Experience Italy This Spring with Food Tours by Elizabeth Minchilli - Dinogo

If Italy is on your 2023 travel agenda, you’re likely envisioning delicious dishes like Brescia’s gourmet pizzas or a classic plate of cacio e pepe in Rome. Author Elizabeth Minchilli is well-acquainted with the country's culinary excellence, having penned books such as Eating Rome, Eating My Way Through Italy, and The Italian Table. Minchilli also offers her insights through her “Week in Italy” tours, which focus on the culinary treasures of various regions. These tours highlight places like Basilicata, Puglia, and Umbria, often featuring her talented daughter Sophie and other guest guides.

As of January 17, 2023, some of Elizabeth’s spring trips still have available spots.

Puglia & Basilicata

Italy’s Puglia region, located in the southeast, is rich with centuries-old farmland alongside the Mediterranean coast, providing a significant portion of the country's olive oil. Sophie, Elizabeth’s daughter who was raised in Italy and authored The Sweetness of Doing Nothing: Live Life the Italian Way with Dolce Far Niente, leads this tour focusing on Puglia and Basilicata. This five-night journey includes a guided visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Matera, famous for its rock-cut settlements that date back to prehistoric times, as well as a day at a family farm in Valle d’Itria, where participants will make cheese and biscotti. Tour-goers will stay at the Grande Albergo delle Nazioni in Bari, while also exploring nearby towns like Polignano, Monopoli, Alberobello, and Matera.

The tour can host up to 10 guests. The package includes five nights at the hotel, buffet breakfasts, all meals and activities detailed in the itinerary, and transportation throughout the tour. It also includes a copy of Sophie’s The Sweetness of Doing Nothing and a tote bag.

Umbria

As Elizabeth noted on a previous tour, Umbria is a captivating destination where many traditions remain intact: “Farmers still craft cheese on their farms, press olive oil for personal use, and bake bread—it’s like stepping back in time.” Having divided her time between Rome and this region for over 25 years, Elizabeth’s tour highlights local delicacies such as olive oil and truffles that make this area a culinary hotspot. Activities include a truffle hunting workshop, a winery tour, and visits to pottery shops. Participants will stay at the family-run Fonte Cesia in Todi, with excursions to other locales like Orvieto, Trevi, Bevagna, and Deruta.

This tour can accommodate up to 12 guests. The package includes six nights at Fonte Cesia, buffet breakfasts, and all meals and activities specified in the itinerary. Transportation is also included. Additionally, participants receive a copy of Elizabeth’s Eating My Way Through Italy and a tote bag.