The Beauty of Umbria by Private Car

Day 1: Arrival in Italy

Welcome to Italy! Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your Sky Vacations ambassador for a transfer from the Rome airport to Norcia. After checking in to your hotel, meet your guide for a walking tour of charming Norcia. Norcia is a unique town, located in the center of the Sibylline Mountains National Park. The city has been an important cultural and political center for centuries and is the birthplace of Saint Benedict. Enjoy the serene ambiance, the friendly locals, and the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Norcia is a place where history and tradition are alive in every corner, and a leisurely walk is the best way to experience its unique charm.

Day 2: Explore Norcia

After a delicious breakfast, you’ll depart for an authentic black truffle hunting experience. Your expert guide – and expert dogs – will walk you through the Umbrian countryside in search of “black gold.” Your guide will explain how truffles are grown and where they can be found. After your walk, you’ll have a delicious picnic lunch with a cheesemaking class and wine.  Return to Norcia with free time to enjoy the village. 

Day 3: Travel to Perugia

Begin your day with your driver, departing Norcia and traveling to the enchanting town of Montefalco, often referred to as the “Balcony of Umbria” due to its elevated position and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets lined with medieval buildings and charming shops. Make your way to the San Francesco Museum, housed in a former church that dates to the 14th century. The museum is renowned for its impressive frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli and other notable artists, depicting scenes from the life of Saint Francis. After exploring Montefalco, you’ll visit one of the local vineyards famous for producing Sagrantino wine, a robust red wine unique to this region. Enjoy a guided tour of the vineyard and wine cellar, where you’ll learn about the winemaking process from vine to bottle. Following the tour, indulge in a wine tasting session featuring a selection of local wines accompanied by a delicious lunch. With your taste buds satisfied, depart for Deruta, a town renowned for its exquisite ceramics. The drive to Deruta offers scenic views of the rolling Umbrian hills dotted with olive groves and vineyards. After a day full of cultural and culinary delights, drive to Perugia, reflecting on the rich experiences and beautiful sights of Montefalco and Deruta.

Day 4: Orvieto

After a delicious breakfast, depart for Orvieto, renowned for its captivating beauty and rich historical significance. The Duomo stands as a testament to the exceptional artistic prowess of the late medieval period. Its facade is a masterpiece that defies easy categorization in terms of architectural style. The interior of the Duomo further dazzles visitors with its stunning frescoes, chapels, and other artistic treasures. Orvieto, as a whole, is a town steeped in history and charm. Its picturesque setting on a volcanic plateau, combined with its well-preserved medieval architecture, makes it a true gem for those seeking a glimpse into Italy’s rich cultural heritage. The town’s narrow, winding streets lined with quaint shops and cafes add to its enchanting allure. Visiting Orvieto, particularly the Duomo, is a journey through time, offering a profound appreciation for the artistic achievements of the past and a deep connection to the cultural tapestry of Italy. You’ll also visit the incredible St. Patrick’s Well. An engineering marvel of the 16th century, you travel down one stone staircase to the base of the well and ascend another staircase to the exit. 

Day 5: Travel to Gubbio

This morning, embark on a private walking tour in Perugia. Known for its delicious chocolate production, Perugia is also enormously rich in history with a whole underground city. Your tour will start by meeting with your local expert who will tell you all about the history of this fascinating city intertwined with myths and legends. Perugia is also home to the Cathedral of San Lorenzo which houses the famous chapel of the ring, the relic of the nuptial ring of the Virgin Mary. The walking tour will continue through picturesque alleys, along the ancient city walls, and past the most important Etruscan landmarks of the city. You will see the exquisite Fontana Maggiore and admire the Etruscan Arch, where three steep streets rise upwards to the city’s main piazza. You’ll have free time for lunch and shopping on your own before continuing to Gubbio. 

Day 6: Explore Gubbio

Your day begins with a walking tour of historic Gubbio. A wonderful medieval city, among the best preserved in Italy, Gubbio is famous for the Festa dei Ceri and for the largest Christmas tree in the world! Visit the Palace of the Consuls, host to the City Museum. After exploring Gubbio, travel to Assisi. Located on a gentle hill beneath the summit of Monte Subasio, Assisi is the most famous pilgrimage site in Italy and the birthplace of Saint Francis. Your private guide will show you the highlights of Assisi including the Basilica of Santa Chiara and the papal Basilica of St. Francis, built between 1228 and 1253. This stunning monument is also said to have the best collection of art in any church of Italy, including frescoes and paintings by Cimabue, Giotto, Lorenzetti and more. 

Day 7: Free Day in Umbria

Today is a full day at leisure. You may choose to do additional touring, stroll local shops, visit art galleries and museums or simply relax and take in the beauty of Umbria.

Day 8: Departure from Umbria

This morning your driver will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey.