Dolce Vita Adventures

Let’s kick off our adventure and set the tone with a toast during our welcome aperitivo hour in the historic heart of Bologna. After a leisurely stroll through the piazzas and a peek inside the splendid Basilica, we’ll enjoy the first of our many epic dinners together with new friends. Let the journey begin!

Be ready for a full day of delicious discoveries, (almost) too much eating and so much learning. In the countryside, starting at the Parmiggiano Cheese dairy farm, followed by Prosciutto production and curing, then a vinegar’s vineyard for the exquisite, barrique aged, 20 year old sweet-tart Balsamic. After a delightful late, long lunch highlighting all the local specialties you’ll be a full connoisseur, in more ways than one. Free evening to enjoy Bologna, stock up on art, fancy shoes or bags of Tortellini.

Journey south Chianti land and our friend’s farmhouse in the olive groves. Cross our fingers on a truffle hunting walk in the woods so Camilla can help us make our own handmade focaccia and fresh pasta with fragrant garden herbs and shaved truffles, all drizzled with the estates’ fresh olive oil and paired with their own wines. Further south we’ll check into our own 14th cent. converted farmhouse nestled among blooming rose gardens. Later this evening we’ll walk to town for a fascinating wine cellar visit followed by Chianti pairings with local specialties. 

Time to recharge yourself with a blissful morning by the pool, cappuccino (or 2) in hand. Your choice how to enjoy the day, wander the town’s artisanal boutiques explore the small fortress.  We’ll gather again later this evening to walk over to the Michelin star rated restaurant for a truly unforgettable dinner. 

Enroute to tiny Spello for the amazingly Flower Festival, we’ll stop to chat with our friend Stephen, stroll through his vineyards and wine cellar and enjoy a delightfully assorted lunch under the gazebo. After Spello hotel check in, maybe a quick refreshing dip in the pool, then off to explore the charming streets the perfect dusk light behind the village’s towers. The buzz of festival preparations is just beginning.

A free morning or join our scenic hike out of town through the olive groves, it’s just one path so you can turn back anytime you choose. Rest up poolside this afternoon because tonight’s the big night. After our group dinner we’ll walk through a town on a mission, now absolutely humming with excitement. The goal is wonderfully collaborative effort between families, friends and visitors like you, working all night under the stars and twinkling lights, to cover the village streets in bright and ornate, artistic images made entirely of flower petals. You’re walking through a photoshoot but also be ready to jump in and help shuck flowers, all the work must be finished by dawn.

If you didn’t pull an all-nighter, wake up with the sun rise to a breathtaking site. Streets are still full, and what you didn’t think could possibly be finished in time – is done. Bleary eyed locals and visitors alike stand in absolute awe of spectacular flower carpets. It’s early, but now we  need to head out and over to the town of Orvieto for another spectacular Corpus Domini Celebration. At our family run hotel in front of the Basilica, you’re perfectly positioned to witness the rich and glorious procession about to unfold. Join the locals as suddenly the parade spills out of the Basilica, then follow the jewel toned medieval costumes, the velvet robes, the drummers, flags and fanfare.  Celebrate and soak in the festive atmosphere as they dramatically weave through town for the rest of the day. We’ll meet later this evening for our special dinner.

After breakfast, join me for an exhilarating, pasta burning E-bike ride through the countryside to the hidden gem town Civita di Bagnoreggio. Forgotten by time, you must enter the town by a pedestrian only bridge. Rest and free time to explore before another delightful, ancient winery for tastings and lunch on our return ride. The rest of the day is yours as you wish.

It’s your last day to soak in this small town’s dolce vita vibe, discover Orvieto’s breathtaking Basilica (you’ll have entry tix), explore the fascinating Etruscan underground caves, and shop well along the sunny alleyways. This evening we’ll gather for Spritz and local white wine aperitivos in the piazza, followed by a heartfelt farewell dinner. Group pix at night under this Duomo’s lights are a must!

After breakfast, we’ll provide a transfer to Orvieto’s train station for your onward journey. If you’re extending, it’s just above an hour to Rome, about two hours to Florence. If you’re heading elsewhere we’ll help arrange a driver. No matter where to next, it will be handled, and you’ll be on your way, smiling with a full belly, mind and heart!