Tours
The Italy only locals know
Our small group tours are designed to immerse you in the heart and soul of Italy. Guided by knowledgeable and passionate hosts, each journey offers a carefully curated blend of authentic experiences, from hands-on cooking classes, private cultural encounters, scenic day tours, and unforgettable stays in beautiful villa accommodation.
With a strong focus on connecting with local artisans and producers, you’ll gain an insider’s perspective of Italy’s rich traditions and regional flavours. This isn’t just a visit…it’s an immersion.
One that leaves a lasting mark.
A Taste of Italy in Mildura
3 Nights / 4 Days
Friday 1 – Monday 4 May 2026
Friday 15 – Monday 18 May 2026
Join Avanti Italy for an intimate and indulgent long weekend in Mildura, where Italian spirit meets the heart of Regional Australia.
This carefully curated 4-day experience brings together like-minded guests who share a love of Italy, exceptional food, regional wine, culture, and connection
Hosted by Emily Tassone and featuring special experiences with beloved chef Stefano de Pieri, this is a celebration of flavour, heritage and relaxed riverside living.
With only two departures in May 2026, this boutique experience offers the perfect blend of discovery, dining, and downtime.
What’s Included
Stay three nights at the historic Quality Hotel Mildura Grand, complete with daily breakfast and a bottle of prosecco on arrival to set the tone. Each day balances exploration with relaxation, from riverside dining and vineyard tastings to immersive food experiences and heartfelt storytelling.
Over four beautiful days, you’ll enjoy:
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![A man dressed as a chef, wearing a white apron and shirt, standing and laughing against a beige wall with a small black mural of a creature resembling a crocodile or dinosaur in the upper right corner.]()
A welcome dinner with matching wines at Stefano’s Restaurant
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An exclusive guided “Wine, Dine & Cruise” experience with Discover Mildura
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Private access to the closed-to-the-public Murray River Salt site, including tasting and take-home sample
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![A man dressed in outdoor clothing and a camouflage vest, kneeling with a small shovel, digging in the dirt beside a black and white spotted dog in a natural outdoor setting.]()
Wine tasting and lunch overlooking the Murray River at Trentham Estate Winery
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![Group of friends outdoors at sunset, raising glasses of red wine in a toast, smiling and enjoying each other's company, with a table of vegetables in front of them.]()
Bruce Munro’s Trail of Lights experience
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A private cultural insight session at the Mildura Arts Centre
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![A woman enjoying an outdoor meal, holding a fork with a piece of food, sitting at a table with drinks and food, while smiling and looking to her left in a garden setting with sunlight.]()
An intimate cooking demonstration and farewell dinner at Stefano’s home cucina
Pricing
AUD $1,850 per person twin share ($3,700 per couple)
Italy with Stefano – Food & Culture Tour to Umbria
Friday 7th to Friday 14th May 2027
Hosted by Stefano de Pieri
7 nights / 8 days | Exclusive to just 10 guests
Join beloved celebrity cook Stefano de Pieri for a richly immersive culinary and cultural journey through the heart of Umbria, Italy’s lush green region known for its hilltop towns, world-class wines, truffles, and timeless charm. This is your invitation to experience Italy like never before, with Stefano as your personal host, guide, and storyteller.
This exclusive small-group tour is limited to just 10 guests, ensuring an intimate, relaxed, and truly unforgettable experience. From luxurious villa accommodation to private wine tastings, truffle hunting, art encounters, and of course, cooking alongside Stefano himself, every day brings a new taste of authentic Italian life.
“Come and join me on an unforgettable journey through Umbria. Come with me and share in the history, the arts, the food and the wine of this region — and above all, to relax with a laugh or two.”
- Stefano de Pieri
What’s Included
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![A man dressed as a chef, wearing a white apron and shirt, standing and laughing against a beige wall with a small black mural of a creature resembling a crocodile or dinosaur in the upper right corner.]()
Celebrity host Stefano de Pieri with you throughout the tour
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![Cozy kitchen with green cabinets, wooden countertops, blue tiled backsplash, open window, and rustic ceiling.]()
7 nights’ luxury accommodation at the beautiful Villa Capanne
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All private transfers, including pick-up from Rome airport and return to Rome centre
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![A man dressed in outdoor clothing and a camouflage vest, kneeling with a small shovel, digging in the dirt beside a black and white spotted dog in a natural outdoor setting.]()
Truffle hunting in the Umbrian hills
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![Group of friends outdoors at sunset, raising glasses of red wine in a toast, smiling and enjoying each other's company, with a table of vegetables in front of them.]()
Guided wine tasting and lunch at Vineria del Carmine
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![A person placing a pizza into a wood-fired oven with a visible flame inside.]()
Private pizza night at Vineria del Carmine
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![A woman enjoying an outdoor meal, holding a fork with a piece of food, sitting at a table with drinks and food, while smiling and looking to her left in a garden setting with sunlight.]()
Winery tour and lunch at Locanda Palazzone
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![Front view of a brick church with two towers, a clock on one tower, and a cross on top. Clear blue sky in the background.]()
Cultural visits including Piero della Francesca artworks in Monterchi & Sansepolcro
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![Group of middle-aged tourists walking and chatting in a historic European city square with an old stone building in the background.]()
Private guided tours throughout the itinerary
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![An elderly man wearing a beige apron and white chef coat stretching dough in a kitchen with baking tools around.]()
Cooking day with Stefano at the villa
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![A man and woman hold hands as they walk on a cobblestone street with an ancient city on a hill in the background under partly cloudy skies.]()
All entrance fees for listed activities
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![A man and woman sitting at an outdoor cafe table on a cobblestone street, smiling and enjoying food and drinks, with a golden retriever dog sitting between them.]()
All meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners — carefully selected for authenticity and quality
Pricing
Full price: AUD $11,900 per person/twin share ($23,800 per couple)
Single supplement: $3,000 per person
Due at time of booking to secure your place
Final payment is due no later than 5th February 2027
Early-bird offer: $10,900 per person, twin share ($21,800 per couple), if booked and deposit paid by 30 June 2026
Spaces are strictly limited to ensure a truly personal experience. If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing Italy through the eyes of someone who loves it deeply — this is your moment.
Italy with Stefano – Food & Culture Tour to Sicily 2027
October 2027 I 9 nights / 10 days
Hosted by Stefano de Pieri
Step into the vibrant heart of Sicily on this unforgettable 10-day journey hosted by beloved celebrity cook Stefano de Pieri.
From the dramatic slopes of Mount Etna and the baroque beauty of Ragusa and Noto to artisan chocolate makers in Modica and seaside dinners under Sicilian skies, this immersive tour is rich in flavour, history and connection.
Each day is thoughtfully curated to balance exploration and relaxation, with private cultural visits, local guides, market experiences, and olive oil encounters, winery tastings and hands-on cooking with Stefano himself.
This intimate small-group experience for 14 people blends food, wine, culture and warm Sicilian hospitality in the most joyful and personal way.
Interested in joining Stefano in Sicily in 2027?