The Heart of Italy
The Heart of Italy
The Heart of Italy
The Heart of Italy

The Heart of Italy

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Journey to the green heart of Italy and explore the unspoilt regions of Tuscany and Umbria. These regions offer an incredible mix of culture and cuisine, of medieval hill towns, beautiful pastoral countryside and amazing regional food and wine. Admire honey-stoned churches and cathedrals, ancient castles, stunning landscapes and high snow-capped mountains during this charming 8 day tour.

Day 1: Rome – Orvieto

Upon arrival at either Rome airport or Civitavecchia port you will be met by a local operator and transferred to the train station for departure to Orvieto. Famed the world over for its stunning Duomo (cathedral), Orvieto is an incredibly beautiful site atop an isolated butte of volcanic material.

Day 2: Orvieto - Pitigliano – Civita di Bagnoregio – Orvieto (B)

Full day excursion by private car with driver to Pitigliano and Civita di Bagnoregio. Pitigliano is perched atop a volcanic tuff ridge. Its unmistakable skyline makes it stand out from kilometres away and gives Pitigliano a surreal charm. It is also known as Little Jerusalem. Civita di Bagnoregio was founded during the Etruscan era and is known as “the dying town” because it might disappear due to the fragile plateau of friable volcanic tuff where it lies.

Day 3: Orvieto – Cortona (B)

Travel by train to Cortona, the village which was the set of the famous book and movie “Under the Tuscan Sun”. It is particularly charming for having preserved many of its distinctive heritage sites including various Palazzi, the Cathedral, the Diocesan Museum, and the Church of Saint Francis. Accommodation in Cortona.

Day 4: Cortona – Perugia (B)

This morning take the train to Perugia, approximately 40 minutes travel time. Perugia is the seat of one of Italy’s oldest universities, founded in 1308, and it has a lively atmosphere both day and night. Its main square is a superb architectural complex with the Cathedral, the Fontana Maggiore, the Palazzo dei Priori, and the Collegio del Cambio. Following Corso Vannucci you will reach the panoramic gardens, built on the foundations of the Rocca Paolina - a dead city similar to a medieval Pompei. You can visit an artistic hand weaving laboratory-museum located in the first Franciscan church in Perugia, or the artistic windows at the Studio Moretti Caselli.

Day 5: Perugia – Gubbio – Assissi – Perugia (B)

Full day excursion by private car to Gubbio and Assisi. Gubbio, one of the oldest villages in Umbria with settlements in the surrounds dating to the Bronze Age reached its full splendour in the Middle Ages: The Cathedral, the Consul’s Palace (symbol of the town), and the Ducal Palace are just some of the attractions that testify to Gubbio's status as a jewel of Umbria. Next you will reach Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis and St. Clare. The most popular tourist attraction is by far the Basilica del Santo, preserving many exquisite paintings with Giotto’s frescoes being the most prominent among them. Strolling through Assisi’s streets one cannot fail to notice how the town has managed to retain its original medieval character. Take in the beautiful views, especially from the square in front of the Church of St. Clare with the very same cross that is said to have spoken to St. Francis.

Day 6: Perugia – Spello – Bevagna – Montefalco – Perugia (B)

A quick 10 minutes by train from Perugia and you will be in Spello, a pink-stoned village lying on the slopes of Monte Subasio, on the opposite side of Assisi. The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore displays a number of frescoes by Perugino, and the Baglioni Chapel is decorated with a cycle of frescoes by Pinturicchio along with a self-portrait of the artist himself. A private car will take you to visit the charming medieval villages of Bevagna and Montefalco, also known as The Balcony of Umbria - a tribute to its lofty position and the stunning panorama. Here you can visit a winery and sample the Sagrantino, the wine produced in Montefalco that has achieved international renown. Private transfer back to Perugia at the end of the day

Day 7: Perugia – Rome (B)

Morning departure by train to Rome with the trip taking 2 hours and 50 minutes. If you have already been to Rome, we suggest you follow famous trails discovering some of the treasures often overlooked on first visits. Sites we suggest include the Church of Santa Maria del Popolo with the Chigi Chapel painted by Raphael, and the Cerasi Chapel with two spectacular paintings from Caravaggio. Heading to Piazza Navona and the Pantheon you can visit the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi, preserving more paintings from Caravaggio. You can end your tour at the Garden of Oranges to admire a beautiful view of St. Peter’s dome through what is known as the “keyhole”. If you are more interested in Roman art, do not miss a visit to the Domus Aurea close to the Coliseum and since you are there take a chance to admire Michelangelo’s Moses in the church of San Pietro in Vincoli.

Day 8: Rome (B)

One last chance to experience Rome before your private transfer to the airport and your onward flight.

Tour Inclusions:

  • Private transfer from the airport to the train station in Rome
  • Train tickets Rome - Orvieto
  • 2 nights’ accommodation in Orvieto in a double room with breakfast
  • 2 hour private guided tour of Orvieto
  • Full day tour with English speaking driver to Pitigliano and Civita di Bagnoregio from Orvieto
  • Train tickets Orvieto - Cortona
  • 1 night accommodation in Cortona in a double room with breakfast
  • Train tickets Cortona Terontola - Perugia
  • 3 nights’ accommodation in Perugia in a double room with breakfast
  • 2 hour private guided tour of Perugia
  • Full day tour to Gubbio and Assisi by private car with driver
  • Train tickets Perugia – Spello
  • Half day tour to Bevagna and Montefalco by private car with driver
  • Train tickets Perugia - Rome
  • 1 night accommodation in Rome in a double room with breakfast
  • Private transfer from the hotel to the airport in Rome

Tour Exclusions:

  • International airfares
  • Optional tours and excursions
  • Tourist tax to be paid to the hotels
  • Porterage
  • Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
  • Personal Expenses
  • Departure taxes
  • Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
  • Visas (unless specified)
  • Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above

Accommodation based on the below or similar

Orvieto

Palazzo Piecolomimi OR Badia di Orvieto

Cortona

Hotel Villa Marsili OR Hotel San Michele

Perugia

Loconda della Posta OR Sangalio OR Sina Brufani

Rome

Britannia Hotel OR Rome Life Hotel OR Hotel Capo d'Africa

Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. Note prices usually display available discounted rates if any, (eg. Early Bird Deals if applicable). All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are valid for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.

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