Flavors of Tuscany and Umbria: An Immersive Culinary Experience
Step out of the role of a tourist and become a part of the Italian story. Embrace the flavors, the pace, and the 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
Saturday September 13 – Tuesday September 22, 2025
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 Rigano. 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 three days of your journey take you to the enchanting 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 delight: hands-on cooking classes with passionate local chefs, exclusive winery visits to renowned vineyards, and unhurried exploration of quaint villages. 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 Adventure is designed to help you:
Liberate your heart.
Revitalize your spirit.
Renew your sense of wanderlust.
...in the breathtaking Tuscany and Umbria countrysides.
In the Morning
Your awakening will be immersed in the scents of a homemade breakfast of sweet rolls, cooked foods, hot coffee, freshly squeezed juice, and seasonal fruit in the warmth of the rustic Tuscan farmhouse Villa 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 garden, or sit with several of your like-minded traveling partners exchanging stories of your lives and the beautiful villa experience.
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 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!
Want to know what others think of this amazing intimate adventure?
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
… behind at home when you step onto your international flight. Upon arrival, a private driver will happily greet you and your traveling companions and whisk you to Villa Vetrichina in beautiful Tuscany, Italy.
We want you to have
an immersive experience
There will be ample time for quiet, self-care time to 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 the historical hilltop town of Montefalco in the neighboring region of Umbria.
We will have many marvelous days to immerse and eat sumptuous local meals, explore the small town of Montefalco, experience an olive oil tasting tour, and savor one more wine tasting where we will drink an Italian red wine made with 100% Sagrantino grapes (well known in this region).
what’s the itinerary?
Day 1 – Arrivals, Relaxing, Welcome Dinner
- Mid-Afternoon: Arrive at the beautiful Villa in San Casciano dei Bagni, Siena. You’ll be greeted by a private driver for transfers from Rome Termini train station. Enjoy a scenic two-hour ride to the Villa.
- Evening: Welcome reception with a traditional Aperitivo followed by a homemade welcome dinner 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.
- Evening: Aperitivo followed by a homemade dinner and wine.
Day 3 – Full day in Montalcino with winery tour of one the oldest makers of Brunello di Montalcino
- Morning & Afternoon: – Explore the lovely town of Montalcino, famous for it’s exquisite wines and 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 such as pinci alle briciole or stufato alla Sangiovannese. Our day will end at one of the oldest wineries in Montalcino with tour and tasting
- Evening: Return to the villa for relaxation and a homemade dinner.
Day 4 – Cheesemaking experience at Caseficio Piu
- Morning: Breakfast at the villa before heading to Caseficio Piu.
- Day: Tour the grounds, meet the sheep, watch the cheese-making process, ending in a. cheese and charcuterie tasting experience paired with wines.
- Evening: Free time followed by another homemade dinner.
Day 5 – Cooking Class and Celebration Dinner
- Morning: Free day to lounge, meditate, or explore the countryside.
- Afternoon & Evening: Cooking class with Villa Chef Francesco, followed by a special last-night celebration dinner in Tuscany.
Day 6 – Depart for Montefalco, Umbria
- Morning: Breakfast and private transfer to Montefalco, Umbria (90-minute scenic drive).
- Afternoon & Evening: Check into the boutique hotel/agriturismo and enjoy free time exploring the town and local artisanal shops. Lunch and dinner are on your own.
Day 7 – Umbrian wine experience and lunch at the winery
- Morning: Breakfast at the hotel/agriturismo.
- Day: Winery tour and tasting from this biodynamic winery, featuring wines made from Sagrantino and other local varietals with lunch at the winery.
- Evening: Dinner in Montefalco at a family run upscale restaurant featuring new twists to traditional Umbrian cuisine and more and a special introduction to the chef.
Day 8 –Umbria small towns and olive oil experience
- Morning: Breakfast and free time to explore Montefalco.
- Afternoon: Explore some of the small neighboring towns near Montefalco – take a stroll through the streets of these medieval towns, sample their cuisine and enjoy an olive oil tasting experience
- Evening: Farewell dinner celebrating the journey.
Day 9 – Leisure Day in Montefalco
- All Day: Lunch at a local trattoria, meet the chef owner and explor 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 and share inspiring intentions for the extraordinary retreat
Welcome celebration reception outdoors prior to our delicious Italian welcome dinner
5 nights in a beautiful private room accommodation at the villa and 3 nights in a cozy room in a select boutique hotel in Montefalco
Wi-fi in all spaces
Courtesy set, hairdryer, towels in all villa bathrooms
All villa suites equipped with Italian linens, a modern bathroom, and well-appointed décor
Transfers from Rome and return transportation to Rome Fiumicino Airport. All transport while at the villa and in Montefalco.
At the villa, (5) Healthy, delicious breakfasts & (2) lunches prepared and cooked by Villa owner, Patrizia Ricagno and (6) dinners by Chef Francesco. (Lunches on other days are included in excursions) All allergies & food preferences can be accommodated.
Winery, lunch, Olive Oil tasting & (2) dinner excursions in Montefalco region At the villa, Italian wine, plus filtered water, tea, and coffee with dinner. Wine Tasting and lunch day tour in Tuscany
Freedom to take walks and hikes through the iconic Tuscan countryside
At the villa, (5) Healthy, delicious breakfasts & (2) lunches prepared and cooked by Villa owner, Patrizia Ricagno and (6) dinners by Chef Francesco. (Lunches on other days are included in excursions) All allergies & food preferences can be accommodated.
E-Bike excursion (includes lunch)
Relaxation by the pool
All taxes
what is NOT included?
- Your airfare to and from Rome Fiumicino airport.
- Required 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.
- The Villa cannot accommodate requests to arrive early or stay late. Please book separate hotel arrangements outside of retreat dates.
- Tipping the Villa owner and Chef.
WE HOPE THAT YOU WILL JOIN US!
Reserve Your Spot Now
The cost of this amazing adventure, per person, is:
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 your 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 demystify cooking, removing fear and hesitation from the kitchen. He encourages people to embrace culinary creativity, have fun, and craft delicious dishes using unprocessed, quality ingredients. Rico’s infectious passion for cooking is 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 as Austria, Greece, and France.
