7 Days Rome to Rome.
Highlights Include: Orvieto, Perugia, Assisi, Castiglione del Lago, and Rome.
Bordering no sea or other country, Umbria is the very heart of Italy—insulated and surrounded by the country’s traditions in food, wine and living. Speaking of food and wine, Umbria is considered the “green heart of Italy,” a region with a profusion of harvests, from truffles to sunflowers to grapes to olives, and perfect for this Slow Food discovery. Fondness and appreciation grow in the hearts of travelers who trek along the narrow alleyways of Umbria’s hill towns, some so pretty that they don’t seem real. Assisi boasts an aura of its homegrown saint, St. Francis; Orvieto, rising out of a rocky cliff, takes beauty to a whole new level; Todi embraces a slow pace, which is all the better for tracing roots that go back to Etruscan times. Then, of course: Rome. For those extending their stay for a full sixth day and departing the seventh, the Eternal City’s enduring monuments await.
Culinary Delights of Umbria
DAY 1 ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY: When in Rome, do as the Romans do: Eat! After taking the private transfer from the airport to your hotel, settle in and start to relax. Tonight, enjoy your welcome dinner at the inviting restaurant Grappolo d’Oro, or “golden grapes.” During an introduction to the Slow Food philosophy and overview of your upcoming vacation, learn how this is your golden opportunity to discover the “green heart of Italy”.
Hotel Name: The Independent Hotel. (D)
DAY 2 ROME / ORVIETO / TODI / PERUGIA: Two splendid towns are on today’s menu offering tantalizing encounters with outstanding views, Gothic architecture and cobblestone lanes. Situated atop a cliff, Orvieto seems to grow right out of the rocky promontory, making the place as rustically picturesque as it gets. Tour the city, including the magnificent Gothic cathedral, and visit the Palazzo de Gusto, the head office of the Enoteca Regionale of Umbria. Here at this wine repository, you will join a guided tour and savor a light lunch featuring local fare and Umbrian wines. Stop at a pastry shop to taste Orvieto’s typical desserts, such as chocolates made with chilies and saffron. Then venture to the quaint hill town of Todi, a wonderful slice of medieval Italy. Wander the maze of ancient streets and absorb the historic atmosphere at the picture-perfect central plaza. Then transfer to Perugia, the capital of Umbria. You will spend the next four nights at the Hotel Alla Post dei Donini – the former 17-century summer residence of the noble Donini family.
Hotel Name: Hotel Alla Posta dei Donini. (B/L)
DAY 3 PERUGIA. This morning after breakfast, experience the Perugina chocolate museum, famous for exquisite Baci Perugina chocolates. Free time gives you the chance to get a delectable taste of history as you explore one of Italy’s best-preserved hill towns, complete with city walls, Gothic palaces and a “new” 19th-century shopping promenade. Enjoy a visit to an old pastry shop and to the Bottega delle Erbe Aromatiche, or “shop of aromatic herbs.” Delighting nose and palate are a selection of 6,000 herbs and other products. Traditional dishes at tonight’s Slow Food “Osterie d’Italia,” Osteria La Lumera, will tempt the taste buds. Enjoy another night’s stay in Perugia.
Hotel Name: Hotel Alla Posta dei Donini. (B/D)
DAY 4 PERUGIA. ASSISI, BEVAGNA & MONTEFALCO: If Perugia is the actual capital of Umbria, Assisi is the spiritual center, the home of St. Francis, the sainted Catholic friar who was born here in 1182. Assisi is where you’ll find a marvelous two-story basilica, fine artworks of the early Renaissance, a maze of charming medieval lanes and – being another of Umbria’s hill towns – sweeping views. After a morning guided tour, continue to Bevagna, a town with Roman origins and an idyllic medieval atmosphere, to enjoy some free time. Next, it’s on to Montefalco, another timeless village showcasing medieval and Renaissance wonders, not to mention fine views over the hills. Rivaling Montefalco’s visual charm is its palate pleasing wine, called Sagrantino, which you will sample at Cantine di Antonelli. Learn about and taste examples of another area specialty, extra-virgin olive oil, with a stop at the ancient olive groves owned by the Romanelli family. Return to Perugia for a free evening.
Hotel Name: Hotel Alla Posta dei Donini. (B)
DAY 5 PERUGIA. LAKE TRASIMENO, MAGIONE & CASTIGLIONE DEL LAGO: No major river feeds or flows out of Lake Trasimeno, the largest lake in the area, yet a steady current of enthusiastic travelers stream in and out, thanks to the lake’s appealing locale and array of attractive shore side towns. First stop: Castello di Magione, where you will visit the cellars and sample local wines. Next up is Castiglione del Lago, a town with a classic, medieval city center and home to Azienda Madrevite, an ideal venue for a stroll through the vineyards and a wine tasting. Discover the marvels of the town with a memorable exploration and then gather at the selected Slow Food “Osterie d’Italia,” Trattoria l’Acquario. Savor traditional cuisine featuring the Fagiolina de Lago, a legume that has been grown around the lake since ancient times. Return to your hotel in Perugia with your cravings for good food and fine company satisfied.
Hotel Name: Hotel Alla Posta dei Donini. (B/D)
DAY 6 PERUGIA / ROME HIGHLIGHTS: Arriving in this historical, magical and vibrant city, you will be taken to your hotel for check-in. Next, thrill to a day of sightseeing, with chances to ponder the ancient wonders of the Roman Forum, the Arch of Constantine and the Coliseum, and to simply drink in Rome’s heady brew of chic, fashion-forward style, alluring Baroque ornamentation, and impressive Roman Empire permanence – even as it fades and crumbles over the centuries. Your guided visit to Italy is capped off by an evening at leisure.
Hotel Name: The Independent Hotel. (B)
DAY 7 DEPART ROME: Arrivederci! After breakfast, it will be time to bid farewell to the Eternal City and take the private transfer to the Rome airport, where your vacation ends. (B)
Customize to Suit
The above suggested itinerary can be customized to suit; more or less meals, different cities and/or sightseeing based on your clients’ interests. You name it, our expert group specialist professionals will put it together for you. Please call 1-855-220-6450, or simply complete the group request form, and we’ll get back to you with your proposal.
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers in Rome on Days 1 and 7
- Twin-bedded rooms in hotels listed or similar; hotel taxes, service charges and baggage handling
- 6 breakfasts; 1 lunch; 3 dinners
- Services of an English-speaking local travel and culinary expert
- Travel by private, luxury, air-conditioned mini-coach
- 6 Guided tastings
- Sightseeing, special features and scenic highlights as indicated in the itinerary, including admission charges
- Portfolio of travel documents
- 24-hour emergency customer service while in Italy
Private Departures
Please Call 1-855-220-6450 for Group Rates on this Custom Group Journey
This suggested itinerary can be customized to suit; more or less meals, different cities and/or sightseeing based on your clients’ interests. You name it, our expert group specialist professionals will put it together for you. Please call 1-855-220-6450, or simply complete the group request form, and we’ll get back to you with your proposal.
Group Discounts
On custom journeys, discounts vary depending on group requirements. Typically, travel with a group of 20 and the 21st traveler receives a 100% discount* off the land portion of the vacation price. A second traveler receives a 100% discount* off the land on a group of 40 paying passengers.
*Per person prices are land only and based on two people sharing a room. Above dates represent “land start” date. Air: Please note that airfares are not included in the prices above. Journeys Connect can quote you the lowest possible GROUP airfare available on the day that you book. Minimum of 10 seats from same gateway. Less than 10 air seats will require full payment at time of booking. Single Room Supplement: On Request. Triple Room Reduction: On Request. Group discounts cannot be combined with our Triple Room discounts. Not valid on Specialty, Customized Vacations or River Cruises, optional extensions, extra nights, airfares, taxes and fees, flight supplements, or airport transfers. Other restrictions may apply. All passengers’ names must be advised before the discount is applied. *Group discount is on a twin-share basis only.
Contact Journeys Connect
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Travel professionals, please call and speak with one of our Group Specialty Professionals:
1-855-220-6450