Umbria: Undiscovered Heart of Italy

Situated in the heart of Italy, Umbria is a bucolic beauty with a past stretching back to the ancient Etruscans. This tour reveals the region’s highlights. Enjoy expertly guided tours as you travel from the Umbrian capital of Perugia, a centre of art and culture, to Orvieto and its dazzling 14th-century cathedral. Highlights include visits to Assisi, birthplace of Italy’s patron saint; Rasiglia, known as ‘Little Venice’; and Narni, where caves beneath a convent reveal historical treasures.

What's Included:

• Experience the subterranean mystique of the Narni Underground
• Farewell dinner in Hadrian’s Labyrinth, a restaurant built into Orvieto’s underground caves
• Visit Civita di Bagnoregio, an ancient town built high atop a tuff and only accessible by footbridge
• Explore Todi and its blend of Roman, Etruscan and medieval architecture
• Small group size - average 14 people (max 18)
• 3- & 4-star accommodation
• English-speaking tour escort
• Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
• Welcome drink & farewell dinner
• Hotel porterage included
• Guided sightseeing & entrance fees

Day 1: Fly to Rome, Italy

Fly from London (regional connections available) to Rome Fiumicino with British Airways. Transfer by private coach to Perugia and to Hotel Fortuna for a welcome drink and 4-night stay.

Accommodation: Hotel Fortuna

Day 2: Perugia

Begin with a half-day walking tour of Perugia. Visit the Piazza IV Novembre in the historic centre of the city, which contains the medieval Fountain of Maggiore, and continue to the remains of the Renaissance fortress of Rocca Paolina; the 16th-century Perugia Cathedral; and the Etruscan Arch of Augustus. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Accommodation: Hotel Fortuna Meals included: breakfast

Day 3: Assisi

Discover Assisi with a half day guided tour of the birthplace of Italy’s patron saint, Francis of Assisi. As well as visiting the exterior of the Basilica di San Francesco, which houses the saint’s remains, also visit the Temple of Minerva, the impressive 13th-century Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, and the Fountain of the Three Lions.

Accommodation: Hotel Fortuna Meals included: breakfast

Day 4: Gubbio & Spello

Journey to Gubbio for time at leisure to explore this ancient town in the foothills of the Apennines. You may wish to visit the Duomo (Cathedral) and the Piazza Grande, or head up to the hilltop Basilica of Saint Ubaldo. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Spello, visiting the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, and the Baglioni Chapel, which contains Renaissance frescoes by Pinturicchio.

Accommodation: Hotel Fortuna Meals included: breakfast, lunch

Day 5: Rasiglia & Spoleto

Today you visit the charming medieval village of Rasiglia, nicknamed ‘Little Venice’ for the many streams running through and under it, with free time to explore. After lunch at leisure, continue to the hilltop town of Spoleto, where every corner brims with history. Check into Hotel San Luca for 3 nights.

Accommodation: Hotel San Luca Meals included: breakfast

Day 6: Narni & Todi

Enjoy a private journey to the ancient hilltop town of Narni. Here you enjoy an atmospheric guided tour of the Narni Underground, a subterranean complex discovered beneath a former convent in 1979. Enjoy some free time in Todi before returning to your hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel San Luca Meals included: breakfast

Day 7: Civita di Bagnoregio & Orvieto

Begin the day with an excursion to the village of Civita di Bagnoregio, sat atop a volcanic tuff. Then head to the town of Orvieto, which also sprawls across the summit of a tuff, and visit its ornate 14th-century cathedral. Round off your journey with a special farewell dinner, in a restaurant that forms part of the Labyrinth of Hadrian – a complex of ancient caves, cisterns and tunnels.

Accommodation: Hotel San Luca Meals included: breakfast, dinner

Day 8: Depart Rome

This morning, transfer to Fiumicino Airport for your departure flight.

Meals included: breakfast

*Pre-bookable options at additional expense.