Olive Oil Train Enlivens ‘Frantoi Aperti’ in Umbria

Organized by the Strada dell’Olio DOP Umbria (Umbria PDO Olive Oil Road), the regional landmark event celebrates the olive gathering with open days at local mills, where visitors can taste freshly pressed extra virgin olive oil and learn about the production process. This year’s program invites participants of all ages to enjoy a full lineup of oleotourism activities that blend food, nature, art, and music, celebrating Umbria’s historical, cultural, and culinary heritage.

Among the highlights is the Olive Oil Train , which offers passengers the chance to take part in guided olive oil tastings during a scenic rail journey. On four Sundays — October 19 and 26, and November 2 and 16 — travelers can reserve seats aboard a tourist express train from Rome (Lazio) to Arezzo (Tuscany), with stops in the Umbrian towns of Terni, Spoleto, Foligno, Spello, Assisi, and Perugia. During the trip, passengers enjoy a guided tasting session led by a professional taster in the train’s restaurant carriage.

Frantoi Aperti offers olive oil tastings on tourist train (Photo by Strada dell’olio DOP Umbria) The initiative was made possible through a partnership between Frantoi Aperti , FS Treni Turistici Italiani (FS Italian Tourist Trains), and Fondazione FS Italiane (FS Italian Foundation). Per to Daniela Tabarrini, director of the Strada dell’Olio DOP Umbria,, the tasting takes place aboard vintage carriages from the last century, modernized and refurbished.

She explained that the journey is enriched by guided tastings of Umbria’s new-season extra virgin olive oils , offering participants the chance to learn tasting techniques while admiring the region’s olive-growing landscape. Organizers documented lively enthusiasm and curiosity during the first tasting sessions, drawing participants of all ages and reflecting growing, multigenerational interest in olive oil culture .

Going to Emanuela De Stefanis, a professional taster who leads the sessions,, most attendees are new to olive oil. Groups include children, adults, and seniors, with a strong presence of young people — “a sign that the new generation is increasingly interested in this sector,” she explained. The scenic journey, she added, helps participants fully immerse themselves in the Frantoi Aperti experience upon arrival. (Photo by Strada dell’olio DOP Umbria) The program promotes mindful travel through olive oil regions , encouraging cultural and environmental awareness — particularly since train travel markedly reduces CO₂ emissions compared to other modes of transport.

De Stefanis said participants were eager to learn how professional tastings are conducted, how to recognize a high-quality oil, and which mistakes to avoid when preparation with olive oil. Many were also curious about Umbrian cultivars and the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil . During the first session, the group sampled oils from Trevi, Bettona, and Lake Trasimeno while learning about production methods and the r ising costs growers face.

This year marks the 21st anniversary of the Strada dell’Olio DOP Umbria , part of Italy’s network of olive oil roads and a pioneer in promoting oleotourism nationwide. Following Frantoi Aperti , the association will host several other initiatives throughout the year, listed on its website.