Regional Cuisine of Umbria Central Italy: Umbria: Spello Excursions Main | Cooking Programs | Gourmet Dining & Wine Tasting | Girlfriends' Getaways | Special Interest This three night program is designed for independent travelers who would like to learn the basics of Umbrian cuisine while enjoying the gracious hospitality of the Hotel Palazzo Bocci, located in the center of the historic medieval hilltown of Spello. The hotel is owned by the Buono family, who also own the world famous restaurant, Il Molino, which showcases the regional specialties of Umbria. During the summer months, cooking classes are conducted by Mamma Maria at La Malvarina farm, located in the beautiful countryside just outside of Assisi, 10 km from Spello. The rest of the year, classes are conducted by a chef in a local house just a few minutes walk from the hotel. Typical Umbrian dishes are explained and prepared utilizing local products and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Day 1: Afternoon arrival. The first lesson begins at 5:00/6:00 p.m. Dinner will be a tasting of all the dishes prepared. Day 2: Following breakfast, a private morning guided tour of Spello will begin at 10:00 a.m. and conclude in a local winery for a light lunch, consisting of a tasting of Umbrian wine, cheese and cured meats. The cooking lesson begins at 5:00/6:00 p.m., followed by dinner consisting of the dishes prepared. Day 3: Buffet breakfast at the hotel. The day is free to visit the nearby hilltowns, either on your own or with a local guide that can be arranged through JDB. A visit to the Sportoletti Vineyard, located a five minute drive from the hotel, starts at 3:00/3:30 p.m. The final cooking lesson begins at 4:30/5:30 p.m. Participants will enjoy a dinner of the dishes they have prepared, and then will be awarded a Certificate of Participation. Package Includes: Rate: Three nights accommodation Buffet breakfast daily Three cooking lessons Three dinners with beverages following the cooking lessons Light lunch with wine tasting Guided tour of Spello Visit to Sportoletti Vineyard Supplies used in cooking class Tax and service NOTE: From April to October cooking classes will be held at La Malvarina farm near Assisi; clients must provide their own transportation. Clients without transportation may elect to take a taxi (at their own expense), or, if notified at the time of booking, the hotel will arrange to hold the cooking class with the chef in Spello. The rest of the year, classes are held in Spello. Lesson times are approximate. € 570 per person, double occupancy € 620 single occupancy Valid: All year Minimum two persons required. Special Rate, Mininum of 4 Persons: € 470 per person, double occupancy € 520 single occupancy Valid: January 1 - December 20, 2008 NOTE: Arrival on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday only.