UMBRIA: THE GREEN HEART OF ITALY: 6 DAYS- PERUGIA- ASSISI- GUBBIO-WATERFALLS

It is no coincidence that Umbria is commonly known as the green heart of Italy. Geographically speaking, this region is really the heart of the peninsula: nestled between Lazio, Tuscany, Marche, Abruzzo and Campania, it seems to be embraced by all the regions of central Italy and for this reason its position is extremely strategic to those who plan a 360-degree visit to the central belt of the Bel Paese. And certainly the nickname of "green heart" comes from the naturalistic richness of the region. The small towns of the region, each one rich in history, traditions and beautiful architecture, are set in naturalistic scenography made of hilly and mountainous areas and rich waterways that run through them. At the top of the list of natural wonders of the region, Lake Trasimeno and the beautiful Marmore waterfalls cannot be missed. But the Umbrian richness is also in its medieval villages, rich in tradition, with the numerous castles visible along the road, strongholds of the nobility of old times and of course all the ecclesiastical architecture linked to the Franciscan tradition of Assisi: one of the most popular destinations in the region for pilgrims and non-pilgrims. Finally, a long tradition of a people born and raised in a landlocked region that has given rise to an economy of pastoralism and agriculture whose excellent products are well known and appreciated all over the Country and beyond. And finally: let’s talk about chocolate! Perugia, the capital city of Umbria, is the city of chocolate hosts the headquarters of Perugina, a local brand exported all over the world. How not to carve out a space to savor the aromatic and warm taste of this chocolate. During the free moments that you have left between one activity and another, take the opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful villages in the region on your own: Todi, Spello, Norcia, Cascia, Rasiglia and if the season allows it, relax with a walk along Lake Trasimeno or visit its tiny main island, a small jewel immersed in the waters of the lake still inhabited by less than 10 inhabitants!

Day 1: Arrival to Perugia

Arrival to Perugia and check-in to the assigned hotel. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Assisi- Montefalco- Winery tour - Tasting

In the morning you will enjoy a private tour to explore the rich culture and history of Assisi, birthplace of one of Italy's most famous patron saints, St. Francis. Along the way,  you will have the opportunity to admire ancient Roman ruins and get up close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Walk through the city's oldest neighborhoods, admiring the ruins of the Roman amphitheater that still stand strong today. These ruins are perfectly integrated among the medieval houses that are still inhabited by the locals today. Then, admire the city from a different point of view than the medieval Rocca Maggiore. Afterwards, the guide walk through the town to visit the Cathedral of San Rufino. Here, learn about the baptism of St. Francis in the cathedral and take your time strolling under its impressive, historic arches. Next, you will visit the Basilica of Santa Chiara and the Piazza del Comune, which is the main square of the city. Here you can admire the Temple of Minerva, one of the best preserved Roman temples in Italy, surrounded by some impressive medieval government buildings. Finally, walk through the stunning Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi with your guide. Perched atop a hill overlooking the surrounding landscape, the basilica's many arches, open plazas, and stunning 13th- and 14th-century frescoes will remain etched in your mind. At the end of the tour lasting approximately two and a half hours you can enjoy a lunch on your own. In the afternoon, go independently to visit the pretty village of Montefalco where a visit to one of the best-known wineries in the region awaits you. You can visit their vineyards and then continue into the winery to discover all the phases of the production process, from the fermentation area to the refinement area, up to bottling. Once the guided tour has concluded, you will return to the wine shop, where you can taste 3 of the most winery representative labels, accompanied by bruschetta with DOP olive oil and a small selection of typical products. Free evening. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 3: Gubbio

The morning will be dedicated to the discovery of Gubbio, another beautiful Umbrian village rich in tradition.Start your tour among the medieval architecture in Piazza Grande. Immerse yourself in sights like the Augustan-era Roman amphitheater, which once held 6,000 spectators.Listen as your guide paints a picture of Gubbio during ancient Rome. Head to the Gubbio Cathedral to admire its beautiful stained glass windows, colorful frescoes and look up at the blue ceiling on which the stars are painted.Stop for a truffle tasting to understand why the city is famous for the production of these prized mushrooms. Once the tour in Piazza Grande is over, you will have the rest of the day free to independently explore another of the beautiful villages nearby. Dinner on your own. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 4: Marmore Waterfalls

The morning will be dedicated to a naturalistic tour to discover the suggestive Marmore Falls. 165 meters high, these waterfalls are the second largest artificial waterfalls in Europe. Set in the Terni Valley, the so-called "Water Park" represents a very rich area from a naturalistic point of view. The naturalist guide you will meet will lead you through one of the paths that run along the waterfall jumps up to the summit where you can admire the 3 jumps from above. Along the way the guide will tell you anecdotes and stories about the flora and fauna that populate the park. At the end of the walk you can refresh yourself with lunch in a local restaurant and have some free time to relax. Back to Perugia. Free afternoon. Dinenr on your own. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 5: Perugia- Chocolate Factiry

The morning will be dedicated to the discovery of Perugia, the Capital city of Umbiria region. Perugia, before becoming part of the Roman Empire, underwent a long Etruscan domination still visible in the walls surrounding the city. The guide will accompany you to discover its streets, retracing the Etruscan walls to the center where the beautiful Palazzo dei Priori reigns. Along the churches of the town you can still admire the masterpieces of the greatest masters of Italian painting. In fact, it is precisely here that the deepest and most rooted pictorial tradition was born. The Perugian school gave life to the greatest exponents of Italian painting between the 15th and 16th centuries, such as Perugino and Pinturicchio. At the end of the cultural tour you will be able to enjoy a tasty local lunch and then continue the visit to the House of Chocolate. It is precisely in Perugia that Perugina, a brand known throughout the world, was born. Here you can retrace the history of the production of the master chocolatiers who made Perugina the brand we know today and obviously you can taste the best chocolate in the world. Free afternoon. Dinner on your own. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 6: Departure

Free day. Departure.

HOTEL ACCOMODATION: Perugia Park Hotel