ROMANTIC UMBRIA 2011

ROMANTIC UMBRIA - a taste of medieval life

Residing in a resored medieval Castle

Exploring the lush surrounding valleys,

ancient hill-top hamlets & fortress ruins

COMMENCING: Spoleto

FINISHING: Spoleto

DURATION: 8days/7nts

DATES 2011: 25th June - 2nd July 2011 (please email for additional dates)

COST: Euro 1685 p/p

Day 1 SPOLETO

Meet at Spoleto Stazione for transfer to the accommodation; an ivy covered Castle in a hidden Umbrian valley. This will be the base for the duration of your holiday. Spend the day familiarising yourselves with the Castle, borgo & its landscape. A walk along the countrylanes after lunch & "welcome" dinner this evening. L, D

Day 2 GUALDO CATTANEO

Today transfer to the picturesque fortressed village of Gualdo Cattaneo & walk the quiet road leading into town - during May there are vast fields of vibrant red poppies here. Lunch picnic-style & afterwards explore the town its surrounding hamlets.

Dinner this evening features local cuisine & regional produce. B, L, D

Day 3 MONTEFALCO

A leisurely breakfast this morning, then a hike to some fortress ruins nearby. This afternoon there will be free time to relax in the garden...This evening transfer to the spectacular town of Montefalco where we will visit a cantina to sample the delicious local wines...afterwards dinner at a charming restaurant in town. B, L

Day 4 COLLE COLLAZONE

This morning we transfer to a neighbouring valley for a days' walking & exploration. This particular valley is littered with the remains of abandoned villages & ancient ruins. Lunch is a picnic basket of panini & Montefalco wine. This evening we relax back at Il Castello with a dinner "a fuori" ...out-side under the vines. B, L, D

Day 5 ORVIETO

After breakfast in the garden we enjoy a scenic drive to the stupendous town of Orvieto. After an orientation walk of the main town you have free time to explore, shop & lunch at your own pace. A visit to the magnificent Duomo is an absolute must. Orvieto produces a very good white wine -a must to sample with lunch. Dine in a rustic trattoria on our way back to the Castle. B, D

Day 6 DERUTA

Today a visit to the town of Deruta - home of the famous hand-painted Umbrian ceramics. We visit a factory & showroom where you may purchase direct if you wish...& who can resist?

Shopping fix satiated, we transfer to a lovely village nearby for lunch. Aperativi & dinner at the accommodation ths evening. B, D

Day 7 BEVAGNA

We spend our last full morning together hiking the shaded paths in the hills beyond the Castle in search of wildflowers, herbs & perhaps the new season field mushrooms. The wild roses are particularly beautiful in spring - their delicate blooms fill the pathways with the most delicious fragrance. A rest after lunch, then on to lovely Bevagna where we spend the evening wandering the town & celebrate our final dinner together at an evocative trattoria.

Back to Il Castello for a night-cap in the garden. B, L

Day 8 SPOLETO

After breakfast we transfer to Spoleto Stazione where you may connect for your ongoing journey.

INCLUSIONS

• Transport/transfers as per itinerary
• Accommodation 7 nights
• Breakfast daily..4 lunches/5 dinners
• Host/guide for the duration
• Cantina visit Montefalco
• Free time in Montefalco & Orvieto
• A day hiking the Umbrian hills
• Deruta ceramic factory visit
• Bevagna farewell dinner
• Local festa's & celebrations where applicable

*Please note it is possible to condense this itinerary to 5days - please email for tariff

D e s t i n y I t a l y

" creative holidays for creative people"

Email: info@destinyitaly.net

Phone: 04 50 5222 64

MYSTICAL UMBRIA 2011

MYSTICAL UMBRIA - the pilgrim hill trails.

Walking in the footsteps of saints & pilgrims

Exploring the hill-towns of Assisi, Spello, Spoleto & Trevi.

COMMENCING: Spoleto

FINISHING: Spoleto

DURATION: 7nts/8days

DATES: 11th-18th June 2011

COST: 1685 Euro p/p

Day 1 SPOLETO

Our group meets at Spoleto Stazione & transfers to nearby Pissignano famous for it's excellent monthly "flea" market. Overnight stay in a restored water mill just outside town. Afternoon walk to the upper village where we can enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the fantastic views of the vale of Spoleto. Visit the tranquil Clitunno Springs & enjoy an evening meal in the charming garden.

B/L/D

Day 2 TREVI

Walk amongst the ancient olives high above the valley to the next village of Trevi renowned for the production of Olive Oil. Lunch in the fields along the way & pass one of the oldest olive trees in the region - a stop to view the oldest Olive tree in the region. Tonight we enjoy an aperativo at a cafe in town & a simple meal together. B/L

Day 3 SPELLO

After breakfast transfer to Spello with its spectacular architecture of pale Umbrian stone. We are based here for the next 2 nights in a charming village house. Free time this afternoon to shop & explore - then an aperativo & dinner at a rustic trattoria specialising in local cuisine. B/D

Day 4 SPELLO

A leisurely walk this morning along an evocative cypress lined path outside the town walls. The rest of the day is your own to relax at leisure. This evening we shop for ingredients to prepare a meal together back at the house. B/D

Day 5 ASSISI

After two relaxing days in Spello, we are ready to launch into this lovely, lively Assisi! Our charming small Hotel is situated in the upper town which is within walking distance to all the main points of interest. Time to yourselves to explore the magnificent museums, lunch & shop. There are some great stores here selling leather goods, ceramics & paper.

Dinner tonight at a local restaurant. B

Day 6 ASSISI

Another day to explore Assisi...so much to see! The morning is free to do whatever takes your fancy; perhaps go back for those hand-made sandals you saw yesterday? Or contemplate the spiritual & mystical side of this town. After lunch we walk to the Franciscan Hermitage atop Monte Subasio. This evening we dine at our hotel & later walk to the piazza for one last gelato & "night-cap". B/L

Day 7 ASSISI/SPOLETO

After breakfast we transfer to Spoleto & spend the morning hiking to Monteluco, the sacred mountain high above the town. Here we enjoy a picnic in the park & visit the monastery & ancient forest afterwards. *Option to lunch at a special restaurant in the park. We re-enter town via the spectacular Ponte delle Torri bridge which spans a rugged, heavily wooded ravine.

Our accommodation tonight is a convent hidden away in centro with lovely gardens & grounds.

A farewell dinner this evening at a rustic trattoria with a unique regional menu.

*Option to spend the final night in Assisi - this must be mutually agreed upon prior to the tour enabling organisation well in advance. B/D

Day 8 SPOLETO

The tour ends after breakfast this morning when we bid our farewells at the hotel & return to Spoleto Stazione. We are happy to help with any advice regarding connections for your ongoing journey...please ask in advance. B

Buon Viaggio amici!

INCLUSIONS

• 7nights accommodation in 3star Country-houses/Boutique Hotels
• Breakfast daily, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
• Transport during the tour (buses/trains)
• Host/guide for the duration
• Clitunno Springs visit
• Olive Oil tasting Trevi
• Monte Subasio walk - Assisi
• Monteluco walk - Spoleto
• Free time in Spello & Assisi
• Local festivals & celebrations where applicable

EXCLUSIONS

• Some meals - we have found due to personal tastes & dietary requirements, it is more conducive to offer individual meal choices on some days. The up-side to this arrangement is that the overall tour cost is considerably less minus some meals - to compensate on what you will spend on dining choices.
• Expect to pay approx 30 Euro p/head for a 3-4 course meal with house wine. Of course you can pay more & often even less.
• Some lunches are prepared prior to leaving the accommodation & eaten picnic-style along the way. This produce will be purchased at local markets & specialist food stores & enable us to taste the unique gastronomical specialities pertaining to the region.

*It is possible to condense this itinerary to 5days if desired - please email for tariff.

D e s t i n y I t a l y

"creative holidays for creative people"

Email: info@destinyitaly.net

Phone: 0450 5222 64

ITINERARY Information

U M B R I A

T U S C A N Y

T H E * I T A L I A N * L A K E S

DESTINY ITALY....WALKS

Discover the hidden beauty of these iconic regions with a series of intimate guided walks encompassing the peace & tranquility of spectacular rural landscapes & ambient ancient villages & towns. Destiny Italy tours are designed for like-minded individuals who enjoy sharing very specific travel experiences in small groups.

Our holiday escapes are perfect for those of you who have a great love of the outdoors & desire a certain degree of physical activity...however there are no difficult walks listed here! Instead, our walks are leisurely paced allowing you time to pursue your own particular interests. We have devised a selection of itineraries currently operational in the regions of Umbria, Tuscany & the Italian Lakes - Ticino (the northern region bordering Switzerland). However we will happily custom-design a specific programme for groups of friends or corporate colleagues catering for a special interest.

HOSTED or SELF-GUIDED

You may choose to be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who is familiar with the area or, opt for a self-guided itinerary - devised by us - where accommodation and meals are organised in advance allowing you a relaxing walk between overnight stops.

PARTICIPATION

When participating in any of our self-guided walks, we advise you to carry the smallest amount of luggage as possible, in the form of a backpack containing a few clothing changes. Heavier luggage can usually be easily stored at your incoming hotel & collected on your return, after the tour is complete (*we can advise you in detail regarding this).

Good walking shoes are an absolute must & we also advise that you take out suitable travel insurance before you leave home. Serious walkers, feel free to bring along your favorite alpenstock!

*Groups consist of no more than 8 participants & this ensures a lively dynamic within the group. Indeed, many of our past guests have been delighted to have established lasting personal & business connections as a result of meeting up with people on our tours.

*We generally cover approximately at least 5km per day on foot & you have the choice to walk further if you wish. The paths we follow may feature a slight incline, the detailed itinerary will state this.

*A back-up vehicle is available at all times for those of you desiring a rest & participation is at your discretion. This vehicle will transport luggage for guests on a guided itinerary.

ITINERARIES

Destiny Italy itineraries may vary slightly from season to season as we are constantly adding what we consider new, desirable & interesting content. Sample itineraries are listed in the side bar however please do email or phone us for further updated information regarding the region that interests you most.

ACCOMMODATION

You will be accommodated in what we consider the most charming examples of the region...most likely, restored country houses & small hotels (3 & 4star rating) which are all hand-picked by ourselves - guaranteeing charm, friendliness & comfort.

Meals will be a combination of those prepared by your hosts in cosy country kitchens & those shared together at ambient local restaurants in the villages & towns where you will have the opportunity to sample the best of local cuisine & wines.

Vegetarians will be well catered for.

WALKS

Our walks follow trails through the most picturesque & evocative landscapes with many delightful diversions such as cantina visits for wine tasting, oil tastings, the best museums, market shopping & participation in local festivals where possible.

Allora, so why not put together a small group of friends or family & join us for a relaxing holiday exploring Il Bel Paese.

Dates/tariffs for the coming seasons are listed with the detailed description of each itinerary.

Contact Destiny Italy for any further queries.

Ci vediamo a L'Italia... see you in Italy soon !

D e s t i n y I t a l y

"creative holidays for creative people"

Email: destinyitaly@gmail.com

Phone: 0450 5222 64 Michelle

Our Story...

Destiny Italy is striving to offer discerning travellers an introduction to real Italian life...we live here & have gotten to know our locale exceptionally well. Destiny Italy Tours are about showcasing the unique life-style we love & about sharing our discoveries with you. We aim to promote sustainable tourism practices by supporting small local enterprises at all times.

We organise both guided & self-guided holidays in delightful locations situated well off the well beaten tourist track....while still being in reach of some of the most delightful cities & villages in existence. Our holidays are generally for those of you who are seeking something a little different. For example:

• A walking tour of the Valnerina....
• A self drive tour of the best Tuscan & Umbrian hilltowns....
• A cooking holiday with a famous chef at his restaurant....
• Language lessons while staying on a charming rural property....
• Discovering the ancient pilgrim trails of Tuscany & Umbria...
• Holiday on a Tuscan farm deep in the mountains...
• Painting the sublime panorama of a timeless landscape...
• Shopping at the very best Italian Designer Outlets...
• A concentrated culinary experience of Tuscany or Umbria...
• A romantic stay in a medieval Castle or Monastery...
• Plus many more possibilities; simply tell us what you would like to do!

Destiny Italy tours are relaxed affairs for no more than 8 people, allowing you plenty of time to immerse yourselves into the local culture & rhythm of life. No rushing from point A to point B! Our groups are more likely to spend an afternoon enjoying a 3hr lunch or lazing in a hammock with aperitvo at sunset. This is laid back holiday style with the opportunity for spontaneous indulgences. We introduce you to the locals, our friends & their enviable way of life.

We also have a list of day trips, hosted by ourselves, for those of you staying nearby & wanting to escape to the country-side for the day. You will need to arrange this by emailing me.

The accommodation we have chosen is hand-picked by us for the following qualities. Comfort, presentation, friendliness, uniqueness & location. We also have a list of excellent accommodation for those of you who are taking the self-guided route.

We will also compile a list of recommendations, in relation to sightseeing, eating out & leisure activities. Which we hope will be of interest to fellow Italophiles or indeed anyone who simply "drops by" to say hello. And we look forward to seeing you in our corner of the world sometime soon!

A presto!

Michelle & Lewis

Learn more about us by reading our blog detailing a house restoration & day to day life in Italy...

Our House in Umbria - La Casa Umbra