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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 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 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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