Why choose this tour? 

Ideal for art enthusiast and lovers of unique artworks, this tour visits museums, frescoed churches and Umbrian villages rich in history and traditions that are the key elements for a breathtaking experience and a walk through the mind of great artists

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, Museo del Cambio and Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria

Breakfast and departure for a guided tour 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.

A gem not to be missed for art lovers is the Noble College of the Exchange, preserved in a wing of Palazzo dei Priori. This tiny chamber was the headquarters of the guild of money changers and its walls house a cycle of frescoes made by Pietro Vannucci, known as Perugino.

Free time to enjoy lunch in one of the typical restaurants of the area.

During the afternoon, guided tour of the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria, which houses one of the richest art collections in Italy. The artworks are displayed  on the upper floors of the Palazzo dei Priori and cover an 800-year-long journey through the history of Italian art. The Gallery preserves more than 3.000 works including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, textiles and goldsmith’s art: more than 500 of these can be admired, while the others are kept in storage.

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: Assisi and Montefalco

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. Inside the Basilica of Saint Francis it is possible to admire the “Storie di San Francesco”, a fresco that is thought to have been created by Giotto. The cycle of frescoes tells the life of the Saint, who is imagined by Giotto in very specific spaces rich in refined and recognizable details such as the Palazzo del Comune of Assisi.

At the end of the visit, lunch based on typical products in a local winery.

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 late afternoon, visit of a traditional olive oil mill. Guest 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 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.

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 5: Departure

Departure and return to home.  Depending on the departure time, it is also possible to arrange a last visit before returning home.