Current as of: May 7, 2024 - 21:21
Rome, Assisi & Magical Umbria - Premium Adventure Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Premium Adventures, Private Group Adventures
- Programmes: Premium Adventures, Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 18+
- Trip Code: TUP
- Carbon Footprint: 17kg CO2e
Trip Overview
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. Don’t expect it to stay that way: Lonely Planet named it one of their top destinations to visit in 2023. 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.
At a Glance
- One night in a four-star hotel in Rome city centre
- Six nights in a four-star country resort and spa in Umbria
- Five days of walking and sightseeing
- Low altitude throughout
- Groups normally 5 to 15, plus leader
- Option to travel by train to your adventure
- Option to book an extension package
Highlights
- Join a guided tour in Rome, which takes in the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain
- Hike through the hills and villages of Umbria
- Discover the Unesco-listed hill town of Assisi, birthplace of Saint Francis
- Enjoy the comforts of a four-star hotel and countryside resort with a spa
- Sample fine wines and craft beers in Montefalco and Todi
- Learn the secrets of making fresh pasta in an Italian cooking class
- Visit a chocolate factory
- Learn all about the art of producing delicious olive oil
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
It offers a balanced mix of city and countryside walks. The terrain on the hiking trail may vary and could include both paved tracks and forest trails, resulting in an overall uneven surface. The walks are not technically difficult, but there are some ascents and descents, so reasonable fitness levels are required. To ensure a comfortable hiking experience, it is recommended to wear at least light hiking shoes such as trail running shoes, which can provide better support and stability.
Adult min age: 18
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 15
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Rome
- End City: Rome
Land Only Itinerary
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 circular 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. Our first stop is Casa Museo Del Cioccolato, where we dive deep into the world’s favourite treat and taste a few samples. We’ll also learn about Baci Perugina, a world-renowned local chocolate with a hidden love message inside.
After, we head to Perugia city centre. 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 Extension
Extend your adventure before or after your main tour and discover Rome, where millennia-old ruins from the Roman empire rub shoulders with the world’s great art and cuisine. Few capitals can boast 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. This extension includes two nights at either a three- or four-star hotel (it’s your choice!) and a one-hour guided city tour with an English-speaking guide, which takes you on a time-travelling journey through 3,000 years. To book and confirm prices, speak to your sales representative.
Accommodation
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.
Single supplement from USD 660
Accommodation - Pre Trip
Ease into the adventure with a pre-trip stay in Rome at either the four-star Hotel Diana Roof Garden or four-star superior Hotel Bettoja Mediterraneo. Speak to your sales representative for a quote.
Accommodation - Post Trip
If you’d prefer to extend your adventure after your trip, the same hotels are available: the four-star Hotel Diana Roof Garden or four-star superior Hotel Bettoja Mediterraneo. Speak to your sales representative for a quote.
Food & Drink
All breakfasts, three lunches, five dinners and one aperitivo are included.
The food and drink on this Premium Trip showcase the best of Lazio and Umbria, among the top gastronomic regions in Italy.
It begins with your first dinner, which takes place in a traditional trattoria in Rome. The culinary journey continues with an aperitivo upon arrival at Abbazia Collemedio, with sparkling wine and appetisers.
Here, every morning begins with a hearty continental breakfast, including croissants, cereals, eggs, bacon, sausages, hot drinks and more.
There are also two packed lunches provided on the tour, which will include tasty sandwiches and healthy platters of fruit and snacks to fuel your walking.
Dinners will be served at the hotel restaurant: shared starters, two main courses with a side and desserts – all exhibiting the best of Umbrian cooking.
During the week, you will also enjoy wine, beer, olive oil and chocolate tastings.
Several dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free and gluten-free, can be catered for. Please advise us of any dietary requirements upon booking.
Transport
We use private minibuses, cars or licensed taxis and buses for all airport transfers and daily excursions. The transfer from Rome to Collepino takes approximately 2hr 30min, other daily transfers are no longer than one hour.
Weather & Seasonality
We typically run this tour from May to October to take advantage of the best weather.
April and October have the lowest average temperature and highest chances of rain, although warm sunny days are not unusual. In the mornings and evenings, the temperature may drop considerably, so keep an extra layer and warm clothes with you.
From June to September, the temperatures will be much higher, rising to 35C-40C (95F-104F) in July and August, with a much lower chance of rain. We try to start our walks earlier to avoid the hottest hours of the day but please be aware that temperatures and humidity may be high. You should feel comfortable and be used to walking in the heat. The presence of mosquitos may also increase during this time, so we recommend you take repellent with you. Please note, the weather is always variable so this should be used as a guide only.
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
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Light walking boots (or a pair of good walking trainers)
- Small daypack
- Large refillable water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Swimwear
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Waterproofs and warm clothes
Please note, tap water is safe to drink in the area, which means all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill at the hotel. Please add this to your packing list as this will save on wasteful plastic bottles.
Optional Equipment
- Small umbrella in case of unexpected showers
- Torch/flashlight (useful for walking to the village in the evening)
- Walking poles
Practical Information
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.
Visa
Italy
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html
Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.
Vaccinations and Health
Italy
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Local Time
Italy's time zone: Europe/Rome (UTC +02:00)
Electricity
Italy's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard), F (two round pins), and L (three round pins in a row) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Italy's currency: Euros (EUR)
ATM Availability
There are ATMs in Rome and in all major towns. Credit cards are accepted in most places.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
For the dinner not included, allow €35 for a good meal and extra for wine. For lunches not included, a cafe meal costs about €15-€20 or you can buy provisions to make a picnic if you prefer. You will also need to allow for tips at restaurants.
Local taxes: Many Italian cities have introduced a tourist tax for non-residents. The local administration oversees the tax, which will be collected by the accommodation provider at check-in or check-out. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, the season and number of days of stay. It is usually between €2 and €6 per person per night. For this trip, please allow approximately €6 for the week. In some cities, children and people aged 75 or over are exempt from this tax.
Tipping
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus. Most of our clients wish to tip their guides in appreciation of their help and friendliness. This is not compulsory and depends on the service received. For this trip we recommend approximately €15-€20 per leader per week.
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
- Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
- This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible.
- Read more about our other initiatives here.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- By travelling in a small group we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
- We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for re–usable bottles.
- The payment of entrance fees to natural reserves and archaeological sites generates income which is used for upkeep and development of these important sites.
- We rewild 100 square metres per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
- Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: we do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
- Plastic waste reduction: please bring a re–usable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.