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Upgraded - Walking Italy: Rome & Umbria

Italy - Trip code DUM Walking and Trekking
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149Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Discover the historical wonders of Rome and the picturesque landscapes of Umbria on this week-long walking holiday. Explore charming hill towns, stunning basilicas, Orvieto's cathedral and caves, and Rome's ancient landmarks.

Why we love this trip
  • Montefalco and Assisi - Leisurely and moderate grade walks to charming hill towns with breath-taking Umbrian views
  • Orvieto - Enchanting town with a magnificent cathedral, underground caves, and wine-tasting
  • Rome - Ancient landmarks like the Colosseum and Roman Forum, plus delicious Italian cuisine
  • Upgraded range - Immerse yourself in Umbria's beautiful countryside with our hand-picked Premium accommodations
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 7

    Lunch: 1

    Dinner: 5

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

  • Transport

    Bus

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    Accommodation

    7 nights premium hotel

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    Walking grade:

    Leisurely and Moderate

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    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip in the Italian capital Rome

Our tour starts today in the Italian capital, Rome. With a history spanning over two and a half thousand years, the city is packed with iconic ancient sites, exhilarating architecture and artistic treasures. Its picturesque piazzas, outdoor bars and neighbourhood cafes make for excellent people-watching.

Our tour leader plans to meet everyone at the hotel for a welcome meeting today at 5pm and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner afterwards for your first taste of Roman cuisine. There are no activities planned before the group meeting at 5pm tonight, so you can arrive any time before then. Should you miss the meeting, our tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

A transfer from Rome Airport (FCO) to the first hotel is included on all trips in our Upgraded range regardless of your arrival day, provided we receive your flight details no later than 10 days before departure. Rome Fiumicino Airport is around 45 minutes to an hour from the city centre depending on traffic conditions.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, put on a pair of comfortable shoes and head out to explore. Walking is the best way to see Rome. Flicking a coin in the Trevi Fountain and marvelling at the vast domed roof inside the ancient Pantheon are just two things every visitor to the city should experience. If you'd like to visit the Vatican, Rome's most popular attraction, you should book tickets to the museum online in advance at biglietteriamusei.vatican.va. Note the Vatican is closed to visitors on Sunday except the last Sunday of every month when entry is free although it can get very busy. Check the Vatican website (vatican.va) for updated information on opening times. Please note that pre-booked tickets are not required if you just want to visit St Peter's Basilica.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Guided visit to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill; free afternoon to explore

We're up early today to beat the crowds this morning, heading out on a walking tour to immerse ourselves in the life and soul of the city. Our first stop is the iconic Colosseum (you'll need to have photo ID with you for entry), the largest amphitheatre in the world and probably the most iconic symbol of the Roman Empire. Built by Flavian Emperor Vespasian, the mighty arena could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators, all attracted by gladiatorial contests, mock sea battles and executions. Heading along the Via Sacra (Sacred Way) we arrive at the Roman Forum, the scene of public meetings and law courts, which was lined with shops and open-air markets, and was the site of many of the city's most imposing temples and monuments. Forty metres above the Forum, Palatine Hill is the most central of the Seven Hills of Rome and is considered the birthplace of the city, having been inhabited since 1000 B.C.

The afternoon is left free for you to continue exploring. Make sure to find the time to stop along the way to join the locals for an essential espresso at a street-side cafe or perhaps indulge in a delicious gelato.

Later this evening, we'll get a taste of the capital's culinary scene, sitting down as a group for an authentic dinner (included). Escaping the tourist hot spots, our tour leader will guide us to a local restaurant, where we'll enjoy bona fide, Italian pizza - when in Rome, as the saying goes.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3 - Walking tour of the Testaccio street food market, drive to Collazzone in Umbria

We'll spend this morning wandering and tasting our way through the Testaccio food market. This vibrant market is a food lover's paradise, offering a wide array of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and local delicacies. You'll have the opportunity to sample traditional Roman street food, such as suppli (rice balls, similar to arancini) porchetta (roast pork), and maritozzi which are brioche buns scented with orange zest, vanilla and honey, then filled with whipped cream, while interacting with local vendors who'll share their culinary expertise and stories.

In the early afternoon, we'll drive around two-and-a-half hours to our base for the next five nights in the Umbrian countryside. Relais Il Canalicchio is a charming hilltop resort and spa surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, and lush countryside. The resort, set in a renovated medieval hamlet, with far-reaching views is the perfect base for exploring the nearby towns of Assisi, Montefalco and Orvieto. Before dinner, there's time to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere of Umbria. From our base, we'll explore a picturesque vineyard and charming villages. The tranquillity of the region is a contrast to fast-paced Rome.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 - Walk from Bevagna to Montefalco, included wine tasing experience

Today is our first day exploring the Umbrian countryside on foot. After a short drive to our starting point in Bevagna, we'll set off on a leisurely walk through the rural Umbrian landscape. Along the way, we'll pass vineyards that produce the renowned Sagrantino di Montefalco wine. Our destination is Montefalco, a charming hilltop village with stunning views of the entire valley. We'll visit the Borgese Montefalco Omeodynamic Winery for a tasting of three of their delightful wines, accompanied by cheese and cold cuts known as 'Taglieri'. We'll have time to wander Montefalco's cobbled streets lined with charming shops, cafes and restaurants offering a taste of authentic Umbrian life before driving back to our accommodation.

Today's leisurely-grade 9-kilometre/5.5-mile walk is expected to take around four hours with a total ascent and descent during the course of the walk of 403 metres/1,322 feet. Please note that the path can be muddy and slippery in certain sections if it has been raining.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5 - Walk to Assisi through the Bosco di San Francesco forest

Today begins with a short drive to Valfabbrica. Today we'll follow the historical path of Saint Francis, called the Camino of Saint Francis to Assisi. The path takes us through roads and pine forests to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, then up to Porta San Giacomo, finishing at the Basilica of San Francesco. Our walk takes us through the Saint Francis Forest, managed by the Italian Environment Fund and ends in Assisi which, despite its many visitors, maintains a peaceful atmosphere. Assisi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its rich history and spiritual significance. The town is the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan Order, and it attracts pilgrims from around the world. Here we'll have free time to visit the Basilica, which features works by Giotto, Cimabue, and Lorenzetti. After exploring Assisi, we'll have an early dinner before returning to our accommodation for the night.

Today's moderate-grade 13-kilometre/8-mile walk is expected to take around six hours with a total ascent and descent during the walk of 578 metres/1,896 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - Circular walk through evergreen forest from Spoleto

Today's walk starts with a short drive to Spoleto, where we start a circular trail through the hillside. The route, primarily through evergreen forest, offers extensive views of the eastern and western hills. If time allows we can visit the Franciscan hermitage of Monteluco and the Sacred Wood, reaching the Belvedere for a view of Spoleto and its valley. Along the way, we can also see the churches of San Giuliano and San Pietro. We'll enjoy a guided walk of Spoleto, visiting the Roman Theatre and Arch of Drusus before returning to our accommodation for a private cookery lesson to learn about and enjoy authentic Italian family recipes.

Today's leisurely-grade 9.5-kilometre/5.9-mile walk is expected to take around three-and-a-half hours with a total ascent and descent during the course of the walk of 488 metres/1,469 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7 - Walk from Sugano to Orvieto

Today we drive to Sugano, the starting point of our leisurely hike to Orvieto. The route will lead us through woods and olive groves, passing through an area known for its production of extra virgin olive oil. We'll get the opportunity to taste the oil on fresh local bread before reaching Orvieto. This city, perched on a cliff 300 metres/984 feet above sea level, is closely linked to the Papal State and boasts architectural wonders such as the Duomo, the Pozzo di San Patrizio, and underground caves. We will have a guided tour to explore the history and fascinating sites of the town before driving back to our hotel for our final night in the Umbrian countryside.

Today's moderate-grade 6-kilometre/3.72-mile walk is expected to take around two-and-a-half hours with a total ascent and descent during the course of the walk of 500 metres/1,640 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8 - Trip ends at Rome airport

Departing Collazzone this morning, we'll drive directly to Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), arriving at around 11.30am. This is where our trip ends.

Please note, your flight cannot depart earlier than 1.30pm.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Italy

Climate

April/May and October/November are pleasantly warm. June to September are the hottest months. Showers are common in Autumn.

Time difference to GMT

+1

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Roman Catholic

Language

Italian

Budgeting and packing

Clothing

The following are essential: waterproof jacket, fleece jacket or jumper (the evenings can be cool), T-shirts, comfortable walking trousers, shorts, sunhat, sunglasses and high factor sun-cream.
Between late April and early October you can expect to live in T-shirts and shorts during the day, but please be aware that temperatures and the weather change quickly and it is much cooler at night.
From October to early April it will be cooler during the day and from November to mid-March it can be cold. It is also quite likely to rain. You should come prepared for this and bring waterproof trousers and jackets, walking boots, warm clothes, woolly hat, gloves and scarves.

Footwear

Comfortable lightweight walking shoes or trainers are recommended for waking tours and sightseeing, plus sandals for relaxing.

Luggage

20Kg

Equipment

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that has done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It is a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we would recommend €25 to €35 per person per week as a guideline.

Italy

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£15.00 - 20.00
Dinner price
£25.00 - 40.00
Beer price
£4.00 - 7.00
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Euro.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
GBP.
Where To Exchange
We recommend that you change any currency into Euros prior to arrival. Bureau de Change are generally only found in major cities and large airports.
ATM Availability
Major towns.
Credit Card Acceptance
Most hotels and restaurants.
Travellers Cheques
Not used
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus

Accommodation notes

During this tour, we stay in hand-picked, premium accommodation.
In Rome, we stay at a four-star hotel that's centrally located. We generally use, the Dharma Luxury Hotel, a four-star, boutique hotel in the heart of the city. Located in a historic building, the hotel is tastefully furnished with comfortable, modern en-suite rooms - all with air conditioning and WiFi. The hotel also has a spa, restaurant and bar.
For the rest of the tour, we stay at the Relais Il Canalicchio, a charming hilltop resort and spa located in Umbria, surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, and lush countryside. The resort is part of a renovated medieval hamlet, from where you can enjoy far-reaching views of the Umbrian countryside. The hotel offers a range of facilities, including a swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, Wi-Fi, bar and restaurant. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, Sky TV and a minibar.

Italy

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice.

Please refer to our COVID-19 entry requirements page for any country-specific conditions of entry. Whilst we strive to update this on a regular basis we recommend you also check the FCDO website for the latest advice on entry requirements. Information can change at any time.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

Italy: Visas are not required by UK, E.U. Nationals, Australian, New Zealand, US or Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant embassy prior to departure.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Italy

Vaccinations

Nothing required. Tetanus recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

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Airport Transfers
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