
Savoring Umbria
ITALY
with Anna Francese Gass
Perugia, Umbria
October 12 - 17, 2025
Perugia, Umbria
ITALY
Join us, along with culinary influencer Anna Francese Gass, on an unforgettable culinary adventure through the beloved region of Umbria. Designed to be a celebration of the region's flavors and picturesque landscapes, together, we'll experience hands on cooking classes with Anna herself, enjoy soil-to-fork meals, have exclusive wine tastings in top wineries, and sample Umbrian dishes prepared with local ingredients.
Whether you're a seasoned cook or a passionate foodie, this trip promises to ignite your senses and deepen your appreciation for the art of Italian cuisine.
✦ Enjoy an olive oil and truffle hunting experience
✦ Taste fine wine from the region’s best vineyards
Highlights
✦ Savour soil to fork meals
✦ Wander off-the-beaten-path Umbrian towns like Todi, Montefalco and Orvieto








We'll be based in the lively, medieval and cosmopolitan gem of Perugia. With a thriving international language school and one of the oldest universities in the world, Perugia is vibrant, multicultural and brimming with people. Despite having pre-Roman, Etruscan roots and the architecture to prove it, it's a city that's young-at-heart and offers the very best of what Italy has to offer: culture, architecture, history, a vibrant nightlife, and of course, cuisine.
Where we’ll stay
We'll stay in a four star boutique hotel located on Perugia's gorgeous main street, Corso Vannucci. only a few steps away from all the attractions of the town and several masterpieces of Italian art. Located in one of the most beautiful old 'palazzi' of Perugia, the hotel showcases elements that date back to the 1700s.
Centrally Located
The hotel is as central as it gets, on the main drag, just a few steps away from all of the town's cafes, restaurants and bars. Corso Vannucci is where the locals go to 'fare le vasche' or 'do laps' during their evening promenade.
Renovated Charm
The hotel was recently rennovated with all the modern and luxury comforts, while still retaining its old world charm.
Each day we'll explore and savor the best bits of Umbria, both off-the-beaten-path as well as not-to-miss highlights.
The Experience
Todi
We'll visit Todi, a beautiful medieval village atop a ridge with three-hundred and sixty degree views. You'll have time to wander and enjoy the town's tranquil atmosphere before we head to a nearby winery for lunch and a tasting.
Montefalco
Known for its robust red 'sagrantino' wine, the Umbrian town of Montefalco has also been called 'city of wine and oil.' With a population of only five-thousand people, it's an idyllic place to enjoy the afternoon after our truffle hunt.
Orvieto
With a guide, we'll visit Orvieto and see its world famous wonders, like its tufa outcrop, the magnificent duomo and Saint Patrick's well. We'll also sample some of the local baked goods — unforgettably delicious. Afterwards we'll visit a local winery where we'll have a tasting and leisurely lunch of local specialties
Truffle Hunting
We'll visit a third generation family run truffle farm where we'll have the chance to go on a truffle hunt as well as sample what we've foraged!
Umbrian Wines
Umbria might be lesser known for its wines than its neighbouring big brother, Tuscany but it's not to say they're no less fantastic. We will sample some of the regions best wines at top wineries as well as a family-owned estate.
Inclusions
Prices are per person and include:
Not included: Airfare / airport transfer
Shared rooms starting at
£2900 per person
Arrive early, stay late.
Coming on a retreat with us and want to arrive a bit beforehand? We can help create the perfect experience to enhance your trip. Choose from one of our packages below and add your preferred experiences.
The 4* Bellissimo, Rome
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Stay in a centrally-located, 4-star boutique hotel for your chosen number of days
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Vespa Tour of Rome
Airport / train station pick up (arrival only)
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The 4* Botticelli, Florence
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Centrally-located, 4-star boutique hotel for your chosen number of days
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Guided Walking Artisan Tour of Florence
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The 5* Meraviglioso, Rome
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Centrally-located, 5-star boutique hotel for your chosen number of days
Breakfast each day
Guided Walking Tour
Vespa Tour of Rome
Airport / train station pick up (arrival only)
from £1000 per night
The 5* Michelangelo, Florence
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Centrally-located, 5-star boutique hotel for your chosen number of days
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FAQs
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Perugia does have an airport but it's likely that if you're coming from the US your best bet is to fly into Rome, Florence or Milan. From there you can catch a train to Perugia.
Trainline is a helpful website that gives travel options and even allows you to book online.
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Yes, absolutely. We offer 'bijou' small, add-on itineraries for those who'd like to spend a few days in Rome, Florence, the Amalfi Coast or Milan on either end of the trip. Just click here, choose your dates and package and voila. Sorted! Don't see what you're looking for among one of our pre-package tours? Write to us at duende@duenderetreats.com and we'll help with a bespoke itinerary suited to exactly what you're looking for.
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All are welcome! It's an itinerary that would be enjoyable for anyone who likes to eat, laugh, walk, cook, wine taste and explore. (Children not permitted.)
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Yes. When you register and pay your 30% nonrefundable deposit, you can opt into setting up a payment plan.
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Deposits are nonrefundable unless there's a waiting list and someone would like to take your spot. In the case we are able to sell your spot, you will be refunded your deposit, less £100 administration and transaction fees.
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The full itinerary will be sent to you about a month prior to departure. If you have specific questions regarding the excursions, please do reach out to us.
Explore the possibilities.
Our trips, tailored to you.
Any of our trips can be tailored to suit your needs. Click on the button below and fill out our simple easy form and we’ll send you a quote.
