Cantico is an entirely organic farm specializing in a variety of local products and using only traditional harvesting and processing methods. The old-world method of producing organic produce and products is reminiscent of the past. The farm's fresh produce is always used in the cooking classes. An abundance of natural seasonal fruits and vegetables including summer apricots, plums and strawberries; autumn hazelnuts and almonds; winter persimmons; and spring cherries and wild asparagus, make this organic cooking program succulent in all year round.

The cooking classes take place in the restored farmhouse, set in a natural forest estate. The farmhouse is located amid the green hills of Lake Trasimeno, Umbria on a 42 hectare estate. The property is secluded, yet the village of Montesperello and the nearest farmhouse is just 1 km away. The charming landscape surrounding the farmhouse lies between a century-old olive grove with over 500 trees, clusters of old pines, an ancient chestnut grove, timber woods, cultivated fields, an orchard, and opens onto a scenic lake. The view of the lake can be seen from many vantage points and is often in the company of small native hares, pheasants, and many species of colorful birds from the nature reserve.

The structure, built entirely from local stone, dates back to the early 1800's. Fed by a perennial water spring that in the past filled the lakes of Montesperello, the farmhouse was home to a number of families, who grew olives, grain and raised livestock. Many elders who were born and lived in the farmhouse still remember the hard work during the day and the pleasant evenings spent resting by the fireplace lulled by the melodious sounds of an accordion. It is not uncommon to observe some of these folks returning to Cantico to lend a hand in the operation of the farm.

The property has numerous trails for trekking and horseback riding which are very pleasant during spring, summer and fall. Your hosts, Francesca and Monia, also organize treks, hikes, or mountain biking through the hills surrounding Lake Trasimeno.

Located in Vocabolo la Penna in Montesperello di Magione, the Umbrian hills are 450 meters high overlooking the lake. The property is located in a strategic position for visiting the area of Umbria and Lake Trasimeno, only 3 km away. This beautiful farm property is 15 km from Perugia, 35 km from Assisi, 70 km from Siena, 120 km from Florence and 200 km from Rome.

Accommodations
Each private bedroom provides a relaxing atmosphere. Typical Umbrian décor graces your surroundings. An old-world atmosphere is blended with all the modern comforts and adorn each of the eight bedrooms and one apartment.

• Januarius, Ice Sculpture
• Februarius, Spring Buds
• Marzius, Buzzing Bees
• Aprilis, Serene Glow
• Majus, The Rain Of Life
• Junius, Kernel Of Wheat
• Novembris, Warm Kitchen
• Decem, Light Snow

Cooking Program
Organic Cooking features Mother Nature's prized organic produce, fish and meats with the magic touch of Umbrian style cooking. You will experience Umbria's food, art, ceramic-making, folk-dance and song, in a magical culinary experience. An artisan chocolate-making tour and tasting visit top off this one-of-a-kind Umbrian cooking program.

Itinerary:

Day One

• Arrival at Il Cantico della Natura. You are welcomed with a complete tasting of the organic farm products including extra virgin olive oil, honey and jams made on the estate.
• Later you will take a drive to Perugia, the town of the Etruscans and the
  head of the Umbrian city. In the afternoon you will lunch in a local
  trattoria.
• After lunch, you will visit a famous artisan chocolate producer where you will see the art of true chocolate making. Tastings and informal discussion will follow.
• In the evening you will feast on a theme dinner. The dinner includes typical Umbrian appetizers, pasta and a meat dish garnished with Norci truffles.

• The morning begins with the first cooking class. You will learn how to make traditional Umbrian bread and the famous torta al testo, or Easter bread.
• After the cooking class, you are invited to stroll to the picturesque
  viewpoint of the Madonna della Penna. From the panoramic vista, you can see Lake Trasimeno. Lunch follows including the recipes that were prepared in class.
• After lunch, you will visit Lake Trasimeno, a landscape that has attracted many artists, including the painter Perugino.
• In the evening, an authentic dinner featuring the area’s farm pork is
  prepared for your tasting. The dinner includes antipasti, pasta and pork
  dishes.

• Breakfast is served.
• The morning begins with a second cooking class. Titled “The Art of Hand-Made Pasta”, our chef will teach you how to make tagliatelle, gnocchi and ravioli, famous pastas that grace Italian tables!
• After the cooking class, relax, sip on an Italian aperitivo as you prepare
  to feast on the hand-made pastas prepared in class.
• In the afternoon, an excursion is set for Bevagna and Montefalco... the "land of wine". This ancient wine town leads you to the cave, of the famous Sagrantino wine. At the cave a tour, tastings and informal discussion follow.
• In the evening, enjoy a theme dinner of hearty Italian soups.

• Breakfast is served.
• The morning cooking class will feature how to make pork and wild rabbit prepared Umbrian style. After the class, relax with an Italian aperitivo and plan to lunch on the meats prepared during class.
• In the afternoon, an excursion takes you to Assisi, the land of the Holy
  Saint Francesco...and then on to visit an artisan olive oil maker.
• In the evening, enjoy a theme dinner utilizing fresh seasonal Umbrian
  vegetables.

• Breakfast is served.
• The morning cooking class teaches the art of Umbrian cake making. Learn how to make a variety of traditional cakes in the old-world style.
• After class, relax and enjoy an Italian apertivo. Lunch follows with the recipes made in class.
• In the afternoon an excursion is planned for Gubbio. This visit will bring
  you back to the Medieval Ages with a blend of art, culture and historical
  monuments. After the city tour you will visit an artisan pottery maker to observe the art of old-world pottery making - the technique of sculpting, firing and painting.
• In the evening, enjoy a theme dinner featuring the fresh fish from Lake
  Tresimino.

• Breakfast is served.
• Plan for a full day excursion to Casteluccio and Norcia. The tour takes you to the artisan producers of salami and ham. Lunch is included in a local restaurant.
• In the evening, you will return to the estate to relax with an aperitivo by the pool to await a special dinner celebrating the food and music of the lake region. The dinner will include traditional barbecue specialties.

• Morning breakfast and departure