Umbria

Embark on a captivating journey through central Italy with this full-day trip that starts with pickup from a centrally-located meeting point in Rome. Hop on a comfortable bus for a scenic drive through the incredible Italian countryside until you reach Civita di Bagnoregio in Northern Lazio. Explore the hilltop village on a guided tour. Traverse the iconic bridge, marvel at rare stone formations, and immerse yourself in the historical charm. Hop back onto the comfortable, air-conditioned coach for a drive through the Tuscan countryside. Arrive at a traditional farmhouse in the area of Montepulciano. Indulge in a gourmet Tuscan lunch and a Brunello di Montalcino wine tasting. Indulge in panzanella (salad), salami, capocollo (pork cold cut), wild boar sausage, and Tuscan pecorino amidst this charming landscape. Travel to Umbria, the third-largest region in central Italy, to enjoy the ancient town of Orvieto. From the famous Duomo to the captivating Underground, Orvieto blends history with picturesque landscapes. Have some free time to explore the city and do some shopping before returning to Rome with unforgettable memories.

Visiting this centuries-old well in Orvieto will open up the history of the ancient inhabitants' ways of life, from their Etruscan beginnings, through the Middle Ages, to the Renaissance and beyond. The underground cave complex consists of nine caverns for you to explore. You’ll find countless Etruscan, medieval, and Renaissance artifacts preserved by the underground complex running beneath the medieval streets of the Cava neighborhood.  Start at the oldest part of the Pozzo della Cava, with its cistern lined with cocciopesto plaster, where you’ll discover artifacts such as ancient Etruscan burial remains. Next, descend into the hypogeum maze of Urbs Vetus (Orvieto’s medieval name) to discover the intricacies of the houses’ three-story basements.  The final part of the complex displays developments from the Renaissance, when the most recent parts of the Pozzo della Cava were excavated. Marvel at the impressive final cave, which preserves traces of the transformations carried out over a period of twenty-eight centuries.

Start your day early with a comfortable, air-conditioned bus ride from Rome, taking in the picturesque landscapes of the Italian countryside as you make your way to your first stop, Montepulciano. Upon reaching Montepulciano, embark on a guided tour through its historic center. Stroll along charming streets and explore beautiful piazzas, including spots featured in the "Twilight" movie saga and other famous films. Enjoy some free time to discover the town at your own pace. Browse local shops, eat a gelato, or simply admire the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Next, visit a local 13th-century winery for a tasting guided by an experienced sommelier. Sample some of Tuscany's finest wines and gain insights into the winemaking process. The cellar also houses a 2000-year-old Etruscan tomb, and it is possible to visit the old refectory room used by the friars. Delight in a sumptuous Tuscan lunch, perfectly paired with local wines, as you savor traditional dishes made from fresh, regional ingredients. After lunch, continue your journey to Montalcino, a medieval town known for its impressive fortress. Begin your visit at the former Sant’Agostino convent, now home to the Temple of Brunello interactive museum. Dive into the rich history and culture of the area while learning about the production of the famous Brunello di Montalcino wine.

Escape Italy's busy capital for one day on this trip to Assisi and the Umbrian hill town Orvieto. On this tour, you will unveil the religious architecture of Umbria (such as the famous Cathedral of Orvieto) and discover the wines and local products of Tuscany. Leaving Rome in a northerly direction and driving along the Tiber Valley, reach Orvieto as your first stop, a small town of Etruscan origins where you will stop to admire the magnificent 14th century cathedral, a masterpiece of gothic architecture. The tour continues through the green Tuscan Hills covered in olive groves and vineyards. This is the land of some of Italy’s best known D.O.C. (quality controlled) wines, which include Orvieto, Chianti and Brunello di Montalcin. Afterwards, enjoy lunch, consisting of traditional local dishes. In the early afternoon you will continue your journey and drive along the shores of Lake Trasimeno. Finally, reach Assisi, which is located at the foot of Mount Subasio. Assisi is famous for being St. Francis' birthplace. You will see the Church of St. Claire, St Francis’ birthplace and his childhood home, the Townhall Square. Around the Townhall Square, you will see the People’s Palace and the Roman Temple dedicated to Minerva. One highlight of the tour will be the visit of St Francis’ Basilica, located close to the ancient city walls, with its magnificent frescoes painted between the 12th and 14th centuries. You will reach Rome around 7,30 8,00pm .

Explore Assisi on a walking tour with a guide who will tell you about the history, art, and local traditions of one of the most famous hill towns of Italy. Meet your guide and head to the ruins of the ancient Roman amphitheater, which was later put to use in the Middle Ages as a quarry for stone to build local houses. See how the amphitheater later was turned into a private neighborhood. From this vantage point, the view of the Rocca Maggiore medieval castle is one of the best in the city. Continuing along narrow alleys and through medieval squares you’ll reach the Cathedral of Saint Rufino Cathedral, the Basilica of Saint Claire, and Piazza del Comune, the main city square. At the square you’ll see the Minerva temple, one of the best-preserved Roman temples in Italy. It is surrounded by imposing medieval government buildings. The tour then continues on to the Saint Francis Basilica, which is well known for its 13th and 14th-century frescoes created by Italian masters of the time, including Giotto.

Discover the heart of Umbria and explore the medieval town of Orvieto and the city of Assisi on a guided day trip from Florence. Visit the major sights in each city with a guide before enjoying free time to explore and shop at your leisure. After a scenic bus ride from Florence, arrive at the city of Orvieto. See the Duomo and marvel at its Gothic architecture, complete with precious mosaics and sculptures. Step inside the cathedral to gaze at its colorful stained-glass windows and coveted artwork (ticket not included). Continue to Saint Patrick’s Well and access the depths of the well with the two helical ramps for a truly unique experience (ticket not included). Lose yourself in the narrow alleys, explore the local squares lined with artisan shops and cafes, and admire the medieval architecture all around you. After some free time, return to the fully-fitted GT Coach and head to Assisi, one of Umbria’s most fascinating borgos. Follow your guide through this holy city, navigating its steep, winding alleys. Explore the famous Basilica of Saint Francis, home to some of the best-preserved frescoes painted by Giotto, Pietro Lorenzetti, Simone Martini, and Cimabue. Next, make your way to the Basilica of Saint Clare, one of the first followers of Saint Francis and founder of the Order of Poor Ladies. After the guided tour, enjoy free time to go shopping in the local small stores or simply unwind in the main square, sipping on a good coffee and taking in the ambiance. Before returning to Florence, stop by the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels, a majestic church built on top of the Porziuncola, where the Franciscan movement originally started. Finally, relax during your return transfer to Florence.

Experience a unique emotion on board the Ape Calessino to admire the city's major monuments: Basilica of Santa Chiara, Chiesa Nuova (birthplace of San Francesco), Piazza del Comune and Minerva. Roman Amphitheater, Rocca Maggiore, Cathedral of San Rufino, Piazza Vescovado and the Basilica of San Francesco

A wonderful experience. Loved and portrayed by many artists, inevitably impressed in the hearts of all travelers, the Pantheon is not only the most beautiful example of ancient architectural harmony, but it is also the evidence of continuity between Paganism and Christianity which was sealed with the yielding of the sanctuary in 608 to Pope Boniface IV by the Byzantine Emperor Foca. The Pantheon is linked to beautiful legends, mostly related to evil matters, like the legend that claims that Satan himself !! Our audio guide is not only a full Pantheon audio guide with more than 10 audio descriptions and indoor map but a complete audio guide to explore Rome: from the Pantheon to Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Navona, Fontana di trevi and other iconic Rome monuments and church enjoying historical information, stories and anecdotes. We will be glad to take you on a journey to discover the most beautiful city in the world. After the visit to Pantheon with our 20 minutes audio description , find the Caravaggio paints in San Luigi dei Francesi and S.Maria del Popolo, Michelangelo Redentore in Santa Maria sopra Minerva , Bernini statues in Piazza Navona ,listening to more than 20 audio descriptions. And don't forget to throw a coin in the Trevi fountain if you want to be sure of returning to the eternal city!

Our tour begins at the Basilica of St. Clare, a majestic Gothic church dedicated to St. Clare, the founder of the Poor Clares and a close companion of St. Francis. Admire its striking pink and white stone façade, sourced from Mount Subasio, and step inside to marvel at the simplicity of its interior. Here, you'll find the Crucifix of San Damiano, which is said to have spoken to St. Francis, inspiring his spiritual journey. Don't miss the peaceful crypt housing St. Clare's relics. Next, we’ll walk to the Piazza del Comune, the vibrant main square of Assisi. This bustling hub is lined with charming medieval buildings and lively cafes. At its heart stands the Temple of Minerva, a remarkable Roman temple built in the 1st century BCE. Its well-preserved Corinthian columns are a stunning contrast to the medieval structures surrounding it. Today, the temple houses the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, blending ancient Roman and Christian influences seamlessly. Finally, we arrive at the Basilica of St. Francis, the crown jewel of Assisi and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This architectural masterpiece is divided into the Upper and Lower Basilicas, each offering unique treasures. The Upper Basilica boasts stunning frescoes by Giotto, depicting the life of St. Francis with vivid detail and emotional depth. Descend to the Lower Basilica, where dimly lit chapels create an atmosphere of reverence, and visit the crypt containing the tomb of St. Francis himself. As you stroll through Assisi’s cobbled streets, you'll feel the enduring legacy of its saints and artists. This tour not only showcases the town’s spiritual significance but also its role as a cradle of art and culture. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories and a renewed sense of peace.

Giano dell'Umbria is a charming medieval village in the "green heart" of Italy. It overlooks a beautiful silver landscape of olive trees. It’s a place with a perfect ecological balance where people have always lived in harmony with nature. The extraction of olive oil is an ancient rite full of symbolism, which repeats every year in a magic of history, culture, tradition and folklore. The Del Sero family lives in Moriano, a couple of km from Giano, and it has been growing olive trees and producing extra virgin olive oil for generations. The Del Sero olive oil is extracted with the traditional method of first cold pressing, with granite millstones and hydraulic presses, in a recently-built plant which blends well with the surrounding landscape. The Oil mill has production and bottling units as well as spacious rooms for guests. A protected pathway allows to oversee all stages of the production process, and a large hall can easily accommodate large groups of pople in a warm atmosphere. Guests can also enjoy more than 2,000 square meters of green areas dotted with ancient olive trees, the “millstone square” and a spacious parking lot. The Frantoio is easily accessible and well connected to the main national highways. You get here quickly from the center of major towns (Rome 1,5 hours - Florence 2 hr - Ancona 1,5 hr -Perugia 40). And it is within easy reach of the main regional tourist destinations (Spoleto, Assisi, Todi, Montefalco, Bevagna, Spello...). Guests will enjoy an emotional experience, discovering the World of Olive Oil, learning about its history and culture and appreciating its beneficial effects on health and taste. DISCOVER THE WORLD OF OLIVE OIL Our proposal includes a guided tour of the Oil Mill with speaker (English/French): - How olive oil is born: detailed description of all stages of the production process, from the fruit to the oil, using the traditional method of first cold pressing (granite millstones and hydraulic presses). Comparison with other extraction methods; How a very high quality olive oil is born: description of methods adopted in the various stages of the production and storage process, which directly affect the quality of olive oil; Q&A. We have two options for tasting: 1) Option 1 Bruschettas prepared on the spot with wood-fired bread: - Classical (olive oil and salt); - Garlic (olive oil, salt, garlic). Beverages: - Red wine (1 glass); - Water. 2) Option 2 Tasting: Mix of bruschettas prepared on the spot with wood-fired bread: - Classical (olive oil and salt); - Garlic (olive oil, salt, garlic); - Arugula and shaved Parmesan cheese; - Truffle sauce. Charcuterie and cheese board (I.e. salami, capocollo, prosciutto, local pecorino cheese). Beverages: - Red wine (1 glass); - Water. Both proposals can be adjusted to specific needs upon request. We are happy to accompany our guests to beautiful nearby sites that are worth a visit (ie: Morcicchia Castle, San Felice Abbey, centuries-old Macciano olive tree).