Join Francesco and Monia at Cantico, their country farmhouse, in the heart of Umbria for a one day hands-on cooking classes and explore the wonderful dishes of this magical area. Umbria, the land known for the Baci, ("kiss" in Italian and in Umbria, literally a "chocolate kiss" from Perugia) is an area immersed in tradition. But whether it's the chocolate, the delicate fresh pasta, or the organic products that are used in this program, Umbria boasts a colorful cooking style all its own.

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.

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.  

Learn how to make traditional Umbrian bread and the famous torta al testo, tagliatelle, gnocchi and ravioli,  or pork and wild rabbit Umbrian style. Everyone dines together after the class eating the dishes prepared during the lesson.