The Discovering Italy programs are presented by La Cultura d'Italia P/L. Some are specialised programs in  arts, history and culture, food and language while others cover a diverse range of interests which can be tailored to meet individual preferences.  We understand how to customise programs for ready-made groups as part of a society with special interests or simply as a group of friends travelling together, as well as individuals who might appreciate having an accompanying host or guide with them at all times. Programs may be devised in direct consultation with our Australian-based Director and may be customised to suit specific needs.

Most programs are based in Orvieto in Umbria, mid-way between Rome and Florence and offer a wide variety of activities and educational resources, both guided and unguided for individuals, small groups, special focus groups and schools.

Language programs are provided by university qualified Italian language teachers and cover all levels from university entrance to basic "survival" Italian.

Professional gastronomy programs and cooking classes are conducted by professional chefs who are specialists in their field and passionate about Umbrian cuisine and traditions. However, for those home cooks who want to learn about the genuine, everyday dishes produced in Umbrian kitchens for family gatherings and everyday sensorial delights, our wonderful Italian cook will introduce you to the joy of selecting ingredients in season, preparing and cooking all to be tasted and enjoyed by all.

While we are specialists in central Italy (Rome – Umbria – Florence and Venice), we are also able to provide complete packaged itineraries throughout the rest of the Italian peninsula.

Discovering Italy offers an extensive variety of travel options from group travel to independent, fully guided itineraries and programs. We can arrange an entire journey for you, assisting you with air travel from Australia, transfers and specialist programs, or, if you are already travelling and just want a small excursion, we can meet you in Florence or Rome (for example) and facilitate a guided tour of the city, the history, art, architecture and the fabulous markets. Choose from our prepared itineraries, or discuss with us how we can customise a program for you or your group. Discovering Italy also offers specialist programmes including language classes, cooking, drawing and ceramics that run twice a year.

For 2010 we have compiled some very special programs as well as including other arts programs that have already been running for 9 or more years as well as some new programs. Some of these pre-set programs are based in the beautiful, hill-top city of Orvieto with all accommodation options in the historic centre, ranging from the very comfortable Franciscan monastery to 3, 4 and 5 star hotels as well as a range of small apartments, modest B&Bs and luxury accommodation. Other programs begin in Rome, spend some time in the centre of Orvieto and then move on to Florence and Venice. All programs provide a very generous basic structure with a specific focus and may also include Italian language lessons as a continuation of any previous language study or as a simple, introductory “Survival Italian” course to help you settle in.

As well as a focus on the discovery of Italian and, in particular, Umbrian history and culture, some of the many activities that may be included in any program are cooking lessons, ceramic studio classes, drawing and painting on site, tastings of local produce, specialist winery or gastronomic tours, excursions to several other typical towns and villages in Umbria, Lazio and Tuscany, as well as visits to major centres such as Rome, Florence and Vnice.