Stay in Assisi, exploring the hidden corners of central Italy on a wonderful new itinerary visiting Orvieto, Urbino and Ravenna
Assisi - 7 nights
Of course each region of Italy has its own history and cultural heritage and much remains relatively undiscovered and rewards quiet exploration.
We have chosen Assisi as a convenient and atmospheric base for expeditions in Umbria and beyond. Assisi lies in beautiful countryside, an unspoilt medieval gem of architectural and artistic beauty that retains the spiritual tranquillity of St. Francis.
Visit lesser-known towns of remarkable history and art on day trips by private taxi. Explore the treasures of dramatically situated Orvieto, ducal Urbino, medieval Gubbio and the amazing mosaics of Ravenna, once capital of the Byzantine ‘Western Empire’.
Cultural Tour
Jules Verne Sightseeing
3 UNESCO Heritage Sites
Hosted by Art Collector
Historic Hotels
An aperitif at the home of your tour host, also a private art collector; enjoy an Umbrian dinner with traditional dishes and local wines; a buffet supper, an Umbrian wine tasting with a local expert at the home of your tour host.
Day 1 Depart London Stansted to Perugia. Seven nights at Dei Priori in Assisi. Aperitif at the Assisi home of your tour host who will describe his collection of Roman, Byzantine and Medieval art.
Day 2 Tour of Assisi’s St. Francis’ Basilica decorated with frescoes by the greatest 14th-century Masters. Drive to the medieval mountain village of Spello to see the frescoes by Pinturicchio. Return passing Mount Subasio visiting St. Francis’ Hermitage and other Franciscan churches. (B)
Day 3 Scenic drive through southern Umbria to Orvieto and its Cathedral, a jewel of medieval architecture and art, including Signorelli’s frescoes of the Last Judgement. Return via Todi, a mountain village with fine views. (B)
Day 4 Travel to Ravenna for a tour, visiting the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, San Vitale, San Apollinare Nuovo and San Apollinare in Classe, all decorated with glorious 5th and 6th-century Byzantine mosaics. (B)
Day 5 Day at leisure. A local expert presents Umbrian wines at a buffet supper in your host’s home. (B, D)
Day 6 A scenic journey to Urbino to visit the Oratories of St. John the Baptist and St. Joseph and, the magnificent Renaissance Ducale Palace. Visit the medieval town of Gubbio and the Palazzo dei Consoli, famous for its bronze tablets inscribed in the ancient Umbrian and Etruscan language. (B)
Day 7 Drive to the capital of Umbria, Perugia. Visit the underground medieval streets, imposing Corso, main square adorned with a 13th century fountain by Pisano and the 14th century Palazzo dei Priori with its magnificent collection of early Italian paintings. Continue to the Roman mosaic of Orpheus and Lake Trasimeno, where Hannibal defeated the Romans in 217 BC, taking the ferry across the lake to an island at the centre for a celebratory farewell lunch. (B, L)
Day 8 Return flight to London Stansted. (B)
Notes
Some visits are on foot with some uneven surfaces and inclines.
The Assisi Calendimaggio Festival, in praise of Spring, is a competition between the Lower Part of the City (Magnifico Parte de Sotto) and the Upper Part (Nobielissima Parte de Sopra) with 1,000 participants. It is a serious evocation of medieval life judged by a Professor of Medieval History, a Professor of Medieval Music, and a professional in theatrical presentation.
Day 1 Depart from London Stansted to Perugia. Seven nights at your chosen hotel in Assisi. Beginning of the Calendimaggio. The Mayor presents the keys of the city to the Maistro di Campo, the Judges are presented and the two Parts enter in procession. Evening visit to the Assisi home of your tour host for a buffet supper, accompanied by Umbrian wines explained by a local expert. (D)
Day 2 Tour of Assisi’s St. Francis’ Basilica decorated with frescoes by the greatest 14th-century Masters. Drive to the medieval mountain village of Spello to see the frescoes by Pinturicchio. Return to Assisi for the afternoon Calendimaggio. Each part enters the Piazza in splendid processions. Medieval competitions of archery, crossbow, sled race, and tug of war, to select Madonna Primavera, Lady Spring. (B)
Day 3 Scenic drive through southern Umbria to Orvieto and its Cathedral, a jewel of medieval architecture and art, including Signorelli’s frescoes of the Last Judgement. Return via Todi, a mountain village with fine views. Calendimaggio evening: Spectacular torchlight procession by each Part. (B)
Day 4 In Assisi visit the Franciscan churches of San Damiano, St Mary of the Angels, which contains St Francis' original chapel and the place where he died, and the Basilica of St Clare. Afternoon climax of Calendimaggio, when each Part, in turn, presents a pageant. Late evening, Calendimaggio: Choral competition of medieval music by each part, after which the judges retire to consider their verdict and the Palio is awarded, usually around midnight. (B)
Day 5 Travel to Ravenna for a tour, visiting the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, San Vitale, San Apollinare Nuovo and San Apollinare in Classe, all decorated with glorious 5th and 6th-century Byzantine mosaics. (B)
Day 6 A scenic journey to Urbino to visit the Oratories of St John the Baptist, with its frescoes by Salibene, and of St Joseph, with its crib, and then the magnificent Renaissance Palace with Duke Federico da Montefeltro's marquetry walled Studiolo (Study) and its magnificent collection of pictures: 'The Flagellation' and 'The Sanigelllia Madonna' by Piero della Francesca, 'The Ideal City', and the beautiful portrait 'La Muta' by Raphael. On the return journey visiting the medieval town of Gubbio with its Palazzo dei Consoli for the world famous bronze tablets inscribed with the ancient Umbrian and Etruscan language. (B)
Day 7 Drive to Perugia, the capital of Umbria. Visit the medieval underground streets, imposing Corso, main square adorned with a 13th century Fountain by Pisano, 14th century Palazzo dei Priori, with its magnificent collection of early Italian paintings. Continue to the Roman mosaic of Orpheus and Lake Trasimeno, where Hannibal defeated the Romans in 217 BC, taking the ferry across the lake to an island at the centre for a celebratory farewell lunch. (B,L)
Day 8 Return flight to London Stansted.
Notes
Some visits are on foot with some uneven surfaces and inclines.
In a perfect position in the very heart of Assisi, near the main piazza, Hotel Dei Priori is a 3-star historic hotel, converted from a 15th-century palazzo (the remains of a Roman well are also visible). It is comfortable and elegantly furnished offering fine Umbrian and international food in its restaurant. 34 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV. WiFi (free). An accommodation tax is payable locally, currently €1.50 per person per night.
Wednesdays
per person in a twin/double room
Hotel Dei Priori
Ryanair from Stansted
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £245
Extension Options
Extra nights – Assisi
Hotel Dei Priori (per night) £65
Double room for sole use £35
Independent Arrival
Save £200
Arrival or departure transfer add £35
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, entrance fees, 7 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 1 dinner, itinerary as described, services of a guide and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, tipping, any government or local tourist taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Notes
An accommodation tax is payable locally, approximately between €1.50 and €3 per person per night.
Calendemaggio Festival departure is on 3 May 2023.
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VAT No. 805146159
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