Why choose this tour?
Ideal for who wants to discover breathtaking views and towns unknown to most, this tour in central Italy pass through places still untouched by mass tourism: good food, ancient villages and enchanted landscapes that never ceases to amaze.
DAY 1: Arrival
Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Depending on the arrival time, it is also possible to arrange a quick visit in the neighboring villages before the overnight accommodation.
DAY 2: Perugia
Breakfast and departure for a guided tour of Perugia, the capital of the Umbria region. In the center of the city is located a picturesque square where it is possible to admire real architectural jewels such as Palazzo dei Priori, the beautiful Cathedral and a masterpiece of the thirteenth century: the charming Fontana Maggiore.The Rocca Paolina is another element that stands out in the historic center of the city: a fortress built by Pope Paul III to symbolized the papal power.
At the end of the visit, free time for lunch and shopping during the afternoon.
In the evening, return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 3: Spoleto and Spello
In the morning, transfer to Spoleto for a free visit. This town of Roman origins is rich in monuments, frescoed churches , beautiful squares and noble palaces. Another architectural element that gives Spoleto the appeal of an ancient city is the Rocca Albornoziana with his “Ponte delle due torri” that overhangs the surrounding landscape.
Free time to enjoy lunch in typical Italian restaurants of the area.
In the afternoon, free time to discover the small town of Spello, which is awarded as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. This enchanting hamlet, perched on the southern flank of Mount Subasio, guards art and gastronomy treasures. In the historical center, it is possible to admire the jewel of the village: Cappella Baglioni (Baglioni Chapel), painted by Pinturicchio. Spello is also known as “the Capital of the Flower”, thanks to an important celebration that takes place between May and June, the “Infiorata del Corpus Domini”: during this celebration, the narrow streets of Spello are decorated with carpets of real flowers representing saints or religious scenes of life.
In the evening, return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 4: Assisi
Breakfast and departure for a guided tour of Assisi during the morning. Assisi has been a UNESCO site since 2000 and it is characterized by a postcard-like charm, culinary traditions and a lovely surrounding landscape. However, Assisi is also known as “The City of Saints”: in fact, every corner of the City is profoundly tied to the life of Saint Francis, who was born here in 1182. The humble Saint founded the mendicant order of the Franciscans, whose ideology led to the creation of monuments that are of outstanding architectural and artistic interest, such as the Basilica that shares the same name of the Saint and the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, where the renowned canticle of the Creatures was composed.
Free time for lunch and to enjoy shopping during the afternoon.
In the evening, return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 5: Bevagna, lunch in a local winery and the Fonti del Clitunno
Breakfast and departure for a guided tour of Bevagna. This ancient Umbrian centre of Roman origins has preserved its medieval urban structure: in fact it is surrounded by stunning walls, gates and towers. Within its buildings there are still artisan workshops that show how products such as paper, candles, etc. were produced. The tour will continue in one of these characteristic medieval workshops.
Every June the medieval soul of Bevagna comes to life with the famous “Mercato delle Gaite”, a historical reenactment festival where the locals dress in costumes and experience the daily life by eating, working and playing like their ancestors used to do in the period that goes from 1250 to 1350.
Lunch will be served in a local winery overlooking the Umbrian hills. Umbria is a region with a great wine making tradition: its wines are characterized by intense aromas and are perfect for different matches.
In the afternoon, guided visit of the Fonti del Clitunno, a true oasis of peace in Umbria. This area consists of groundwater that comes to the surface in the form of a small lake with crystal clear water. Its shores are populated by ducks, swans and other birds and are surrounded by lush vegetation. It is not hard to believe that this magical place has inspired poets and painters since ancient times.
In the late afternoon, visit of a traditional olive oil mill. Guests will be shown the whole milling process. At the end of which a tasting of oils and “bruschette” will be provided.
In the evening, return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 6: Orvieto and Todi
Breakfast and departure to Orvieto for a guided tour. Inhabited for the first times by the Etruscans, today it is a town rich in historical and artistic remains. Orvieto is also known worldwide for its Duomo, whose construction dates back to 1263 at the behest of Pope Urban IV. This masterpiece of Gothic architecture has a stunning façade with precious mosaic decorations.
Free time for lunch.
In the afternoon guided visit of Todi. Encircled by three concentric rings of walls, Todi is an ancient town that is not yet touched by the bustle of mass tourism. During the Middle Ages it was enriched with numerous buildings and monuments which nowadays are still the pride of its inhabitants. Piazza del Popolo is one of the most beautiful squares in all of Italy, while the most photographed building of Todi is undoubtedly the church of Santa Maria della Consolazione. For travelers who are history enthusiasts and art lovers Todi promises an unforgettable experience.
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 7 Cascate delle Marmore, Narni and Narni Underground
In the morning, guided visit of the Marmore Falls, an impressive and thunderous water column that flows over three “steps,” covering an altitude of 165 meters and enveloping the surrounding lush nature in a white cloud. This man-made waterfall lies at the end of the Valnerina, the valley carved out by the Nera, and it is surrounded by a natural park with enchanting landscapes and delightful footpaths. The beauty of this place is also mentioned in the narrative poem Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage, published between 1812 and 1818 by Lord Byron.
Free time for lunch.
In the afternoon, guided tour of Narni. Rich in history and culture, Narni is a small medieval town where time seems to stand still. Its latin name “Narnia”, a name that fans of C.S. Lewis might find familiar: the setting of the Chronicles of Narnia was in fact inspired by this small town. The historical importance of Narni can be seen in its archeological sites: an example is the August Bridge. Other important symbols are the Palazzo Comunale, also called Palazzo del Podestà or Palazzo del Vicario, and the Albornoz Fortress.
In the late afternoon visit of “Narni sotterranea.” In 1979, a small, closed door was found, and then opened, by a group of explorers in the monastery of San Domenico. This door led to the most secret rooms and frescoed corridors of the monastery, and to a cell full of graffiti made by inmates of the Tribunal of the Inquisition. Today, thanks to discoveries made in the Vatican archives and at the Trinity College Library in Dublin, it was possible to reconstruct the history of the Inquisition of Narni and the people locked up there. This curious environment allows the group to dive in and breathe its unforgettable atmosphere.
At the end of the visit, return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
We don’t want our guests to leave without a tasty souvenir of this trip: that is why a gastronomic lottery of typical Italian cold cuts will be offered during the last dinner together, as well as a parting gift: a bottle of high quality local extra virgin olive oil.
DAY 8: Departure
Departure and return to home. Depending on the departure time, it is also possible to arrange a last visit before returning home.
