By Kristina Smith
Nestled in the heart of Italy’s rustic Umbria region lies a hidden gem for those in the know: small-group tours with a focus on family, food, and friendship.
Villaggio Tours offers a deeply immersive journey into the very soul of Italian culture, where every cobblestone street and lingering meal tells a story. Guests stay within the walls of a 12th-century hill town, enjoy private dinners and tastings, harvest and forage seasonal produce, and experience authentic Italian village life.
At the core of Villaggio (which means village, in Italian) is Elizabeth Heath, a travel writer (of one of our top-read features!) turned passionate advocate for authentic experiences. Together with her Italian husband Paolo, whose roots run deep in the region, Liz (who is originally from the U.S.) has crafted a series of tours designed to resonate with those seeking more than just a checkmark on their travel bucket list.
With groups averaging 8-12 people, each tour is deliberately intimate, fostering a sense of community and connection among travellers.
“What sets us apart,” Liz explains, “is our commitment to authenticity. We are a tiny little village, reasonably remote, about 20 minutes from the historic town of Orvieto. We have a community of people who are really enthusiastic about what we’re doing and who want people to see our village and appreciate it, taste the food, and feel the hospitality. It is really genuine.”
“The word authentic gets used a lot, but this truly is. The people who live in the town, these are our family members, our friends. We live in a village of 200 people, and you’ll probably get to know about 50 of them when you’re with us.”
Clearly, this isn’t just tourism—it’s a genuine invitation into their village of Allerona and their lives. Villaggio Tours immerses visitors in a world where time slows down to savour the finer things: locally sourced cuisine, fine wines, and the warm hospitality of a close-knit community.
The tours are meticulously curated to cater to a diverse audience—families, couples, and friends alike—all seeking an escape from the fast pace of modern life. “We’ve always envisioned these tours as small group,” Liz explains, “perfect for travellers who appreciate good food and great company.”
The tours are all-inclusive as well. “Once people join us, they don’t have to open their wallets. We take care of everything, so you can eat and drink to your heart’s content.”
Central to the Villaggio experience is the culinary journey.
Guided by Liz’s mother-in-law, guests partake in hands-on cooking lessons where the secrets of traditional Italian recipes are shared with enthusiasm and love. “It’s about real food, the food that people eat here,” Liz smiles. “We’re about hand-made pasta and meats and local game and vegetables. I’m the only one who’s really bilingual, so there’s a lot of translation back and forth, which makes it really fun.”
The authenticity extends beyond the kitchen to local artisans and producers. Villaggio Tours actively supports the surrounding community by collaborating with small-scale purveyors of olive oil, wine, and other regional delicacies. Depending on the season, guests may find themselves knee-deep in the grape harvest or foraging for truffles—an intimate glimpse into the rhythm of rural life rarely seen by outsiders.
“Umbria,” Liz muses, “is like the country cousin of Tuscany—more earthy, unfiltered, a little rougher around the edges.” Unlike its more curated neighbour, Umbria offers a raw charm that captivates visitors with its rugged landscapes and unspoiled beauty.
For Liz and her family, Villaggio Tours isn’t just a business venture; it’s a lifeline for their community.
“Our village is shrinking,” Liz explains, “people are leaving, especially young people.” She hopes that through tourism and hospitality, they can breathe new life into their community, where both her husband and 12-year-old daughter were born.
Looking to the future, Villaggio Tours aims to expand its offerings beyond Umbria, with potential excursions to places like Isola del Giglio and the Dolomites, while maintaining their signature small-group approach and commitment to localized experiences.
Whether you’re drawn by the promise of handmade pasta, the allure of Umbria’s rich history, or simply the chance to slow down and savour real moments, Villaggio Tours invites you to embark on a journey that promises not just a visit but an unforgettable chapter in your travel story.
Discover the heart of Italy with Liz and her family—a warm embrace awaits in the region they proudly call home.
Fall In Umbria & Hidden Venice
It never gets too crowded in Allerona, but Venice is another story! That’s why they added this off-season extension which takes in La Serenissima after some of the crowds have gone home. This 11-day tour starts in Venice with an itinerary that’s great for first-timers or Venice veterans alike, then follows with their Immersive Umbria experience—a study in contrasts to be sure.
Springtime Immersive Umbria
Celebrate the end of winter with a week of touring and tasting the springtime bounty in Umbria! This 8-day, 7-night tour is their classic Immersive Umbria experience, with some special seasonal activities thrown into the mix, like foraging for mushrooms and wild asparagus or Truffle hunting with a local tartufaio (truffle hunter) and his dogs.
Coastal Tuscany & Umbria
This late summer soft adventure includes some of Villaggio Tours’ favourite areas of Italy—the glorious Argentario promontory and the Isola del Giglio off the coast of Tuscany. This 8-day, 7-night adventure is more active than their other tours and includes a sailboat ride, nature hikes, swimming and snorkelling, plus four days in the Umbrian countryside.
Save $250 per person on any 2025 tour! Use discount code WANDER when booking at villaggiotours.com.