Villaggio Tours

Magical experience!

Working with Liz and her team was perfection. Liz understood we wanted an authentic local experience and worked hard to deliver. She was highly communicative leading up to our travels and throughout our time in Umbria.

We were able to spend time with a very lovely local expert Lucianna who shared with us her passion and knowledge of Orvieto. She also provided great connections for lunch and dinner spots.

The capstone of the experience was our day with The Nonnas in Allerona. I hope we were good students and houseguests! We learned how to make an authentic Italian meal, drank good wine and, the best of all, were able to enjoy our handmade meal with her big Italian family! It was a brilliant surprise when the family showed up, with homemade wine, and blessed our efforts. This was an experience I will never forget!

If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling to Italy, take a look at Villaggio Tours! I just returned & it was the trip of a lifetime. Liz offers an experience like no other, immersing you in an authentic, small-group experience that avoids crowded touristy places & instead focuses on life in a small village in Umbria with a little bit of Tuscany & Lazio thrown in. Every detail of our trip was meticulously taken care of by Liz: transportation, lodging, most meals, drinks, and activities. We hiked, foraged for mushrooms, cooked in her mother in law’s kitchen, had meals with her beautiful family, visited incredible historic sites, ate at delicious restaurants, visited a winery & an olive oil mill, and so much more. Our group was welcomed as part of the family. The village of Allerona is beautiful, quiet, and like something out of a movie - it’s a simply magical place. “Slow travel” is my new favorite thing, and they have it figured out! I highly recommend it for groups of friends, couples, as well as solo travelers.

I just returned from an absolute bucket-list trip with Villagio Tours and do not know where to start with my review. It was absolute magic.

We explored Umbria from our home in Allerona, which is an incredibly charming and authentic Italian village, and a terrific jumping off point to visiting sites in the region – such as the beautiful Duomo di Orvieto along with the delightful town surrounding it and nearby Civita di Bagnoregio, the absolutely breathtaking hilltop village. Our host and guide, Liz, was incredibly knowledgeable, organized, and charming and had curated an epic immersive experience for us. We learned so much and delighted in painting terracotta in the etruscan style; foraging for mushrooms with a true local expert and gem Peppe (while hearing snorting wild boars in the woods); learning the art of Italian cooking, making homemade pasta, ragu, and tiramisu with Nonna Franca and Anna Rita; tasting olive oil and fabulous local wines (some that had been aged in Etruscan tombs!); making marbelized paper with an Italian master; relaxing in Tuscan hot springs; the list goes on and on. Epic. Magic. Our group experienced such a warm welcome from the residents of Allerona - we felt as though we gained an extended Italian family.

And the food was incredible!!!!!!

But best of all, this week was the trip off the beaten path and the chance to slow down that I didn’t realize how much I needed.

I have traveled a great deal but what Villagio Tours has put together is truly a unique, unforgettable, and once-in-a-lifetime experience – well, maybe not for me because I’m working on convincing my parents to come back with me next year. : )

A Magical Adventure of Joy, Laughter, and Delight! Embarking on the tour of Italy with a focus on life in a small village in Umbria was truly the adventure of a lifetime. The experience was not just a vacation; it was a uniquely immersive journey that exceeded all expectations.

The heart of the trip lay in the small village of Allerona, a place that seemed plucked from the realms of fantasy. The stunning views that greeted us each day were nothing short of unreal, as if the village itself had been meticulously crafted for a movie set. It was a picturesque backdrop that elevated every moment of our stay.

What made this tour exceptional were the diverse and amazing adventures woven into the itinerary. From invigorating hikes that showcased the natural beauty of the region to foraging for mushrooms, each day was a tapestry of unique experiences. The cooking lessons and shared meals with Liz's beautiful family provided an intimate look into the local way of life, making the cultural immersion all the more profound.

The balance of activities was expertly curated, seamlessly blending visits to historic sites with meals at exceptional restaurants. Liz, our guide, proved to be not just a guide but a true maestro of experiences. Her knowledge and passion for the region were evident in every detail of the itinerary. Each day was packed with excitement, and the carefully selected adventures ensured that we not only explored the region but also indulged in the best meals the area had to offer.

Whether you're traveling with a group, as a couple, or solo, this tour is a perfect fit. The sense of community fostered by Liz and the beauty of the Umbrian landscape make it an ideal setting for any kind of traveler. If you're seeking a trip that goes beyond the ordinary, providing a genuine taste of local life in one of Italy's hidden gems, look no further. This tour is a masterpiece of experiences, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime. Grazie mille for an unforgettable journey!

I recently had the pleasure of embarking on the Autumn Immersive Umbria Tour with Villaggio Tours, and I am still basking in the glow of this unforgettable experience. From start to finish, Villaggio Tours exceeded all expectations, providing an enchanting journey through the heart of Italy.

The tour was meticulously curated to capture the essence of Umbria during the autumn season. The itinerary struck a perfect balance between exploration and relaxation, catering to our desire for a blend of cultural immersion and leisure.

What sets Villaggio Tours apart is their commitment to authenticity. The accommodations in local villas were charming and comfortable, offering a genuine taste of Umbrian life. The personalized encounters with local residents allowed us to forge meaningful connections and gain insights into the rich cultural tapestry of the region.

The tour guides were not just knowledgeable but passionate about sharing their love for Umbria. Their enthusiasm was contagious, making every excursion, whether it was exploring medieval villages or indulging in traditional cuisine, an educational and enjoyable experience. Villaggio Tours seamlessly wove together activities that catered to a variety of interests, ensuring that every traveler felt engaged and satisfied.

The attention to detail in the planning of this tour was evident, and the result was a seamless and stress-free experience for all participants. Villaggio Tours has created not just a vacation but a true journey into the heart of Umbria, leaving me with memories that will last a lifetime.

If you are seeking an authentic, immersive, and soul-enriching experience in Italy, I wholeheartedly recommend Villaggio Tours. Grazie mille for an autumn adventure that surpassed all expectations! Brava Liz!

We had a great time! The Villaggio Tours crew — Liz, Paolo, Naomi, and Franca were so welcoming, knowledgeable, and generous. This tour is a very special opportunity to see the heart of Italy from a local perspective. Highly recommended!

5 stars is not enough! Not even close. Villaggio Tours is not your typical sightseeing tour company. It’s a rare gem – a diamond in a world of rhinestones. Founder Elizabeth Heath has created an experience like no other, one that I had the privilege of taking part in recently. The tour centers around Allerona, a charming hilltop village in the middle of Italy. Liz, along with her family, friends, and other residents of the town, took us on an immersive journey during which we had an opportunity to travel “off the beaten path” into an authentic Italian experience.
First of all, our group was wonderful! I traveled solo, but I left with many new friends. We enjoyed hiking expeditions where we ventured out into forests to hunt for mushrooms and local herbs and flora. We visited a local olive mill and a winery. We spent time in Orvieto making Etruscan-style ceramics. We learned about the history of paper (which is fascinating), and made our own marble paper designs. One of the highlights for me was our trek to Civita de Bangnoregio (google it and you’ll want to be there by tomorrow). We enjoyed an evening relaxing in thermal baths in Tuscany. We had cooking lessons from Liz’s mother-in-law, Franca, and sister-in-law, AnaRita. And we ate incredible food. We ate A LOT.
I think my favorite part was the time we spent with Liz and her family and the lovely people of Allerona. Everyone welcomed our small group with open arms and open hearts. When we arrived they treated us like royalty and always made sure we were taken care of. They opened their homes and their hearts to us. We laughed a lot, every day! And when we left they embraced us as part of the family.
I could write a book about my experience (and I just might). For Liz, I know that this endeavor was a labor of love. For me, it was truly sublime and unforgettable.

This sounds like so much fun. No big crowds like in Rome or Florence. Sounds like a chance to see what Italy is like away from the big tourist areas. Love the idea of a small group. And somebody local who knows all the hidden good spots!

Absolutely authentic village experience, ‘full immersion’ in one of the loveliest villages.

Unique, unforgettable experiences - highly recommend!

Best hosts ever!