Nestled in the heart of Italy, rolling, green Umbria easily matches next-door Tuscany for its pretty scenery, rich history, rustic gastronomy and time-honoured way of life. Yet sitting out of the spotlight, this gentle landlocked region is perhaps more likely to surprise and delight visitors.
Stay seven nights in the welcoming 4-star Hotel dei Duchi outside Spoleto’s walls–the perfect combination of a country and city hotel.
Departure date available: 5 November 2024
(WAIT LIST – please email hello@magaritours.com)
From our fantastic hotel in Spoleto, this 7-night tour captures the real soul of the region, from the UNESCO-protected city of Assisi to magical hill towns like Gubbio and gems like medieval Bevagna. Meals at old-world trattorias and culinary tastings deepen the experience, giving you a true flavour of Umbria’s traditionally earthy cuisine and classic wines.
We fly to Rome’s Fiumicino airport where we meet our tour manager ahead of our transfer to the ancient hilltop town of Spoleto, which overlooks olive groves, vineyards and the distant green Apennines. After checking in at the delightful 4-star Hotel dei Duchi, we settle in before savouring a delicious evening meal at the hotel restaurant.
Meals included: Dinner
We begin with a morning guided tour of Spoleto, which stands on the old Roman Flaminia road and whose Roman remains and medieval buildings crouch under a 14th century fortress. Here we take in sights like the Roman Arch – once the entrance to the forum – the 12th century Duomo and the Roman aqueduct, a symbol of the city. This afternoon meanwhile, brings free time to relax and enjoy your surroundings in your own way before we head out this evening to a superb trattoria in town. Here, we feast on fresh, locally sourced Umbrian cuisine while soaking in the trattoria’s traditional and convivial atmosphere.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is devoted to Gubbio, a Gothic town in the Apennine foothills in northeast Umbria, famous as the place where St Francis of Assisi tamed the wolf. We explore its medieval lanes as we hear how, in the 13th century, St Francis calmed the wolf in what was hailed as a miracle by the populace. Principal sights include Gubbio’s sumptuous Palazzo dei Consoli, Duomo, and the Fontana dei Matti (Fountain of the Madmen), whilst legend has it that anyone who makes three turns around this 16th century fountain and is then baptised with its waters will go insane. Discover how the legend has given rise to the claim that Gubbio’s citizens are mad – and why it might just hold a grain of truth! This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
We travel to the hilltop gem of Orvieto for a guided walk, hearing about its Etruscan past, riding its funicular and admiring its incredible Duomo, whose façade is carved with Bible scenes. After seeing the sights, you have time at leisure to explore alone, perhaps pausing for a chilled glass of Orvieto Classico wine. A highlight is lunch at a wonderfully authentic restaurant, which is not just renowned for its home-made food but its access to Etruscan catacombs. We descend into these ancient caves during our visit – truly something to remember. Before returning to Spoleto we visit tiny Narni village then this evening is free to enjoy independently.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
A short drive brings us to the medieval village of Bevagna, where we visit a local ‘salumeria’ salami and cured meat shop for a tasting – bring your appetite! Next, we continue to Umbria’s elegant capital of Perugia, whose historic upper town is riven with buzzing piazzas and shops, whilst here we view the stunning Palazzo de Priori, with its splendid artworks, and the Maggiore Fountain before sampling some of Umbria’s finest wines at a winery in the nearby Montefalco region. Dinner will be included this evening.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is free to enjoy Spoleto at your own pace, so you might want to explore the nearby Roman amphitheatre and aqueduct, now the Ponte delle Torri bridge. Or, simply enjoy the comforts of your hotel, perhaps interspersed with people-watching at one of Spoleto’s piazza cafés. Dinner is at the hotel tonight.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we discover Spello, a honey-stone hill town known for its annual ‘Infiorata’ flower festival, where we soak up its charms on a walking tour, and visit the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, whose Baglioni side-chapel is filled with frescoes by Pinturicchio. Next, we visit UNESCO-listed Assisi, the birthplace of St Francis and Umbria’s jewel, where we are able to wander the flower-lined alleyways and hidden churches, and visit the Basilica of St Francis whose upper church boasts Giotto’s magnificent fresco cycle of the saint’s life. This evening, arrive at one of Spoleto’s best-regarded restaurants to dine on antipasti, fish, and pasta prepared by local chefs with the freshest ingredients.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
We transfer to Fiumicino airport for our return flight to the UK.
Meals included: Breakfast
Selected for its classic Umbrian charm, friendly and helpful staff, and commitment to local sustainability, the 4-star dei Duchi matches these attributes with a fantastic location in Spoleto’s centre. Set in a wooded valley just outside the city walls, the hotel is a short walk from Spoleto’s main piazza, Duomo and Roman theatre, making it ideal for leisurely strolls into town.
Guests can admire panoramic views of the Roman theatre from the first-floor terrace, unwind in the lounge and bar, and enjoy first-class regional cuisine at the restaurant. The attractive rooms feature garden or park views, satellite TV, private bathroom, air-conditioning, and Wi-Fi, thus ensuring a comfortable space to relax after sightseeing.
Return flights London Heathrow to Rome
LHR-FCO Dep 09:20 Arr 13:00
FCO-LHR Dep 20:20 Arr 21:55
7 nights in the 4 star Hotel dei Duchi
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 6 dinners
Itinerary and handpicked highlights as stated above
Services of a local, experienced English speaking Tour Manager
All coach transportation as stated in itinerary above
Extras
Departing 5th November 2024
(WAIT LIST – please email hello@magaritours.com)
Twin from £1945 per person
Single Supplement £325
Click below to download a PDF of The Heart of Umbria, direct to your device.
Download your PDF
We're here to help
