Umbria – The Essence of Italy

SEVEN NIGHT HOLIDAYS | 1 MAY & 28 AUGUST 2023

Perugia, the capital of Umbria and one of the finest cities in Italy, is the centre from which we explore this fascinating region. Umbria is filled with historic art towns, perched on their hilltops with wonderful views of the rolling Umbrian countryside planted with olive groves and vineyards. We will visit the most important of these towns including Orvieto, Arezzo and Assisi - each of which is within easy reach of Perugia. Works by some of Italy’s most important artists will be viewed, including frescoes by Giotto, Filippo Lippi and Piero della Francesca.

the itinerary

We fly to Rome and transfer to Perugia where we stay for the duration of the tour at the 4* Brufani Palace Hotel in the centre of historic Perugia. Opened in 1884, the Brufani Palace is a traditional hotel in every sense with spacious public areas, well-appointed bedrooms and a high level of personal service.

Perugia is the capital of Umbria and one of the country’s most beautiful hill towns, still retaining the air of a bustling market town. We will visit the National Gallery of Umbria and the church of San Bernardino and see frescoes by Perugino in a merchant’s hall. The rest of the day is free.

We visit the small town of Todi with its fine Renaissance church, and then continue to Orvieto with its shimmering marble Cathedral and magnificent frescoes by Signorelli. We will see the very grand town hall here, the Palazzo del Popolo.

Our first stop today is Spello, a small hilltop town of the utmost charm where we see the frescoes by Pinturicchio in the church of Santa Maria Maggiore. We then go to Spoleto, one of Umbria’s great cultural centres, nestled in the foothills of the Appenines. It is dominated by one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Italy, famous for its frescoed apse by Filippo Lippi.

The morning is spent in Gubbio with its dramatic piazza on a hillside and a number of grand Mediaeval palaces, including the Ducal Palace which was once part of the Duke of Montefeltro’s empire. There will be free time for independent exploration in Perugia later in the day.

Orvieto

DAY 6

Today we drive to Arezzo in Tuscany where we see one of the greatest works in all Italy – Piero della Francesca’s frescoes, ‘The Legend of the True Cross’, in the church of San Francesco. There will be time for an independent lunch here before going to Sansepolcro, the hometown of Piero, where we see his ‘Resurrection’ in the Museo Civico.

7

Today we visit Assisi to see the Basilica di San Francesco, the home of the Franciscan Order. The frescoes by Giotto tell the story of the life of St. Francis. There will be time to wander through the picturesque narrow Mediaeval streets and enjoy the marvellous views.

We drive back to Rome for the flight back to London.

DAY

DAY 8

the hotel

Located in the centre of Perugia and with more than a century of history, the Brufani Palace is a real symbol of exclusivity in the city. Spacious halls and public areas have high painted ceilings and original parquet floors – there are 94 bedrooms. A characteristic feature of the hotel is the panoramic terrace with spectacular views, and a swimming pool situated under the ancient mediaeval vaults.

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP

1 May 28 August £2,394 £398

Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways: Depart Heathrow 10.35, arrive Rome 14.15 Depart Rome 15.10, arrive Heathrow 16.55 Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights • Seven nights’ accommodation with breakfast • Four dinners – two at the hotel and two in local restaurants • All entrances fees and gratuities as described • The services of a Kirker Tour Lecturer