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