A Week in the most beautiful Umbrian Villages between Florence and Rome, 6 Nights

Period: All year round, for individuals and small groups

An itinerary through the green heart of Italy, discovering “author villages,” spiritual landmarks, ancient medieval traditions, flavors, and colors while traveling along historic Roman roads, through the rolling Tuscan countryside, the gentle Umbrian hills, and the Tiber Valley all the way to Rome.

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Day 1 – From Florence to Arezzo and Perugia
Meeting with the guide at the hotel and departure. Visit “Arezzo”, birthplace of masters such as Piero della Francesca and Giorgio Vasari, a splendid city among the richest in Tuscany. Standing proudly on a hill at the crossroads of four valleys and located along the ancient Via Cassia, Arezzo has always played an important role in Tuscan history. No matter where you start your city tour, all roads lead to “Piazza Grande”, flanked by the “Vasari Loggia” and the “Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici”, which features Bernardo Rossellino’s “Madonna della Misericordia” on its façade. The square is also famous as the film set for “Life Is Beautiful” by Roberto Benigni.
At the top of the city stands the “Cathedral of San Donato”, built on an ancient paleo-Christian church, known for its beautiful stained-glass windows crafted in the 16th century by French master Guillaume de Marcillat.
In the afternoon, continue toward Umbria, stopping at “Cortona”, the hill town celebrated in “Under the Tuscan Sun”, whose Etruscan origins and charming main square, “Piazza della Repubblica”, make it a quintessential Tuscan village.
Following the shores of Lake Trasimeno, central Italy’s largest lake, we enter Umbria — the green heart of Italy — and arrive in Perugia, the regional capital. Overnight stay.

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Day 2 – Perugia
Capital and largest city of Umbria, Perugia is surrounded by Etruscan walls and boasts a delightful medieval historic center. The city is renowned for its culture, home to both the University of Perugia and the University for Foreigners — the most prestigious of its kind in Italy.
Perugia’s historic center, dating back to the 14th century, is one of the most beautiful in Italy, composed of five medieval districts connected by narrow streets, stairways, underground passages, and romantic views. Key highlights include “Porta Sant’Angelo”, the “Etruscan Gate”, and numerous museums, churches, and noble palaces scattered throughout the city.
Perugia is lively yet human-scaled, best visited outside of the bustling periods of “Umbria Jazz Festival” (summer) and “Eurochocolate” (autumn).
A must for chocolate lovers: a visit to the “Perugina Museum”.
For dinner, we suggest the nearby village of “Corciano”, rich in history and charm. Overnight stay in Perugia.

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Day 3 – The Signature Villages of Umbria

Bevagna – One of Umbria’s most beautiful villages, famous for its medieval fair “Mercato delle Gaite”, reenacting ancient trades and crafts in full historical costume. The town, unique for its location on the plain, is enclosed by well-preserved walls and accessed through four gates. Along its Roman main street, traditional trattorias serve local dishes such as “gnocchi al Sagrantino”.

Montefalco – Listed among Italy’s 100 most beautiful villages, Montefalco is known as the “Balcony of Umbria” for its stunning views. Its defensive walls and gates frame churches such as “Santa Chiara della Croce” and the adjoining convent. The town is also home to the prestigious “Sagrantino di Montefalco wine”, complemented by excellent local cuisine — lamb, “chianina” beef, and handmade pasta dishes prepared with red wine. Montefalco also produces one of Umbria’s finest extra-virgin olive oils, which we’ll taste during our visit.

Foligno – The next stop is the city of the “Giostra della Quintana” and the place where the first printed edition of Dante’s “Divine Comedy” was published. A short walk takes us to “Piazza della Repubblica”, “San Feliciano Cathedral”, “Palazzo Trinci”, and “Palazzo Orfini”, where the first “Divine Comedy” was printed.

Spello – A charming hilltop village of winding alleys and flower-filled corners, Spello enchants visitors with its harmony of pink and white Subasio stone. The town is world-famous for the “Infiorata del Corpus Domini”, when its streets are transformed into over 1.5 km of sacred art made entirely of flower petals — a breathtaking event held between May and June. Dinner in Spello featuring local specialties such as red potato gnocchi with goose ragù, “raponzoli” salad, and legume-based dishes.
Return to Perugia and overnight stay.

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Day 4 – More Umbrian Towns and Villages

Spoleto – Perhaps the most romantic of Umbrian towns, Spoleto combines intimacy, history, and art. Once the capital of the Lombard dukes, it’s now famous for the “Festival dei Due Mondi”. Highlights include the “Rocca Albornoziana”, a grand fortress overlooking the city, and the remarkable “Ponte delle Torri”, an awe-inspiring medieval aqueduct 230 meters long and 82 meters high.

Norcia – Birthplace of St. Benedict and nestled in the Sibillini Mountains, Norcia offers natural beauty and exquisite gastronomy: lentils, “prosciutto di Norcia”, wild boar sausages, pecorino cheese, and the renowned black truffle. Lunch and product tasting in a local farmhouse.

Nearby lies “Cascia”, hometown of Saint Rita, one of Umbria’s most important pilgrimage destinations, with its “Basilica and Monastery” rich in works by Umbrian masters.
Return to Perugia and overnight stay.

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Day 5 – Assisi and Santa Maria degli Angeli
A full day dedicated to Assisi, one of the world’s most famous spiritual destinations. Built on the slopes of Mount Subasio, Assisi is dominated by the “Basilica of St. Francis”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and masterpiece of medieval art. The complex, consisting of two superimposed churches (Romanesque Lower Church and Gothic Upper Church), houses frescoes by Giotto, Cimabue, and the Lorenzetti brothers.
We’ll then explore the heart of the town, including “Piazza del Comune” and the “Temple of Minerva”, perfectly preserved and now home to the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva.
Outside the city walls, visit “Santa Maria degli Angeli”, which shelters the “Porziuncola” chapel — the cradle of the Franciscan Order — and the “Chapel of the Transit”, where St. Francis passed away. The complex also includes the “Rose Garden” and the “Porziuncola Museum”.
Return to Perugia for an evening stroll and overnight stay.

*Optional extra day:* morning cooking class with lunch, followed by an afternoon visit and tasting at a local winery. Overnight stay.

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Day 6 – From Perugia to Todi, Orvieto, and Rome (or Florence)
Departure from Perugia toward Rome along the ancient Via Amerina.
Stop in Todi, a magical hilltop town with a beautiful main square, then continue to Orvieto, one of Italy’s oldest cities with Etruscan origins. Reach the historic center by funicular and visit the magnificent “Cathedral”, a Gothic masterpiece begun in 1290 and completed in the 16th century. Nearby, explore the “Pozzo di San Patrizio”, an extraordinary feat of 16th-century engineering, and the mysterious “Orvieto Underground”.
Free time to enjoy the town’s charming streets, artisan shops, and panoramic terraces.
Overnight stay and breakfast. End of services.

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The package includes:
– 6 nights in 4-star hotels with breakfast
– Private coach for the entire tour (for groups of at least 8 participants)
– Tour escort for the entire trip (for groups of at least 8 participants)
– Entrance fees as per itinerary
– Two tastings (Montefalco and Norcia)
– One lunch in Montefalco
– One dinner in Spello
– City taxes
– One complimentary double room every 18 paying participants

Not included:
– Anything not expressly mentioned in “The package includes”
– Personal expenses
– Meals not mentioned
– *Safe Travel insurance* (available upon request)