- Go slow and walk through idyllic Umbria, the Green Heart of Italy
- Begin in Rome, with a tour taking in the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain
- Discover the UNESCO-listed hill town of Assisi, birthplace of Saint Francis
- Sample fine wines and craft beers in Montefalco and Todi
- Join an Italian chef to uncover the secrets of making fresh pasta
- Learn the art of producing delicious olive oil
Walking in Rome, Assisi and Umbria - Premium Adventure
Walking & Trekking
Activity Level
Easy & Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Comfort Level
Premium
Discover world-renowned classical ruins and a rural idyll yet to be discovered by mass tourism
Whether it’s your first time in Italy or your 100th, this guided walking trip will live long in your heart. It begins in Rome, visiting world landmarks and classical ruins, before we head to a four-star country resort in the hills of Umbria. From here, we explore the green heart of Italy, an area surprisingly undiscovered by the tourist masses. In between gentle walks through unspoiled countryside and medieval villages, we visit Assisi and Perugia, sample fine wines and craft beers, enjoy a hands-on Italian cooking class and relax with a blissed-out moment in the resort spa.
Highlights
Key Information
- Accommodation: 7 Premium nights (1 Rome city hotel, 6 country spa resort in Umbria)
- Five days of walking and sightseeing
- Group normally 4 to 15, plus leader. Minimum age: 18
What's Included
- All breakfasts, three lunches and six dinners, welcome aperitivo, wine, beer, chocolate tasting and olive oil tasting with nibbles
- All accommodation including complimentary spa access
- All transport and listed activities
- Expert tour leader, chosen for their experience and great customer feedback
- Group arrival and departure transfers available
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations
- Local taxes (approx. €7.5 per person)
5 Days of Walking & Trekking
Pace:
Leisurely to Moderate
Terrain:
Low altitude throughout.
Paved tracks, paved roads, forest trails, gravel
Day 3
8 km / 5 miles
Day 4
7 km / 4.3 miles
Day 7
12 km / 7.5 miles
Itinerary
Rome Rome
Start in Rome
The adventure begins in the endlessly alluring city of Rome. There are no planned activities on the arrival day so once you have checked-in the hotel, the day is free for you to explore. If you wish to visit museums or other sites of interests, we recommend you book these in advance. We’ll gather for the first time as a group at our four-star hotel near Rome Termini train station before dinner. The welcome briefing will be followed by a welcome dinner of traditional Roman dishes at a nearby trattoria.
If you wish to tailor your journey by adding extra nights, speak with your sales representative for detailed information on available pre-tour, post-tour and extension packages.
Walking tour of Rome; transfer to Collepepe
Everyone will be itching to explore the Eternal City, so after breakfast we’ll meet a certified guide for a 3-hour walking tour covering some of the most known landmarks. Starting from the Colosseum, we continue this short introductory experience to Italy’s capital admiring the Fori Imperiali, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and Piazza di Spagna (please note the itinerary does not include entrances to attractions nor does it take in the Vatican City area).
There’s free time for lunch before a private transfer away from the city buzz to Abbazia Collemedio, our peaceful resort in the Umbrian countryside. The staff will be waiting with sparkling wine and appetisers for an extra-warm welcome.
Bevagna to Montefalco walk; afternoon wine and virgin olive oil tasting
We enjoy our first guided walk in Umbria this morning, a circular route starting and ending in the medieval town of Bevagna. From here, we venture to Montefalco, a hilltop town overlooking vineyards producing the much-revered rosso di Montefalco and sagrantino wines, the latter of which can be aged for up to 30 years.
Both Bevagna and Montefalco are considered among the most beautiful villages in the country, and make a perfect introduction to the splendour of the region. Along our route, we’ll stop for a picnic lunch.
Later in the afternoon, we visit Cantina Baldassarri, a celebrated vineyard and olive oil mill, to sample their fine wines and virgin olive oil accompanied by charcuterie, bruschetta and cheeses.
Walk from Collepepe to Collazzone; Italian cooking class; sunset and dinner in Todi
We explore the hills and paths around our resort this morning, starting at our front door and heading to the hilltop village of Collazzone. Upon our return, we head to the hotel kitchen and join a local chef for a hands-on cooking class, learning how to prepare perfect fresh pasta, tiramisu and flan.
There’s free time in the afternoon to relax by the pool, before we head to Todi, another magnificent medieval village, where we can take advantage of the hilltop location and watch the sunset. There are many wonderful restaurants for dinner here – your leader will happily make recommendations.
Daytrip to Assisi
We take a transfer to Assisi this morning, a Unesco-listed hilltop town and, as the birthplace of Saint Francis, one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Italy. You’re free to explore it solo, but don’t miss the 13th-century Basilica di San Francesco, an astounding early gothic complex home to the tomb of Saint Francis and celebrated frescoes by Giotto. You may also want to visit the pink-and-white-striped Basilica of Santa Chiara; admire the towering columns at the Temple of Minerva; and visit the Rocca Maggiore, an imposing 12th-century stone fortress that protected the town for centuries.
Chocolate experience and Perugia visit
Today we head to Perugia, a buzzing university town and capital of the Umbria region, famous worldwide for its chocolate produce. We will dive deep into the world’s favourite treat and taste a few samples. There’s free time to explore before a guided tour taking in many of the city landmarks, including Piazza IV Novembre and Rocca Paolina, a medieval fortress built for Pope Paul III with a network of underground tunnels and chambers to explore.
Walk the Path of Olives from Spello to Collepino; brewery tour and tasting
Today we take a circular walk from Spello, a medieval town where cobbled streets are brought to life with marvellous flower displays. Our guide will help us navigate the crisscross of ancient streets and alleys, giving you time to appreciate the Town of Flowers.
Walking a section of the Path of Olives, we admire a Roman aqueduct, ancient abbeys and reach the village of Collepino, which occupies the sun-soaked face of Mount Subasio.
Though the region has a long association with producing wine, craft beer has become increasingly popular here. So to end this walking adventure, we visit a craft beer factory and sample a selection of their expertly created drinks. An ideal way to toast the last night of the trip.
Transfer to Rome Airport
We enjoy our last breakfast together this morning and bid a fond farewell to Abbazia Collemedio. We then catch a transfer back to Rome Airport, where the tour comes to an end.
Extend Your Trip
Rome City Break Extension
Extend your adventure and discover Rome, where millennia-old ruins from the Roman empire rub shoulders with the world’s great art and cuisine.
Few capitals have quite the collection of attractions, from the mighty Colosseum, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, to the Trevi Fountain and Roman Forum. It also has more than 900 churches, about 2,000 fountains and enough museums and galleries to keep you busy for a lifetime.
Stay for as many nights as you wish in a choice of hotels. Maybe you want to stay in walking distance of the Spanish Steps or have a panoramic view from your rooftop terrace? Let us know your preferences and we’ll take care of all the details, including transfers.
Essential Info
Visa
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: A four-star hotel near Rome Termini station. The exact accommodation details will be confirmed approximately one to two weeks before departure in the Final Joining Instructions
Recommended arrival time: Before 6.30pm at the start hotel to catch the welcome dinner. There will also be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it, the leader will update you separately
Airport: Rome Fiumicino (FCO)
Getting to the start hotel
Your hotel is in the city centre, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus usually provides a main group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. Two more private transfers are also available on the arrival day. You may join any of the scheduled group transfers at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves.
Meeting point
The usual meeting point for all group transfers is Rome Airport, where the guide or a licensed driver will be waiting for you.
Transfer times
Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times. As flight timings and schedules change regularly, we recommend you call your sales representative to confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note, timings may change and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure. If you do not take any of the planned group transfers, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
Making your own way
You can pre-order a taxi through Exodus. This will take you from Rome Airport directly to the hotel. Please enquire for rates and details.
Catching your return flight
There’s a main group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. A second complimentary group transfer is also available on the departure day. You may join any of the scheduled group transfers at no extra cost. If none of the group departure transfers suit your flight time, please speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative private transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Rome
Location end: Rome
Passport
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Abbazia Collemedio, a four-star resort in the Umbrian countryside
Rome: A four-star hotel in the city centre (night 1)
Your accommodation for the first night is a four-star hotel near Rome Termini station. The exact hotel is confirmed approximately 10 weeks before the tour start date. All accommodation options meet the standards of this category.
Umbria: Abbazia Collemedio (nights 2-7)
Within the Umbrian countryside, Abbazia Collemedio is a tastefully renovated monastery transformed into a modern four-star resort. When you’re not exploring the many wonders of the region, take advantage of the excellent hotel facilities, which include a swimming pool area, gym and bar. Your stay also includes a free 50-minute session in the spa, where you can take a dip in a hydromassage pool, relax in the Finnish shower, or make the most of the Turkish bath.
Amenities
- Landscaped gardens and a pool area for leisure and relaxation
- Restaurant serving fine Umbrian dishes
- Wellness centre with Finnish sauna and Turkish bath
- Gym
Worth knowing
- The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance; however, we may need to make changes to a property of similar or higher standard after you have booked. We endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance which could, on rare occasions, be at late notice.
Trip Experts
Nicola Di Gregorio
Expert Leader: Italy
Reviews
Add your own reviewRome & Umbria - Tiramisu and Sunsets
This tour was a perfect. It was the perfect itinerary to explore so many different parts of Italy. I got to see history and ancient architecture but then the very next day you are walking in trails and through vineyards with views you can only see on foot .. And then ending with amazing food, and regional wines and chocolate.. It was a perfect blend of culture, history and food.. with views that take your breath away.. every single day.
There was enough down time to relax after day walks, use the pool, get some sun etc. whatever you fancy. I never felt over done or bored.. perfect blend.
Most Inspirational Moment
Watching the sunset in Todi. We had a lovely evening dinner in Todi, which came after a leisurely city walk. We were able to see the sunset from many different view points which was absolutely stunning.. and then we had a dinner on the most beautiful terrace overlooking the hills and pink skies.. It was a perfect end to a beautiful day
Thoughts on Group Leader
Nico was fantastic! He seemed to know everything about everything! He also did a very good job at making everyone part of the conversations at dinner, as well as making sure everyone was happy or comfortable with each activity. We knew the details of the next day by dinner time each night.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The walks are among different trails.. some brush, some forest, and then some street cement make sure to have proper footwear that makes you comfortable. Also remember sunscreen as a lot of the walks are open with the sun. Walking poles may help some travellers as some walks were more challenging than others.
Rome, Perugia, Assisi and Umbria
A good mix of 3 days of walking through the Umbrian countryside, plus tours of Rome, Perugia and Assisi. Excellent guides in Rome and Perugia. (Assisi is self guided). Splendid hotel in Umbria with an excellent pool that enabled us to relax at the end of each day. But the quality of the food in the restaurant was erratic.
Most Inspirational Moment
Several: Walking along to Roman Aqueduct to Spello and the mosaics in the Roman Villa at Spello. Sunset over Todi. The wine and beer tastings were very good. And the cookery class was fun.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Nico was very knowledgeable and was an excellent guide. His restaurant recommendations were excellent.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The walks could be done in trainers, but as some paths can be muddy, walking shoes or boots are preferable. Probably not a suitable holiday for solo travellers as the single supplement is very expensive and out of kilter with the hotel prices.
September ‘24
Just returned from a lovely week in Umbria that was frankly hard to do so. It was an extremely well put together trip that began with a day sightseeing in Rome before transferring to a beautiful hotel in the peaceful Umbrian countryside that had a warm homely feel with an extremely helpful and friendly staff.
We’ve had some profoundly memorable days with stunning walks that gently guided us through the vineyards, olive groves and sunflower fields before journeying back in time through and beyond the walls of many of the medieval villages.
Our guide, Nico, was extremely helpful and had a wide knowledge of the area. He had sourced some traditional trattorias in some of these villages that were of the beaten tourist track, in order for us to experience the more authentic local food and culture.
There was a definite steer in this direction from him as it was clear he has both a wide knowledge and respect for the heritage of the local areas and the communities that live within them.
It has been a fantastic week. Thank you.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking from Collepino, high on the hills, down through the orchard groves and seeing Spello gradually coming into view.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Nico was an excellent guide. He was very attentive and caring with the whole group and, as I mentioned previously he has a wide knowledge and great respect for the local area.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Book this trip!
May 2024 - Excellent Trip
I’d never been to Rome before, so flew out a few days beforehand. Excellent joining instructions to meet up with the group. A well balanced tour, but the amount of walking does depend on the demographics of the group. We certainly didn’t do all the walking described in the trip notes, but that did not detract from the itinerary.
Most Inspirational Moment
The day in Perugia. However, all the hilltop villages were spectacular.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Veriano Verde was excellent. As mentioned above he altered the itinerary to take account of the group as a whole and the inclement weather (uphill was safer than downhill). He gelled very well with the group and his English was excellent. He arranged additional guides in the towns to those specified in the trip notes which was beneficial to the group.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't expect to see the insides of any of the sights in Rome, but you do get a good history of the city.
Almost as good as it gets!
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip and Exodus were helpful and responsive whenever required
Most Inspirational Moment
The walk round Rome, the guide Fredericka was totally inspirational as well as bing friendly, knowledgeable and amusing.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Veriano our team leader certainly gets five out of five. He had a good understanding of the capabilities of each member of our group and he responded accordingly.
Advice for Potential Travellers
A 'moderate' hike can involve a number of low level climbs which cumulatively can be tiring in the heat of the day.
Excellent trip
The trip was a mix of moderate walking through green vineyards and lush countryside, along with cultural city tours.
Most Inspirational Moment
I loved Assisi.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Nico
Advice for Potential Travellers
The hotel is centre-based and is lovely, with a spa and swimming pools, outside bar and incredible views.
Rome, Assisi & Magical Umbria - Premium Adventure
Good balanced tour of Umbria and a little taste of Rome. It was a good combination of being active and walking through the country fields paths to enjoying a more relaxed activity of eating chocolate and wine. Every night we were treated with a lovely meal to chat about our day’s activities.
Most Inspirational Moment
It was nice to hike without the crowds. The only people you crossed paths with while in Umbria were the locals harvesting their olives and grapes. The cooking class inspired me to make Tiramisu for New Year's Eve dessert.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Nico was amazing, down to earth and was knowledgeable. He was able to keep the group organized and was able to adapt to our group's needs.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Make sure you have a good pair of walking shoes.
Rome, Assisi & Magical Umbria - Premium Adventure
The accommodation was lovely, the food was an absolute delight and the walks through vineyards and olive groves offered a picturesque, peaceful escape. The region itself is a welcome retreat away from the crowds, making it ideal for those seeking a tranquil and authentic experience.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking through the vineyards and olive groves really gets you to slow down and savour your surroundings. Harvest season was a little later this year, so we were lucky enough to witness it. It was a unique treat , providing a firsthand look at the grape and olive picking process.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Nico was friendly and knowledgeable! He knew a lot of the various trails and routes in the area. He was also full of stories from his vast amount of travels from around the world. It made sitting around the dinner table after our walks very entertaining.
Rome, Assisi & Magical Umbria Premium Adventure
Our holiday lived up to all our hopes and expectations
Most Inspirational Moment
Italy was a highlight!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Nicco was an excellent guide. It is difficult to get a balance between imparting knowledge & seeming to constantly lecture people but Nicco generally managed to find this balance.
Rome, Assisi & Magical Umbria Premium Adventure
Our group had 10 people in it -a really great size. Our guide was great-super knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. Our accommodations in Umbria were wonderful.
Most Inspirational Moment
I loved everything-due to great variety. Never a dull moment!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Enjoyed his sense of humour
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