Why choose this tour?
Ideal for foodies, history buffs and art lovers, this tour promises an unforgettable experience, visiting small Umbrian villages unknown to mass tourism and savouring delicious food from local producers.
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: Bevagna, artisan workshop and Montefalco
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.
Free time to visit Montefalco during the afternoon. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, Montefalco is worldwide famous for being the homeland of the Sagrantino, a wine whose main feature is drinkability. This pretty village is perched on a hill overlooking the lush Umbrian countryside: for this reason Montefalco is called “the Balcony of Umbria”. Centre of daily life in medieval times and now a meeting place with restaurants and bars is Piazza del Comune, the highest point of the town. One of the jewels of Montefalco not to be missed is the Church of San Francesco, embellished with frescoes painted by Perugino and Benozzo Gozzoli.
In the evening, return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 4: Castiglione del Lago, Panicale and Mongiovino
Breakfast and departure for a guided tour of Castiglione del Lago, a pleasant small town overlooking the clear water of the Trasimeno Lake. Surrounded by thirteenth century walls, Castiglione was originally an island in the lake, later incorporated by the mainland. From its Rocca, known as the Rocca del Leone, it is possible to admire the islands of the lake, as well as the profile of the nearby towns. The group will be given some free time to buy souvenirs or to enjoy a relaxing walk along the banks of the lake.
Free time for lunch.
Guided tour of Panicale during the afternoon. This picturesque town is perched on a hill at 441 m above sea level and it still maintains the appearance of a medieval village. The plan of the town with concentric circles represents one of the most advanced military defense systems of the medieval era. In fact, this type of defensive structure allowed Panicale to resist the numerous sieges to which it was subjected.
The visit continues in the Church of S. Sebastiano, known for the presence of the extraordinary fresco by Perugino dedicated to the Martyrdom of St. Sebastian, a masterpiece that enchants for its colors. The landscape represented in the background, with the lake and the rolling hills, is very similar to the one guests can admire just outside the building.
In the late afternoon, guided visit of the Mongiovino Convent.
The original project of the Sanctuary (1513) is attributed to Bramante although, due to his death in 1514, he certainly saw little of what was planned, perhaps only the foundations. The doors are made of Pietra serena and are attributed to Master Bernardino da Siena, one of the greatest carvers of the time. The Sanctuary is literally an immense unique work of art and it is completely frescoed in every corner.
In the evening, return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 5: Assisi, Foligno and olive oil mill
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.
Guided tour of Foligno in the afternoon. In ancient times Foligno was considered not only the center of Italy, but even of the whole Europe, that is why the locals refer to it as “lu centru de lu munno” (“the center of the World” in the Umbrian dialect). The visit of Foligno leads to discover some real gems such as the Romanesque decorations of the cathedral, frescoes by Perugino, Renaissance buildings, the ancient church of Santa Maria Infraportas and Palazzo Trinci.
In the late afternoon, visit to a historic olive oil mill , located in a former convent. Guests will be shown the whole milling process and a tasting of oils and “bruschette” will be provided.
In the evening, 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 6: Departure
Departure and return to home. Depending on the departure time, it is also possible to arrange a last visit before returning home.
