Upgraded - Walking Italy: Rome & Umbria

Our tour starts today in the Italian capital, Rome. With a history spanning over two and a half thousand years, the city is packed with iconic ancient sites, exhilarating architecture and artistic treasures. Its picturesque piazzas, outdoor bars and neighbourhood cafes make for excellent people-watching.

Our tour leader plans to meet everyone at the hotel for a welcome meeting today at 5pm and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner afterwards for your first taste of Roman cuisine. There are no activities planned before the group meeting at 5pm tonight, so you can arrive any time before then. Should you miss the meeting, our tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into FCO airport, which is around a 45-minute drive from our hotel. As part of our Upgraded range, we also offer a complimentary transfer to those who have made pre-tour accommodation arrangements through Explore, regardless of your arrival day.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, put on a pair of comfortable shoes and head out to explore. Walking is the best way to see Rome. Flicking a coin in the Trevi Fountain and marvelling at the vast domed roof inside the ancient Pantheon are just two things every visitor to the city should experience. If you'd like to visit the Vatican, Rome's most popular attraction, you should book tickets to the museum online in advance at biglietteriamusei.vatican.va. Note the Vatican is closed to visitors on Sunday except the last Sunday of every month when entry is free although it can get very busy. Check the Vatican website (vatican.va) for updated information on opening times. Please note that pre-booked tickets are not required if you just want to visit St Peter's Basilica.

We're up early today to beat the crowds this morning, heading out on a walking tour to immerse ourselves in the life and soul of the city. Our first stop is the iconic Colosseum (you'll need to have photo ID with you for entry), the largest amphitheatre in the world and probably the most iconic symbol of the Roman Empire. Built by Flavian Emperor Vespasian, the mighty arena could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators, all attracted by gladiatorial contests, mock sea battles and executions. Heading along the Via Sacra (Sacred Way) we arrive at the Roman Forum, the scene of public meetings and law courts, which was lined with shops and open-air markets, and was the site of many of the city's most imposing temples and monuments. Forty metres above the Forum, Palatine Hill is the most central of the Seven Hills of Rome and is considered the birthplace of the city, having been inhabited since 1000 B.C.
The afternoon is left free for you to continue exploring. Make sure to find the time to stop along the way to join the locals for an essential espresso at a street-side cafe or perhaps indulge in a delicious gelato.
Later this evening, we'll get a taste of the capital's culinary scene, sitting down as a group for an authentic dinner (included). Escaping the tourist hot spots, our tour leader will guide us to a local restaurant, where we'll enjoy bona fide, Italian pizza - when in Rome, as the saying goes.

We'll spend this morning wandering and tasting our way through the Testaccio food market. This vibrant market is a food lover's paradise, offering a wide array of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and local delicacies. You'll have the opportunity to sample traditional Roman street food, such as suppli (rice balls, similar to arancini) porchetta (roast pork), and maritozzi which are brioche buns scented with orange zest, vanilla and honey, then filled with whipped cream, while interacting with local vendors who'll share their culinary expertise and stories.
In the early afternoon, we'll drive around two-and-a-half hours to our base for the next five nights in the Umbrian countryside. Relais Il Canalicchio is a charming hilltop resort and spa surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, and lush countryside. The resort, set in a renovated medieval hamlet, with far-reaching views is the perfect base for exploring the nearby towns of Assisi, Montefalco and Orvieto. Before dinner, there's time to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere of Umbria. From our base, we'll explore a picturesque vineyard and charming villages. The tranquillity of the region is a contrast to fast-paced Rome.

Today is our first day exploring the Umbrian countryside on foot. After a short drive to our starting point in Bevagna, we'll set off on a leisurely walk through the rural Umbrian landscape. Along the way, we'll pass vineyards that produce the renowned Sagrantino di Montefalco wine. Our destination is Montefalco, a charming hilltop village with stunning views of the entire valley. We'll visit the Borgese Montefalco Omeodynamic Winery for a tasting of three of their delightful wines, accompanied by cheese and cold cuts known as 'Taglieri'. We'll have time to wander Montefalco's cobbled streets lined with charming shops, cafes and restaurants offering a taste of authentic Umbrian life before driving back to our accommodation.
Today's leisurely-grade 9-kilometre/5.5-mile walk is expected to take around four hours with a total ascent and descent during the course of the walk of 403 metres/1,322 feet. Please note that the path can be muddy and slippery in certain sections if it has been raining.

Today begins with a short drive to Valfabbrica. Today we'll follow the historical path of Saint Francis, called the Camino of Saint Francis to Assisi. The path takes us through roads and pine forests to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, then up to Porta San Giacomo, finishing at the Basilica of San Francesco. Our walk takes us through the Saint Francis Forest, managed by the Italian Environment Fund and ends in Assisi which, despite its many visitors, maintains a peaceful atmosphere. Assisi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its rich history and spiritual significance. The town is the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan Order, and it attracts pilgrims from around the world. Here we'll have free time to visit the Basilica, which features works by Giotto, Cimabue, and Lorenzetti. After exploring Assisi, we'll have an early dinner before driving to Spoleto where we spend the next three nights.
Today's moderate-grade 13-kilometre/8-mile walk is expected to take around six hours with a total ascent and descent during the walk of 578 metres/1,896 feet.

Today's walk is a circular trail through the hillside. The route, primarily through evergreen forest, offers extensive views of the eastern and western hills. If time allows we can visit the Franciscan hermitage of Monteluco and the Sacred Wood, reaching the Belvedere for a view of Spoleto and its valley. Along the way, we can also see the churches of San Giuliano and San Pietro. We'll enjoy a guided walk of Spoleto, visiting the Roman Theatre and Arch of Drusus before returning to our accommodation for a private cookery lesson to learn about and enjoy authentic Italian family recipes.
Today's leisurely-grade 9.5-kilometre/5.9-mile walk is expected to take around three-and-a-half hours with a total ascent and descent during the course of the walk of 488 metres/1,469 feet.

Today we drive to Sugano, the starting point of our leisurely hike to Orvieto. The route will lead us through woods and olive groves, passing through an area known for its production of extra virgin olive oil. We'll get the opportunity to taste the oil on fresh local bread before reaching Orvieto. This city, perched on a cliff 300 metres/984 feet above sea level, is closely linked to the Papal State and boasts architectural wonders such as the Duomo, the Pozzo di San Patrizio, and underground caves. We will have a guided tour to explore the history and fascinating sites of the town before driving back to our hotel for our final night in the Umbrian countryside.
Today's moderate-grade 6-kilometre/3.72-mile walk is expected to take around two-and-a-half hours with a total ascent and descent during the course of the walk of 500 metres/1,640 feet.

Departing Spoleto this morning, we'll drive directly to Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), arriving at around 11.30am. This is where our trip ends.
Please note, your flight cannot depart earlier than 1.30pm.