Inclusions
• 3 nights in a country house in Assisi with full breakfast
• Private guided visits with English speaking guides in Assisi (Basilica of San Francesco and Giotto frescoes), Bevagna and the Marmore Falls; including all the entrance fees to the sites
• Welcome dinner in a country house (Assisi)
• Ballooning & breakfast (Bevagna)
• Lunch at the Enoteca (Spello)
• Rafting & lunch (Valnerina Valley)
Day 1 / Assisi, home of St. Francis -art & history-
Arrival. In the afternoon meet your local guide for private walking tour of Assisi, the birthplace of Saint Francis and Italy’s famous pilgrimage site. Discover all the facets of the Old Town (Roman walls and medieval houses), including the Basilica of Santa Chiara, dedicated to the founder of the Order of Poor Ladies, and the papal Basilica of St. Francis, built between 1228 and 1253. Now home to the consecrated remains of the saint, the stunning monument is also said to have the best collection of art in any church of Italy, including frescoes and paintings by Cimabue, Giotto, Lorenzetti and more. Complete your day by a marvellous genuine welcome dinner in a family run country house. Overnight.
Day 2 / Medieval Bevagna & charming Spello -ballooning & wine-
Without doubt, mornings are the best time for hot air ballooning. The air is calm, fresh and the land is quiet. Being up in a balloon, drifting quietly is an almost spiritual experience! We bring you back for breakfast to Cantina Dionigi, just a stone’s throw away from our balloon base. The Dioginis are fourth generation wine makers who also know how to put on a great Umbrian style breakfast. If you are not opposed to drinking a bit of wine before midday, you may even like to sample some of their excellent wines although it is a rather decadent way to start the day… Following breakfast reach medieval Bevagna for a private guided walking tour and discover its ancient theatre, the temple, the forum (main square), the Roman baths and its mosaics and the Medieval House of Mastro Cecco. Then on to Spello for a lunch at the Enoteca. In the afternoon explore the labyrinth of floral decorated streets and modern art shops of this delightful small hill town. Don’t miss a visit to the Baglioni Chapel decorated with superb frescoes by the Umbrian Renaissance master Pinturicchio. Return to Assisi and overnight.
Day 3 / Valnerina valley & Marmore Falls -rafting & nature-
Breakfast. Today is about nature. Transfer to the Valnerina area for an exciting rafting experience. Before boarding on the boat for the descent, our guides give a short instruction explaining all the main techniques. After this unique morning enjoy a genuine lunch at a local trattoria. Then on to the famous Marmore Falls to immerse yourself, once again, in a beautiful and unspoiled environment. The botanical guides will take you along the trails of the Park to explore all of its secrets. Return to Assisi and overnight.
Day 4 / Assisi - departure
Breakfast. Morning at leisure and departure.