2026 Fall Itinerary
Monday, October 12 — Arrival | Orientation & Connection | Corciano
Arrive in Rome, Italy, Rome Fiumicino International Airport “Leonardo da Vinci” by 10 a.m., and travel by bus to Villa Pieve in Corciano. Greet your tripmates, facilitators, host, and guide at the Restaurant il Convento during a light lunch followed by a caffè at Alberto’s Arte del Gelato bar on the main square to familiarize yourself with locals.
Walk to discover the historic center of this lovely hilltop hamlet. Here you will enjoy the view of small alleys and streets that have been the same since the Middle Ages — it is like taking a walk back in time. Highlights include the Church of Santa Maria Assunta with the Renaissance altarpiece of Perugino and if time allows, visit the Antiquarium with precious Etruscan and Roman remains. Travel by bus to Villa Pieve, and check in. End the day with your new group for a welcome reception before enjoying a lovely dinner at Villa Pieve.
Tuesday, October 13 — Adversity to Transformation | Cortona | Cooking Class 1
After breakfast, leave the Villa and travel to Cortona via bus with tour guide, Catia Melani. You will visit the Basilica of St. Margherita by bus. St. Margherita is the Patron Saint of Cortona. At the end of the 13th century, she joined the Third Order of St. Francis, lived in strict poverty, and founded a hospital for the sick and poor. Before walking downhill into town, we will enjoy a view that embraces the whole Valdichiana and Lake Trasimeno, famous for the battle where Hannibal ambushed the Roman army in 217 BC. You will have free time to explore Cortona and find lunch on your own. Cortona’s rich history is revealed by the beauty that springs from every corner.
Travel back to the Villa for the first cooking class and dinner.
Wednesday, October 14 — Resilience, Grace & Unexplained Gifts | Montefalco | Cooking Class 2
After breakfast, travel by bus to Montefalco. We will start by enjoying a cappuccino on the main square and have a walk in the little hilltop village known as “the balcony of Umbria” for its infinite views.
We will then enjoy a guided visit before a wine tasting and lunch at Fratelli Pardi, a family-owned winery deeply rooted in the traditions of the region. Learn about their distinctive wines, the family’s enduring connection to the land, and their heartfelt commitment to quality, sustainability, and the people who enjoy their wine.
In the afternoon, travel to Spello, a perfectly preserved small medieval town also known as the city of flowers. At the nearby Frantoio di Spello, we will visit the mill and taste their olive oils.
Travel back to the Villa for the second cooking class and dinner.
Thursday, October 15 — Finding Mission & Purpose | Assisi | Cooking Class 3
After breakfast, travel by bus to Assisi, the birthplace of Saint Francis; its magical atmosphere can hardly be described. Your guided walking tour will trace the footsteps of Saint Francis and Saint Clare, visiting many of the sites that shaped their lives. Sites include the Cathedral of San Rufino, where both saints were baptized; the Oratory of San Francesco Piccolino, where Saint Francis was born; the Chiesa Nuova, built over the family home of the Franciscan saint; Santa Maria Maggiore, where Francis publicly renounced his family’s wealth to embrace a life of poverty; and the Basilica of Saint Clare, where Saint Clare’s remains are preserved.
A highlight will be your visit to the famous Basilica of Saint Francis, home to the saint’s tomb and one of the world’s most important pilgrimage sites. Marvel at its extraordinary cycle of frescoes by Cimabue, Giotto, Pietro Lorenzetti, and Simone Martini.
Enjoy free time to explore Assisi’s charming streets, browse local artisan shops, and have lunch on your own before returning to the group.
Travel back to the Villa for the final cooking class and dinner.
Friday, October 16 — The Living Scripture | Bittarelli Farm
After breakfast, leave the Villa and travel to an equine experience at the Horse Farm and visit Patrizio Bittarelli’s farm at Lake Trasimeno. Meet Bittarelli family members who will introduce us to the farm animals and explain their programs with school children and local associations. Walk in the fields and learn about their plantations (ancient grains, local beans called fangirling del lago going back to the ancient Etruscans, spelt, chickpeas, etc.) and traditional farming methods passed on from generation to generation, respecting the environment.
Enjoy a farm to table lunch with the farm produce and family recipes. After lunch, the group will attend a cheese making demonstration and taste fresh ricotta made from the farmer’s sheep milk.
Travel back to the Villa for dinner.
Saturday, October 17 — Sacred Space & Practices | Perugia
After breakfast, leave the Villa and travel to Perugia via bus with Catia Melani. Visit the Perugia city center by Mini-Metro. Engage in a walking tour of the Acropolis of Perugia, including the Rocca Paolina and its undergrounds.
Lunch on your own to taste traditional dishes like Torta al Testo or real Pizza that we will help you find. After lunch, you will discover one of the treasures of this city: the Turan artisan chocolate laboratory. Offering an extraordinary experience of an interactive immersion in the world of chocolate, you will have the opportunity to experience the creation and processing of the famous “Bacio” guided by maître chocolatier Giulia.
Travel back to the Villa for dinner.
Sunday, October 18 — Integration | Carini Farm
After breakfast, enjoy free time or choose from attending Corciano’s church service, participating in an art group session, or taking a meditative hike up to Corciano. Travel by bus to Carini’s Farm and tour the farm and wine cellar. Here you will experience how a focused and holistic/ethical approach to farming and animal relationships results in a richer experience of food and dining. Lunch there with the produce of the farm cold cuts, cheeses, wine, and olive oil.
Travel back to the Villa by bus to pack and enjoy a final dinner with the group.
Monday, October 19 — Departure
Travel to Rome via bus for return to the U.S. or further personal travel. Do not book flights before 12 p.m. to provide time for us to drive from Villa Pieve in Corciano to Rome.
