Day 1 - Rome to Umbria

Depart bustling Rome for Narni, a perfect example of an untouched Umbrian hilltown, and namesake for CS Lewis’ chronicles. One of Umbria’s manmade wonders lies in the Park del Nera Reserve where you can witness Italy’s highest waterfall cascading 500 feet, through 3 stages, into the River Nera.

Spend the night at the spectacular Palazzo Seneca, right in the centre of the medieval hilltop village of Norcia.

Overnight: Palazzo Seneca

Day 2 - Monte Sibillini National Park

Spend the day truly off the beaten track in the secluded Sibillini Mountains National Park, where it really is possible to get back to nature. Those looking for adventure can climb, hike, mountain bike, ride horses or even parasail off the mountain! Less strenuous activities include mule trekking and wildlife spotting; indigenous species include falcons, deer, chamois but also lynx and even bears. During the Fall it is also possible to hunt for the venerable white truffles. 

Return to Norcia for the evening.

Overnight: Palazzo Seneca

Meal Plan: B

Day 3 - The Art of Umbrian Cuisine and Roman Umbria

Spend the morning with an acclaimed chef in the ancient kitchens of a noble family discovering the essence of Umbrian cookery with a hands-on lesson learning to cook dishes such as pasta with truffle.

In the afternoon discover the region’s most important towns of Roman origin. See the wonderfully preserved amphitheatre in Spoleto, and the pink stone encircled hilltown of Spello.

The hotel for the next 3 nights is the 5* boutique Nun Assisi Relais & Spa Museum. A contemporary hotel in surroundings that date from as early as the 1st century AD.

Overnight: Nun Assisi Relais & Spa Museum

Meal Plan: B

Day 4 - Artisans of Assisi and Luxury Vineyard Picnic

Join your guide this morning to visit the spiritually important town of Assisi including the basilica of San Francesco. Assisi also retains many artisans, and today you are invited to the studio of an extraordinary artist maintaining precious old traditions.

In the afternoon you are invited to a family run winery overlooking Assisi, where the highlight of your day will be an elegant private picnic of seasonal Umbrian produce in the heart of the vineyard. Relax in stunning surroundings as your personal waiter serves the accompanying estate wines.

Overnight: Nun Assisi Relais & Spa Museum

Meal Plan: B

Day 5 - Ceramics of Deruta and a Rustic Farmhouse Lunch

Today is for those who love artistic wonders, small towns, meeting the locals - and the best in local rural cuisine. Enjoy a private visit to an extraordinary shrine of maiolica folk art hidden away in the countryside before visiting a family-run studio where you will see how the maiolica is produced. For lunch you have the unique opportunity to witness rural Umbrian life at a genuine farmhouse where the proud ‘mama’ will prepare an Umbrian feast for you and your family. 

Overnight: Nun Assisi Relais & Spa Museum

Meal Plan: B

Day 6 - Etruscan Perugia and an Eco Wine/Oil Estate

Visit the region’s capital, Perugia. Above ground is stunning, but it is below ground where the city becomes truly fascinating as it is possible to see the caves carved out in rock which were lived in by the Etruscan peoples.

Spend the afternoon at a stunning family estate, whose 2000 year old castle dominates. Unlike other wine tours, delve deep into the working estate self-driving through the groves and vineyards by electric buggy. The electric buggy personifies the estate’s mission to become a carbon neutral wine producer. Also try the exquisite wines and try the estate’s signature frozen olive oils on bruschetta. Bellissimo!

Your day ends at a true countryside luxury villa, the Villa Monte Solare.

Overnight: Villa Monte Solare

Meal Plan: B

Day 7 - Photographic Umbria

Enjoy a day with a photographer, an expert in taking location shots. Learn from a professional how to return home with stunning shots of Umbria and some of the photographer’s favourite and secret vantage points in Eastern Umbria and Lake Trasimeno. 

Overnight: Villa Monte Solare

Meal Plan: B

Day 8 - Depart Umbria

Return back to Rome or continue on to Tuscany!

Meal Plan: B