo, or farm stay.

This morning, explore the vibrant city of Montalcino before visiting a winery.

• Spend free time wandering the streets of Montalcino.
• Taste three acclaimed Brunello grape wines and enjoy a light lunch.

Make your way back to Siena and set off on a guided tour of the charming Tuscan city.

• Walk through the Campo, the square that’s the center of civic life, and learn about the Palio horse race that takes place there every summer.
• Enter Siena Cathedral, home to major works of art by Donatello and Pisano.
• Discover the town’s black-and-white marble duomo and see brilliantly colored 16th-century frescoes in the Piccolomini Library.
• End at a local bakery to try ricciarelli, an almond-flavored cookie.

Continue your travels across the Tuscan landscape as you head into the Umbria region.

• Explore the hillside town of Cortona on your own during free time.
• Visit Lake Trasimeno, where Hannibal battled the Romans.
• Enjoy a lunch of traditional Umbrian specialties.

This afternoon, set out on a guided tour of Perugia, the medieval town known for its Etruscan Arch.

• See the Palazzo dei Priori, a medieval palace dating back to 1298.
• View stunning artwork inside the 15th-century Collegio del Cambio.
• See Perugia Cathedral and wander through the tunnels of Rocca Paolina, Perugia’s historic underground city.
• Visit a local cafe to learn about Perugia's famous Baci Perugina chocolates and sample some for yourself.

Settle in to your hotel in the Umbrian countryside tonight.

Enjoy a free day in the Umbrian countryside or add an excursion.

Tonight, enjoy a three-course dinner at a local agriturismo.

Assisi & Umbrian Farm Lunch

From $109 per person

Set off into the rolling hills of the Montefalco wine region today.

• Pay a visit to the village of Bevagna, where you'll have free time to explore its medieval center.
• At an Umbrian vineyard, enjoy a tasting of red Sagrantino and white Umbrian wines, accompanied by a lunch of local specialties.

Travel to Rome today, stopping in the Etruscan hilltop town of Orvieto along the way.

• Enter the Chapel of San Brizio to view its intricate frescoes and paintings.
• Enjoy a farewell lunch and wine tasting featuring Umbrian specialties.

Then, continue on to Rome.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay in Rome.

Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Romans on a guided tour of the Eternal City.

• View the Arch of Constantine and soak up over 2,000 years of history in Imperial Rome.
• View the outside of the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire.
• Pass the Imperial fora, Piazza Venezia, and the Campidoglio as you walk to the city’s Jewish ghetto neighborhood.
• Step inside a local bakery to sample kosher Roman delicacies.
• End the tour at the Portico d'Ottavia.

Enjoy a free afternoon in the city or add an excursion.

Please note: On some departures, the Rome sightseeing tour may take place on day 12 and the Iconic Sights: Vatican City excursion may take place on day 11.

Food of Rome: Walking Tour of Trastevere

From $135 per person

Spend a free day in Rome or add an excursion.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Iconic Sights: Vatican City

From $125 per person

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Book for just $99 down

That’s all it takes to secure your spot on tour with AutoPay. Then, pay for your trip in interest-free, monthly installments.†

Overall rating 4.7 out of 5

5 out of 5 stars

I have been wanting to go to Italy for as long as I can remember. My husband and I decided that we wanted to go with a small tour group. After some research, we decided to go with EF Tours and it was the best decision we could have made. We selected the Food and Wine: Flavors of Tuscany & Umbria tou...

Evelyn, thank you so much for your glowing review!...

Worthwhile tour…

Great tour with a great group of fellow food and wine folks and a great tour director!

Traveler photos

Hotels, flights & FAQ

This charming hotel is located in Florence’s city center. Guests enjoy a restaurant, courtyard, and fitness center. Nearby, you’ll find the Uffizi Gal...

This elegant hotel is located in La Fortezza neighborhood of Siena. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness room and a restaurant. Nearby, you'll find Piaz...

This luxury hotel is located in Santa Maria degli Angeli, just outside of Assisi and surrounded by the beautiful Umbrian Countryside. Guests enjoy the...

This historic hotel is located in central Rome. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar and lounge, and fitness area. Nearby, you’ll find the train station, Te...

• Round-trip flight for your tour
• Airport transfers at your destination
• A great price locked in today
• 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
• Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
• Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
• Find out more about flights
• In order to enter Italy, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
• We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
• Beginning in 2025, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
• Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2025, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center .
• If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
• You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code TOT.
• Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Florence and depart from Rome.
• Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost if they are arriving or departing on the standard day.
• When you arrive in Florence, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a Go Ahead sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.

Physical Activity Level

This is a high physical activity-level tour. You can expect to be on the move on a regular basis throughout the course of the tour.

Tour Pacing

This is a brisk-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:

• One 1-night stay
• Most days full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
• All transportation by motor coach
• Daily bus time varies and can be lengthy

Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements

• Travelers should be prepared to walk 2-3 miles per day - this includes city streets, cobblestones, stairs, and hills.
• Stone pathways and cobblestone streets can become slick when wet.
• Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
• Please Note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on tour.

Climate Considerations

• In the summer months (June-September), travelers can expect heatwaves with temperatures consistently above 90F.

Physical Activity & Tour Pace Questions

• Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
• Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour with you.
• If you have mobility concerns or tour pace questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team. We’re here to help!
• Most transportation on this tour is by private motor coach. Private motor coaches have steps required to board and often do not provide access to ramps or lifts.
• Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches.
• Some airlines may impose additional charges if you exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
• Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights.
• Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
• Travelers must manage their own luggage throughout tour as porters are not guaranteed. This includes at hotels and airports.
• We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
• A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
• You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
• It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
• We recommend packing a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastic waste.
• We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
• We recommend packing your Insurance Card (from your primary insurance provider) in your carry on luggage.
• Go Ahead handpicks every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm.
• Accommodations are typically three to four star hotels.
• All accommodations include a private bathroom.
• Most rooms will include a safe for valuables.
• Your hotels will have Wifi, but it may be limited to common areas.
• Elevators in hotels are not guaranteed.
• Some hotels on this tour require travelers to walk with their luggage a few blocks as buses cannot drop travelers off right out front.
• Please be advised that the strength of the air conditioning in European hotels/buildings is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
• Italy operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses Types C, F, or L plugs with two or three small, round pins.
• We cannot guarantee that your hotel accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with the hotel once they are confirmed about 30 days prior to departure.
• Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date.
• Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
• We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
• Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
• Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
• At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website at cdc.gov .
• If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies, please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
• If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
• Most of our itineraries include headsets used during certain sightseeing tours so travelers can hear their guides or Tour Director. If you use an assisted listening device, such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant, please visit our Help Center for more information or contact our customer experience team. Please note that at this time not all our destinations offer headsets due to supplier limitations.
• The water is safe to drink throughout your tour unless posted otherwise.
• This tour includes four lunches and three dinners. Included meals may be plated set menus, buffet or family style depending on the location. The menus for each meal are curated to give travelers a taste of each region’s specialties, while delving into the historical and cultural significance of ingredients. For beverages, travelers will typically have the option of one glass of beer, wine, or soft drink and water, coffee and tea.
• Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
• Tuscany is world-famous for its wine, oil, sauces, and pasta. Menus favor subtle, lighter pastas and desserts made with nuts, fruit, and honey. Try a dish featuring the region’s Chianina beef, perhaps the most prized breed of cattle in all of Italy. For wine, popular Tuscan reds include Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which are primarily made from the Sangiovese grape. Well-known white wines are also made around the San Gimignano region.
• In Umbria, don’t miss sampling both the reds and whites produced around Orvieto and Perugia.
• For more authentic meals, try local trattorias, small restaurants set away from the main piazzas. A typical Italian meal includes wines and the occasional beer, followed by a few sips of after-dinner drinks like grappa or limoncello.
• At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
• We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10-$12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
• If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
• Tips can only be paid in cash.
• The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.
• You will use the euro on tour.
• Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
• We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
• You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
• International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
• Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your tour director, local guides, and bus drivers. We also recommend keeping coins in the local currency on hand, as some public bathrooms may charge a fee for use.
• To ensure you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend you download the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. The app is free and provides important deadlines, entry requirements, your detailed itinerary, packing tips and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the chat feature in the app.
• Wifi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
• There is no Wifi on any of the motor coaches.
• Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
• Your Tour Director will be leading your group throughout your journey. You will have the same Tour Director throughout your tour.
• The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is our on tour emergency support team.
• Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
• This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
• As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
• Italy is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
• When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.
• When you travel with EF Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit, and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
• Travel, when done responsibly, can make an enormous socio-economic impact to communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at local businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
• Prepare for your trip: be aware of the monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market, learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette, and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
• When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
• EF Go Ahead Tours encourages our travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single use plastics. You can avoid single use plastics by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
• Environment: On this tour, we recommend the use of a reusable water bottle, as the local drinking water is safe for travelers. Your Tour Director can provide additional guidance on local water standards. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastics.

If you are interested in visiting any of Florence's many museums during your free time, we recommend that you make reservations in advance. See  uffizi.org  for the Uffizi Gallery or  accademia.org  for the Accademia Gallery. Please note that the museums are closed on Mondays.

Compare similar tours

4.6 out of 5 stars

A guide to Milwaukee walking tours, from history and culture to food and ghosts

If you're looking to learn more about the history, culture and architecture of your hometown (or you're visiting the city and want to learn more), a walking tour is a great way to do it.

Here are a few walking tours of Milwaukee sites and neighborhoods.

Historic Milwaukee walking tours

Historic Milwaukee is a nonprofit organization that hosts walking tours and events like Doors Open Milwaukee in order to raise awareness about the city's architecture and history.

Historic Milwaukee Special Tours are guided walking tours.

• German Heritage Walking Tour: Tourists will learn about notable German people and places in Milwaukee history. 2 hours. $20 for adults, $5 for ages 6-11, free for kids 5 and under.
• Beyond Brady: Polish & Italian Immigrants in Milwaukee: Tour explores how this east side neighborhood was the home of Polish and Italian immigrants and became Milwaukee's counterculture stronghold in the 1960s and '70s. 2 hours. $15 for adults, $5 for ages 6-11, free for kids 5 and under.
• Industrial Heritage, Walker's Point: Tour explores how the former warehouses and factories of Walker's Point have evolved into restaurants, places of business and homes. 2 hours. $20.
• Walker's Point Churches Tour: Tour explores the architecture and religious beliefs of several churches in Walker's Point, especially as they evolved throughout Walker's Point history as different immigrant groups made the neighborhood their worship home. 2 hours. $20.
• Yankee Hill Walking Tour: Tour explores the history of the Yankee Hill neighborhood. 2 hours. $20 for adults, $5 for ages 6-11, free for kids 5 and under.
• Yankee Hill Churches Tour: Tourists walk by seven churches in the east side neighborhood, to learn about their architecture and history. If church schedules allow, tour will also include a walk inside the churches. 2 hours. $20 for adults, $5 for ages 6-11, free for kids 5 and under.
• Wisconsin Avenue Churches Tour: Tourists learn the history of churches constructed from the 1860s through the 1920s with a focus on the architecture, traditions and different ethnic groups that have worshipped there. 2 hours. $20.
• Women's Milwaukee: Tour explores the history of downtown Milwaukee with a focus on the stories of women rather than the more typically told stories of Solomon Juneau, Byron Kilbourn and George H. Walker. 2 hours. $20 for adults, $5 for ages 6-11, free for kids 5 and under.
• Lulu & Rocky Family Tour: This family tour, recommended for kids ages 6-10 and their families, is based on a children's book that explores some of the famous and historical sites of downtown Milwaukee. 1.5 hours. $10 for adults, $5 for ages 5-11, $2 for ages 4 and under.
• Gargoyles, Grotesques & Dragons: Tour focuses on the meaning and history behind the "faces" that appear on downtown Milwaukee buildings. 2 hours. $20.

Historic Milwaukee mobile app tours highlight different parts of the city with self-guided routes with suggested stops and information about the sites. Unless otherwise noted, the downloads are free.

• Avenues West: a 2.5-mile tour with 23 stops just west of I-43, a neighborhood that includes Marquette University and historic mansions.
• Brady Street: a .8-mile tour with 27 stops, includes architectural and historic sites of the street. $4.99 to download.
• Clarke Square: a 1.8-mile tour with 17 stops, located in the heart of Milwaukee's Latin American community, once a predominantly Polish community.
• Diverse Downtown: a 2-mile tour with 18 stops through downtown Milwaukee told through the lens of Native Americans, women and people of color who shaped the area.
• Exploring the Beerline Tour: a 1.4-mile tour with 15 stops, through two Milwaukee neighborhoods, Riverwest and Harambee, with information about the Beerline rail line that was decommissioned in the early 1990s and became a multi-modal recreational trail.
• Harbor District: a 3.5-mile tour with 17 stops, of an area that was once a marshland, became an area known for tanneries and foundries with ships coming and going, and is now an area that groups are working to revitalize.
• Indigenous Milwaukee: a 5-mile tour with 27 stops that focuses on the stories of the many Indigenous communities who have made Milwaukee home.
• Layton Boulevard: a 1.7-mile tour with 17 stops, with historic and cultural stops on the historic street that is now part of 27th Street.
• Metcalfe Park: a 3-mile tour with 28 stops representing the culture and history of this majority-Black community.
• Milwaukee Moderns: a 2-mile tour with 18 stops that focuses on the architecture of buildings in downtown Milwaukee that are in the Postmodern, Brutalist and International styles.
• North Point Mansions South: a 0.8-mile tour with 24 stops in a historic neighborhood on the lower east side that shows off many historic mansions. $4.99 to download
• Silver City: a 1-mile tour with 15 stops of the area that got its name in the early 20th century when its industrial workers were paid in silver coins.
• Visiting Villard Avenue: a 1.2-mile tour with 20 stops that explore the culture and history of this part of "Old North Milwaukee."
• Yankee Hill: a 1.1-mile tour with 21 stops in the neighborhood that derived its name from its placement on a bluff and the "Yankee" residents who arrived from New York and New England in the 1830s. $4.99 to download.

Historic Milwaukee Self-Guided Tours are self-guided tours in printed form.

• Walking Milwaukee: 31 Tours of Brew City's Neighborhoods, Landmarks and Entertainment Districts: In this book, each tour includes commentary on topics like architecture, culture, history and trivia along with where to eat, drink and shop. There are photographs, a map for each tour, as well as distance and difficulty level. $16.95.
• Walking Milwaukee: Downtown Edition: The full set of cards includes 10 tour cards, each of which is a mapped walking tour, and eight landmark cards documenting the history of some downtown landmarks. Mini sets are also available for purchase on specific topics including Beer Barons of Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee's Downtown, Milwaukee's Lakefront and Yankee Hill. $2-$20.

Milwaukee walking tours that feature food and drink

Fun Beer Tours MKE : These guided beer-themed tours include historical facts and Milwaukee trivia, as well as stops where people can buy beer and other drinks (Cost of food and beverages are not included in the fee).

• Beer is famous. Milwaukee made it so: A tour of spots at the Pabst Brewery complex and Central Waters Brewing. 0.9 miles. 2 hours and 45 minutes. $20 for adults (21 and over).
• Downtown: History and architecture: Tour starts at the Milwaukee Public Market and loops through downtown to see historic sites such as City Hall and the Pabst Theatre. 1.4 miles. 2 hours. $20 for adults (21 and over), $15 for teenagers, free for kids ages 12 and under.
• Pabst: History and architecture: Starts with a tour of the Pabst Brewery complex, then continues on to see sites such as the Deer District, the Riverwalk and the 3rd Street Market Hall. 1.3 miles. 2 hours. $20 for adults (21 and over), $15 for teenagers, free for kids ages 12 and under.
• 'Take me to your liter' 3-craft brewery tour: A tour that includes MobCraft Beer Co., Indeed Brewing Co. and Broken Bat Brewing Co. 0.7 miles. 2.5 hours. $20 for adults (21 and over).
• Beer and pretty much everything else tour: Tour starts at 3rd Street Market Hall, then goes down Wisconsin Avenue and along the Riverwalk; it also includes stops at Safe House and Explorium Brew Pub. 1.3 miles. 2.5 hours. $20 per adults (21 and over).
• Quintessential Milwaukee tour: Starts with a tour of Broken Bat Brewing Co., then moves on to the Riverwalk and the Historic Third Ward; it also includes stops at the Public Market and the 3rd Street Market Hall. 1.3 miles. 2 hours, 45 minutes. $20 for adults (21 and over)

Milwaukee Food Tours are well-known for bus tours of various eateries, but they also have streetcar tours and a few walking tours.

• Brady Street Lunch Tour : Historic and cultural information about the neighborhood is intermingled with stops for pizza, cannoli, tacos, salami, prosciutto, olives, empanada and a Milwaukee-brewed beer. 1.25 miles with 5-6 stops. 2.5-3 hours. $74 for adults, $45 for kids ages 8-15, free for kids ages 7 and under.
• Around the Ward in 90 Minutes : Tourists will learn about the history and culture of the Historic Third Ward as they stop inside historic buildings and one food stop. 1.25 miles. 1.5 hours. $30 for adults, $10 for kids ages 8-15; free for kids ages 7 and under.
• Walker's Point Stroll, Sip, & Savor : Tourists stroll through the historic district, with four food and drink stops along the way (1 cocktail, 2 beers, tacos and a paloma). 1.25 miles. 3 hours. $99 (adults only).
• Streetcar History Tour : Tourists take a ride on the Hop as they learn about the history and culture of the different neighborhoods the streetcar drives through, and get off the streetcar twice for brief walking tours of the Historic Third Ward and Cathedral Square. There's also a stop for dessert. 1.25 miles. 2 hours. $30 for adults, $10 for kids ages 8-15, free for kids 7 and under
• InstaMKE Photo Walk : The tour guides are professional photographers who give photo-taking tips as they tell stories of different photo-worthy Milwaukee sites, including in the Historic Third Ward, on the Riverwalk, Wisconsin Avenue and outside the Milwaukee Art Museum. There's also a stop for a sweet treat. 1.5 miles. 2 hours. $30 for adults, $10 for kids ages 8-15, free for kids 7 and under.

An art walking tour and a scavenger hunt

Sculpture Milwaukee : People can go on a self-guided tour of the urban public art exhibition that is spread over two miles in downtown Milwaukee and the Historic Third Ward. The online map will lead tourists past whatever sculptures they're interested in.

Milwaukee Scavenger Hunt Adventure : Urban Adventure Quest curates scavenger hunts for many North American cities. Milwaukee's tour covers 2 miles of downtown and takes between 2 and 2.5 hours. Tourists use their smart phones to get clues to lead to different sites where they will search for specific features. There are 17 challenges, and the cost is $49 for a team of two to five people.

Ghost Walking Tours

American Ghost Walks hosts tours in other Wisconsin cities like Madison, Waukesha and Lake Geneva. These are the Milwaukee tours.

• Milwaukee Third Ward Ghost Walk : Tourists are guided through different sites in the Third Ward with violent, ghostly or paranormal stories behind them, including stories that involve the mafia and gangsters and ghost sightings at Skylight Opera Theatre, the Italian Community Center and the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. Tourists will also hear ghost stories "with Third Ward connections," including at the Pfister and the Hilton Garden Inn. 1.5-2 hours. $25 per person
• Milwaukee Shadow of City Hall Ghost Walk : Tourists walk by the buildings of some of the most notorious of downtown Milwaukee's ghost stories including those at City Hall, the Pfister, the Pabst Theatre and the Hilton Garden Inn. 1.5-2 hours. $25 per person.

One more ghost tour deals with a different type of ghost — ghost signs. Milwaukee marketing agency Hoffman York developed a free augmented reality tour of the Third Ward, which allows users to hold up their phones to various buildings to see what the faded advertisements looked like in their heyday. Paper maps are available at the Milwaukee Public Market or Historic Third Ward Association, online at augmentedhistory.org

CNY Pizza Tour, stop #21: Eat here and get gas. Seriously!

• Updated: May. 29, 2024, 10:04 a.m. |
• Published: May. 29, 2024, 10:00 a.m.

Liberty Pizza, inside the Gulf gas station on Route 11 in North Syracuse. It's our 21st stop on the CNY Pizza Tour. (Charlie Miller | [email protected]) (Charlie Miller | [email protected])

• Charlie Miller | [email protected]

(It’s a debate every Central New Yorker has had at some point: Who’s got the best pizza? This year, we’ll do our best to find out. I’m on a quest to find the best pizza shops in the Syracuse area. Throughout 2024, I’ll visit 50-plus pizzerias. At each, I’ll sample their most popular pizza, or whatever they recommend. As I go, I’ll score each one, and tell readers a little bit about the shop itself.)

More from the CNY PIzza Tour

• CNY Pizza Tour, stop #20: The kids are alright at this slappin’ pizzeria
• CNY Pizza Tour, stop #19: The only reason to visit ‘one of the worst strip malls’ is the pizza
• CNY Pizza Tour, stop #18: We found the perfect crust at this western suburbs pizzeria
• CNY Pizza Tour, stop #17: A North Side pizzeria that started with a snow plow
• CNY Pizza Tour, stop #16: This suburban spot might be CNY’s biggest pizzeria

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From Pop-Tarts to Happy Meals, a food writer recreates American classics with an Asian flavor

Juliana Kim

The cooking series is as playful as it is cathartic. Frankie Gaw conjured up fun brand names and designs to go with each meal. Frankie Gaw hide caption

Toasted sesame flavored Cheerios. A Pop-Tart topped with strawberry lychee frosting. And a Lunchable that includes a fried pork gua bao, cucumber salad and a Yakult.

Frankie Gaw's social media page is filled with videos of creations like these — items you won't usually find at your local American grocery store.

That’s the whole point, says Gaw, a Taiwanese American food creator and author of the cookbook First Generation.

“I asked myself, in an alternate universe, where the world is much more inclusive and embraced all of these diverse flavors, what are the things that Asian Americans would want to see?” he said.

Gaw talked with NPR about how his hit social media cooking series “Turning American classics Asian" came to be, and its origin as a tribute to his family and his Midwest upbringing.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Frankie Gaw (@littlefatboyfrankie)

The grocery store seemed stuck in time

The idea sprouted after a trip to his local supermarket. Traversing through the aisles, Gaw noticed that much of the food stocked on the shelves resembled what he saw as a kid 20 years ago. Meanwhile, ingredients like soy sauce and miso were still strictly grouped in “Asian” or “International" aisles.

“Restaurants have been embracing more Asian ingredients, and it feels like grocery stores have remained the same," Gaw said.

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For many immigrants and children of immigrants, food is an intimate part of identity. For Gaw, straddling between the “Asian” aisle and the rest of the grocery store was also symbolic of his upbringing in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Growing up, Gaw felt like he was living a double life. In public, Gaw enjoyed McDonald’s chicken nuggets and fries. At home, he feasted on his grandmother’s beef noodle soup. It took time for him to embrace his dual-taste palette.

Years later in his Seattle apartment, Gaw began experimenting with his childhood favorites. He tinkered with Campbell's cream of mushroom soup and turned it into congee. He infused mac and cheese with miso. He went as far as designing the packaging for each meal as if he owned a food company.

Gaw shared his concoctions on social media. It took off. His food and his experiences at the grocery store resonated with people, especially other Asian Americans.

“It was a surprise. I didn't realize how many people had similar experiences as me," he said.

A love letter to his kid self

“Turning American classics Asian” is not just about Gaw’s appreciation for Asian flavors and ingredients, or a diss to American staples. Instead, it’s Gaw’s way of paying homage to both — and on a larger scale, to the experiences of Asian Americans.

“I have always straddled this sort of in-between space,” he said. “Growing up in the Midwest, I never felt Asian enough. But then, being with my Asian family, I didn’t feel American enough.”

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Had matcha flavored Twinkies or strawberry lychee Pop-Tarts been around when Gaw was younger, he thinks it would’ve helped him embrace that in-between experience.

“If I was in a generic American grocery store and then I saw rice cakes, I think that would’ve allowed me to break down the walls of, ‘Oh this only exists within my home,’ ” he said. “And I could’ve existed as my whole self out in the world.”

The project also relates back to his family and growing up in the Midwest

Gaw’s journey into cooking and his first cookbook were motivated by his father, who died in 2014 from lung cancer. Revisiting his father and his paternal grandmother’s old dishes was a way to grieve and keep his father’s memory alive, Gaw said.

In this cooking series, he also reminisces about the time spent with his mother. It’s because of her that Gaw was able to indulge on Lunchables, Twinkies and Pop-Tarts as a kid. She wanted to make sure he would fit in and make friends.

“My mom would stock the entire pantry so that when I go into lunch period, I was like the number one kid in the cafeteria with the best lunch,” he said.

The project also stems from Gaw’s Midwestern roots. In his neighborhood, restaurants were synonymous with fast food and Olive Garden was the place to go on special occasions.

Late nights with his parents at the McDonald's drive-through were common as a kid, Gaw said, because his parents were often exhausted after long hours at work. “It was a reminder of how much they had to hustle,” he said.

In Gaw’s version of a Happy Meal, he steams buns and marries ground pork with scallions and ginger, topping it off with a chili crunch ketchup.

As he cooks, he thinks about his father, his mother, his grandparents — and the comfort that these dishes would’ve brought them as they were adjusting to life in America.

“I think they always felt like they were on the outside breaking in," he said. "To see their food at a fast food institution, I think it would've made them feel like they have a seat at the table."