Compare Choose Your Pace: Walking the Hill Towns of Umbria by Road Scholar vs Great Italian Cities (Summer) by Trafalgar

Day 1
In Transit to Program
In Flight

Day 2
Arrive Rome, Transfer to Foligno, Check-In, Orientation
Foligno D Hotel Italia
Activity note: Hotel check in is at 2:00 PM.

Dinner: Welcome Dinner at the hotel. Water is included in the program cost at all meals.

Evening: Welcome drink and orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. Hikers will have the option of choosing between hikes of different levels of difficulty, organized into groups based on preference and ability. Sites visited may vary based on the hiking level you choose for that day. Indicated times are approximate. Program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Day 3
Olive Oil Walk, Bevagna, Medieval Paper Manufacturing
Foligno B,L,D Hotel Italia
Activity note: Three hiking options to choose from today. Easiest: walking on city streets and cobblestones. Intermediate: 4.6 miles, 719 feet elevation change. Most challenging: 5.6 miles, 719 feet elevation change in the morning and 2 miles with minimal elevation gain in the afternoon.

Breakfast: At the hotel. On this program, breakfasts will offer a typical European style breakfast buffet with breads, cheeses, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea and water.

Morning: All groups transfer by private coach to Gualdo Cattaneo and enjoy a short visit of the hamlet. The intermediate and most challenging groups begin the walk towards Torre del Colle. The easiest group will explore the Fortress of Gualdo Cattaneo and then transfer to Torre del Colle. Here, the intermediate group will join them and transfer together by private coach to the olive mill. The challenging group continues walking to the olive mill. Once at the mill, all groups will learn about olive oil.

Lunch: At the olive mill.

Afternoon: The most challenging group will walk through vineyards and olive groves to the serene and handsome medieval town of Bevagna (662 feet). This town has two of Umbria's finest Romanesque churches. The easiest and intermediate groups take a private coach to Bevagna and enjoy some free time and visit a medieval paper manufacturer to learn the techniques of this ancient art. After the most challenging group has arrived in Bevagna, everyone will transfer back to the hotel together.

Dinner: Plated meal at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 4
Collepino to Spello along the Roman Aqueduct
Foligno B,L,D Hotel Italia
Activity note: Three hiking options to choose from today. Easiest: 1.8 miles, 646 feet elevation change. Intermediate: 3.5 miles, 1237 elevation change. Most challenging 1.5 miles, 1358 feet elevation change in the early morning and 3.5 miles, 1237 feet elevation change in the late morning.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: The most challenging group will have an early morning transfer to the southern side of Mount Subasio to Madonna della Spella, an old chapel for shepherds on the mountain. The view from here covers a great part of Umbria. The walk descends down towards Collepino, a medieval gem of a hamlet, along meadows, through woods gently winding down. The intermediate and easiest groups will transfer by private coach to the tiny hamlet of Collepino. All three groups will walk from Collepino. The intermediate and most challenging groups will walk to Spello, a former Roman town that is known today for its medieval character. The easiest group will be picked up halfway and transferred to Spello. The easiest group will have some time to visit the Capella Bahlioni in Spello with the Pinturicchio frescoes.

Lunch: A special meal will be served at a local restaurant in Spello.

Afternoon: Transfer back to the hotel and enjoy some free time to see and do what interests you the most.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 5
St. Francis Hermitage, Assisi
Foligno B,D Hotel Italia
Activity note: Three hiking options to choose from today. Easiest: walking on city streets and cobblestones. Intermediate: 2.4 miles, 1715 feet elevation change. Most challenging: 2 miles, 1064 feet elevation change in the early morning and 2.4 miles, 1715 feet elevation change in the late morning.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: The most challenging group will leave in the early morning and transfer to Mount Subasio for a morning walk to the hermitage of St. Francis. The easiest and intermediate groups will transfer directly to the hermitage. All three groups will visit the hermitage together. After the visit, the most challenging and intermediate groups walk to Assisi. The easiest group is transferred to Assisi to spend some extra time in Assisi. Assisi is visible for miles around, tucked under the ridge of Monte Subasio. The tranquil backstreets and homes with geranium-filled window boxes make you feel like you are walking back in time.

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.

Afternoon: Guided visit of the Basilica of St. Francis and some free time before transfering back to the hotel.

Dinner: Plated meal at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 6
Perugia
Foligno B,D Hotel Italia
Activity note: Today's walk will be an approximate 2.5 hour city walk for all, at a slower "learning" pace to take in the history and beauty of Perugia. The intermediate and most challenging groups will have an afternoon urban trek of approximately 2 hours.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Transfer by train to Perugia (673 feet) where a stop will be made for a city walk. Perugia is one of the twelve Etruscan city-states, the regional capital, and home to one of the largest state universities in the country.

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.

Afternoon: The easiest group enjoys a free afternoon in Perugia before returning by train back to the hotel. Others will enjoy a guided urban trek before transferring back by train to the hotel.

Dinner: Plated meal at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 7
Montefalco, Wine Country
Foligno B,L Hotel Italia
Activity note: Three hiking options to choose from today. Easiest: 2.43 miles, 402 feet elevation change. Intermediate: 5.3 miles, with more than 1000 feet of elevation changes. Most challenging: 5.3 miles, with more than 1000 feet of elevation changes in the morning and 3.3 miles with 1086 feet elevation change in the afternoon.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Transfer to Montefalco. All three groups start walking towards the Colleciocco winery, north of Montefalco (1552 feet). This Umbrian valley offers wonderful views of the cities Assisi and Trevi. Walk through woods and open fields to the winery. After 1.5 hours, the easiest group will be picked up and transferred to Montefalco to explore. Once all groups are at the winery, enjoy an expert-led excursion through the winery and conclude with a wine tasting.

Lunch: Plated meal at the winery in conjunction with the wine tasting.

Afternoon: The easiest and intermediate groups will visit the Museum of St. Francis with the Benozzoli frescoes before being transferred back to the hotel. The most challenging group will walk back to the hotel.

Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 8
Monte Patrico, Truffle Hunt, Monteluco
Foligno B,L,D Hotel Italia
Activity note: Three hiking options to choose from today. Easiest: 1.5 miles with 510 feet of elevation change. Intermediate: 1.5 miles with 510 feet of elevation change in the morning. 1.2 miles with 1443 feet of elevation change in the afternoon. Most challenging: 2 miles with 800 feet of elevation change in the early morning. 5.3 miles with 1000 feet of elevation change in the morning. 1.2 miles with 1443 feet of elevation change in the afternoon.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: The most challenging group will begin to walk towards the truffle farm whereas the easiest and intermediate groups will visit the Sacred Wood and hermitage before they transfer by private coach to Monte Patrico (3280 feet) for an educational truffle hunt. Monte Patrico is located above the town of Spoleto, on the summit of the Calnerina Mountains known for its rugged beauty. Once all groups have arrived, the truffle farmer will give a talk and teach you how to properly hunt for truffles.

Lunch: Eat with the truffle farmer at his home.

Afternoon: In the afternoon, the easiest group will be transferred to Spoleto for a guided city walk. The intermediate and most challenging groups walk down to Spoleto, one of Umbria's loveliest hill towns. In Spoleto (1299 feet), view the Ponte delle Torri, a bridge and aqueduct of ten towering arches linking Spoleto with the slopes of Monteluco; it is one of the greatest engineering works of the Trecento. Walk to the upper part of the town center before taking the coach back to the hotel.

Dinner: Farewell Dinner at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 9
Departures
In Flight B
Breakfast: At the hotel. This concludes our program.

Morning: After breakfast, transfer by private coach (approx. 2.5 hours) to the Rome airport. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures.

Day 1: Welcome to Rome

You're in for a bellissimo journey through the spectacular cities of Italy, which kicks off in the 'Eternal City' of Rome. Join your travel companions and Travel Director for a delightful Welcome Dinner. Your introduction to la dolce vita begins with an orientation drive past Rome's most magnificent sights.

Grand Palatino

Dinner

Day 2: Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City Dive Into Culture

This morning we join our Local Specialist for a very special experience as we Dive Into Culture in the smallest nation on earth - Vatican City. Explore the extraordinary collections of the Vatican Museums and stand beneath Michelangelo’s sublime ceiling in the Sistine Chapel, admiring the artistry of great masters and walking in the footsteps of popes who have found peace within the walls of this enclave for centuries. Visit the expansive St Peter’s Basilica before continuing to the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo, where you’ll enjoy a tour of the lush gardens and lunch in its beautiful surrounds before returning to Rome.

Grand Palatino

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Rome Your Way

Enjoy a full free day to explore Rome your way, or consider an Optional Experience delving into the tragic history of Pompeii - the Roman city frozen in time by the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Your Local Specialist will bring the ancient story of this city to life before you return to Rome, passing by the Abbey of Monte Cassino, the site of fierce fighting during the Second World War.

Grand Palatino

Breakfast

Day 4: Admire Assisi and on to Florence

Journey north through the rolling hills of Umbria to the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi. Here your Local Specialist will reveal the story of this most venerated figure on a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, the final resting place of this famous saint and home to a wonderful series of frescoes by Giotto. Later we continue our journey through the scenic Tuscan countryside to Florence. Tonight, we Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience enjoying delicious specialties against the backdrop of picture-perfect olive groves and vineyards.

Grand Mediterraneo

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Discover Renaissance Florence

Enjoy a leisurely encounter with the artistic and architectural marvels of Florence during your walking tour with a Local Specialist. Visit the striking Piazza della Signoria with its impressive sculptures and palazzi. Amble through the charming cobblestone lanes to the multi-colored marble Duomo and Baptistery, before admiring the scenic view of the Ponte Vecchio straddling the Arno River. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city’s historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Spend the rest of the afternoon sauntering through the historic center of Florence, shopping for high-quality leather for which the city is famous, or admiring the artistic contribution of the Medici at every turn.

Grand Mediterraneo

Breakfast

Day 6: Uncover Pisa’s Treasures Connect with Locals

After a morning at leisure in Florence, cross the fertile Arno Valley to Pisa and join a Local Specialist to visit the Square of Miracles, home to the incredible Leaning Tower and the iconic marble Cathedral. See the ornate Baptistery and the Camposanto, a monumental cemetery built on sacred soil brought back from the Holy Land during the Crusades.

Grand Mediterraneo

Breakfast

Day 7: Journey to Bologna and Venice

Travel north, through the Apennines, to the medieval city of Bologna, perhaps best known for the delicious pasta sauce that bears its name. Your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist includes views of the Kissing Towers which lean towards each other, seemingly poised to embrace. Then it's off to the romantic island city of Venice with its rich cultural and artistic heritage. Spend time at leisure gliding along its enchanting canals in a gondola or wander through the city's labyrinthine lanes, over bridges and into quiet campi.

Amadeus, Principe

Breakfast

Day 8: Cruise Venice’s Canals Make Travel Matter

Savor the iconic and unexpected highlights of Venice as you cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square to admire the Bridge of Sighs, Palladian churches, Customs House, St. Mark's Basilica and the ornate Doge's Palace. This afternoon, your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience will see you enjoy one of the city’s last remaining studios where you’ll gain insights into the delicate Venetian art of glassblowing. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure admiring this city on water or consider an Optional Experience to the island of Burano where colorful fishermen’s homes line the canals.

Amadeus, Principe

Breakfast

Day 9: Experience Venice’s Food Market

Sites made famous in poetry, song and prose are explored today when we join a Local Specialist for a walking tour from our hotel along the canals to the famous Rialto Bridge, where all the flavors of Italy come to life at a centuries-old food market. Amble through the narrow calli of Venice and admire the beautiful architecture, walking over the Rialto Bridge before spending the rest of the day visiting the sights of your choice. Our love affair with Italy's great Italian cities comes to an end this evening as we enjoy a Farewell Dinner.

Amadeus, Principe

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Farewell Venice

For now, it's time to say a fond arrivederci to Italy and newfound friends who have shared in the memorable sights, sounds and flavors.

Breakfast