Unforgettable Umbria

Day 1  Perugia      
Arrive into Umbria’s capital, Perugia. The city is known for its fascinating Etruscan heritage, renaissance masterpieces, and lively student energy. Once settled into your comfortable city centre hotel, tuck into a sumptuous pasta dish at one of the charming restaurants found in Piazza IV Novembre, a vibrant square where you will find locals gathered.        

Day 2  Perugia      
After savouring an Italian espresso, begin your first morning with a private walking tour, included in your package, taking in the top sights and charms of the historic centre. The tour starts with a visit to the incredible underground fortress of Rocca Paolini, which spans miles of weaving passages. Next, stop by one of the most beautiful medieval fountains in Italy, Fontana Maggiore, before ending your tour at Perugia’s Duomo, featuring ornate gothic architecture. Afterwards, cool off with a creamy gelato, before taking the afternoon at leisure.        

Day 3  Perugia      
Begin the day with a visit to the incredible Palazzo dei Priori. Inside the palace you will find the Umbrian National Gallery, which features 40 exhibition rooms filled with intricate paintings from the 13^th to 19^th Century. Afterwards, treat yourself to a traditional Umbrian sandwich for lunch, and then perhaps, in the afternoon, lean into your inner chef with an unforgettable cooking class, picking up the secrets of how to make delicious, authentic dishes, while sampling some of the fresh, local produce of the region.      

Day 4  Gubbio      
Pick up some souvenirs, or perhaps famous Baci Perugina chocolates, from Corso Vannucci, the town’s main shopping street, before collecting your car and then making your way to the medieval town of Gubbio. After a scenic drive through Umbria’s countryside, settle into your hotel. Afterwards, enjoy an authentic pizza in the Piazza Grande where you can be rewarded with a stunning view of the valley, below.        

Day 5  Gubbio      
Start today with a visit to Gubbio’s striking main cathedral, the Basilica of Saint Ubaldo, perched atop Mount Ignino, from where you can observe stunning vistas of the countryside, below. Afterwards, explore the incredible medieval Palazzo dei Consoli, originally designed as a space to carry out civic duties. Within the palace sits the fascinating Museo Civico which contains artefacts from prehistoric times up to the 20^th century. Enjoy a crisp panini for lunch before spending the afternoon at leisure.

Day 6  Assisi  
After a leisurely breakfast, begin today with a drive to the beautiful hill-top town of Assisi, a UNESCO world heritage and long-standing Catholic pilgrimage site. Upon arrival, check into your comfortable town-centre hotel. Later, visit the stunning Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels. Feel the moving ambience of the grand baroque cathedral, as you explore the original chapel of Saint Francis, which contains symbolic relics, and admire the building’s impressive artwork.
 
Day 7  Assisi  
Start today with your included walking tour, beginning with a visit to the Basilica of Saint Clare, observing the stunning interiors as you wonder through the building and absorb the ethereal aura of the timeless cathedral. End your tour with a visit to Assisi’s most iconic site - the Basilica of Saint Francis. A visit to this remarkable 13th Century complex connecting two churches from different eras, allows you to admire stunning frescoes, wonder through spectacular architecture and witness an incredible spiritual atmosphere.

Day 8  Assisi  
End your time in Assisi with a soul-cleansing visit to the Eremo delle Carceri, an idyllic hermitage retreat in the nearby mountains, where Saint Assisi first joined in 1205, and where today guests are allowed to explore. Afterwards, sample a delicious spaghetti dish at one of the restaurants in the main square, where many of the locals gather. In the afternoon, why not opt for a wine-tasting tour at one of the charming family-owned wineries in Assisi’s surrounding countryside, and sample a selection of locally produced wine?      

Day 9 Foligno      
After breakfast, set off from Assisi, and, en route to Foligno, stop-off at the pink-stoned and flower-filled town of Spello. Featuring impressive Roman-era remnants including original town walls (fortified in the medieval era), Villa of Mosaics and city gates, take a walk through the town’s gorgeous cobblestone alleyways, draped with bright flora. Afterwards, continue your journey to Folignano, to arrive at your pleasant hotel in time for dinner.  

Day 10  Foligno      
Enjoy a smooth Italian cappuccino at a local cafe in the Piazza de Repubblica, with a view of Cathedral of San Feliciano, built in the 12^th Century. Follow this up with a scenic stroll through Foligno’s Parco dei Canape, resting under the trees for some welcome shade. After checking out the fascinating medieval Palazzo Trinci, which features an eye-opening museum and splendid gallery, explore the town’s quaint streets, piazzas and shops, before ending the day with a cooling glass of Umbrian wine.  

Day 11 Todi      
Today, take the scenic route from Foligno to Todi, stopping off at some of Umbria’s prettiest towns. Start first by exploring Bevagna, a gorgeous medieval town with a stunning piazza fringed by cosy cafes where you can enjoy a local cappucino, as well as an ancient Roman Theatre and cute cobblestone alleyways with friendly boutiques. Afterwards, stop by the picturesque hilltop town of Montefalco, where you can enjoy lunch with a view over the countryside valleys. Arrive at your peaceful hotel in Todi, in the evening.    

Day 12  Todi      
Spend your morning discovering the beautiful hilltop town of Todi, situated in the centre of Umbria. Highlights include the Palazzo del Popolo which features the Civic Museum, the Gothic- and Renaissance-style Cathedral of San Fortunato and the Pinacoteca Museum of Todi. Later, perhaps opt to spend the afternoon taking part in a cooking class, where you can discover all the mouth-watering Umbrian cooking secrets that you can take back home and show off to friends and family.

Day 13  Perugia      
This morning, take to the road for your trip back to Perugia, to catch your onward flight. If in season, look out at the mesmerising sunflower fields along the way.