The heart of central Italy – Umbria, Marche and Abruzzo

Arrival of clients at Rome or Florence airport and autonomous transfer to Orvieto. Orvieto is a little, charming town that lies in Umbria region, a couple of hours from both Florence and Rome. Back in Etruscan times, Orvieto was one of the most important cities of a blooming civilization and today it keeps standing out, proudly, on a big chunk of tuffaceous stone, looking down the plain below. Your knowledgeable guide will disclose you the fascinating history as well as the precious gems of this town floating on tuff. You will start your walking tour from Orvieto’s Cathedral, an imposing and impressive architectural masterpiece that dominates the town with its colorful, spiky façade filled with sparkly, golden mosaics, stained glass and statues. You will soon find out that Orvieto is a treasure chest of gems, both on the surface and in its undergrounds. Descend in the St. Patrick’s Well, an ingenious architectural intuition with both a useful and beautiful result at the same time. Transfer to your hotel, a charming wine resort immersed in the countryside. Relax in the Wine SPA and possibility to enjoy a wine tasting.

You will set off to the charming city of Perugia, one of the highest expressions of Medieval art in Italy. During the XIII century were built most of the main monuments, like the Major Fountain, masterpiece of Arnolfo di Cambio, and the Palazzo dei Priori, both decorating the main square of the city center, Piazza IV Novembre which is definitely the most marvelous square in the region. In St. Lorenzo Cathedral you will visit the relic of Virgin Mary’s wedding ring, a unique piece that attracts worshippers from all over the world. You will then step off the beaten tracks to discover an extraordinary place where traditions blend in with excellent craftmanship. We have the keys to open exclusively for you a marvelous textile boutique situated inside a former Gothic church – a stunning location that preserved the mesmerizing story of a local seamstress, the last person in the whole world to perpetuate the Medieval Perugian weaving tradition, reproducing the exact same fabrics you will find in Renaissance paintings, such as Leonardo’s Last Supper.
But your journey is yet to be over, as we leave Perugia to reach another pearl of the Middle Ages: welcome to Assisi. A sinuous scenery frames this breathtaking architectural jewel, incredibly attractive not only for its artistic masterpieces but mainly for its spiritual and religious force, being the charming town that in the 12th century gave birth to the worldwide beloved Saint Francis. Let the spiritual and magical atmosphere of Assisi and the heart-stopping frescos of magnificent artists like Giotto and Cimabue capture your soul. Your private guide will leave at the end of the visit at a wonderful Relais & Spa where you will spend the night in a calm area of town.

This day will be all about appreciating the typical gastronomy of Umbria region. After relaxing the whole morning in the hotel’s SPA, carved into historical pre-existing structures, your private car with driver will take you to enjoy a visit of a winery in Montefalco area, well-known for its red wine production. You will enjoy a tasting of biological wines, learning about the special “One Goose Revolution” bio-dynamic farming. A light lunch will be served before moving to Spoleto area where you will head for a luxury hunt in the forest, together with a professional truffle-hunter and his dog, and watch this inseparable, winning team go the extra mile to find the precious fungi. Along the way, your guide will also give you interesting insights about techniques and traditions related to the practice of truffle-hunting. Embark in this exciting adventure and experience first hand the magic of witnessing a fresh truffle emerge from the ground…and tasting it at the end of the hunt. You will finally reach your luxury hotel in Norcia where we can reserve for you a table at a Michelin starred restaurant to crown your Umbrian culinary day.

You will enjoy a full day easy trekking on the outstanding Sibillini Mountains, among the highest peaks of Apennines Mountains. With a private transfer and naturalistic guide you will savor these precious mounts immersed in the relaxing nature, finding out about all the interesting details about this special area while enjoying breath-taking panoramas over Umbria and Marche regions. In the afternoon you get back to the hotel to relax with the “Benessere” offered by your hotel.

You will leave the high Sibillini mountains to reach the fascinating beaches of Conero Riviera, at hand-reach from the Appennines. You will stop on the way in Ascoli Piceno, the pearl of Marche Region. Two main centers reflect ancient and modern Ascoli: Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Arringo, respectively. The former was the location of the old forum, the residence of the Captains of the People, and a vibrant commercial center, whereas the latter was once the political heart of town, with its Cathedral and Bishop's Palace. Your private guide will unveil all the historical treasures, and the secrets, of this lovely town, but also help you discovery its street food “queen”: the Ascolana Olives. These typical big local olives are stuffed with minced meat and finally fried – a pure pleasure for the palate. In the afternoon you will move to Portonovo, a lovely bay surmounted by Conero mountain, a naturalistic institution in Marche region. You will be hosted inside an historical building, the most important luxury hotel in the area, and relax right by the sea with a sea-view special dinner.

Your private car will drive you to Ancona, Marche’s capital city, and important harbour founded by ancient Greek settlers in a panoramic position on a high cliff diving into the Adriatic sea. The city is a genuine port dotted with artistic masterpieces such as the Cathedral, the church of Santa Maria della Piazza and People’s Square, and our guide will be extremely useful to grasp the true essence of this ambiguous city.
With a 45 minute drive we will reach the Frasassi caves, the most incredible naturalistic wonder of central Italy. This karsts complex with underground routes is among the most beautifu onesl in Europe. The Ancona abyss is one of the largest underground cavities in the world, while the crystallized lake, more than for its size, is striking for its colors and the charm of its stalagmites. Head back to the Conero Riviera to enjoy the sunset colors in the bay.

This day will be fully at leisure to enjoy the mesmerizing beaches of the Conero Riviera. Optional activities can be a boat tour to enjoy the concealed areas of the Conero, or a trekking in the woods of its Natural Park.

Your private transfer will take you to discover Abruzzo region and its most iconic city, L’Aquila. Sadly known for the earthquake that struck the city in 2009, today it is possible to visit all the main monuments, such as the Cathedral, Collemaggio and San Bernardino churches and the Fountain of the Rivera with its characteristic 93 stone masks: legends say it is impossible to count them all correctly, you might accept the challenge with the help of your private guide. After unveiling L’Aquila you will head towards the highest peaks of the region to enjoy the experience of the “Albergo Diffuso”, an innovative concept of hospitality, launched in Italy in the early 1980s as a means of reviving small, historic Italian villages and town centres off the usual tourist track. The revived town you will live is Santo Stefano di Sessanio, surrounded by gorgeous mountainous views. Staying in this town-hotel might be the most incredible moment of your central Italy discovery.

With your private car you will meet your guide at Loreto Aprutino: its churches, picturesque alleys and its Castle won’t fail to feel you Abruzzo’s charme. The following visit will be Penne, one of the most beautiful towns of Italy, you will stroll around with your guide to learn about the history of the village, visiting its decorated noble palaces, its ancient churches and its Cathedral dating back to the IX century. When you will start to feel a bit hungry, you will move to Farindola to savor tastings of the local Pecorino cheese, coming from sheep milk. You will learn how this cheese is produced and why sheep are especially “venerated” in this part of Italy. Drive back to the hotel and relax time.

Breakfast at the hotel and check out; drive autonomously to reach Rome airport with a stop at the panoramic Rocca Calascio, set of famous movies such as Ladyhawk and The Name of the Rose. This castleof the XII century is an iconic symbol of the whole region with its dramatic position on the top of a cliff. Your transfer will then take you to Rome’s airport, just 3 hours away.