Rome and Umbria

Today you will arrive in one of the most iconic cities in Italy. After landing into Rome Airport, waste no time transferring to your hotel ready to explore the Eternal City. After checking in, spend your evening at the exciting Piazza Navona. Full of restaurants and bars, the piazza won’t disappoint for your first Italian meal. The energetic street performers and array of colourful market stalls is the best way to put you in the holiday mood from the get go.

Wake up early on your first full day ready to see as many of the famous sites as possible. Throw a coin into the famous Trevi fountain, step back in time with a visit to the Colosseum or walk up the Spanish Steps - the ways to fill your morning are endless.

For a slower paced afternoon visit The Villa Borghese Gardens. Situated within walking distance of Rome’s centre, the tranquil gardens are made up of captivating grounds and beautiful villas. If you want to learn more why not visit in the morning instead to enjoy a guided tour of both the gardens and art gallery?

Marvel in the rich décor and sheer size of the Vatican and Sistine Chapel. Start at the Vatican’s museums, home to a large collection of Italian masterpieces before visiting the breath taking Sistine Chapel and unmissable Michelangelo’s dome located in St. Peter’s Basilica.

No stay in Italy would be complete without a slice or two of pizza. Why not go one step further and produce your own with the help of a fully trained local chef? We recommend pre-booking a pizza making class excursion for your final evening in Rome to create and enjoy a delicious homemade masterpiece.

Today you will drive to the more relaxed region of Umbria. The region has plenty to keep you occupied for the second part of your trip, from the pretty capital city of Perugia to the rural landscapes and quant towns.

The short drive to Assisi allows you to discover a true Umbrian town. Upon arrival to Assisi you’ll find rustic churches and narrow lanes waiting to be explored. The star of the show is the famous Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, this magnificent structure is the first sight as you approach the town.

 A neighbour to the Tuscan Countryside, Umbria is very similar in its landscapes, with rolling hills and lush green expanses providing an ideal environment to produce wine. Nicknamed “The City of Wine”, Montefalco is a small town ideal for a lunch stop along with a glass of the local red. End the day with a stroll through the towns many wine shops and pick up an alcoholic souvenir to take home.

Make the most of your hire car and take a trip the regions capital, Perugia, a historic city filled with interesting things to see and do. Visit the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbri, displaying countless pieces of timeless art before entering The Catterdrale di San Lorenzo, where you can admire the gothic interiors and medieval fountain ‘Maggiore’. Take a break from your feet to enjoy lunch in one of the many cafes and restaurants lining the city’s streets.

En route back to your hotel stop off at the Perugina Chocolate Factory, the factory has a museum dedicated to the history of production as well as a tasting room to indulge in the famous Perugina and Baci chocolate. If you’re visiting in October, the nine-day Eurochocolate festival is not to be missed, attracting nearly a million visitors it is the perfect opportunity to spoil yourself with the chocolatiers cherished product.

Only slightly smaller than Lake Como, Umbria’s Lake Trasimeno is the fourth largest in the country. The lake provides visitors with a spot to relax on the small beaches dotted around the lake in the otherwise landlocked region. Visitors can also swim in the lake or use the cycle paths bordering the lake. Out of the three islands within the lake, only one is inhabited, Isola Maggiore.  Hop on the ferry to Maggiore to see the monastery built in honour of St. Francis of Assisi, one of the patron saints of Italy.

Scattered around Umbria is lots of picturesque town and villages - all with something different to offer. Todi is best in the evening with its romantic sunsets and bustling grand piazza whereas the town of Spoleto is ideal for lovers of history with its medieval fortress and Romanesque cathedral. Gubbio and Orvieto are also worth a visit and are easily accessible by car.

Make the return journey to Rome Airport to drop off your hire car before your flight to the UK.