The Classy CruetMay 18-25, 2024 Cost: 4,125 € per person (does not include airfare)
Italy is synonymous in many minds with olive oil and it has traditionally produced some of the finest in the world! Here, in Umbria - the region called the Green Heart of Italy - a land of olive trees, grape vines, wheat fields, and rich in ancient traditions - we are very fortunate to produce some of the finest oils in Italy. Our little village is surrounded by olive orchards in every direction and their yield has claimed numerous regional and national awards. This Green-Gold as it is sometimes called, is the pride of our region and our locality. Those who have never experienced the flavor of freshly-pressed Umbrian pure virgin olive oil will be amazed by the complex flavor: smelling of the green of freshly cut grass, then rich and buttery, and finally - a spicy finish - it is among the most complex oils in the world!
From our mountain castle village, we are fortunate to be within a mornings walk of Passo del Palomba, a farm estate owned by Alessandro Gilotti and his wife, Claudia. Sandro is an internationally renowned expert on olive oil, and owner of one of the most highly-regarded producers in the region. The couples passion for this land as well as for the oil and wine they produce, is infectious and participants will soon be won over by their enthusiasm for the health benefits of his oil and his vast knowledge of cultivation and production.
The course is designed for all levels of interest, those with a general interest in simply learning more about quality olive oil in spectacularly beautiful setting will be equally enriched by the workshop as those with careers in the culinary arts, seeking to enhance their expertise and credentials. The week-long workshop, will consist of four, three-hour classes, held on the farm of the Passo del Palomba estate from Monday to Thursday. Day-five will be held at our Asilo facility, where we will do a tasting paired with dinner, accompanied by local wines of note. Afternoons will be spent in Monte Castello with excursions to local wineries, food and wine tastings, and a truffle hunt.
Topics to be addressed in our time at Passo della Palomba:
During your stay, you will be housed at a beautiful and grand, 17th c. villa, located on a forested mountain overlooking Tiber valley.
Surrounded on all-sides by olive groves, carefully kept lawns and grand cypress trees, hedges of lavender and rosemary grace the landscape, with a vegetable garden for guest use - the setting is idyllic. The stately villa itself is completely gated and fenced and features unique architectural elements, such as beautifully painted beamed and brick domed ceilings, terracotta tiled floors, stone walls, unique fireplaces, arched doorways and wooden-shuttered windows, all complemented by the stylish furnishing and decor throughout. The designer kitchen features the most elegant contemporary appliances and features.The main house sleeps ten (four bedrooms, all en-suite). In addition, a stone cottage and sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms, with a separate bathrooms, and provides several sitting and relaxation areas in addition to a very comfortable main lounge. A large upper terrace includes a shaded area, perfect for dining and appreciating spectacular sunsets and mountain views. The lower patio surrounds a magnificent infinity pool. The villa is a stunning property that will provide unforgettable experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.
Day by Day Agenda with an excursion on most days (This is All-inclusive upon your arrival minus personal expenses) :
Day 1
Arrival at ROME FIUMICINO airport where one of our operators will be waiting for you - once the group has formed you will be guided to the private bus to reach ICA - departure from the airport is scheduled for 12pm maximum, unless otherwise agreed previously with the participants and this organization.
-Estimated arrival, traffic and weather conditions permitting for 3pm at the agreed facility where there will be a welcome aperitif waiting for you, a tour of the estate and accommodation in the room planned for your stay. Free time to relax by the pool or in the park. Dinner at 7.30pm
Day 2
- 08:00 - 9:00am breakfast
- 10:00am departure for Todi, a medieval village in the Umbrian hills where, after a short tour of the town and its beauties, an aperitif will follow in the heart of the San Fortunato square. At the end, return to the villa for lunch.
- 01:00 - 02:00pm lunch
- 02:00 - 04:00pm relax
- 04.30pm departure to visit the nearby village of Monte Castello di Vibio, its medieval walls, its Teatro della Concordia and the Porta del Maggio watchtower.
- Aperitif on the terrace of our Monastery with a magnificent view of the Middle Tiber Valley - followed by dinner on the terrace (08:00pm).
- At the end return to the villa.
Day 3
08:00 - 09:00am breakfast
09:30am departure for the first morning session of the program at the "Passo della Palomba" farm where the lessons will be held.
12:30pm return to the villa
01:00 lunch
time for relaxation
04:00pm visit to the "Conti Faina" winery in Collelungo - tour of the estate and wine tasting paired with typical products of the area
7:00pm return to the villa
08:00pm dinner
Day 4
08:00 – 09:00am breakfast
09:30am departure for morning session departure for the morning session of the program at the "Passo della Palomba" farm.
12:30pm return to the villa
01:00 lunch
time for relaxation
04:00pm visit to the town of Deruta, known throughout the world for its rigorously handmade artistic majolica - tour of the town and its historic companies with visit to a true master ceramist and exhibition and demonstration of Deruta art at his shop.
At the end, time available for shopping. Stop at the sanctuary of the Madonna dei Bagni along the road.
07:30pm return to the villa
08:00pm dinner
Day 5
08:00 – 09:00am breakfast
09:30am departure for morning session departure for the morning session of the program at the "Passo della Palomba" farm.
12:30pm return to the villa
01:00 lunch
time for relaxation
04:00pm visit to a truffle farm - tour of the company and its lands, history, exhibition and tasting of products paired with black truffles: the gold of Umbria - at the end, free time for shopping in the internal truffle boutique.
7.30pm return to the villa
08:00pm dinner
Day 6
08:00 – 09:00am breakfast
09:30am departure for morning session departure for the morning session of the program at the "Passo della Palomba" farm.Special lunch and delivery of certificates at the farm.04:00pm visit to Caseificio Montecristo, a well-known and appreciated cheese producer - tour of the company premises, family history and practical lesson in cheesemaking with the production of a blue cheese. Tasting. At the end of the session, free time for shopping at the company's cheese boutique.
7.30pm return to the villa
08:00pm dinner
Day 7
08:00 – 09:00 am breakfast
09:30am departure for the visit of the town of Orvieto, "the tall and strange city", arriving there you will understand why... visit of the city, of the Duomo, marvel of European Gothic architecture and of St. Patrick's Well, a masterpiece of hydraulic engineering - not to be missed LOSE.
Aperitif in the square and lunch.
Free time for shopping.
6:00pm departure for the return
08:00pm gala dinner and goodbye in the villa
Day 8
5:30am depart for the Rome/Fiumicino Airport - the departure time may be subject to change according to the departure times of the participants' flights. - The organization reserves the right to change the order of activities based on weather conditions or events not attributable to its organization.
