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Off the Beaten Path in Central Italy
Active pace with longer touring days. Expect intermittent walking at a moderate pace for 2–3 hours over a variety of terrain, including cobblestones, hills and uneven pavements. Must be able to negotiate stairs of varying heights, sometimes without handrails. Can tolerate periods of standing during guided tours and be able to climb in/out of various modes of transportation. Some days may include 5–7 km of walking over the course of the day.
We depart for Rome with Air Canada.
We arrive in Rome and transfer to our hotel in Perugia. Afternoon at leisure until our Welcome Dinner this evening.
Today we enjoy a tour of Perugia, the capital city of the region of Umbria and well known cultural and artistic centre of Italy. We will see Cavallotti Square in the historical centre and San Lorenzo Cathedral. In the afternoon we visit the historical museum of Perugina Chocolate.
A full day tour to Spello, one of the most beautiful borgos (villages) in Umbria with its old churches, walls and narrow streets full of flowers—sights that adorn travel posters for Italy all over the world. After our tour there will be some free time to wander the village. In the afternoon we stop in Deruta to visit a workshop known for its ceramics that are exported worldwide.
Today we visit medieval Orvieto— a unique town sitting atop the summit of a large butte of volcanic tuff. It dominates the surrounding area and offers spectacular views over the countryside. We will visit the old town centre and the Duomo, and enjoy a special lunch complete with local wine and medieval costumes!
A splash of inky blue on the hilly landscape, Lake Trasimeno is Italy’s fourth-largest lake and is surrounded by silver-green olive groves, vineyards, forests of oak and cypress, and castle-topped medieval towns. We will enjoy a relaxing cruise on the lake and see the three picturesque small islands before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the lake. This afternoon we will have time for a stroll around the charming lake-side town of Passignano, rich in history and beauty, before we return to our hotel.
We depart for Assisi with a stop en route to sample the local olive oil.
Our tour of Assisi today includes a visit of the famous St. Francis Basilica, Santa Maria degli Angeli, the 13th century gothic Basilica di Santa Chiara and the frescos of the Pilgrim’s Oratory.
We visit Gubbio, one of the architectural jewels of Umbria. This city preserves important vestiges of Umbrian, Roman and medieval history. We will see the Roman theatre, Palazzos dei Consoli, Bargello and Ducale.
A day at leisure to further explore Assisi on your own, or join an optional tour.
Today we visit Spoleto to see its historic monuments and buildings: the Roman Theatre, Piazza del Duomo. Then we’re in for a treat: our included lunch today will feature Italian truffles! In the afternoon we set off for Marmore’s Falls— a man-made waterfall created by the ancient Romans. Enjoy the observatory near the top which offers a grand view of the falls and the Nera Valley below.
A day at leisure for last-minute shopping and for a final opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful region of Italy.
Transfer to Rome from Assisi, afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Rome.
Half day city tour of Rome. We will see some of the historical sights of Rome on this tour—Castel Sant’Angelo, Piazza Navona, Campo de Fiori, Pantheon, Montecitorio, Trevi Fountain among others.
Arrivederci, Italia! We transfer to the Rome airport for our flight back to Canada.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (90 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
