Umbria, known as 'the green heart of Italy', is nestled into the foothills of the Silillini Mountains and is where you will be able to explore the birthplace of St Benedict, as well as the birth and resting place of St Francis. Basing yourself in Norcia, you will wander through beech woods to Sant' Eutizio, visit the village of Castellucio, explore the Abbey at San Pietro and take a walk through the ancient village of Bevagna.
See how a traditional Italian farm still operates, and learn about the historical significance of the Umbrian towns where there are many beautiful chapels, frescoes and scenic landscapes to explore. The region is famed too for its friendly people and gastronomic food, all of which will be sampled in this walking itinerary.
Day 1: Arrive Rome. On arrival, transfer to Norcia where dinner will be held at the Grotta Azzurra Restaurant. Stay for the next four nights at the Grotta Azzurra Hotel.
Day 2: Norcia
After breakfast, transfer to the mountains and take a walking tour of the Sant’ Eutizio Abbey. After lunch, transfer to Visso in Le Marche for some traditional Italian gelato and see how the incredible hams and salamis of the region are made. Return to Norcia for dinner at the hotel.
Day 3: Norcia/Castellucio
Visit the village of Castellucio and explore its mountain surroundings before a lunch of traditional Italian meats. Discover the flowers of the village’s glacial crater. Return to Norcia for the evening.
Day 4: Castellucio
Spend the day continuing to discover the sights and foods of Castellucio under expert guidance and have a fantastic picnic lunch on the villages remote plains, before returning back to Norcia.
Day 5: Spoleto/Assisi
Drive to Valle and explore the abbey of San Pietro before driving to the ancient city of Spoleto, known by Romantic poet Shelley as ‘the most romantic city ever’. Lunch in one of the pretty squares before moving onto the hilltop town of Montefalco for a scenic walk into the village of Bevagna. After a traditional gelato, drive on to the charming hotel perched on the hills beside Assisi, where you will send the next two nights.
Day 6: Assisi
After breakfast take a stroll to the farmhouse of Ambrogio and Gentile, for beautiful views over Assisi and to learn about the natural food production of the area. Picnic in the wildflower fields before taking a cooking lesson with Gentile about traditional pasta making. In the afternoon, drive into Assisi and learn about the stunning fresco’s of the town and the magical chapel of San Martino. Drive back to the hotel for dinner.
Orvieto/Rome
Drive cross-country to the magnificent city of Orvieto, standing like the acropolis on its dramatic rock outcrop. Visit the soaring, central cathedral and the beautiful Signorelli fresco’s, showing depictions of damnation and the Apocalypse. Lunch at a local restaurant opposite the cathedral before returning to Rome for your onwards flight home.
