In the company of a skilled truffle hunter and his hounds, you’ll walk through forests of oak and hornbeam in the foothills of the Apennines.
You’ll explore the wonders of Orvieto, set high on a volcanic outcrop, where the majestic duomo houses the marvellous Signorelli frescoes, allegedly the inspiration for Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Nearby Todi is the style capital of Umbria, with a central piazza little changed since medieval times.
You’ll take leisurely walks along forested river valleys, past monasteries and watchtowers that once guarded these hills from invaders. Tiny shrines set among ancient olive groves recall the days when these trails were trod by pilgrims en route to Rome.
Delve into the medieval crafts that endure in the towns of Umbria. In Bevagna, traditional techniques of papermaking and silk weaving have been preserved since the Middle Ages. Deruta is famous for its Majolica workshops, the rich and florid style of pottery that traces its origins to the Renaissance.
This 7 night journey is a chance to immerse yourself in a part of Italy where tourists are few, where age-old traditions endure, where hilltowns hide unsuspected treasures and the unchanging rhythms of rural life are dictated by the seasons.
Calm, character and comfort
We’re staying in one place, a charming small hotel in the hilltown of Trevi
A medieval hill town
We’ll explore neighbouring hill towns including Trevi, built around the 13th century Church of San Francesco. From here we’ll wander trails once used by pilgrims en route to Rome.
Truffle
Above the tiny village of Pettino, we’ll hunt for truffles. It’s a day of surprises, with sheep, truffle hounds, fresh pecorino cheeses and a wonderful meal of fresh pasta with truffles in a farmhouse kitchen.
Kingdom, Power and Glory
We’ll see some soul-lifting churches in Assisi & Orvieto, richly endowed with some of the supreme artworks of the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
Regional specialities
Taste Italy’s finest olive oils and Sagrantino wines, grown only around the town of Montefalco. We’ll taste regional specialties and delve deep into
the culture from which they sprang.
Ancient pilgrimage routes
As well as the noble cities of Assisi,and Orvieto we’ll wander in the hills of Umbria, exploring olive groves that overlook the Via Flaminia, the 3rd century Roman road.
Generally any reasonably fit person should be able to participate & fully enjoy all that the tours have to offer.
You should be comfortable walking around towns and countryside. The tour will include some optional walks (typically 1-2hrs).
Be able to walk and negotiate stairs and pedestrian thoroughfares
Be able to stand for 30-60 minutes in galleries and museums at a time without a break
Be able to get on and off a coach with stairs, unassisted
Use a combined shower/bath (please note that we cannot guarantee walk-in shower facilities at all hotels)