Crafting authentic memories in the heart of Umbria, Villaggio Tours is based in Allerona, a small medieval hilltown village in Umbria near the borders of Tuscany and Lazio.
Immersive experiences and outings led by locals
The company, launched in mid-2023 by travel writer Elizabeth Heath and her husband Paolo Marchetti, offers guests fully-escorted, truly immersive experiences, with accommodation inside the village walls, meals hosted by family members and townspeople, and outings led by local residents.
Combatting the effects of overtourism
The Marchetti’s launched Villaggio Tours as a result of Elizabeth’s experiences in the travel industry, and from witnessing the effects of overtourism in Italy and elsewhere, investing in the small village where they live. Their aim being to bring more visitors not just to their town, but to other small towns in the area, and to promote Umbria as an alternative to Italy's more heavily trafficked spots.
“We're committed to creating a beneficial tour experience”
Offering weeklong tours of the surrounding area and activities including nature walks and foraging, ceramics and papermaking workshops, cooking lessons, wine tastings and seasonal olive and grape harvests, Heath says she has seen how detrimental overtourism can be. “It can leave visitors feeling frustrated and dissatisfied. We're committed to creating a tour experience that's beneficial to everyone, to our guests, of course, but also to our local community and economy."
Forbes lists Villaggio Tours for responsible travel
For information: www.villaggiotours.comThe region of Umbria, Italy’s green heart, and Villaggio Tours recently earned a mention in the prestigious Forbes listing Where To Go in 2024: 11 New Ideas for Responsible Travel. Villaggio Tours is the only Italian company on the list, and one of only two in Europe.
"We're honored and grateful for the inclusion," says Heath, "and the recognition of our efforts to promote responsible tourism and rural experiences in our little corner of Italy."
