One of Italy's smallest regions of Italy, UMBRIA has been long dismissed as Tuscany’s “gentler sister”, however it has recently emerged from the shadow of its more famous western neighbor. It is more authentic and certainly less touristy and unlike Tuscany, not crowded. The many Umbrian hills and mountains cast long dark shadows over river valleys; which are already darkened by lush chestnut groves and elm forests. This landlocked region's overwhelmingly medieval character harkens one back to the mysticism and mysteries of the Dark Ages. In so many ways, Umbria has lain in the shadows for centuries. The very identity of its original inhabitants, the Umbrians, is so clouded that we still have no clear understanding of the meaning of their name.

Perhaps self-imposed modesty is an inborn trait here. That would explain the relative obscurity of this beautiful region, a land whose rolling hills are dotted with castles, fortresses and watchtowers and also due to this reason called “THE GREEN HEART OF ITALY”, whose well-preserved hill towns produce world-renowned handmade ceramics, exquisite wines and extra virgin olive oil, whose many monasteries were founded by a host of local saints, whose valleys are laced with countless gleaming rivers and host Italy's largest lake.

In Umbria, halfway up the slopes of Monte Fumaiolo, a trickle seeps out of the ground and wanders southward, gaining breadth and notoriety to become Rome's mighty Tiber. Any traveler who goes from Florence to Rome by land passes through the Tiber Valley, whose Umbrian locales include such towns as Perugia, Assisi, Spoleto and Orvieto.

The cuisine of Umbria is varied and tasty. Best known perhaps for truffles and excellent olive oil, pork is also used extensively in hams, sausage and salami as well as porchetta (suckling pig). Fish, fresh from Lake Trasimeno can be found in the towns surrounding the lake and Perugia is renowned for its chocolate (Try the Baci Perugina dark chocolate with hazelnuts inside!!!!). Wine from Orvieto, Montefalco and Torgiano is not expensive and of a high quality.

• Bottle of Italian champagne upon arrival in your hotel room

• Special Umbrian dinner for two at a top restaurant in Spoleto. A la carte menu and wine included

• Private guide for half a day in Assisi; walking itinerary or museum itinerary of choice

• Estra Special:  Full day wine and olive oil at top winery: enjoy a full day experiencing how extra virgin oil and excellent wine are made. A chance to see some unique places not open to the usual tourists, an authentic taste of this beautiful region.

• One on one cooking course for half a day in Spoleto at top restaurant with personal chef. Choose your own menu of regional cuisine. A tasting with local wine follows the course.

• Hiking excursion in the Umbrian countryside with professional guide for a half day.  (Depending on time of year this could include mushroom hunting for an extra charge).

• All assistance in planning a custom designed itinerary to your specifications with personal trip coordinator; 

• Not included are meals unless part of an excursion, airfare and anything not listed.

• Federal Express package to your home: containing all vouchers, hard copy itinerary, train tickets and any other bookings included in your package

Extra services available

• Tickets to a musical performance in Perugia, Spoleto or Todi pending on availability. There are Jazz, Classical and other important music festivals that take place during the summer.  They are world class famous.

• RT airport transfer by limousine and driver in Florence or Rome.

• Pottery/Ceramic Class in Deruta, the capital of Renaissance pottery in Umbria. A craftsman will share with you the art of ceramics, teaching you to pug, lathe, bake and color, after which you will keep the object you made.

• Horseback riding for half or full day: enjoy the glorious Umbrian countryside around Assisi. Our guide will take you through woods, hills and plains to hidden castles and ancient ruins.

• Golfing in excellent 9 or 18 courses in Perugia. Private transfer from hotel to Golf club and return The facilities include driving range, putting green, pro-shop, tennis court, swimming pool, bar and restaurant.

PRICING

 (final price is based on time of year and available hotels)

Based on charming 3 star boutique hotels with all amenities €3,495

Based on First Class, 4 star €4,195

View complete itinerary.