Join us on an Italian Adventure & venture to the heart of Italy
15 - 22 September 2027 - Panicale, Umbria
Designed to showcase the region’s timeless charm, this adventure offers a carefully curated experience blending culture, cuisine, and heritage. Guests will stay in one of the historic rooms of Villa LeMura, a beautifully preserved 19th-century palazzo steeped in local history. Over seven days, you’ll be entranced by the rolling landscapes and beguiled by the history and architecture of medieval hamlets and iconic towns like Siena, Cortona, and Montepulciano through expert-guided tours. Feast on traditional regional dishes, sample exquisite wines at local vineyards, and uncover the secrets of producing premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil from master artisans. This is more than a holiday, it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in the spirit of central Italy.
THE VILLA
In a small hamlet on the outskirts of Panicale, a village known as the ‘balcony on the lake’, this charming historic residence is surrounded by olive groves with breath-taking views of Lago di Trasimeno and quintessentially Italian scenery.
Originally the summer residence of the noble Mancini family from Perugia, the oldest part of the Villa dates from 1690 with the last major redevelopment occurring in the 1840s. The empire style décor boasts a wealth of exquisite frescoes, notably in the palatial Grand Sala, as well as an eclectic array of antique furniture throughout the public spaces and bedrooms.
There is a small private chapel in the Italian Garden overlooked by the Limonaia, and in the grounds, on the edge of the olive grove, an inviting swimming pool with a picturesque view of Panicale.
THE CUISINE
Italy is famous for its delicious food: no trip would be complete without experiencing and indulging in the finest, freshest local seasonal produce. Our in-house cooks provide gastronomic delights founded on traditional Italian cuisine combined with modern contemporary twists and variations. Every meal is lovingly prepared from scratch, from our sumptuous breakfast, delicious pasta dishes, succulent meat courses, vibrant salads, appetizing local cheeses, to our mouthwatering desserts. The local artisan bakery delivers freshly baked Umbrian bread every morning whilst we are provided with excellent wines from several nearby vineyards.
Villa LeMura’s own organic single estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVVO) graces the table at every meal. The olives are picked by hand each year and pressed immediately to lock-in an incredible peppery flavour that adds depth and quality to all the dishes we serve.
We cater for special dietary requirements and kindly request details of any allergies or intolerances in advance.
THE ITINERARY
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Arrival from 16.00, welcome tea /cake
Aperitivi and dinner
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Breakfast
Visit to Panicale with museum tours
Lunch and Olive Oil tasting at Il Vecchio Piantone
Free time
Dinner at the Villa
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Breakfast
Trip to Pienza, Pecorino Farm for lunch and then afternoon in Montepulciano
Dinner at the Villa
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Breakfast
Visit to Cortona
Lunch in Cortona
Wine tasting at local vineyard
Dinner at the Villa
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Breakfast
Free time
Lunch at the Villa
Italian cooking course followed by dinner at the Villa
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Brunch
Trip to Siena. Tour of the town. Free time to explore.
Return to Villa
Aperitivi and Dinner
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Breakfast
Visit to a beautiful garden
Lunch at the Villa
Watercolour lesson or free time
Farewell dinner at the Villa
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Breakfast
Check Out at 10am
What People Are Saying
“I had a wonderful week immersed in la bella vita at the stunning Villa Lemura. Matthew and Nigel cooked incredible Italian food with fresh, local produce; they brought a joyful energy to every occasion. We visited local Italian towns, tasted freshly pressed green olive oil (from olives grown in the mature olives grove at the Villa) and enjoyed wine tasting at a local medieval hilltop town. Can’t wait to return!”
— Jemima (London, UK)
“The thrill of arriving at Villa Le Mura never leaves me and I have visited many times over the years. So many interesting towns and villages to visit in the surrounding countryside including, within walking distance, the historical village of Panicale that overlooks the Villa and Lake Trasimeno. Another joy is the locally sourced food, making mealtimes, prepared by Matte & Nige, a really delicious Italian experience - dinner often lasting well into the evening with lots of lively discussion and laughter around the table provided by an array of international guests.”
— Michael (Jersey, UK)
“Emma, Matthew and Nigel are what make this retreat truly special, their enthusiasm, knowledge and infectious engagement with the local produce and history of Umbria and surrounding areas, will leave you brimming with food, fun and facts.
The venue ‘Villa Lemura’ is extraordinary, you will be walking into an Italian Palazzo, where every room is ornately decorated in hand painted frescos, whether lounging in bed staring up at the ceilings, or walking around the communal Grand Salon. Each room is breathtaking, and beautifully furnished with an eclectic mixture of antiques and more contemporary items.”
— Sara, (London, UK)
Your Hosts
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Emma
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Fabio
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Nigel
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Matthew
The Umbrian Sun Awaits
7 Days/6 Nights
Regular Inclusive Experience Price £2950pp (shared room) + £450 (single room supplement)
Deposit £600pp*
10 Rooms available
Although we endeavour to keep to the Itinerary, it is subject to change due to weather conditions and exceptional circumstances beyond our control.
*Final balance due 45 days before Experience start date
Read full cancellation policy in our terms and conditions
Location
Nearest airports:
Perugia, San Francesco d’Assisi Airport PEG
Florence, Peretola Airport FLR
Other major airports:
Rome, Fiumicino Airport FCO
Pisa, Galileo Galilei Airport PSA
Bologna, Marconi di Bologna Airport BLQ
Nearest train station:
Chiusi-Chianciano
Terms and Conditions
Hold deposit is non-refundable.
Hold deposit is transferable to another person.
Full balance due 45 days before the start of the Italian Experience.
Cancellation requests submitted up to 30 days before the start date will have 50% of the total amount (less the deposit) refunded. After this date no refunds will be given: sorry, no exceptions.
We understand no one books a holiday with the intention of cancelling it, but unexpected events do occur, so please consider purchasing travel insurance. It is your responsibility to read and understand our cancellation policies. Exceptions cannot be made for any reason, including weather, injury or illness, or personal emergencies. We recommend that you purchase your own travel insurance to cover both trip cancellation and medical expenses in the event you have accident while on holiday. We reserve the right to cancel the Italian Experience with inadequate participant interest, in which case all monies paid will be refunded. Notification of cancellation will occur at least one month prior to the Italian Experience start date. We cannot be held responsible for any personal expenses, such as airline tickets due to changes in itineraries or holiday cancellations.
