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Small-group tours in Umbria and beyond

Soft travel. Slow food. Real connections. 

From the base of our tiny village in Umbria, Villaggio Tours offers immersive, fully-escorted small-group central Italy tours, with a focus on slow travel, sustainability, family, food and friendship. Stay within the walls of a 12th-century hilltown, enjoy private dinners and tastings, harvest and forage seasonal produce, and experience authentic Italian village life with us.

Our tours

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5.0
Based on 32 reviews
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Louis Rigolosi profile picture
Louis Rigolosi
02:05 31 Jan 26
I can't express what a delight the Villaggio Tours experience is. You are treated to great food, great company, and some of the best Italy has to offer. Liz is a seasoned guide who knows how to give travelers a taste of what Umbria and Tuscany are about. She answered questions and gave fabulous tips on traveling throughout Italy, and the people who you meet in your adventures with her are all genuine and full of friendship.
Marian Heisler profile picture
Marian Heisler
23:13 20 Dec 25
If you are planning a trip to Italy VILLAGGIO TOURS has a plan for you!! Our organizer ELIZABETH HEATH presented an itinerary customized to accommodate seniors. Every day was an adventure and highlights were endless. The recent opening of VILLAGGIO TOURS Guest House in Allerona adds to the charm of this beautiful village that seems to be carved out of a mountain. Thanks to Liz, her husband Paolo and her entire family we were able to enjoy the life experience of their Italian family. This was a trip of a lifetime that makes you want to do it again!! Marian Heisler
Loretta Brown profile picture
Loretta Brown
18:15 20 Dec 25
From start to finish, it was the vacation of our dreams. Venice, Florence, Rome - all of the iconic and ancient sites became a reality for us that will live in our hearts forever. Oh but, Allerona, Liz’s home town, was the best part of the trip. We were welcomed like family. We cooked with them, ate with them, laughed with them and got a beautiful taste of life in the most charming little mountain town in Umbria. And the accommodations at Six Keys Guest House are superb. We were so fortunate to have Liz with us throughout our 15 day tour - and since the three of us are in our 80’s she was sensitive to our needs and always had a backup plan if needed. Thanks for these precious memories Liz. You and your family will remain in our hearts forever ❤️
Diane E. profile picture
Diane E.
17:00 13 Oct 25
This was the first time I had gone on a tour with Villaggio Tours, LLC and it did not disappoint!
The owner of Villaggio Tours planned an eventful and well thought out itinerary.
The Autumn Immersive Umbria tour offered a unique way to explore lesser-known, but just as extraordinary, villages in Umbria.
Umbria, known as Italy's "green heart," has beautiful rolling hills, medieval towns like Assisi and Orvieto, rich history, and distinctive culinary traditions, particularly its truffles and olive oil.
Our tour group enjoyed guided tours of Orviento, and Florence, very comfortable and lovely accommodations in the Six Keys Guest House and delicious, freshly-made Italian meals making this a very special trip!
The people of the region were very welcoming and friendly. In addition, the group size and composition of the group enhanced the experience.
I miss my travel family already!
Carla Gelber profile picture
Carla Gelber
18:32 24 Sep 25
We did a cooking class with Liz and her family, and it was truly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had while traveling. Being welcomed into their home, seeing how they cook, and learning new techniques was not only fun but also something we’ll carry with us forever. Liz was incredible, so warm, communicative, and helpful. When our train to Orvieto was canceled, she even went out of her way to assist us. After the class, she invited us to join in grape-picking, which was such a unique and memorable experience for me. I would wholeheartedly recommend Liz’s tours and experiences to anyone. She and her team are absolutely wonderful!
Maple Family profile picture
Maple Family
03:11 08 Jul 25
We would give Villaggio Tours 10 stars if we could. Our family (two adults plus 21-year old daughter) had a magical time in Umbria with Liz and her extended Italian family. This was our first trip to Italy and we wanted to experience local food and culture while avoiding crowds of tourists. Villaggio Tours gave us all of this. We adored our home base in the tiny and beautiful town of Allerona. We kept asking ourselves “Is this real?” as each new experience unfolded – a delicious breakfast overlooking the beautiful hillside, an afternoon drink in a stone cantina, a gourmet meal in the local restaurant, where our daughter even got to prepare her own pizza. Liz is an incredibly generous and intuitive tour host. We ate at top restaurants, we had every dietary need met, and Liz created special experiences based on our interests (like the chance to go hear a local band play in the neighboring town of Orvieto).

Highlights of our “Invitation to Umbria” tour included a wonderful morning making ravioli, umbricelli (a local specialty pasta), and tiramisu with Franca (a real Italian Nonna) and Liz’s sister-in-law Anna Rita. This was an in-depth cooking lesson - not a quick demonstration. We have even managed to replicate the delicious pasta sauce at home. Other highlights were a day visiting the beautiful town of Pitigliano, which has a fascinating restored Jewish quarter, and a hike in the Umbrian woods with a local naturalist whose family has lived in the area for hundreds of years.

Liz created the perfect balance of activities and time for rest and solo exploration. We would have an activity in the morning (cooking, touring, or hiking), eat a delicious lunch, and then have some afternoon rest and exploration time, before regrouping for dinner. Sometimes when you go on a cultural tour, you come home exhausted and needing a vacation. Or if you go to a beach resort, you come home relaxed but not feeling like you learned anything new. This tour was both - a chance to learn about and experience real Italian life in the Umbrian countryside while also feeling completely taken care of and relaxed.

The best highlight was the connections we made with people - getting to know Liz and her husband Paolo and his extended family - meeting the pet rabbit, hearing about the struggles in Italy after the war and how people are trying to preserve Italian culture in small towns. After just four days, we felt like we had made lifelong connections. The glowing reviews for Villaggio Tours are all real - this is an experience you will never forget.
Patricia Duncan profile picture
Patricia Duncan
15:11 19 Jun 25
Thank you to Liz, Paolo and their wonderful family. Thank you so much for making my dream come true. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. From the food, to the tours and experiences, and enjoying family life, it was a fantastic trip I won't soon forget. I hope to get back again some day!
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Doug Vaughan
18:34 12 May 25
Bravo Liz! I have travelled a LOT. I was afraid I’d be bored spending an entire week in a small Italian hilltop village. I remarked to my wife “I hope there’s good internet.” I didn’t need it. The Villaggio Tours’ immersive experience delivered! Liz tailored the schedule to include interesting and fun activities. Truffle hunting, exploring the charming town of Orvieto, and touring the picturesque Civita di Bagnoreggio. A trip to an active archeological dig. A short hike in Tuscany with a naturalist, followed by lunch using a few of the edible herbs we observed. A cooking class with the family to get your culinary skills up, and a couple of winery tours and tastings. Each day had specific events, delicious meals, and adequate time to relax and soak in the beautiful surroundings. I would highly recommend this experience!
D'Ann Kohls profile picture
D'Ann Kohls
15:13 17 Dec 24
I cannot say enough good things about Liz and our pasta making experience. It was truly my favorite experience in 10 days of travel in Italy. We felt like part of her family for a day. What amazing, gracious people they are! The food and wine were fabulous, but even more so was the unique experience. I’m still pinching myself that we were welcomed into an Italian family with such hospitality. Thank you Liz, Paolo and the entire family. It was the highlight of our trip!
Rebecca Long profile picture
Rebecca Long
22:11 16 Dec 24
Enjoying Liz and her family with Villaggio Tours for the in-home cooking class was one of the most special experiences in my life! We were immersed with "the family" which included grandma/nonna, sister in laws, cousins,etc. Believe me, we were well-coached in making our ravioli, pasta, sauces, and tirimisu! And received recipes to make them at home! Experiencing Allerona and the beautiful community makes me desire to come back and and book another tour with Villaggio; Liz and Paulo's kindness and knowledge of the area were evident. We were a group of 4 ladies and we were so very touched by the graciousness and joy that we felt on this day!
Denise Mortensen profile picture
Denise Mortensen
00:44 23 Oct 24
As first-time visitors to Italy, we wanted to experience Italy "off the beaten track," and boy, did Liz deliver! From the moment she met us at the train station in Orvieto, until the moment we departed the medieval gates of Allerona, we were treated like old friends and welcomed like family. Liz arranged everything: from our first delicious meal at La Panatella, a local trattoria, to fabulous dinners in the homes of her friends and family each night. Day trips included shopping and tours of the ancient city of Orvieto, pasta-making with Liz's extended family, mushroom picking, wine-tasting, a tour/tasting at an olive production plant, guided nature walks, a spa day, and so much more. This was the trip of a lifetime, and we came away with such an appreciation for the generosity, kindness, hospitality, and authenticity of our Allerona hosts. We truly felt like we got to "live like the locals." As we said our goodbyes on our final night, there were many hugs and even a few misty eyes among my husband and me and Liz's family members. We would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a unique, immersive way to experience Italy, its lovely people, culture and cuisine!
Krystal VanVeghten profile picture
Krystal VanVeghten
03:41 14 Sep 24
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!
Valerie Service profile picture
Valerie Service
13:30 16 Dec 23
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!
Kate Galston profile picture
Kate Galston
02:28 13 Dec 23
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. : )
Wendy Young profile picture
Wendy Young
17:33 30 Nov 23
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.
Sammi DiBacco profile picture
Sammi DiBacco
09:16 28 Nov 23
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!
Amy Brown profile picture
Amy Brown
12:22 24 Nov 23
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.
Barbara Gillespie profile picture
Barbara Gillespie
17:26 08 Nov 23
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!

Parliamoci. Let's talk!

Schedule a free video call with Liz to learn more about our trips and activities, and what it’s like to travel with Villaggio Tours. Lots of answers, no commitment, and we won’t spam you with daily emails pressuring you to book — promise.  

Liz and Paolo, hosts of Village Tours central Italy tours

Ever wish you had friends who lived in Italy?

Well hello then! We’re Liz and Paolo, and that’s our daughter Naomi. We own and manage Villaggio Tours, and we invite you to join us in Allerona, the 12th-century Umbrian village we call home. We treat all guests like family, with activities that bring you into our homes and those of our friends and extended family, to our olive fields and vineyards, and to cantinas, palazzos and cozy kitchens, where you’ll learn to cook with a nonna and zia (auntie) or two — or at least help out with wine tasting.
We prioritize cultural encounters, traditional food and wine experiences, and real connections that help travelers understand the Umbrian way of life — all while having the vacation of a lifetime.
Learn more about us.

Villaggio Tours may be right for you if...

central italy tours - people at lunch

Generic,
one-size-fits-all tours of Italy cover a lot of ground, but they also take you
to all the predictable places, where you’re surrounded by thousands of
tourists. We’re the opposite of that! We limit our central Italy tours to 12 guests and offer
you immersive experiences with the area’s best artisans, food and wine
purveyors, restaurant owners, and guides. But we might be biased — in our
village, most people are family.

More and more, travelers are yearning for more than surface-level encounters. If you’re seeking a deeper connection with the places you visit and a sense of being welcomed not as tourists but as guests and friends, come join one of our tours. Villaggio Tours are led by Liz, a professional travel writer, with her family providing the warmest of welcomes — as well as many meals. By the time you leave, you’ll feel like part of the family, too. 
Italy is one of the most visited travel destinations in the world, but it’s also a victim of its own popularity. Yet there are still corners of the country, like ours, removed from the crowds, where you can find plenty of space to breathe — and where you won’t have to wait in line to take a selfie. And when we do visit big cities, we use trusted local guides who take us beyond superficial sightseeing.
Planning a trip to Italy can be time-consuming and overwhelming, especially if you want to stray from the well-trod tourist path (and don’t speak Italian). Fortunately, our trips are planned from touch-down to take off, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy. But don’t worry — there’s plenty of free time for exploration built into every itinerary.

Our trips are great for people who have never been to Italy, especially since it’s so easy to figure out how to see the usual tourist-friendly sites on your own. But if you’ve already been here, we guarantee you’ll still experience something new. The places we go and people we meet will show you a side of Italy you can only see by traveling with locals and give you a chance to feel like you’re with family, rather than being just another visitor.  

What to expect on one of our central Italy tours

Expect to make new friends

We’re here for the fun and friendship (well, and the food!), and we hope you are, too. Our tour groups are never more than 12 people, so everyone gets to know everyone and, hopefully, warm friendships are formed. And if you’re a little more reserved, that’s no problem. But we hope you’ll go home not just with great memories of your central Italy tour, but with some new friends, too.

Expect lots to eat and drink

Food and wine are a big part of our offerings, and our food-proud Italians want to make sure no one goes hungry. We’ll enjoy big, multi-course meals with lots of free-flowing wine, and there are always plenty of snacks, bottled water, and wine available for the evenings we don’t do dinner — or if you just want a late-night nosh.

Expect a lot of walking

There’s nothing high impact about our activities, but we do walk a lot almost every day. Our tours are suited for moderately active people who are okay with some daily walking, including on stairs and cobblestone streets. Our foraging hikes have minimal elevation gain, but they are on wooded, uneven paths, and we provide walking poles.

Expect to laugh a lot

We love hosting friendly, fun-loving people, and we hope you’re here to have a great time. With our guests, we all talk a lot. We love sharing and hearing stories about families, cultures, past travels and life experiences — and we leave our politics back home. So expect a lot of hearty camaraderie over a dining table, in the van, or while we’re enjoying wine tastings and other activities.

Expect to spend next to nothing while you're here

Once your tour begins, you can pretty much leave your wallet closed. Everything is included in our weeklong tours, except for one or two meals on your own, and optional tips for your driver. That means all tour accommodations, transportation, tours, entry tickets, meals and drinks. On our tours that include Rome, Venice or other cities, you’ll have a few meals on your own — otherwise, it’s on us.

Expect that plans may change

Weather happens. Unannounced closings happen. Transportation strikes happen — this is Italy, after all! All of these things can affect our scheduled itinerary. When we have to substitute an activity, we’ll always aim for something just as good or interesting, and we hope you’ll understand the occasional change of plans. Fortunately, our deep knowledge of Umbria means we always have a good back-up plan. 

Expect comfortable accommodations

While Paolo is renovating our Six Keys guesthouse (follow his progress on Instagram), we’ve partnered with other village accommodations that offer exceptionally clean, comfortable lodgings with daily breakfast and housekeeping, where you can unpack once and make yourself at home for the week.

Expect to hear a lot of Italian

Most of the people in Allerona speak little to no English, but that never stops us all from communicating and sharing laughter. Expect Italians to explain things, ask you questions and make jokes, whether you understand them or not. Don’t worry — Liz is usually always around to translate, but sometimes they talk faster than she can keep up!

central italy tours - toasting at dinner

Expect honest authenticity

Our village of Allerona is imperfect, as are many aspects of life in Italy. Don’t expect us to gloss over reality or present a theme park version of Umbria. We talk about what works, what doesn’t, and what our hopes and challenges are for revitalizing our tiny town. And by the time you leave, we hope you’ll love Allerona as much as we do.
Free 4-Season Umbria Packing guide

Be prepared for any season in the heart of Italy with our helpful seasonal packing guide!