Artistic Umbria
A journey through history, art and countryside in Umbria, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Italy.
Call us on 01707 817260
Or, email us at customersupport@rambleworldwide.co.uk
Call us on 01707 817260
Or, email us at customersupport@rambleworldwide.co.uk
A journey through history, art and countryside in Umbria, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Italy.
Italy
Culture
Food & Wine
Mar
Apr
Jun
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average group size: 12-14
What does this mean?
What does this mean?
What does this mean?
The perfect blend of guided shorter walks, sightseeing trips, and quality accommodation for a more leisurely way to discover the world.
Overview
Nestled quietly in the heart of Italy, Umbria stands as a hidden gem, often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbour, Tuscany. However, don't underestimate its beauty and tranquility. The breathtaking landscapes and the perfect blend of charm and luxury that you find in Tuscany can also be experienced in Umbria. What sets Umbria apart is its slower pace of life, particularly in the serene Upper Tiber Valley. Why hurry, when you have mastered the art of the Dolce Vita for centuries?
Your base for exploring Umbria is the enchanting Città di Castello, a classic example of a small Renaissance city. Centrally located in northern Umbria, it is the perfect place to start exploring the surrounding hill-top towns and villages of Italy’s landlocked heart. Its petit historic centre is almost car free, with shops, galleries, cafés, gardens and restaurants all within walking distance. Whether you're a culture enthusiast, a photographer, a lover of Italian cuisine, or simply an admirer of the Italian way of life, this is the place for you.
Throughout your holiday, you'll immerse yourself in local customs, history, art (notably the works of Piero della Francesca and Perugino) and architecture. Strolling through this region, you'll be greeted with an abundance of beauty for your eyes, soul, and palate.
Please note that while this isn't an art tour, you'll have the opportunity to witness some of the most exquisite art in the world. However, your leader will not be an art historian and you will not need any knowledge of art to enjoy the holiday. It requires no previous knowledge to recognise and enjoy the sight of such beautiful things, be they paintings, sculptures, buildings or countryside views. This holiday includes a full programme and longer days with some longer transfers.
Why not check out our Sights and Delights of Umbria holiday where you'll spend 7 nights in the medieval hill town of Trevi. Spend the week exploring the natural beauty of Umbria and visiting tranquil hill top villages and sites with local guides. Enjoy olive oil tasting and an afternoon in a local vineyard where we enjoy a lunch, wine tasting and a tour!
Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.
NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen
51790
Famed for its good food, discover the heritage of the world renowned produce of Bologna, walk in the Apennine hills and enjoy the historic cities of Parma, Modena, Ravenna and Bologna.
Discover paradise along the shores of Italy's Lake Como. Visit Villa Balbianello’s idyllic terraced gardens, alluring Villa Melzi in Bellagio and venture to Varenna by ferry and discover Villa Cipressi, alongside Villa Monastero. Explore one of the most famous of Lake Como's villas, Villa Carlotta.
Follow in the footsteps of Inspector Montalbano as we explore the baroque towns, imposing architecture, world class archaeology and dramatic coastlines in the much overlooked region of South Eastern Sicily.
Discover the Green Heart of Italy and immerse yourself in all things Italian in Umbria.
Itinerary & Travel
Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.
Accommodation
Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.
Set in the broad Tevere valley in the very northern most part of Umbria, with ranges of hills rising to either side, Città di Castello is a compact little town that enjoys all the facilities you might require. All facilities are easily accessible from your centrally located hotel. There are cafes and restaurants in the piazza just a couple of minutes from the hotel. You will enjoy some of the restaurants for your evening meals. The town’s charm is to be best enjoyed wandering up and down the streets. There is a cathedral and museum that are well worth a visit. Those interested in art history might note Raphael worked in the town during his early career. His crucifixion painted for the San Domenico church in town has been stolen or saved, depending on your viewpoint, and now hangs in the National Gallery in London. During the winter season, the town can be a little quieter as there may be less tourists and you may find some cafes, restaurants and shops have shorter opening hours.
Centrally located and beautifully restored to its former glories, the 4 star Hotel Tiferno is ideally suited for your holiday. The building previously contained the monastery of the nearby church of St Francis. Many period features have been retained. The name of the hotel derives from the Latin name for Città di Castello Tiphernum Tiberium. Everything the town has to offer is a short walk from the front door. The hotel is particularly proud of the art displayed around the building, both ancient and modern. Works by local modern artist Alberto Burri are prominently displayed in the lobby. The hotel is well equipped with sauna, steam room, fitness room, free WIFI, lounge, bar and breakfast room.
Rooms are decorated with contemporary pale colours and wooden furnishings. They are simplistic and include:
Please note that there are no tea/coffee making facilities in the hotel rooms.
Trip Information
We still class Grade 3 as leisurely; walks are generally a little longer than grade 2, with undulations but over a longer distance. Where sightseeing distances are longer, we take a full day with opportunities to stop, rest and refuel. Generally, itineraries involve easy countryside walking with plenty of breaks.
This is Grade 3 holiday includes walks between 2-3 hours but there are some steep ascents and descents during your days in Arezzo, Gubbio and Urbino, up to 150m in ascent and descent. The programme includes longer sightseeing days which can be fairly demanding. Walks are between 2-3 miles in distance. The maximum altitude reached on this holiday is 465m in Urbino and 480m in Monterchi.
We use a mix of privately hired vehicles, taxis, and public transport which gives us some flexibility in our itinerary. We have a wonderful programme of walking, sightseeing and visits planned to let you fully experience the area along with opportunities to relax at our wonderful hotel and enjoy your surroundings.
Holiday Budgeting
As you plan your holiday budget, it's essential to account for expenses such as drinks, meals not covered in the holiday price, entrance fees not included, optional local excursions, and any souvenirs or additional services like laundry. For a rough estimate, budgeting around £10-£20 per person per day for lunches and drinks is a helpful guideline.
Local Transport Costs
In the holiday cost, we've included all local transport expenses related to the advertised activity program for your convenience. If there are additional visits or excursions to enrich your experience, you can choose to participate and cover the costs locally. Depending on the itinerary, local transport may involve a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses, and ferries.
Currency in Italy
The currency in Italy is the Euro. You may wish to take some euro cash with you until you reach an ATM. Credit cards may not be accepted in smaller towns and rural areas.
Tipping
In your holiday price, we've included tipping for our local suppliers, covering hotel and restaurant staff, local guides, and drivers. Should you wish to make an extra contribution for a specific service, this should be given directly to the recipient at your discretion.
Your Leader
Your tour leader plays a crucial role in enhancing your holiday experience, and they share your passion for exploring the world on foot. In addition to being resourceful and organized they are also well-travelled and deeply enthusiastic about showing you new destinations. Your tour leader takes care of all the local, ensuring you can fully enjoy your holiday without worrying about the logistics. While leading group holidays, they always keep in mind that each group is composed of individuals. Each tour leader brings their unique style, talents, and professional background to the table. Rest assured, they are all trained, qualified, experienced, and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting, and inspiring as possible. Remember, your leader, while on holiday, is your first port of call for any issues, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience for you.
Leaders Evening Briefing
Each evening, your tour leader will meet with you to review the programme for the next day. This is your chance to discuss details and ensure that the planned activities align with your walking ability. If you have any concerns about clothing or equipment, feel free to bring them up during this discussion. If, for any reason, you prefer not to participate in the organised group programme, please inform your leader. Your preferences are important, and your leader is there to make sure your experience aligns with your expectations.
Local Guides
Visiting historical sites, churches or museums are much more rewarding with a local guide. They give an insight to the local culture, language and traditions and can bring a destination alive. Many of our Adagio holidays include a knowledgeable English speaking guide on at least one of the days. Please refer to your daily itinerary to see where a guide is included.
Group Size
We believe that the best things come in small packages, and our Adagio holidays prove just that. We limit our groups to a maximum of 18 persons, plus the Adagio Leader, so that everyone has the opportunity to mix, share their love of travel and return home with new friendships. Small groups also have less detrimental local impact, allows us to use public transport on some days, eat at small local restaurants and, we believe, offers a better experience.
Getting to your Holiday
On most dates flights are from London to Bologna Airport and return. The transfer is approximately 2 hours by private coach to Città di Castello.
On some dates flights are from London to Rome Airport and return. The private coach transfer to Città di Castello will take 3 hours on these dates. Please check which airport you are flying to as dates vary.
The coach cannot enter the old town of Città di Castello, so there is a short stroll to the hotel. Your luggage will be transported by the hotel so you can enjoy a gentle stroll without luggage.
You'll transfer by private coach on most days during our holiday. Some of these transfers are between 30 minutes - 45 minutes each way, but the transfer to Urbino is a little longer at 1 hour 15 minutes each way. Due to these longer transfers, the days can start early, sometimes leaving the hotel by 08:30 or 09:00am. However, travel is by private coach for comfort and ease. The longer journeys will take you to some of the best places in Umbria so it is worth it!
If you intend joining and leaving the party in Italy, we assume, unless you have advised us otherwise, that you will meet and leave the party at our hotel. If this is not your intention, please let us know in writing at least 5 weeks before departure.
Booking Your Own Travel Arrangements
If you prefer to arrange your own flights from a non-UK or regional airport or travel to your holiday destination by rail or car, you may qualify for 'land only' reductions, and we can provide details upon request. Feel free to reach out to us for more information.
Before finalizing any independent travel arrangements, especially if you're doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended travel date, please check with us first to ensure your holiday has been cleared to operate. If you plan to join your holiday locally, kindly inform us at least 14 weeks in advance.
If you're joining and leaving your holiday overseas, we assume, unless you specify otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at your hotel.
Although airport transfers are not included for those making independent travel arrangements, you may have the option to join the group at the overseas airport, depending on your flight arrival time. If interested, contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details.
Please be aware that your flight must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight to be eligible for the group transfer. Additionally, we'll need your flight number, arrival time, and departure point to ensure the group leader can meet up with you. If you have a mobile, please ensure we have the number, and it is turned on while you are traveling for effective communication.
Hotel Transfers
When you book a Flight-Inclusive holiday, transfers between the airport and hotel (and vv) are included. On some holidays, where we offer various flight options, the transfer vehicle may wait for all flights to land before transferring to the hotel.
Luggage Allowance & Tickets
If you're booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday, rest assured that details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be clearly outlined in your 'Final Travel Documents'. These will be sent to you approximately 10 days before your departure, ensuring you have all the necessary information for a smooth and well-prepared journey.
Personal Details Check
To ensure the accurate administration of your holiday arrangements, kindly verify that the personal details we have for you are current and correct. Confirm that you've given us all the necessary information for securing your travel and accommodation. Please review your passport details, date of birth, and any other pertinent information crucial for the management of your holiday.
Additionally, please make us aware of any dietary allergies or intolerances you may have. Your well-being is important to us, and this information will help us make appropriate arrangements for your meals during the trip.
You can access and update the provided information or add missing details through the "Manage My Booking" feature on our website at www.rambleworldwide.co.uk. Alternatively, reach out to our Sales and Reservations team at +44 (0)1707 331133. Upon receiving your booking confirmation, promptly check the details. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable holiday experience.
General Passport Advice
It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport page (with your photo on). Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to your home country. Passport and visa requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements.
General travel and destination advice for UK nationals is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk/travel and at www.gov.uk/travelaware.
Brexit Passport Advice
If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must meet the Schengen area rules.
Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:
Your passport may need to be less than 10 years old during your whole visit, and the 3 months at the end of your visit may need to be within 10 years of your passport’s issue date.
Check both the issue date and the expiry date in your passport. If you renewed your passport early, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. This could affect the requirement for your passport to be less than 10 years old.
Non British Passport holders should consult the host country’s embassy for applicable passport and visa entry requirements.
Breakfast and dinners are included in the holiday price. Breakfast is a continental buffet including cereal, jams, bread, cakes, biscuits and a small selection of gluten free and vegan choices.
Three course dinners are included in the holiday cost. You'll dine in the hotel the first and last night of the holidays. You'll dine local restaurants during the remaining evenings where you can enjoy a range of al la carte, set menus and buffets. Local restaurants allow you to enjoy an authentic experience and sometimes lively atmosphere in a traditional Italian restaurant along with local diners and the Italian hospitality.
In Italy, traditional meals may include primo, il secondo, and dolce, depending on the individual restaurant. Primo can be served as an appetiser and usually consists of rich pasta, soup or risotto. The main course is called il secondo and usually includes meat, fish or vegetarian. The dolce refers to the dessert and ends a traditional Italian meal. Lunches are not included. You will have opportunities to purchase a picnic lunch at a local cafe or supermarket or maybe even have time to stop in a restaurant.
During festive holiday dates, spend Christmas Eve in the hotel's restaurant or a local restaurant where you enjoy a festive atmosphere with delicious local delicacies. Christmas Eve is celebrated more than Christmas Day in Italy. Christmas Eve is celebrated with a large feast known as La Vigilia where seafood is served. According to an old Catholic tradition, it's meant to purify your body ahead of a religious celebration. We will request that a meat and vegetarian dish is also served. Christmas Day is usually quieter and families eat and gather around the Christmas tree at home. Celebrate Christmas Day with a quieter but delicious festive dinner in the hotel restaurant or in a local restaurant.
Footwear
Comfortable, broken in, walking boots or shoes with a good sole are recommended for this holiday. Walking shoes or other comfortable footwear will be suitable for sightseeing days.
General Kit List
We recommend you bring the following items with you:
Water To Go
Opting for filtered water from a reusable bottle with its built-in water filter, like the Water-to-go bottle available at www.watertogo.eu, is a sustainable alternative to single-use sealed water bottles. Simply refill it from any water source and contribute to saving the environment from disposable plastic bottles.
Exciting news: Water-to-go has introduced two new bottles to their collection. The Active bottle is designed to fit bike water bottle holders, and the Sugarcane bottle is an even more planet-friendly option. Crafted from fibrous cane, a by-product of liquid extraction, it undergoes a process to create plant-based plastic. Explore the details on the Water-to-Go website for this innovative new range.
As a token of appreciation for your commitment to the environment, we've secured an exclusive 15% discount with Water-to-Go for you. Visit www.watertogo.eu and use the code RWH17 during your order.
Note: If you're booked on a long-haul holiday departing after November 1, 2023, you'll receive a complimentary Water to Go bottle, sent to your home address 2 or 3 weeks before your holiday. Thank you for being a part of our sustainable journey!
Travel Document Checklist
To ensure your holiday gets off to a good start, please make sure that you bring the following documents and information with you:
Electricity in Italy
Electricity in Italy is supplied at 220 Volts. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a European two pin adaptor with round pins. More information can be found Power Plugs Sockets.
Ideal Maps & Guidebooks
Many local libraries stock a selection of travel guides and books which may offer you more information. Apart from any books available in local libraries, the internet is now an excellent resource for information about holiday destinations. You may find the below websites, books and programmes useful.
Maps of the areas we visit (1:200 000 scale) are available locally and at specialist map shops in the UK.
The Rough Guide to Tuscany and Umbria has some useful insights into the area and sites we will be seeing and lots of other in-depth information about the country.
Umbria Travel Guide by DK Eyewitness
Some useful information can be found at Umbria Tourism.
Gino D'Acampo's Italian Escapes: Hidden Italy Umbria - Season 4 Episode 4
To the centre of the Earth - Episode 2 of 3 - Andrew Graham-Dixon and Giorgio Locatelli explore the East Coast of Italy and its cuisines. They make a visit to the region of Umbria.
A short clip about Pinturicchio’s Frescoes in the Baglioni Chapel in Spello.
The Map Shop
If you cannot find the maps or books locally we recommend:
The Map Shop
5 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England
Tel: 01684 593 146
Website: www.themapshop.co.uk
E-mail: themapshop@btinternet.com
If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area.
Health Advice for Italy
No compulsory immunisations are required for visits to Italy.
You should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended in the UK.
You may wish to consider immunisations against Tetanus and Tick-borne Encephalitis.
Further Health Advice
For further advice please visit:
You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.
GHIC / EHIC Cards
Starting January 1st, 2021, you, as a UK traveller, can continue using your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) throughout its valid five-year period, granting you access to medical assistance during your holiday until its expiry date. Be aware, though, that this coverage will no longer extend to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland. In case you don't have a valid EHIC, you can apply for a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which will replace the EHIC as it gets phased out.
It's essential to emphasize that the EHIC/GHIC, while valuable, should not be regarded as a substitute for comprehensive medical or travel insurance. For your peace of mind and comprehensive coverage, considering additional insurance is highly recommended.
For more information, please visit www.nhs.uk/ehic
Travel Insurance
It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover.
The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses (including the consequences of a Covid positive test result), mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked.
Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number.
In the event that you fail to obtain suitable Travel Insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term.
If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by RWH Travel staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you being unable to demonstrate that you are insured.
Our house broker MPI should be considered for whom we are an affiliate and contact information is on our website and will be referred to in your booking confirmation.
If you are travelling to an EU country or Switzerland please also ensure that you have either an existing valid EU EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) or a valid UK GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). You can apply for a UK GHIC free of charge on the NHS website at https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/cra/start.
Height
It is important to ensure while purchasing insurance that you are insured for guided walking upto 1000m.
Responsible Travel
We are dedicated to promoting responsible travel practices that prioritise the well-being of both the environment and local communities. We believe in the transformative power of travel and aim to minimize our ecological footprint by selecting eco-friendly accommodations, encouraging waste reduction, and supporting sustainable transportation options where possible. Our walking tours are designed to immerse participants in the local culture, fostering meaningful connections with the communities we visit. We strive to leave a positive impact by engaging in responsible tourism activities, respecting local customs, and contributing to the preservation of natural landscapes. Through our commitment to responsible travel, we aim to create enriching experiences for our guests while actively contributing to the conservation of the destinations we explore.
Heart and Sole
We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way.
The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust
Unlike many other tour operators, we take pride in our unique approach. Ramble Worldwide channels its surplus profits back into various outdoor, walking-related, or environmental conservation projects in the UK through our own trust. When you choose us, you contribute to this impactful initiative.
The primary focus of our Trust's financial support is directed towards Britain's premier walking charity, The Ramblers. They play a crucial role in advocating the benefits and significance of walking to the British public. Additionally, our Trust invites applications for small grants from local organizations in the UK that require support for walking-oriented activities. This encompasses initiatives such as establishing footpaths and bridleways, funding for the reconstruction of bridges and refurbishing huts, and bursary funding for organisations that support individuals to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors..
For more comprehensive details, please visit the 'About' section on our website and click on the Charitable Trust link. Your choice to travel with us goes beyond a memorable vacation; it contributes to meaningful projects that have a positive impact on our community and environment.
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January
Avg. Rain: 67mm
February
Avg. Rain: 62mm
March
Avg. Rain: 63mm
April
Avg. Rain: 61mm
May
Avg. Rain: 56mm
June
Avg. Rain: 47mm
July
Avg. Rain: 35mm
August
Avg. Rain: 48mm
September
Avg. Rain: 64mm
October
Avg. Rain: 89mm
November
Avg. Rain: 96mm
December
Avg. Rain: 82mm
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