Departure dates in 2009

Any day from 1st April until 31st October (not during Spoleto Music Festival from last week of June and first 2 weeks of July

Day 1: Arrive in Spello

Your hotel is situated in a beautiful position in the medieval part of Spello with a quiet walled garden offering a magnificent view over the Valle Umbra. At the end of the afternoon you will be expected in a wine bar, where you will be able to sample the Umbrian wines and tidbits, such as bruschette seasoned with a pâté of tomatoes, truffles, different cheeses, ham, salami and capocollo.

Day 2: Round trip to Assisi, 23 miles (37km)

Today the first part of your cycle tour is in the valley. You will first pass S.Maria degli Angeli with its impressive basilica built on the spot where Saint Francis once lived and then it goes up with a short but steep climb to Assisi, built on a spur of Mount Subasio. Entering this lovely town, you will see the climb was worthwhile. After your visit you will return to Spello, but first you pass the winery of Tili in the Assisi D.o.c. area, where you will taste their excellent wines.

Day 3: Round trip to Bevagna, 22 miles (36km)

Today you will go to Bevagna. You pass first Foligno, a town full of life, situated in the valley, and then cycling alongside vineyards you will reach Bevagna, which has a romantic, medieval square with two Romanesque churches. You can take time to saunter through its small alleys and to visit the Roman Mosaic. After your visit you return to Spello.

Day 4: Spello to Spoleto

Leaving Spello you will take the train and visit the centre of Perugia with its mediaeval centre with little alleys situated higher than the rest of the town. The aristocratic renaissance palaces, churches, museums and many galleries make a big impression, but of course it is also nice to saunter through the shopping street Corso Vannuci. Walking time: 3 hours

At the end of the afternoon you will go by train to Spoleto and will be welcomed in your hotel, which is situated in the historical centre of Spoleto. You will have a welcome drink and will meet the restaurant chef. In the evening there is a marvellous dinner.

Day 5: Cookery course.

Your first cooking lesson starts after breakfast. You will learn to make nice antipasti, which you will taste during lunch. In the afternoon is the second part of the cooking course. This time the ‘primi’ (pasta and risotto) will be taught. During dinner you will taste of course these 'primi'.

Day 6: Round trip from Spoleto

Today, accompanied by a guide, you will visit an olive oil farm and a winery in the surroundings of Spoleto-Montefalco. You will have lunch in Montefalco. In the evening you are free to arrange a dinner in one of the many good restaurants of Spoleto.

Day 7: Departure from Spoleto

Begin your homeward journey.