This post originally appeared on the Slow Travel Tours blog in June, 2022.
I have just returned from a month in Orvieto, hosting groups for the first time since the fall of 2019. It was glorious to gather together again! There was so much excitement, both from the participants and from the Orvietani, who were thrilled to have tourists back in town. For me, it was fantastic to be sharing Orvieto with new people, as it holds such a special place in my heart. The mission of Adventures in Italy is always to share the beauty and culture of Italy, Umbria and Orvieto in particular. Judging by the joyous faces and sighs of contentment, I think we achieved that goal, and I’m not just talking about the food!
I have to give a shout out and such a heartfelt THANK YOU to all those who traveled with me last month. There’s a lot going on right now in the world, and these ladies (and man) jumped right in. We wore masks when required – only on trains and in vans – and everyone who needed a test was able to get one and tested negative. Of course the world is not the same as it was, but things felt pretty “normal” in Orvieto.
Adventures in Italy works with expert, local guides, like Lucianna, who was born and raised in Orvieto. The Duomo is her church, and you can tell how proud she is to share it with our guests.
We learn about olive oil and Umbrian wines from Graziella at our dinner at Bartolomei, which produces it’s own olive oil just 30 minutes outside of Orvieto. There’s always something different on our menu, and the wine pairing is spot on.
Cooking class with Chef Lorenzo is always a highlight. This time, for the first time, we visited Lorenzo at his home in Baschi. Along with two work study students, we made pasta, pizzas, and dessert enough for a small village! Talk about working for your supper!
No visit to Orvieto would be complete without a trip “down under.” We visit Pozza della Cava, site of one of the 1200 caves discovered under Orvieto with our guide, Cristina, who explains how the well and caves came to be.
Of course our final outing of the week is to Locanda Palazzone, where our wine tasting is led by the lovely Alessia. Palazzone is a gorgeous setting for wine tasting, complete with a view of Orvieto!
Aside from all of the cultural activities, there is ART! Lorraine Bell and Jacqueline Newbold attracted women passionate about art and eager to explore Orvieto. We took our art outside and sketched at the Duomo, and held our closing night Show and Share at the Blue Bar. Everyone wished there was more time, and there may be 10-day trip in the future of Adventures in Italy…will you join us?
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