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SUNDAY 03 MAY ARRIVAL MONTEFALCO L D o'night Montefalco
You will be met at Rome's Fiumicino airport at 10.30am for transfer to our accommodation at the Fabrizi estate near Montefalco. A late lunch on arrival and time for a siesta before coming together again for a relaxing dinner at the accommodation.
MONDAY 04 MAY ORIENTATION MONTEFALCO B L D o'night Montefalco
We greet the Umbrian sun this morning with our Yoga instructor Vittoria de Maio, poised on a stunning terrace with inspirational vistas over this timeless landscape. Today is market day in Montefalco, and an introduction to the food and artisan traditions of the town prepares us for our free time to enjoy the colourful lively atmosphere of the market place. Lunch at the accommodation.
Treatment#1: This afternoon it's time for a little indulgence and pampering as you are offered a choice of relaxing treatments to erase any vestiges of jet lag. Choose from Ayurvedic massage, reflexology, facial, pedicure or manicure. Later in the afternoon we gather for a soulful wine tasting of Montefalco's famous award winning Sagrantino wines. The Sagrantino dry red won Italy's award for the best wine of 1998 but its production in local monasteries can be traced back to the early middle ages, and a sweet version produced from Sagrantino raisins was the favourite of the Vatican for the holy wine of their mass. At dinner, we enjoy the superb cooking of local chef, Patrizia at the trattoria Alchimista in Montefalco's charming main piazza.
TUESDAY 05 MAY HERMITAGE TRAIL WALK ASSISI B D o'night Montefalco
A leisurely start before we begin our discovery of the spiritual aspects of the Umbrian Valley by following in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi, Italy's most beloved Saint. We enjoy a panoramic walk in the countryside along the "Hermitage Trail", part of the pilgrim's walk connected to Assisi. Afterwards a guided stroll through the town allows us to feel the special aura of this place, with its hidden corners, devotional shrines and the famous frescoes of the life of St Francis.
WEDNESDAY 06 MAY SPELLO & SPOLETO B D o'night Montefalco
Morning yoga. Then today we visit the
medieval town of Spello, dressed in the same pink and cream stone as Assisi. We enter through the main Roman gates under the gazes of toga clad statues to begin a stroll along the hidden backlanes, adorned with flower clad balconies.
We view a hidden jewel of art from the Renaissance; Pinturicchio's
"Annunciation", one of the most soulful depictions of the Madonna, not to
mention the fabulous green silk frock of the angel. You will be introduced
to the general symbolism of the annunciation scene, and its many
representations. In the afternoon we travel the short distance to Spoleto, entering into this stunning hill town on foot via the medieval aqueduct. Enjoy some free time exploring Spoleto.
THURSDAY 07 MAY WALK TO BEVAGNA B L D o'night Montefalco
This morning we enjoy a panoramic walk to Bevagna passing the beautiful vineyards and olive groves synonymous with the area and a characteristic part of the Umbrian patchwork landscape. Bevagna is another surprise in the treasure trove of Umbrian towns. Originally Roman, it has one of the most evocative main squares leading onto the shopping street lined with artisan shops and traditional crafts. We drive up into the hills behind Bevagna for a picnic lunch with a local family. Treatment#2:
In the afternoon you can select from a range of
treatments at Montefalco's beautician. Dinner at the accommodation
FRIDAY 08 MAY CHOCOLATES
IN PERUGIA B L D o'night Montefalco
We pass the morning resolving the mysteries of
chocolate making at a cooking class at Perugino the makers of Italian
Baci chocolates. In the afternoon we have free time in Umbria's largest town
to
walk through the underground medieval quarter or to visit to the
frescoes of Perugino and the treasures of the Umbrian National Gallery, visit the Etruscan well
or the
extraordinary Etruscan Gate.
SATURDAY 09 MAY DERUTA B L D o'night Montefalco
A ceramics centre since the Middle Ages,
Deruta is characterised by the dramatically colourful maiolica ceramics
designs which are abundant in all of the 270 shops and outlets. Wonderful
patterns, with fine decorative detail beckon us to lose ourselves for
the rest of the afternoon.
SUNDAY 10 MAY ST.PIETRO IN VALLE B L D o'night Valnerina
We bid farewell to Montefalco, and enter the mystical valley called the "Valnerina", one of Umbria's best kept secrets. Our accommodation is in an 8th century Abbey recently converted into a unique spa hotel. The incredible position of the abbey, provides an amazing setting and base.
Treatment #3;
an Ayurvedic massage or an option to do sauna followed by a relaxing
prosecco on the lawn.
We dine tonight on the local speciality of freshly caught trout, with shaved truffles, "black gold", from the rich surrounding oak forests. Dinner
at accommodation.
MONDAY 11 MAY
VALNERINA WALK B D o'night Valnerina
We awaken in the
monastery to a "dream in green", a sacred place and an unforgettable setting
in which we enjoy yoga, and birdsong evocative of the sounds of nature so
loved by Saint Francis.
From here we take a suggestive walk through the countryside to Umbriano, a small abandoned mountaintop village. The slow paths we use have been well trodden over the centuries by the monks and hermits immersed in contemplation. Upon returning relax under the arches of the refectory.
Dinner at
accommodation.
TUESDAY 12 MAY ORVIETO/ SATURNIA SPA B D o'night Saturnia Spa
After a leisurely
breakfast we drive to Orvieto to spend our morning exploring the charming
artisan shops, tour exquisite Duomo and the famous gelato!In the afternoon we drive on to our Spa destination at Saturnia, in time for a swim in the warm sulphurous thermal waters. The waters pour forth at 800 litres per second at 38 degrees into a huge pool which forms the centre piece of the hotel grounds.
Treatment #4; A mud beauty or mud health treatment has been reserved for as part of your itinerary. Then you can just float the rest of afternoon away.
WEDNESDAY 13 MAY
SATURNIA THERMAL SPA B o'night Saturnia Spa
Treatment #5; Choose from a list of mud or beauty treatments.
Then we have the full day today to indulge in a range of optional treatments, massages, yoga and of course the gloriously restful thermal waters.
THURSDAY 14 MAY
SATURNIA THERMAL SPA B D
o'night Saturnia Spa
Treatment #6; One more day of total indulgence at the
Saturnia Spa baths
FRIDAY
15 MAY BAGNO VIGNONI /LA FOCE BL o'night Bagno Vignoni
A leisurely drive this morning to the tiny medieval spa hamlet Bagno Vignoni famous for it's hot springs. We visit La Foce Villa, once home to "Iris Origo" and still privately owned by the family. We are privileged to enjoy a tour through one of the most important renaissance style gardens capturing the backdrop of the Valley and then to the tiny family cemetery. The beautiful countryside scenery is the essence of Tuscany, we slowly travel along country roads to our destination. We return to our accommodation and enjoy the sunset through their cypress lined views with aperitive
or glass red wine in hand, "la dolce vita. We depart for the "San Antimo", one of the finest Romanesque churches in Tuscany where we enjoy Gregorian chanting by the monks. Then, we continue to the town of Pienza, Unesco World Heritage and conceived by Pope Pius 2nd, who transformed his humble home into the first Renaissance town. Local Pecorino cheese is a speciality, as we stroll past gourmet shops displaying their local products providing great temptation for lunch.
SATURDAY
16 MAY PIENZA B D o'night Bagno Vignoni
We depart for the "San Antimo", one of the finest Romanesque churches in
Tuscany where we enjoy Gregorian chanting by the monks. Then, we
continue to the tiny dolls house town of Pienza, also Unesco World
Heritage and conceived by Pope Pius 2nd, Piccolomini, who transformed
his humble home into the first Renaissance town. Local Pecorino cheese
is a speciality, as we stroll past gourmet shops displaying their local
products providing great temptation for lunch. Finally we return via
Montepulciano, Tuscany's highest hilltop town for an opportunity to
taste their famous "Nobile" wine and enjoy the artisan boutiques whilst
heading to the top of the hill.
SUNDAY 26 APRIL DEPARTURE
Transfer to Rome's Fiumicino Airport is provided as part of the tour package. Transport into Rome's historical centre can be arranged but there may be additional charges. |
