Why choose this tour?
Ideal for enthusiasts of handicrafts and local productions, this tour allows you to discover small Umbrian villages that are the custodians of traditions handed down through generations and the lives of artisans of yesteryear.
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: Deruta and Todi
Breakfast and departure for a guided tour of Deruta during the morning. Deruta, since the Middle Ages, has been one the major production centre of glazed ceramics, better known as “Maiolica”. In each corner of this medieval village it is possible to admire reflections of its colorful ceramic artworks. The group will have the opportunity to witness the process of making pottery in a family-run workshop of the village.
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.
In the evening, return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 3: Bevagna, local winery 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.
Guided visit of 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: Perugia and artisanal workshops
Breakfast and departure for a guided visit of Perugia. The chief town 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.
Free time to enjoy lunch.
During this day the group will have the opportunity to visit two characteristic artisan workshops.
the first is a hand weaving workshop where it is still possible to marvel at original working looms from the 18th and 19th centuries and to discover their rich history.
The second has a historical collection of machinery and tools for the glass painting. The process of antique glass painting and assembling coloured glass windows will be explained in every detail. The most famous artwork of the collection is a glass window illustrating queen Margherita di Savoia.
In the evening, return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 5: Assisi, Fonti del Clitunno 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 to enjoy a typical Italian lunch in a restaurant of your choice.
The afternoon continues with a 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 morning, a tasting of oils and “bruschette” will be provided in a characteristic olive oil mill.
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.
