The Hidden Soul of Umbria
Volcanic Wines, Timeless Landscapes and the Spirit of Orvieto | Fall 2026
With STEFANO BORELLI
Selected Weekend Departures
Thursday through Sunday programs.
Private departures and custom dates available upon request.
In the Shadow of Orvieto
Discovering Umbria Through Wine, Culture and Landscape
There are places in Italy that reveal themselves immediately. And others that slowly unfold, quietly and elegantly, over time. Umbria belongs to the latter.
Far from the crowds and rhythms of mass tourism, this intimate journey through the Orvieto area and the hidden wine landscapes of southwestern Umbria is designed for travelers seeking authenticity, beauty and a deeper connection with Italian culture through wine, gastronomy and landscape.
Here, volcanic soils, rolling hills, medieval villages and centuries-old traditions create wines of remarkable elegance and identity. From the historic whites of Orvieto Classico to unexpected expressions of Vermentino, Sangiovese and native Umbrian varieties, guests will discover a side of Central Italy that remains wonderfully understated and surprisingly sophisticated.
Through carefully selected winery visits, authentic local cuisine and meaningful encounters with producers deeply connected to their land, this experience offers a slower, richer and more human way of traveling through Italy.
Throughout the journey, certified sommelier and wine educator Stefano Borelli will guide guests through a series of engaging daily wine sessions designed to make the territory, wines and traditions more approachable, understandable and enjoyable for every participant.
This is not simply a wine tour.
It is an invitation to experience the quiet beauty of Umbria through its people, flavors and landscapes.
The Hidden Soul of Umbria: the highlights
Slow Living, Umbrian Style
Stay among vineyards and timeless countryside landscapes while experiencing the slower rhythms, warm hospitality and understated beauty that make Umbria so unique.
The Spirit of Orvieto
Discover Orvieto Classico and its many contemporary interpretations through carefully curated tastings led directly by some of the area’s most respected producers.
Beyond the Cellar Door
Meet passionate winemakers, enjoy authentic Umbrian cuisine and experience the region through culture, people and genuine human connection.
Volcanic Wine Landscapes
Explore the hidden wine territories surrounding Orvieto, where volcanic soils, rolling hills and centuries-old traditions shape wines of remarkable elegance and personality.
Program Overview: A tentative Daily Schedule
The following itinerary is designed as a flexible and carefully curated journey through Umbria and may be subject to minor adjustments depending on seasonal conditions, winery operations and harvest activities.
Day 1 – Arrival in Umbria
Orvieto and the Volcanic Hills
Arrival in Umbria and check-in at the selected accommodation surrounded by vineyards and rolling countryside. The journey begins with an introduction to the volcanic identity of the Orvieto area, where ancient seabeds, tufaceous soils and gentle hills create one of Central Italy’s most fascinating white wine territories.
Visits and tastings:
- Castello di Corbara
- Barberani
Wine Session with Stefano Borelli:
Understanding Orvieto
How terroir, altitude and winemaking philosophy shape the many faces of Orvieto.
Highlights
Transfer from the airport
Wine Tastings
Welcome dinner in a traditional local restaurant.
Day 2 – Lago di Corbara
Orvieto Classico and Unexpected Expressions
A deeper exploration into the historic identity of Orvieto Classico and the producers who helped shape its evolution over time. Guests will discover both tradition and innovation through elegant whites, sparkling wines and surprising interpretations of the territory.
Visits and tastings:
- Tenuta Le Velette
- Decugnano dei Barbi
Wine Session with Stefano Borelli:
White Wines with Depth
How terroir, altitude and winemaking philosophy shape the many faces of Orvieto.
Highlights
Wine Tastings
Wine session with Stefano Borelli
Dinner in the Langhe region.
Day 3 – Hidden Umbria
Allerona and Beyond
Today’s journey moves through the quieter and lesser-known corners of southwestern Umbria, where small realities and independent visions continue to preserve the authenticity of the territory. Additional cultural stops and scenic exploration depending on the season and program flow.
Visits and tastings:
- Cantine Battisti
- Argillae
Wine Session with Stefano Borelli:
Beyond Expectations
Discovering the contemporary identity of Umbrian wine beyond traditional classifications.
Highlights
Wine Tastings
Wine session with Stefano Borelli
Dinner in the Langhe region.
Day 4 – Titignano
The Umbrian Table
The final day is dedicated to one of the great pleasures of Umbria: food, conviviality and the profound connection between wine and the local table. Before departure, guests will enjoy a traditional Umbrian lunch at the spectacular medieval estate of Titignano, surrounded by forests, hills and breathtaking views over Lake Corbara. A final celebration of the authentic spirit of Umbria through cuisine, landscape and shared experience.
Visits and tastings:
- Tenuta di Salviano
Highlights
Wine Tastings
Lunch experience and departure
Transfer to the airport
Wine shipping service: Bringing Umbria Home
No need to travel with bottles. We will take care of everything for you.
Fell in love with an Orvieto Classico, a Lago di Corbara DOC or a Vendemmia Tardiva during the journey?
Guests are warmly welcome to purchase wines directly from the wineries visited during the program. Through our partner VINESSANCE, all wine orders from one case upwards can be professionally shipped directly to your home address within the Netherlands and Belgium.
This allows guests to fully enjoy the experience without worrying about transporting bottles during the journey. We will take care of all logistics and coordination.
What’s Included
Transfer from and to the airport
3 nights accommodation with breakfast
All winery visits and guided tastings
Daily wine sessions with Stefano Borelli
Local transportation during the program
Welcome dinner and daily dinners
Tasting lunches during winery visits
Traditional lunch experience at Titignano
Full program coordination and assistance
Small-group experience
What’s Not Included
Airfares
Flights to and from Italy are not covered.
Independent Lunches and Dinners
Any meals not specified in the program or indicated as “independent” are at your own discretion.
Transfers to and from the Meeting Point
Transport from the airport or train station to the initial agreed meeting point, and from the agreed final drop-off point to any other destinations, are not included.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is highly recommended. Participants are responsible for securing their own coverage to protect against unforeseen circumstances, including trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost or delayed baggage.
Pricing
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€ 2.650 per person for a single room
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€ 500 deposit at booking
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Balance due 30 days before departure date
Cancellation Policy
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Full refund minus 10% fee if canceled more than 30 days before the tour
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50% refund if canceled 15-29 days before the tour
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No refund if canceled 14 days or less before the tour
For full terms, visit our Cancellation Policy and General Terms.
A Journey for Wine Lovers, Curious Travelers and Seekers of Beauty
Small groups. Volcanic wines. Timeless landscapes. Discover the hidden soul of Umbria through a carefully curated experience designed for travelers who believe that wine is not only something to taste, but also a way to understand places, people and culture.
Contact us for upcoming departures and private group requests!
Meet Stefano Borelli
Born, raised, and based in Rome, Stefano Borelli holds a degree in Sociology and is a seasoned science journalist. He has worked for years as a television anchor and has contributed extensively as a writer to a variety of publications. A passionate traveler above all else, his interests span antiquities, art, history, music, and culture in its broadest sense. In recent years, Stefano has immersed himself in the world of wine, becoming a certified sommelier and earning a seat on the regional council of FISAR, one of Italy’s leading sommelier associations. His deep knowledge and appreciation of Italy’s cultural and enological heritage have naturally evolved into tourism. As a Licensed Italian Tour Leader, Stefano co-founded Faery Snail Tours together with his lifelong friend Enrico Cioccolini, leading immersive retreats and workshops across Italy that celebrate the country’s art, wine, and living traditions.
Meet Faery Snail Tours
Faery Snail Tours offers immersive, slow-travel experiences that combine art, wine, culture, and lifestyle. Our programs are carefully crafted to allow you to connect deeply with the heart of Italy, savoring its beauty and traditions while engaging in creative workshops and curated wine tastings. We specialize in small groups, bespoke itineraries, and meaningful connections with the land, its people, and its stories. Enrico and Stefano are the visionaries behind Faery Snail Tours, a project born from their shared passion for art, wine, and immersive travel experiences. With years of expertise in hospitality, cultural tours, and wine education, they’ve crafted unique journeys that go beyond sightseeing. Together, they create spaces where travelers can connect deeply with Italy’s rich heritage, indulge in its finest flavors, and embrace the magic of authentic, soulful adventures.