Umbrian Discovery

Buongiorno! Welcome to Venice – the waterside wonderland of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas – all practically unchanged for 600 years. Our adventure officially kicks off with a Welcome Meeting this evening, if you arrive early there are plenty of things to keep you busy. You might like to take a walk around the maze of streets behind San Marco Square and get acquainted with the complex canal system of Venice. The Grand Canal is a great place to start, as you can stroll over the Rialto Bridge and browse the endless amounts of boutique shops that sell Venetian masks and handmade Murano glassware. After this evening’s Welcome Meeting, why not enjoy dinner with your fellow travel companions at a local restaurant.

You’ll be up bright and early for a train journey to Perugia this morning. Enjoy a walking tour of this city with your leader to discover the cobblestone alleyways leading to a medieval center, gothic mansions and archways that give a glimpse into Perugia’s past. After some time to explore and stretch your legs, you’ll continue to Gubbio on a local bus where you’ll get a chance to rub shoulders with the locals. The streets of Gubbio, the province’s oldest town, are filled with stone houses and orange-tiled roofs, set against a mountain backdrop. A quintessential medieval town, there are centuries of history around every corner and the right amount of requisite cobblestone streets, gothic palaces and churches. The surrounding countryside is also lush and cool – the reason why many Italians retreat here in the summer months. When you arrive in the late afternoon, a good way to get to know the town is to simply wander the 14th and 15th century streets. And a trip to Gubbio wouldn’t be complete without a lengthy lunch or dinner along one of its narrow streets, so grab an outdoor table at a taverna for truffle-infused delight to the senses. (B)

This morning, take a ride in Gubbio's unique cable car – a 15-minute and 1,000-metre-high ride to the Basilica of Sant'Ubaldo, which contains the mummified body of the town's patron saint. From here, you can marvel at the amazing vistas of the Umbrian valleys and mountains, plus get a great rooftop view of the town itself. You'll then have some free time to explore the delights of Gubbio as you wish. You might like to take in the Civic Museum (home to 3rd-5th century BC bronze Eugubine Tablets), the Duomo, or the Palazzo Ducale, whose original wooden study was deemed so exceptional it was shipped off to New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Explore the many churches around town, including one where legend has it, St Francis tamed a wolf that was terrorising the town. Otherwise, simply just relax into the Umbrian pace of life. Enjoy a variety of local cuisine and try one of the dishes that Umbria is famous for – pecorino cheese, game meat and mushrooms all feature on restaurant menus. (B)

After breakfast this morning, we’ll continue to Assisi, Italy's second-holiest city. Assisi was the home of one of the world's most famous saints and the founder of the Franciscan order – St Francis. Join your group leader on an orientation walk to uncover a plethora of impressive monuments in Assisi, including Piazza Matteotti, the Basilica of St Clare and the Roman temple remains. Plus, take a short, guided tour of the magnificent Basilica di San Francesco (St Francis Cathedral). Construction of the basilica started the day after St Francis's canonisation in 1228, and this imposing building houses the bones of St Francis and four of his followers. With some free time this afternoon, you could walk the small trail to the top of Monte Subasio, home to the Eremodelle Carceri, a hermitage where Francis came to pray. Then tonight, satisfy your appetite with all the pasta you can eat. (B)

Today is all yours to explore this beautiful region as you wish. You may choose to take the train to the charming nearby medieval town of Spello (approximately 20 minutes), a Roman town that straddles a thin ridge at the base of Mount Subasio – the mountain where St Francis was said to have talked to the animals. It’s a place scattered with weathered Roman monuments and known for its wine and rural charm. Two of the local churches feature frescoes by famed Renaissance painter Pinturicchio, who later lent his hand to works in the Vatican and Siena’s cathedral. Be sure to sample exclusive local wine and regional food specialties while you’re here. Or simply explore the back streets of Assisi – walk the via Guila that circles town, and stop by Piazza Santa Chiara – which has a stunning panorama of the Umbrian countryside – and Piazza del Comune, which gives an insight into life here in Roman times. It’ll be very hard not to spend the whole evening simply continuing the day’s foodie theme and indulge on the region’s fabulous food. (B)

This morning, you’ll travel through the countryside to your special farm stay accommodation nestled in the Umbrian hills. Along the way, you’ll stop at Bevagna’ Sculpture Park and enjoy a rewarding hike through the castles and countryside. You’ll walk through vineyards and olive groves and get spectacular views of the ancient castles here. After some time to stretch your legs and take in the rolling vistas, you’ll kick back with a little lunch and wine tasting – what better way to finish a hike? From here, you’ll continue to your farm stay accommodation. The afternoon is at your leisure to relax, maybe hang by the pool and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of your farm resort. This evening, sit down to a special dinner prepared by your hosts using ingredients grown on the farm – it doesn’t get much fresher than that! (B/L/D)

Travel back to Assisi this morning and hop on a train to Rome in the afternoon. Remember while you’re here, the best attitude is ‘when in Rome’! Join your leader on an orientation walk around the city, where you’ll see some of the iconic sights such as the Colosseum and Arch of Constantine, the Forum (centre of ancient Rome), the Victor Emmanuel Monument, the Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Via Dei Condotti and Piazza Venezia. Rome is packed full of restaurants and trattorias that cater to every taste and budget. Local specialties include pastas such as carbonara (egg, cheese and bacon) and amatriciana (tomato, bacon and chilli). Eating in trattorias will also give you a chance to sample some local Italian wines. Our top tip – try a few of the house wines, they’re usually a delightful (and affordable) drop. Head out in the evening with the group for a final farewell gastronomic fling. (B)

There are no activities planned for the final day and your Umbria adventure will come to an end after breakfast. As there is so much to do and see in Rome you may want to consider extending your stay here. We’re happy to book additional accommodation for you, subject to availability. Please enquire at the time of booking. (B)