Simones' Culinary Tours

Discover the delights of central Italy in 2013 -  Puglia, Amalfi Coast, and Umbria/Tuscany.

Three tours which can be taken separately or together.

Start with the optional 4 day Puglia tour or launch straight into an exploration of the Amalfi Coast, followed by a leisurely and food and wine filled stay in Umbria and Tuscany.

A brochure can be viewed here.

PUGLIA 9 - 13 September
Puglia, a magnificent, relatively unexplored region known as the heel of Italy offers a diverse and enlightening travel experience - from staying in a Trulli, one of the famous conical stone houses, to visiting the UNESCO classified village of Alborebello, arguably the most picturesque of all the villages in the south to having a meal at Angela’s house: she will cook like she would for her family - and this is just the beginning.

TOUR 1 AMALFI  13 - 20 September
We will stay in the heart of Amalfi, visiting Positano, Sorrento, Ravello, Pompei and the most romantic of places - the Isle of Capri.

We will mix with the local people, born and bred in Amalfi, explore the quaint narrow winding streets, walk in the beautiful hills overlooking the magnificent coastline with its steep cliffs and its blue turquoise sea - and feel like we are in paradise.

You never know who you’ll see while you’re sitting in the piazza in Ravello, sipping an aperitivo - the rich and famous, an actress or Prime Minister. Lunch follows in the amazing setting of Villa Rufolo - sculpted into the rock.

We will be staying with our friend Daniela at her residence; her husband Vincenzo will be our guide, her uncle will be our taxi driver when needed, and her mother will give us her home made limoncello.

As well as the amazing sites and history of the region, food and wine is our main focus.

We will visit restaurants and trattorie to meet with authentic, local people. We will eat in a place we can reach only by boat, visit a cheese maker and savour the delicious DOC wines of the region including nero di troya, primitivo and verdeca amongst many and we will discover first hand what made Amalfi famous - its beautiful paper.

TOUR 2 UMBRIA & TUSCANY  22 September - 2 October
Umbria (based near Perugia) and Tuscany (based in Chianti)

You will be sharing our culture and the authentic food and atmosphere of Umbria from where Patrizia’s family comes from and where Patrizia was born. This is the world of extended family and a way of life rooted in centuries of tradition. A world and way of life that is, alas, fast disappearing.

For all but one night we will be based at the large rambling villa Borgo Casale dell’Angelo just outside Perugia so you can stretch out, empty the suitcases and make yourself at home, just as you would when staying with your friends or family for week a or two.

Our daily excursions to highlights throughout Umbria will proceed at a leisurely pace, taking the slow and scenic route. The activities and sights have been carefully chosen to provide you with memories that will endure.

In addition, we’ll have two days in Tuscany, staying overnight in Greve in Chianti.

Much of Patrizia’s cuisine has been learnt and developed from her extended family and friends in just this atmosphere. On this adventure she will be passing on some carefully selected recipes, which we will prepare together so you can recreate a little of the authentic atmosphere of Italy’s gastronomic heartland.

Our objective is simple – to provide you with an authentic insight into the food and culture of Umbria and the knowledge to recreate, at home, some dishes that will forever remind you of your stay.

Experiences and places we visit include a family picnic in the hills above Gubbio, and a day exploring a remote mountainous village famous for its salami.

Join the Simone family (Australian and Italian) and share in their knowledge of Italy and its foods, as they introduce visitors to the depths and delights of Italian cuisine, wines and culture.