Flavors of Tuscany and Umbria: An Immersive Culinary & Cultural Experience
Step out of the role of a tourist and become a part of the Italian story. Embrace the culture, flavors, pace, and warmth of Tuscany and Umbria. We look forward to sharing this unforgettable journey with you.
Villa Vetrichina, San Casciano dei Bagni, & the Stunning Hilltop Town of Montefalco
September 2026
Embark on an unforgettable 10-day/9-night journey through the heart of Italy, where charm, tradition, and breathtaking landscapes come together in perfect harmony. Your adventure includes a stay at a stunning traditional Italian farmhouse villa, lovingly hosted by the warm and welcoming Patrizia Ricagno. Patrizia’s genuine hospitality and passion for sharing her culture create a genuinely immersive and heartwarming experience. Here, you’ll savor authentic Italian cuisine, immerse yourself in local traditions, and relax amidst the beauty of the Italian countryside.
The magic doesn’t end there! The final four days of your journey take you to an enchanting bed and breakfast surrounded by a beautiful landscape to relax and enjoy near the medieval town of Montefalco in Umbria.
Perched on a picturesque hilltop, Montefalco offers panoramic views that will leave you breathless. Explore its charming cobblestone streets, indulge in world-renowned wines from the region, and soak in the history and culture of this idyllic destination.
Each day offers a new culinary or cultural delight: hands-on cooking classes with passionate local chefs, visit local artisans and wineries and quaint villages in an unhurried pace throughout.
Our thoughtfully designed itinerary ensures no more than one engaging activity per day, interspersed with ample free time to roam and relax, wander through picturesque towns, or simply enjoy a leisurely lunch.
Traveling with us feels like visiting friends—our local partners open their homes and hearts, offering you an insider’s view of Italian
life. Share stories, laughter, and meals, forging connections that turn into lasting friendships
Flavors of Tuscany and Umbria Culinary & Cultural Adventure is designed to help you:
Liberate your heart.
Revitalize your spirit.
Renew your sense of wanderlust.
...in the breathtaking countrysides of Tuscany and Umbria.
In the Morning
Your awakening will be immersed in the scents of a homemade Italian breakfast of pastries, cooked foods, hot coffee, juice, and seasonal fruit in the warmth and tranquility of the heritage villas nestled among the woods and greenery.
During the day
In your free-time, gift yourself with the sweetness of simple relaxation by the pool or in the intimate corners of the gardens, or sit with several of your like-minded traveling partners exchanging stories of your lives in one of the many sitting areas on the properties.
When we are in a new culture away from our daily routines and demands, we give ourselves an elevated experience of enhanced imagination, joy, intuition, inspiration, high vibration, play, fun, desire, and delight!
In the evening
You will enjoy traditional Tuscan and Umbrian dinners with homemade bread and pasta, soups, vegetables, and meat cooked with Italian energy and passion… accompanied by excellent wines.
During our time in the Tuscan Villa, hosted by its lovely owner Patrizia Ricagno and private Chef Francesco, we encourage you to liberate yourself by being fearless as you try new cuisine, heritage wines, and immerse yourself in a quality Italian life!
Need info for Umbria Lodging
Read what others have had to say about this trip.
Your journey will be personally hosted, ensuring a warm, friendly atmosphere where everyone feels like part of the family
Rico Mandel is the founder and CEO of Miz En Place. His mission is to unite people in support of small artisanal businesses worldwide, and he eagerly welcomes the opportunity to inspire your gastronomic dreams and adventures.
Rico invites you to leave your:
- Worries
- Responsibilities
- Current Routines
We want you to have
an immersive experience
There will be ample time to relax, walk along the country road taking in the lush countryside capturing photos, or meditating and journaling under the outdoor pergola, or lounging poolside for quality time alone or with your traveling companions.
At the end of our time at the villa, we will have our private driver take us to a secluded bed and breakfast near the historical hilltop town of Montefalco in the neighboring region of Umbria.
We will have many marvelous days to immerse ourselves in the culture and eat sumptuous local meals, explore the small town of Montefalco and others, walk through the olive groves taste olive oli, and savor the wines of the region including Sagrantino the primary red varietal of the region.
New Tour Video showing clips from actual tour and include the clips with me and Francesco talking to each other when I interviewed him that are in the current video
Day 1 – Arrivals, Relaxing, Welcome Dinner.
- Late Morning:Meet in Rome location where we’ll be you’ll be greeted by our private driver for transfers from Rome to the Villa.
- Mid-Afternoon:Enjoy a scenic two-hour ride to the Villa with a short stop along the way for a quick bite. Arrive at the beautiful Villa in San Casciano dei Bagni, Tuscany. Get settled and relax. Welcome reception with a traditional Aperitivo.
- Evening: Homemade welcome dinner made by Chef Francesco in the villa’s dining room.
Day 2 – Explore San Casciano dei Bagni, free day
- Morning:Enjoy your first homemade breakfast in a picturesque spot on the property.
- Day:Free time to explore the historical town of San Casciano dei Bagni or relax at the villa. Optional visit to a local historic small family winery.
- Evening:take in the sunset and enjoy a homemade dinner in the villa.
Day 3 – Full day in Montalcino lunch and tour of a family winery
- Morning & Afternoon:– Explore the lovely town of Montalcino, home to Brunello di Montalcino. Take your time and stroll the streets, visit the museum, the churches and shops. Enjoy the scenery from this mountain top town and sample some of the wonderful local delicacies. We’ll have lunch at a local winery enjoying their hospitality, food, wines and the panoramic views. Then we’ll return to town to continue our exploration before returning to the villa.
- Evening:Return to the villa for relaxation and a homemade dinner.
Day 4 – Cheesemaking experience at a fine caseficio.
- Morning:Breakfast at the villa before heading to the Caseficio.
- Day:Tour the grounds, meet the sheep, watch the cheese-making process, ending in a cheese and charcuterie tasting experience paired with wines. This is an experience like no other encompassing all your senses.
- Evening:Free time followed by another homemade dinner.
Day 5 – Cooking Class and Celebration Dinner
- Morning & AfternoonFree day to lounge, meditate, and enjoy the villa.
- Evening:Cooking class with Villa Chef Francesco. Making the meal for a special last-night celebration dinner in Tuscany.
Day 6 – Depart for Montefalco, Umbria
- Morning:Breakfast and private transfer to bed and breakfast in Umbria (90-minute scenic drive).
- Afternoon Check into the boutique bed and breakfast and enjoy free time. We’ll have a midafternoon welcome aperitivo and light lunch on the terrace.
- Evening:Dinner at a local Michelin rated restaurant in a charming tiny town 5 minute’s drive from the bed and breakfast
Day 7 – Umbrian wine experience and lunch at the winery
- Morning:Breakfast at the bed and breakfast
- Day:Horse drawn carriage ride around this biodynamic winery, then tasting a selection of their wines accompanied by a lunch from local Umbrian ingredients. Back to the bed and breakfast for some relaxation.
- Evening:Explore one of the local small towns, stroll the streets and take in the evening pace of the locals. Dinner is not included.
Day 8 –Umbria olive oil experience and Assisi
- Morning:Early breakfast and off to Trevi to explore the town a bit and do a trek through the olive groves learning about the history of the region and olive groves and harvest. End the trek with a lunch and olive oil tasting at an Agriturismo.
- Afternoon:Explore Assisi – our guide will take us through the streets of Assisi including some of the lesser-known parts explaining about the local culture and history of the town.
- Evening:Dine on your own in Assisi or return to the Bed and Breakfast to relax – the group will decide.
Day 9 – Leisure Day in Montefalco
- Morning:Slow morning at the Bed and Breakfast
- Afternoon:Lunch at a local trattoria, meet the chef owner and explore Montefalco at your leisure
- Evening:Gather at chefs home for a cooking class and our final dinner, reminiscing on the journey.
Day 10 – Check-out & Departure
- Morning:Breakfast before departing Montefalco.
- Day:Train ride back to Rome – arrive at Roma Termini in the mid-afternoon.
Note:
The itinerary listed here is subject to change based on the availability of local artisans and certain seasonal factors. We strive to provide authentic and engaging experiences, and adjustments may need to be made to ensure the highest quality experience for our guests.
what is included?
Pre-trip Zoom call to meet your fellow travelers and share inspiring intentions for this extraordinary adventure
Welcome celebration reception outdoors prior to our delicious Italian welcome dinner
5 nights in a beautiful private room accommodation at the villa and 4 nights in a beautiful private room accommodation at the bed and breakfast in Umbria near Montefalco.
Wi-fi in all spaces
Courtesy set, hairdryer, towels in all bathrooms
All villa suites equipped with Italian linens, a modern bathroom, and well-appointed décor
Transfers from Rome and return transportation to Roma Termini station. All scheduled transport while at the villa and bed and breakfast.
Tuscany and at the villa, (5) Italian breakfasts, welcome aperitivo, and (5) dinners by Chef Francesco. 2 Lunches, at the Caseficio and Montalcino winery.
Umbria and at the B&B (4) buffet Italian breakfasts & welcome aperitivo and light lunch. 2 Dinners included first night near the B&B, and last night farewell dinner in Montefalco. 2 lunches wine tasting and lunch, Olive Oil trek and lunch.
Freedom to take walks and hikes through the iconic Tuscan and Umbrian countryside
All allergies & food preferences can be accommodated.
Relaxation by the pool
All taxes
what is NOT included?
- Your airfare and transfers to and from Rome Fiumicino airport.
- Travel insurance to include health and travel cancellation.
- Other non-included items such as additional excursions, excess baggage charges, additional alcoholic beverages, personal items, and souvenir shopping.
- Any other expense not listed in inclusions.
- Our lodgings cannot accommodate requests to arrive early or stay late. Please book separate hotel arrangements outside of retreat dates.
- Tipping the drivers, chef, villa workers, at restaurants, tour guides
- Limit one suitcase not to exceed 28” and personal item (backpack or small bag Not a carryon suitcase) per person
WE HOPE THAT YOU WILL JOIN US!
Earlybird reservation
– before Dec 31 2025 – Save $5
Need More Information or Have Questions?
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Please email us at customerservice@mizenplace.com and we will gladly accommodate you.
MEET YOUR RETREAT HOST
Rico Mandel The Heart and Soul of Miz En Place
Rico, the visionary founder, and CEO of Miz En Place, embodies a lifelong journey fueled by passions for photography, filmmaking, culinary arts, business acumen, exploration, and entertainment. His mission is to unite people in support of artisanal small businesses worldwide. Rico eagerly welcomes the opportunity to share his compelling story and expertise, inspiring cultural heritage, culinary adventures and culinary dreams.
Rico’s love of food and cooking inspired him to achieve a culinary degree from the renowned Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. His culinary odyssey saw him become a trained chef, with extensive experience in fine dining restaurants, catering, and prestigious wine dinners.
Rico’s profound love for artisanal food, chefs, and wine led to the creation of luxury wine tours in the Malibu region. These tours became the catalyst for his visionary venture, Miz En Place. Rico’s knack for storytelling blossomed as he interviewed small producers worldwide, sharing their captivating narratives. His mission: to bring these exceptional artisans and their products to a global audience.
At the core of Rico’s mission is the desire to preserve cultural heritage, support local artisans and historic businesses and demystify cooking, removing the fear and hesitation from the kitchen. He encourages people to explore the world around them, interact with locals around the world and embrace culinary creativity with unprocessed local ingredients. Having fun is at the core of Rico’s philosophy along with his infectious passion for cooking and a “joie de vivre”, it’s a journey he’s eager to share with Miz En Place’s community.
Rico lives in Los Angeles near his two amazing daughters and frequents Italy annually and other international countries such as Austria, Britian, France, Greece, and Poland.
