Itinerary Summary
JOURNEY THROUGH UMBRIA – 10 NIGHTS, 11 DAYS
DATES: SAT 10TH MAY – TUES 20th MAY, 2025
Day 1 – Todi
Morning pick up from Rome and transfer to Todi. A welcoming outdoor lunch at one of Todi’s best trattorias with expansive views over the Tiber Valley.
We meet our professional local guide Elisa, to show us the highlights of her charming home town with narrow cobblestone streets, medieval buildings and fascinating history. There will be some free time to explore on your own.
Then it’s a short drive to our luxurious villa for the week, Podere Masale. A magnificent restored villa that has large rooms and beautiful outdoor spaces.
Tonight, we can unwind as we have a menu especially created for you by our wonderful friend and cook Francesca. Relax into the hospitality of Umbria as you sample local culinary delights and beautiful wine whilst enjoying the views of the green rolling hills.
Day 2 – Civita di Bagnoregio
We enjoy our fresh produce breakfast at the villa before heading to the fairy tale village of Civita di Bagnoregio. This tiny medieval hamlet is perched above a rock on the hill, only accessible by footbridge. It dates back to the 6th Century BC and time of the Etruscans.
We visit the museum to get an understanding of the incredible natural formation of this town and appreciate the enormity of keeping this village alive. Free time to wander through this picturesque town with spectacular views.
Lunch at Alma Civita, a long standing family run outdoor restaurant serving traditional yet modern cuisine and local wines.
We return to the villa for a rest and relaxation.
We take a short drive to dinner to enjoy another picturesque setting and memorable meal by a re-known local chef.
Day 3 – Orvieto
After another relaxing breakfast, we’ll be off to explore the magnificent medieval city of Orvieto. Our professional guide will help us learn more about Orvieto’s architectural beauty and cultural heritage. These include major sites such as the majestic cathedral Duomo di Orvieto, Pozzo di San Patrizio (St Patricks Well) and the Piazza del Popolo.
We’ll also learn about the fascinating ancient underground world: a maze of tunnels and caves.
Another lovely Umbrian meal with allow us a break to then have free time to wander this favourite village with free time in the afternoon. It’s great for shopping!
A rest at the villa before heading into Todi to spend some time with a local photographer and personality, Mario Santoro; showing us his latest project in a historical building in Todi. We dine at one of Todi’s best restaurants to finish the day.
Day 4 – Cooking Class & Perugia
Today we start with a traditional cooking class. We’ll spend a few hours cooking with Francesca in her Umbrian country house discovering the secrets behind her delicious meals. It’s a fun and educational experience where you get rewarded by consuming your creations coupled with local wines.
After lunch, we will return to the villa for a short rest. We shall head out in the afternoon to Umbria’s capital, Perugia. As we head out on our privately guided walking tour , we discover Perugia’s history and breathtaking buildings. Perugia is a city that effortlessly blends historical charm, cultural richness, and modern vibrancy. After being educated on Perugia’s past and present, you’ll then have some free time to wander this town at your own pace.
We will meet for dinner to indulge in one of Perugia’s top rated restaurants before heading back to our villa.
Day 5- Gubbio
It’s a big day today as we’re off to Gubbio after breakfast. Our May guests will attend one of the biggest events on the Gubbio calendar: the Festa dei Ceri. This centuries-old tradition takes place each May 15th, the eve of the Feast of Sant’Ubaldo, the town’s patron saint. It centres on carrying three enormous wooden structures – ceri or candles - each some 5m tall and weighing several hundred kilograms. It’s an adrenalin filled day, an unforgettable authentic experience.
We enjoy lunch in Gubbio and a little free time. Those who are brave can ascend Mount Ingino via a private cable car (a stand-up structure like a birdcage that rides up the mountain) to explore the Basilica of Saint Ubaldo and the birds eye views.
We then head back to villa late in the afternoon for a rest and enjoy dinner locally in Todi.
Day 6 – Spello
This morning, we visit the quaint village of Spello. Our first stop is the incredible Spello Villa of Mosaics. This one-of-a-kind archaeological site from the Imperial age still contains exquisite mosaics and remnants of ancient frescoes and plasterwork.
We take a longer walk along the poppy saturated Roman Acquaduct walk, with spectacular views of the local town whilst enjoying all of the olive groves. A magical walk in nature.
We then head into the historical centre to enjoy a light lunch and free time to wander through Spello, one of the smaller hilltop towns, less crowded and very quaint. Spello is famous for it’s bright pots of colour, adorning many steps and entry ways of the local’s homes.
Tonight, we are treated to dinner and wine. in a local home where the host has written best selling cook books and appeared on Italian TV. Her fourteenth century home and expansive rose garden is an absolute experience in itself. This is true Italian hospitality!
Day 7 – Assisi
After an early breakfast, we embark on a captivating journey of Assisi, where the whole town is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Assisi is said to be the spiritual heart of Italy, beckoning with its timeless beauty, spiritual significance, and medieval charm. It’s internationally famous as the birthplace of St Francis, Italy’s patron saint.
We have some free time and lunch before joining our professional guide to learn more about Assisi’s rich history– there is so much to see.
Late in the afternoon we’ll travel back to the villa to relax and later enjoy a fun pizza night at the villa, prepared by our expert Pizzaolo in our own antique pizza oven.
Day 8 – Montefalco Winery Tour
We check out of the villa after breakfast today.
We’re off to Montefalco, in the heart of wine country where sagrantino grapes have thrived on these fertile plains since Roman times. Our first stop is a leading winery where we discover some great Umbrian wines; the renowned Arnaldo Caprai estate. A Wine Educator will lead us on a tour of the estate, from the vineyards to the cellar, discovering what’s involved in making good wine, from fermentation to ageing and bottling with some opportunities to sample all the produce, naturally!
After our tour, we will head to Montefalco itself to enjoy a relaxing lunch and some retail therapy.
We then journey to our new accommodation just outside of Spoleto, the Borgo della Marmotta; an ancient hamlet settled in the beautiful countryside facing the Spoleto Valley. Check in to your new romantic room and have the rest of the afternoon off to enjoy the beautiful grounds, outdoor pool and shady trees or the gym.
Dinner will be at the restaurant at our accommodation, set in a historic sheep barn.
Day 9 – Day in Spoleto/Relaxation
We take the short drive in to Spoleto to enjoy the morning with our professionally guided walking tour to learn about Spoleto’s fascinating history and culture.
Enjoy lunch in Spoleto before enjoying free time to wander this captivating village.
This afternoon, you will have an option to enjoy a massage at our accommodation, or for those feeling more active, a round of golf at the beautiful Antognella golf course.
Dinner will be at a local restaurant in Spoleto.
Day 10 – Visit Chiesa del Carmine
Enjoy your breakfast at the villa before we journey north to the beautiful property of Chiesa del Carmine for a very relaxing day! Chiesa del Carmine is the ancient church at the centre of the Carmine Estate, just 20 minutes north of Perugia and close to the Tuscan border.
We then discover the real, earthy taste of Umbria on our truffle hunt while we take in the beautiful scenery. You will be a led by our expert truffle hunter, his truffle dog and an English-speaking guide. After the hunt, it’ll be time for a truffle degustation lunch by an award-winning chef. Naturally, this will be paired with their award winning wines, expertly chosen by their sommelier. What an excellent way to relax and reflect on our week together!
A nice riposo in the late afternoon will lead us to our final dinner in Spoleto where we can reflect on the time spent together.
Day 11 – Check out at 10am
Today we say goodbye! We enjoy our last breakfast together at Borgo della Marmotta. We will take you to your local departure point within Perugia - bus, train, car or airport. We also offer a transfer back to Fiumicino Airport.