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Staying in a country house
in Montefalco, a monastery in the Valnerina, a country house in Tuscany's
Val D'orcia and in Florence.
Visiting
Assisi, Spello, Spoleto, Todi, Orvieto, Bevagna, Pienza, and
Montepulciano
The itinerary is designed around yoga, personal pampering, soulful
art, holy places and walks through inspirational landscapes with visits
to UNESCO World Heritage sites. To keep us grounded we include a few
more carnal pursuits with an exploration of fine wines, rustic cuisine
and visits to Italian discount fashion shopping outlets.
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SUNDAY 13 APRIL
ARRIVAL
MONTEFALCO
BD o'night Montefalco
You will be met at Rome's Fiumicino airport at 11am 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 14 APRIL
ORIENTATION
MONTEFALCO
BD 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. 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 15 APRIL HERMITAGE TRAIL WALK
ASSISI BD o'night
Montefalco
A leisurely start with Vittoria 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 16 APRIL
SPELLO BD
o'night Montefalco
Morning yoga. Then today we visit the town of Spello, lounging on the
other side of the mountain from Assisi. Spello weaves her medieval
magic, so beautifully 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 and decorated with the love and
pride of the local ladies responsible the flower carpets on the feast
day of "Corpus Domini". We eventually arrive in
the main square where we view a hidden jewel of art from the
Renaissance; Pintoricchio'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.
Under the bells of the cathedral we can sit at one of the town's
enoteca's to enjoy an aperitive and reflect on the story of this
beautiful little town.
THURSDAY 17
APRIL TODI
BD o'night Montefalco
The olive tree is considered to be the "tree of life" and
Umbria is famous for the production of some of the worlds best, extra
virgin olive oil. The surrounding landscape is patterned by
magnificent groves of olives and today enroute we "touch" what
is considered to be the oldest olive tree in Central Italy believed to
be over 2,000 years old. We continue our journey to Todi, high up on
its three sided hill, with its wonderful views overlooking the
vale of the Tiber. We enjoy free time to browse the antique
shops and perhaps find a perch for lunch with a truely panoramic
setting. Departing Todi, our last stop today is a tiny little hill town
called Monte Castello di Vibio, famous for having the
smallest opera house in the world.
FRIDAY 18 APRIL WALK
TO BEVAGNA
B L D o'night Montefalco
This morning we enjoy a panoramic walk on foot to Bevgna 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 medieval Umbrian towns.
Both Roman and Medieval, 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.
SATURDAY 19 APRIL SPOLETO / ST.PIETRO
IN VALLE BD o'night Valnerina
We bid farewell to Montefalco, and enjoy a morning stop enroute in
Spoleto, entering into this stunning hill town on foot via the medieval
aqueduct. Enjoy some free time exploring Spoleto. Continuing our
drive we enter the mystical valley called the "Valnerina",
one of Umbria best kept secrets. Our hotel is an 8th century Abbey
recently converted into a unique spa hotel. The incredible
position of the abbey, provides an amazing setting and
base. After lunch at the hotel 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, perhaps a sauna or massage to complete the day or relax
under the arches of the refectory to the sounds of Vivaldi, Mozart or
Bach. We dine tonight on the local speciality of freshly caught trout,
with shaved truffles, "black gold", from the rich surrounding
oak forests.
SUNDAY 20 APRIL ORVIETO/ SATURNIA
SPA BD
o'night Saturnia Spa
We awaken in the monastery to a "dream in green", a
sacred place and an unforgettable setting in which we enjoy yoga, with
the music of birdsong evocative of the sounds of nature so loved by
Saint Francis. After a leisurely breakfast we drive to Orvieto.
Sitting spectacularly on a pedestal of volcanic tufa, Orvieto is a
monument to the "miracle of the Corpus Christie". The
stunning cathedral is considered to be one of the greatest cathedrals
in Italy. The mosaic facade and incredible stories in stone
sculptured over 700 years ago share how the people viewed life and
death. We can see the sacred Corporale of the miracle and
view one of the most powerful fresco cycles by Luca Signorelli painted
30 years before Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel. After
lunch in the town we drive on to our Spa destination at Saturnia, in
time for a swim in the warm sulphurous thermal waters of this miracle
place. The waters pour forth at 800 litres per second at 37 degrees
into a huge pool which forms the centre piece of the hotel grounds.
There are hot cascades or you can book into a mud beauty or mud health
treatment at their clinic. Otherwise you can just float the afternoon
away.
MONDAY 21 APRIL SATURNIA THERMAL
SPA B
o'night Saturnia Spa
We have the full day today to indulge in treatments, massages, yoga
and of course the gloriously restful thermal waters.
TUESDAY 22 APRIL BAGNO VIGNONI /LA
FOCE B
D o'night Val d'Orcia
A leisurely drive this morning to "La Foce" enjoying a
stop at the tiny medieval spa hamlet Bagno Vignoni famous for it's hot
springs. In a movie like setting we enjoy the curative effects of
the hot thermal waters. We head to 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"!.
WEDNESDAY 23 APRIL PIENZA,
MONTEPULCIANO
BL o'night Val d'Orcia
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.
THURSDAY 24 APRIL DESIGNER SHOPPING
OUTLETS
BD o'night Florence
Today the serious therapy begins. "Retail therapy" at
the designer outlets including Prada, Gucci and Ferragamo" - all
the famous Italian designer names - hunting for a label and a bargain
before continuing towards Florence. Making a quick photo stop at
the "Piazza Michelangelo" to feast our eyes on the Panorama
that is Florence, the city of the Renaissance with it's terracotta
rooftops and the skyline dominated by the Duomo. Then we head to our
centrally located hotel to settle in and get ready for another culinary
delight at our favourite Florentine restaurant.
FRIDAY 25 APRIL
FLORENCE
B o'night Florence
This morning we enjoy a walking tour with our local guide through the
colourful San Lorenzo markets towards the main cathedral and the famous
gates of paradise. As we continue we stop at the straw
markets, before arriving at the main square, Piazza Signoria, to
view the original setting for Michelangelo's magnificent David.
Orientated to the city you are free to enjoy the rest of the day at
leisure. A guided optional gallery visit to the San Lorenzo chapel
to see Michelangelo's spectacular "dawn and dusk, night and
day" with the illusion to life and death and the strength of the
spirit will be offered.
SATURDAY 26 APRIL
FLORENCE
B D o'night Florence
We stroll across the famous Ponte Vecchio, the bridge of gold, toward
the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens, where we enjoy yoga in a
renaissance garden setting. Afterwards, a guided tour of this
incredible Palace and treasures. The rest of the day is once again free
to indulge in the many temptations including famous Florentine leather
and gold or perhaps an optional gallery visit to the Bargello museum to
see the powerful sculptures by Donatello, Michelangelo, Cellini. Our
final dinner in a favourite city restaurant.
SUNDAY 27 APRIL DEPARTURE FROM FLORENCE AIRPORT/TRAIN STATION
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Transfers from
Rome's Fiumicino Airport and to Florence Airport / station
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All land
travel within Italy by air-conditioned coach
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Accommodation and
breakfasts for fourteen nights
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Lunch and/or
dinner as indicated on the itinerary with excellent fresh local produce
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A total of
five included beauty or relaxation treatments
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Morning yoga
classes in Umbria & Tuscany. Yoga mats provided
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A shopping
trip to an Italian designer outlet village
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Wine tastings in Montefalco & in
Montepulciano
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Visits to Assisi, Spello, Spoleto, La
Foce, Sant Antimo, Pienza, Montepulciano
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Tours of the
famous Villa and gardens of La Foce
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Admission to
all galleries, museums and historical sites included in the itinerary
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The services
of the tour leader throughout the tour
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