Why choose this tour? 

Ideal for fans of spiritual art and those curious about the history of Christianity, this tour retraces key stages of the Middle Ages through churches, abbeys and monasteries inhabited by saints who profoundly influenced the history of Italy

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: 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. 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, free time for lunch and shopping during the afternoon.

In the evening, return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 3: Bevagna, Montefalco and the Convent of Saint Fortunato  

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.

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. The afternoon continues with the visit of the Convent of Saint Fortunato, the Saint patron of Montefalco along with Santa Chiara. Located a kilometer away from the historic centre, this church was one of the most important religious places of the Spoleto diocese during the Middle Ages and the early Renaissance. Next to the convent there is a tall holm oak plant: it is said that this tree came to life from the stick that Fortunato planted in the ground.

In the evening, return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 4: Cascia and Norcia 

Breakfast and departure for a guided tour of Cascia, the town of Saint Rita. After her husband died, Rita became a nun: her grace, kindness and devotion soon became famous everywhere. Because of a miracle she performed, this Saint is associated with roses and figs: in fact, a few days before her death, during a cold winter, a rose bloomed and a fig tree ripened. In the highest part of Cascia stands the Sanctuary of Saint Rita, a modern building of the twentieth century, whose interiors are decorated with colorful frescoes. Here, kept in a precious crystal case, the group will have the opportunity to observe and venerate the body of the Saint.

Free time for lunch.

Guided tour of Norcia during the afternoon. Located next to the Sibillini Mountains and famous for its delicious food (especially pork meat and black truffle ), Norcia is considered one of the most stunning places of the Valnerina. In 2016 it was unfortunately hit by a violent earthquake that destroyed many of its historic buildings, however part of them are still visible, such as the facade, the apse and part of the naves of the Gothic Church of San Benedetto.

In the evening, return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 5: Perugia

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.

Free time for shopping during the afternoon.

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: Departre

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