Social Events
- 6/10/2026 (evening) – Visit to the “City of Chocolate” (https://www.cittadelcioccolato.it/en).
OPTIONAL: to be indicated during the registration process. Cost: 15 €.
DESCRIPTION:
Perugia, often called Italy’s “City of Chocolate,” is world-famous for its long chocolate-making tradition, rooted in the historic Perugina factory and the annual Euro Chocolate festival. In late 2025, Perugia opened the new Città del Cioccolato (City of Chocolate) — a large experiential museum and chocolate destination inside the beautifully restored Mercato Coperto (Covered Market) in the city centre. Spanning nearly 2,800 m², this interactive space explores the culture of cacao and chocolate from ancient Mesoamerica to the present, with multimedia exhibits, immersive installations, and insights into sustainability and biodiversity. Visitors can explore a bean-to-bar chocolate factory, learn about cacao production, participate in workshops, and even create their own chocolate bar, finishing with a visit to one of Italy’s largest ChocoShops. The project aims to be a unique multisensory experience for all ages and a new highlight for Perugia’s tourism and culinary scene.
- 7/10/2026 (afternoon and evening) – Visit to Assisi and Social dinner
(included in the conference fee).
DESCRIPTION:
Our walk will take you through the beautifully-preserved medieval streets and squares of Assisi, where we will see, amongst other things, the beautiful Piazza del Comune with the Roman Temple of Minerva, the Chiesa Nuova where St. Francis was famously imprisoned by his father and the tiny Oratory where the patron saint of Italy was born. We will, of course, also visit the Church of St. Clare and the spectacular Basilica of St. Francis, built between 1228 and 1253. Home to the consecrated remains of the Saint, the stunning Basilica is also said to have the best collection of art in any church in Italy, including frescoes and paintings by Cimabue, Giotto, Lorenzetti and more.
The evening will continue with a social dinner in a local restaurant where typical Umbrian dishes will be served, accompanied by great local wines and musical entertainment.
- 8/10/2026 (afternoon). Visit to Perugia’s historic centre.
OPTIONAL: to be indicated during the registration process. Cost: 15 €.
DESCRIPTION:
The 2-hour walking itinerary will take you through the medieval alleys and panoramic views of Perugia, the capital of Umbria, founded by the Etruscans around the 7th century B.C. You will see, amongst other things, the Rocca Paolina, consisting of an area of the medieval city transformed into the underground basement of a papal fortress in the 16th century, the Etruscan Gate, the Italian University for Foreigners, Corso Vannucci (Perugia’s elegant shopping street) and the famous Fontana Maggiore by Nicola and Giovanni Pisano (13th century).
- 9/10/2026 (all day) 1st FUSARIUM HEAD BIKE.
OPTIONAL: to be indicated during the registration process. COST: 100 € (download the detailed program here)
DESCRIPTION:
A cycling tour from Perugia to Lake Trasimeno offers a unique experience amidst the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Umbria. Starting in Perugia, the city famous for its medieval history and chocolate, you’ll cycle through rolling hills and picturesque villages, immersed in a rural landscape of vineyards and olive groves. The approximately 50-kilometer route is suitable for cyclists of all levels thanks to its combination of flat stretches and gentle climbs. Once you reach Lake Trasimeno, the fourth largest lake in Italy, you can stop to admire its tranquil waters and charming islands. Cyclists can also indulge in local culinary delights at restaurants along the way, savoring typical dishes such as lake fish and Umbrian wine. The return to Perugia offers further opportunities to enjoy the surrounding nature, with the option of stopping at one of the regional wineries for a tasting. This itinerary is ideal for those who wish to combine physical activity with an exploration of local culture and gastronomy.
