Day Tours in Umbria

Caspin Journeys - unique walking holidays in Italy and England

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In the footsteps of St Francis of Assisi: S.Maria d.Angeli - S.Damiano - Eremo delle Carceri - Spello - Assisi

We travel to Assisi to the church of S.M.degli Angeli and the enchanting 9c.Benedictine church of the Porziuncola within, the first place of worship given to S. Francis. Then on to San Damiano church; here Francis heard the altar cross speak to him ‘Francis, go and rebuild my church’. Thirdly, we visit the secluded Hermitage of S. Francis above Assisi. All three were fundamental to the creation of the Franciscan order. A scenic drive climbs over the top of Monte Subasio descending to Spello, enchanting town of Roman origin. We walk through the medieval streets and stop for lunch. In the afternoon we visit Assisi and the famous Basilica, which for centuries has attracted pilgrims from far and wide to the tomb of St. Francis. Admire the medieval frescoes of Giotto, Cimabue & Lorenzetti. Depart at 9.00am. Return from Assisi at 6.00pm.


Along the Via Flaminia: Spello - Bevagna - Montefalco - Bettona

We travel along the path of the Roman Via Flaminia, which linked Rome to the Adriatic coast. Our first stop along this famous road is Spello sitting at the foot of Monte Subasio; we enter through the Roman gates and immediately jump forwards into a medieval setting; marvel at the narrow streets and enjoy this enchanting town. We then continue along the Via Flaminia and stop to walk through Bevagna. The visible remains of its Roman heritage are a rewarding experience. We move on to Montefalco, the balcony of Umbria with views from Assisi to Spoleto. Time permitting we make a final stop in Bettona sitting on a hill with medieval walls protecting this sleepy Umbrian town, which is quite simply charming. Depart at 9.30am. Return from Bettona at 5.00pm.


Hill Towns of Lake Trasimeno: Deruta ceramics - Torgiano wine - Panicale - Castiglion del Lago

We travel to the charming medieval town of Deruta, world-famous for its hand-painted majolica ceramics. Admire the artistry, window shop and be tempted to purchase pottery. We continue to Torgiano, home to the Lungarotti family whose dedication to wine-making put Umbrian wines on the world stage. Their wonderful wine & ceramics museum is testimony to their passion for wine. After lunch we stroll through Panicale, a hill-town with an unusual snail-like shape and picture postcard views of Lake Trasimeno, Italy’s fourth largest lake [circ.30miles]. Not far from here is Castiglion del Lago the largest town on the lake, overlooking the water on a fortified promontory. Time for ice-cream or cappuccino here before heading home. Depart at 9.30am. Return from Castiglion del Lago at 5.30pm.


Medieval Hill Towns of Umbria: Montone – Monastery of S.Ubaldo - Gubbio

We travel along the Tiber valley to the quaint hill town of Montone for morning coffee. On arrival in Gubbio we take the cable car to Monte Ingino for views of Gubbio’s roof tops and monuments. Its traditions and folklore include the legend of St.Francis of Assisi taming the Wolf and an incredible candlestick race, ‘Corsa dei Ceri’. See the giant candlesticks in the monastery of S.Ubaldo. We walk 20 minutes to lunch in a restaurant at the edge of the National Park of Monte Cucco before walking back to the trail which descends into town. The Umbrian 3C BC ‘Egubine Tablets’ conserved in the Palazzo dei Consoli are testimony to the town’s ancient history. Legend holds that Gubbio was one of the first five towns to be built after the Great Flood. Depart at 9.30am. Return from Gubbio at 5.00pm.


Frontier towns of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany & the Papal States: Orvieto - Civita di Bagnoregio - Todi

We travel to Orvieto, sitting majestically on top of a volcanic tufa plateau. We visit the Etruscan tombs & Pozzo di S.Patrizio and walk into the historic centre to the Gothic Cathedral, whose facade is one of the most beautiful in Italy. Time to explore and have lunch. In the afternoon we continue to Civita di Bagnoregio, a tiny village spectacularly perched on a promontory and reached only by walking across a causeway bridge. We return via a scenic route along Lake Corbara to Todi. Wander at leisure into this exquisite Umbrian town through 3 gates & civilizations - Medieval, Roman & Etruscan. Stop for ‘cappucino’ in Piazza del Popolo, flanked by medieval buildings, Palazzo dei Priori, Palazzo del Popolo, Palazzo del Capitano & Duomo. Depart at 9.00am. Return from Todi at 6.00pm.