THE HEART AND SOUL OF ITALY: UMBRIA, THE MARCHES AND ABRUZZO
Code: SI-8000
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind travel experience in the heart of Italy, in the unexplored regions of Umbria, Le Marche, and Abruzzo. An 8 days' tour rich in cultural and gastronomic experiences.
Your journey will start in Umbria and Southern Tuscany to discover the hidden gems of Val D'Orcia, Castiglione del Lago, and Borgo Solomeo, home of the world renowned entrepreneur Brunello Cucinelli. Join a hands-on cooking class to learn the secrets of the most authentic regional cuisine before heading to Le Marche to discover the elegant town of Ascoli Piceno, the Sanctuary of Loreto, and the underground caves of Camerano. Last but not least, discover the hidden treasures of Abruzzo, a region where time seems to stand still, and do it by discovering two of the most fascinating places in Central Italy, the medieval villages of Santo Stefano di Sessanio and Calascio with its iconic castle.
Visit ICONIC ITALIAN DESTINATIONS and immerse yourself in authentic experiences, including:
- Assisi, Corciano and Borgo Solomeo
- The enchanting Southern Tuscany and Umbria: Montepulciano, Castiglione del Lago and Borgo Solomeo
- Hands-on cooking experience
- Ascoli Piceno, jewel of The Marches
- Loreto and the Underground Caves of Camerano
- Magic Abruzzo: Santo Stefano di Sessanio and Rocca Calascio
DAY 1 Pick-up at Rome Airport and drop-off to your hotel in Umbria
BENVENUTO, WELCOME TO ROME!
After your arrival at Rome Airport, our driver will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel located in Umbria region (transfer time: approx. 2h and 30 min/3h). This Italian region is a perfect fusion of art, nature, peace, and calm , the inspirations behind its various locales that inspired Renaissance masterpieces centuries ago. Throughout Umbria, we will explore Medieval town perched -sometimes precariously-on hillsides and mountaintops. CHECK IN at the hotel and enjoy some time for relaxation after your long journey. The dinner will be arranged at the hotel’s restaurant.
OVERNIGHT STAY IN UMBRIA REGION AT 4-STAR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION, DOUBLE ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) WITH HALF-BOARD SERVICE (BREAKFAST AND 3-COURSE DINNER - BEVERAGES NOT INCLUDED).
DAY 2 Montepulciano, Castiglione del Lago, and Borgo Solomeo
ENJOY BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL.
A full day in VAL D’ORCIA and UMBRIA REGIONS, one of Italy’s most stunning regions! After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to MONTEPULCIANO, a medieval town of rare beauty. This hidden gem is perched on pristine limestone ridges with meandering streets and a quintessential town squares. Full of elegant Renaissance palaces, ancient churches, charming squares, and hidden corners, the town boasts vast panoramas all over the wonderful Val d'Orcia and Val di Chiana valleys surrounding it. Imagine seeing the very grapes you will later enjoy in a full-bodied, aromatic wine... this will soon be your reality as our tour of the historical center includes a visit to an ancient winery located in the heart of Montepulciano and an exclusive WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE. Lunch will be on your own with recommendations from our guide if needed. After lunch, you will be transferred to CASTIGLIONE DEL LAGO, a beautiful village that lies on the western shores of Lake Trasimeno, embellished by the Municipal Palace, the Fortress of the Lion and the old town with many shops where you can taste wines and typical products of Umbria. After the visit, you will be transferred to BORGO SOLOMEO, another medieval hamlet steeped in history. Its foundation likely dates back to the land reclamation of the twelfth century that saved the valley from abandonment, thus marking the beginning of agricultural recovery in the area. Borgo Solomeo is not only an enchanting hamlet, but is also the home of Brunelli Cucinelli, a philosopher- entrepreneur who is currently embarking on a Project for Beauty. His belief in, the genius loci, the spirit of the place, is evident in his work and throughout the town - which was restored partially in thanks to Brunelli’s vision. After visiting the hamlet, we will visit one of the most important Brunelli Cucinelli boutiques in the heart of Borgo Solomeo. After the tour you will be transferred back to the hotel. OVERNIGHT STAY IN UMBRIA REGION AT 4-STAR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION, DOUBLE ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) WITH HALF-BOARD SERVICE (BREAKFAST AND 3-COURSE DINNER - BEVERAGES NOT INCLUDED).
DAY 3 Hands-on cooking class
BREAKFAST AND CHECK OUT FROM THE HOTEL. After breakfast, around 9:30/10:00 am, you will start an AUTHENTIC HANDS-ON COOKING CLASS at Relais Villa Monte Solare followed by lunch. Discover time-tested techniques for creating the best meal, including from-scratch pasta and perfectly simmered sauces. These techniques have remained secret in this valley for centuries, and we will unlock their traditions to create and enjoy the perfect meal. Leisure rime in the afternoon. OVERNIGHT STAY IN UMBRIA REGION AT 4-STAR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION, DOUBLE ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) WITH HALF-BOARD SERVICE (BREAKFAST AND 3-COURSE DINNER - BEVERAGES NOT INCLUDED).
DAY 4 Transfer to Ascoli Piceno (Private Transfer)
BREAKFAST AND CHECK OUT FROM THE HOTEL.
In late morning, you will be transferred to the accommodation in Ascoli Piceno by private transfer (transfer time: approx. 2h and 40 min.). Leisure time in Ascoli Piceno. Lunch and dinner will be on your own. OVERNIGHT STAY IN ASCOLI PICENO AT HISTORICAL PALACE/HOUSE, DOUBLE ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) WITH BED AND BREAKFAST SERVICE.
DAY 5 Ascoli Piceno 2.5 hours' tour with private guide
ENJOY BREAKFAST AND CHECK OUT FROM THE HOTEL. After breakfast, you will be met by our expert guide who will lead you through the beauties of the city: starting with the PALACE DELL’ARENGO in Square Arringo the guide will illustrate the CATHEDRAL OF ST. EMIDIO, and PALAZZO PANICHI. Then reached the "living room" of the city, which is the nearest PIAZZA DEL POPOLO, you can admire the PALACE OF THE CAPTAINS OF THE PEOPLE, the HISTORICAL COFFEE MELETTI and the CHURCH OF ST. FRANCIS. Lunch will be on your own. Leisure time in afternoon. Dinner will be on your own. OVERNIGHT STAY IN ASCOLI PICENO AT HISTORICAL PALACE/HOUSE, DOUBLE ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) WITH BED AND BREAKFAST SERVICE.
DAY 6 Loreto and the underground Caves of Camerano
ENJOY BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the splendid city of LORETO (transfer time: approx. 1h and 30 min.), tucked inside the countryside of the Marches Region. Here you will be met be our expert guide who will lead you through the beauties of the city. Loreto owes its fame to the SANCTUARY (or Basilica) where the Santa Casa della Vergine Maria (Shrine of the Holy House of the Virgin Mary) is preserved and venerated. It is a holy place defined by Pope John Paul II as “the true Marian heart of Christianity.” The sanctuary has been one of the most important pilgrimage sites for the Catholic faith for centuries, having been visited by approximately 200 saints and beatified persons, as well as by numerous Popes. Lunch will be on your own. In the afternoon, we will visit the UNDERGROUND CAVES OF CAMERANO. Under the historical center of the town runs a network of tunnels excavated in ancient times by the Piceni, galleries and niches are decorated with bas-reliefs, decorated with friezes, ornaments and religious symbols. After the tour you will be transferred back to your accommodation. Dinner will be on your own. OVERNIGHT STAY IN ASCOLI PICENO AT HISTORICAL PALACE/HOUSE, DOUBLE ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) WITH BED AND BREAKFAST SERVICE.
DAY 7 Santo Stefano di Sessanio and Calascio
ENJOY BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Abruzzo Region (transfer time: approx. 2h), an authentic jewel and untouched land of Italy! Here you will have the chance to visit one of the most beautiful areas of Abruzzo, in the Gran Sasso National Park. An area of historical and naturalistic importance, where famous movies like "Lady Hawke" and "The Name of the Rose" have been filmed. The first stop is SANTO STEFANO DI SESSANIO, a beautiful restored Medieval village, included in the exclusive Club "I Borghi più Belli d'Italia", where time seems to stand still. Visiting this area of Italy is like taking a step back in time. The tour continues in CALASCIO, with its famous castle dating back to 11th century. Built at 1460 mt above the sea level, the castle is the highest fortification in Italy. In Calascio you will be delighted by a unique picnic lunch/lunch - according to the weather conditions - with amazing views of the surrounding mountains. After the tour you will be transferred back to your accommodation. Dinner will be on your own. OVERNIGHT STAY IN ASCOLI PICENO AT HISTORICAL PALACE/HOUSE, DOUBLE ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) WITH BED AND BREAKFAST SERVICE.
DAY 8 - TRANSFER TO ANCONA AIRPORT
BREAKFAST and CHECK OUT FROM THE HOTEL. Pick-up at the hotel and transfer to Ancona Airport (AOI) according to your flight schedule. Arrivederci and we hope to see you again!
Services included:
- Pick-up at Rome Airport (FCO) and drop off to the hotel in Umbria region by private transfer (Day 1);
- 3 nights in Umbria at 4-star hotel accommodation, double room (double occupancy) with half-board service - breakfast and 3-course dinner, drinks not included (Day 1-4);
-
Montepulciano, Castiglione del Lago and Borgo Solomeo full-day tour including: private transfer, full-day English-speaking guide (Day 2);
-
Hands-on cooking class, lunch (Day 3);
-
Pick-up at the hotel and drop off to Ascoli Piceno (Day 4);
-
Ascoli Piceno 2,5-hour walking tour with private guide (Day 5);
-
Loreto the the Underground Caves of Camerano full-day tour including: private transfer, full-day English-speaking guide, entrance tickets (Day 6);
-
Santo Stefano di Sessanio and Calascio Full-Day Tour including: private transfer, full-day English-speaking guide/tour leader, picnic lunch or lunch according to the weather conditions (Day 7);
-
Private transfer to Ancona Airport (Day 8).
-
Services not included:
- Flight ticket;
- Visa;
- City tourist taxes;
- Lunch and dinners not included in the section “SERVICES INCLUDED”;
- Basic medical insurance: on request;
- Tips and everything not mentioned in the section “SERVICES INCLUDED”.
Advance Booking is highly recommended
Cancellation Policies please see our Terms and Conditions