Italy’s Timeless Heart: Umbria, Urbino, San Marino & Bologna Small Group Tour - 11 Days/10 Nights

Your journey into the beautiful landscapes of Central Italy begins when you leave the Eternal City. Travel with your tour manager and fellow travelers to Civita di Bagnoregio, an extraordinary medieval village perched upon a plateau of volcanic rock and surrounded by the deep valleys of the Calanchi. Connected to the mainland by only a pedestrian bridge, Civita rises from the landscape, almost as if it is suspended in midair. We have time to cross the bridge and explore the village at our own pace, following its narrow lanes into small piazzas and discovering the ancient stone houses that give Civita its character. Continue through the Umbrian countryside to Spoleto, where we will settle in for the first four nights. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax and settle into your new surroundings. In the evening, we will come together for a welcome aperitivo and dinner at a traditional local restaurant, our first opportunity to experience the flavors, wines and convivial spirit of Umbria.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch on your own, dinner included

Accommodation: Overnight in Spoleto

Today, we discover Spoleto. With more than 3,000 years of history, Spoleto has been shaped by Umbrians, Romans, Lombards, emperors and popes, each leaving their mark on the city. Accompanied by our local guide, we explore its historic centre, moving through elegant piazzas and ancient streets while uncovering layers of history. Among the city’s highlights are the magnificent Cathedral of Spoleto with its Romanesque façade and richly decorated interior, the historic center, and the Ponte delle Torri that stretches across the valley below. Cap off the visit with a tasting of local delicacies and regional wines at a traditional vineria. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Visit one of Spoleto’s museums, browse the small local shops, or simply settle into a café and live like a local for an afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Spoleto

Explore Bevagna, a beautifully preserved medieval town with a wonderfully authentic atmosphere. Stroll through its narrow streets to Piazza Silvestri, the heart of the town, surrounded by medieval buildings and Romanesque churches. Continue to Montefalco, known as the “Balcony of Umbria” for its sweeping views across vineyards, olive groves and the Umbrian valley. Visit a family-run winery in the countryside, meet the producers and discover the traditions behind the area’s celebrated Sagrantino di Montefalco wines, followed by a guided tasting and light Umbrian lunch. In the afternoon, explore Montefalco’s historic center, with time to wander its picturesque streets, visit Piazza del Comune and enjoy the magnificent views before returning to Spoleto in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast & lunch included, dinner on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Spoleto

This morning we leave Spoleto for a wonderful day excursion to Orvieto, dramatically positioned on a great plateau of volcanic rock overlooking the Umbrian countryside. Accompanied by our local guide, we explore the atmospheric historic centre, wandering through medieval streets and picturesque piazzas before arriving at the magnificent Cathedral of Orvieto, one of Italy’s great Gothic masterpieces. Its extraordinary façade, decorated with mosaics, sculptures and intricate details, is among the most spectacular in Italy. But part of Orvieto’s fascinating story lies beneath our feet. We descend into Orvieto Underground, discovering a hidden network of caves, tunnels, wells and chambers carved into the volcanic rock over thousands of years. This remarkable underground world provides a fascinating insight into how generations of Orvietans lived and adapted to their unusual surroundings. There will be time for lunch independently and some free time to browse Orvieto’s artisan shops or simply enjoy its beautiful streets and piazzas. During the afternoon, we return through the Umbrian countryside to Spoleto for our fourth and final night.

Meals: Breakfast included, lunch & dinner on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Gubbio

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Spoleto and travel north through the Umbrian countryside towards two of the region’s most beautiful towns. Our first destination is Assisi, forever associated with St Francis and one of Italy’s most important spiritual and artistic centres. With our local guide, we explore its atmospheric medieval streets and visit the magnificent Basilica of St Francis, renowned for its extraordinary frescoes and centuries of history. We then continue to nearby Spello, a delightful walled town of honey-coloured stone houses, flower-filled balconies and narrow lanes. There will be time for lunch independently and a leisurely stroll through its historic centre before we continue deeper into Umbria. By late afternoon, we arrive in Gubbio, one of Italy’s best-preserved medieval towns and our home for the next two nights. After checking into our hotel, the evening is yours to begin discovering Gubbio’s wonderfully atmospheric streets.

Meals: Breakfast & dinner included, lunch on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Gubbio

Today we cross into the neighbouring region of Le Marche to discover Urbino, one of central Italy’s great Renaissance treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our morning centres upon the magnificent Palazzo Ducale, the extraordinary palace created for Duke Federico da Montefeltro and today home to the National Gallery of Le Marche. Its elegant courtyards, grand halls and remarkable collection of Renaissance masterpieces make this one of the most rewarding cultural visits of our journey. We also have an opportunity to admire Urbino’s cathedral and discover the birthplace of Raphael, one of the great masters of the Italian Renaissance. We then enjoy an included lunch in a traditional Urbino tavern, a welcoming local restaurant that has been enjoyed by our groups for many years. During the afternoon, we return to Gubbio, where another memorable experience awaits. We board the town’s wonderfully unusual open “bird-cage” funivia, climbing high above the rooftops towards Mount Ingino. At the summit, magnificent views stretch across Gubbio and the surrounding countryside. Here we visit the Basilica of Sant’Ubaldo, dedicated to Gubbio’s beloved patron saint and home to the famous Ceri used during the centuries-old Festa dei Ceri.

Meals: Breakfast & lunch included, dinner on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Bologna

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Gubbio and journey north towards one of Europe’s most fascinating destinations: the tiny independent Republic of San Marino. Rising dramatically on the slopes of Mount Titano, San Marino is surrounded entirely by Italy yet has maintained its independence for centuries. With our local guide, we explore its UNESCO-listed historic centre, discovering medieval lanes, fortified walls, elegant squares and panoramic terraces while learning about the traditions and institutions that have allowed this remarkable little republic to preserve its independence. There will be free time for lunch and independent exploration before we continue into Emilia-Romagna. By late afternoon, we arrive in Bologna, where we check into our centrally located hotel for our final four nights. After settling in, join our Tour Manager for a gentle introductory stroll beneath Bologna’s famous porticoes, followed by a traditional aperitivo – a fitting introduction to a city famous throughout Italy for its conviviality and cuisine.

Meals: Breakfast included, lunch & dinner on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Bologna

Today we discover the historic heart and irresistible flavours of Bologna, affectionately known as La Dotta, La Grassa e La Rossa – the Learned, the Fat and the Red. Accompanied by our local guide, we begin in magnificent Piazza Maggiore, the monumental heart of the city, before discovering the Basilica of San Petronio and the surrounding medieval streets. We continue beneath Bologna’s celebrated porticoes and into the colourful Quadrilatero, the city’s historic food market, where generations of merchants have sold some of Emilia-Romagna’s finest produce. Our sightseeing gradually becomes a culinary experience, with tastings along the way showcasing the specialities for which Bologna and the surrounding region are famous. Depending on the season and our chosen producers, these may include mortadella, Parmigiano Reggiano, handmade pasta, traditional breads and regional wine. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are free to explore Bologna independently.

Meals: Breakfast & lunch included, dinner on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Bologna

Today takes us into the heart of Emilia-Romagna, beginning in elegant Parma, a city where art, music and gastronomy come beautifully together. With our local guide, we explore Piazza Duomo, the magnificent Cathedral, the pink-marble Baptistery, and the remarkable wooden Teatro Farnese. A delicious highlight follows with an included lunch celebrating Parma’s legendary cuisine, featuring regional favourites such as Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano Reggiano and handmade pasta, accompanied by local wine. Our journey continues to Modena, where we discover its impressive UNESCO-listed centre, including Piazza Grande, the Cathedral and Ghirlandina Tower. We then experience one of Modena’s greatest traditions with a visit to a family-run acetaia, learning the fascinating art of ageing Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena and enjoying a tasting. A memorable day filled with art, history and the irresistible flavours of Emilia-Romagna, before returning to Bologna for an evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast & lunch included, dinner on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Bologna

The morning is free to enjoy Bologna independently, with time to revisit the Quadrilatero, browse the shops beneath the porticoes, visit a museum or church, or relax at a café. Lunch is on your own before we meet our Tour Manager in the early afternoon and head to an elegant private home for a hands-on Bolognese cooking experience. Our local hosts introduce us to traditional cooking techniques, with a focus on Bologna’s famous handmade pasta, before we sit down together to enjoy the dishes we have prepared with local wine. This farewell dinner brings the journey to a close with good food and one final evening together in Bologna.

Meals: Breakfast & dinner included, lunch on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Bologna

After breakfast, our journey through the heart of central Italy comes to an end. Transfers can be arranged to Bologna Airport according to the group’s onward travel arrangements. We say arrivederci after a memorable journey through the hill towns of Umbria, the Renaissance splendor of Urbino, the mountaintop Republic of San Marino and the wonderful food and culture of Emilia-Romagna.

Meals: Breakfast