Combination Tours> Italy> Yoga and Cooking in Umbria

Italy: Yoga and Cooking in Umbria
Umbria, Italy - 7 nights

Spend a week amidst the lush green Umbrian countryside and enjoy the beautiful, tranquil atmosphere of Il Monastero Luxury Country House estate. Originally a 12C monastery, this ancient building has been lovingly restored and features oak and chestnut beams, terracotta floors, a pietra serena fireplace and elegant furnishings. A perfect setting to relax and let your mind work in harmony with nature taking daily yoga classes and an afternoon at a local spa. Learn how to cook delicious Italian cuisine with three cooking lessons, with visits to a thriving local market, a medieval town and a truffle farm. Enjoy incredible food, breathtaking scenery and luxurious accommodations.

YOGA CLASSES

Learn basic yoga techniques or expand your knowledge of yoga with five classes taught by a highly qualified yoga instructor. Lessons are held by the pool side, on the loggia or in the gardens of Il Monastero.

COOKING COURSE

Meet the cooks at Il Monastero and learn hands on how to make fresh pasta, sauces, antipasto, salads, meats and of course, desserts! Impress friends and family back home with a true Italian feast!

MARKET VISIT

Accompanied by one of the cooks and an interpreter, you will visit a thriving local market town and choose fresh produce for the cooking class whilst taking in the sights, smells and sounds of the Umbrian way of life! Later, lunch in a wonderful trattoria in the town and then return to Il Monastero for the cooking lesson.

THERMAL SPA

Situated on the hillside a short distance away from Il Monastero, this luxury thermal spa has lovely views over the countryside and valleys beyond. There are four thermal pools all heated to different temperatures and a Turkish steam room where you can relax and dream.

Day One – Saturday

Afternoon arrival - Welcome drinks

Afternoon at leisure to explore your home for the week, the gardens and the surrounding countryside

7.30pm Aperitivo followed by dinner

3 course including wine, water, coffee and liqueur

Day Two – Sunday

8.30am Copious buffet breakfast

Day at leisure to relax by the swimming pool or walk in the gardens or surrounding countryside. Take a short ride on one of the vintage bicycles available for guests’ use or play croquet in the grounds!

12.30pm Light lunch including wine, water and coffee

5pm Afternoon yoga class (90 mins)

8pm Depart for 3 course dinner at local restaurant (includes transfer)

Day Three – Monday

8am Morning yoga class (90 mins)

9.30am Leisurely breakfast

1pm Light lunch including wine, water and coffee

3pm Afternoon Cookery Class – LEARNING UMBRIAN ANTIPASTI AND SALADS

7.30pm Aperitivo followed by dinner

3 course including wine, water, coffee and liqueur

Day Four – Tuesday

8am Morning yoga class (90 mins)

9.30am Leisurely breakfast

1pm Light lunch including wine, water and coffee

3.30pm Depart for Città di Castello, for some shopping and sightseeing

5.45pm Depart Città di Castello to a nearby Truffle (Tartufo) farm to see how this regional delicacy is are used in Italian cuisine followed by a 6 course dinner based on truffles! (includes return transfer)

Day Five – Wednesday

8am Morning yoga class (90 mins)

9.30am Leisurely breakfast

1pm Light lunch including wine water and coffee

2.30pm Depart for visit to beautiful spa with thermal mineral pools and steam room. (Transfer included)

8pm Depart for 3 course dinner at local restaurant (includes transfer)

Day Six – Thursday

8.30am Copious buffet breakfast

9.30am Visit to thriving local market in medieval town with cooks and interpreter to look at and choose ingredients. Includes transfer.

12.30pm 3 course lunch in Italian trattoria in medieval town (includes interpreter)

3pm LEARNING THE ART OF PASTA MAKING WITH “LA CUOCA” TAGLIATELLE, RAVIOLI or CAPPELLETTI... PASTA FILLINGS & SAUCES FOR PASTA

7.30pm Aperitivo followed by dinner

3 course including wine, water, coffee and liqueur

Day Seven – Friday

8am Morning yoga class (90 mins)

9.30am Leisurely breakfast

1pm Light lunch including wine water and coffee

3pm Afternoon Cookery Class - LEARNING TO PREPARE MEAT IN A TRADITIONAL UMBRIAN WAY (MARINATED/PANCOOKED)

7.30pm Apertivo followed by dinner

3 course including wine, water, coffee and liqueur

Day Eight - Saturday

9.30am Leisurely breakfast

Buon viaggio!

**It may sometimes be necessary to change certain elements of the course eg. Local restaurants for dining or to incorporate local activities which may be taking place at the time

BOOKING INFORMATION
2008 FEES PER PERSON	DEPOSIT
Double Superior Room/US$4100            Double Superior Plus Room/US$4400     Single Room Supplements:  Standard Room/US$725                        Large Double Bed/US$925	After availability is confirmed, a 25% deposit and submitted registration form will secure your reservation. Final payment is due in full 60 days before your arrival date.
2008 DATES	INCLUDED
Please inquire.	*Seven (7)  nights' luxury accommodations *Complimentary welcome drinks on arrival *Five (5) yoga classes with fully qualified yoga teacher *Yoga mat provided during classes and leaflet of yoga positions to take away *Three (3) hands on cookery classes with Italian cooks and interpreter *Visit to local market with cook and interpreter. Private transfer included. *Visit to medieval town and afterwards to a truffle farm with dinner. Private transfer included. *Umbrian recipe booklet *Visit to thermal spa (afternoon). Private transfer included *All buffet breakfasts *Five (5) lunches including wine, water and coffee *One (1) three course lunch at trattoria including wine, water and coffee *Four (4) dinners (three courses)  including aperitivo, wine, water, coffee and liqueur *One (1) special dinner featuring truffles *Two (2) dinners (three courses) at local restaurants including wine, water and coffee. Private transfer included. Airfare and personal expenses are not included.

For further inquiries or to register, click here.



CANCELLATION POLICY
-Cancellation up to 28 days before the date of arrival – 50% refund of deposit paid (less booking fee)
-Cancellation within 28 days of date of arrival – No refund
-A minimum of 4 guests is required to ensure the course takes place. If sufficient bookings are not taken 28 days prior to the start of the retreat, operator reserves the right to cancel any bookings taken and a full refund of the deposit paid will be given. Travel insurance is highly recommended.



CLIENT REMARKS
Furnished upon request.