HIDDEN
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Guided Walking tour in Central Italy
Staying in Montefalco, visiting Assisi
DURATION: 8 days/7
nights
DEPARTURES: January to
October – Sunday’s
COMMENCES: Foligno Railway
Station at 11.00 am or Foligno hotel
FINISHES: Foligno
Railway Station.
Hidden Umbria
This is a preliminary itinerary and will be altered to accommodate seasonal
activities, the weather and variable accessibility of the trails during some
seasons, local festivals or the availability of guides or restaurants. However
the essential content of the itinerary will remain the same. B L D means that
breakfast, lunch and/or dinner will be included that day.
Day 1 Sunday: Montefalco & Town
Walk
L D
You will be met at the main entrance to Foligno station at 11am and transferred
to your accommodation near Montefalco in the Umbrian countryside, arriving in
time for lunch. After settling in we will walk up to the ancient walled town of
Montefalco, through its medieval gates and on to the piazza where you will be
introduced to your host town, exploring arches, towers and cobbled back streets
and enjoying a welcome drink at dusk in the delightful central piazza with
glimpses of the characteristic patchwork landscape beyond. Dinner is at the
accommodation every evening. Station transfer: 30 mins.
Walking time: 1,5 hours town walk, very easy
Day 2 Monday: Truffle Walk & Spoleto
B L D
Transfer to Monteluco for a morning truffle hunt. The area is high above the
town of
Walking Time: Morning 1 hour, easy. Afternoon 3 hours, steep downhill.
Transport: 1 hour morning, 20 mins afternoon
Day 3 Tuesday: Bevagna
B D
We start with a downhill walk from the guest-house admiring the panorama across
the patchwork landscape of the Umbrian valley, then continue on a long flat
tree-lined path beside a stream, passing an ancient mill, vineyards and olive
groves to the serene and handsome medieval town of Bevagna. Free time for lunch
in the town and an optional return walk back to the guesthouse or spend the
afternoon in Bevagna with transport to the accommodation when required.
Walking Time: Morning 3 hours. Optional afternoon, same route uphill.
Day 4 Wednesday: The Valnerina
B D
Transport to the Valnerina to Scheggino a delightful small town with the river
running through the centre. We set out from here to a to a nearby monastery via
an idyllic mountain top crumbling village with spectacular views along the
valley. Lunch at the monastery, and a guided visit to the fascinating 5th
century interior. A further walk in the afternoon through the forest
surrounding the monastery.
A rafting option may be offerred on this day during appropriate seasons &
weather.
Morning walk 3 hours. Afternoon 1 hour. Optional Rafting time: 2,5
hours on a moderate route. Transport 40 mins each way.
Day 5 Thursday: Wine
country
B L D
Leaving Montefalco on foot again this morning we walk through olive groves,
vineyards and oak forests along country back roads to two of the regions most
prestigious wine makers, one of them historical providers to the Vatican of
holy wine. After a wine tasting and lunch on a shady terrace, we are invited to
wander through the private forest beside the vineyards, along trails lined with
ancient oaks. Return transport to the accommodation is provided if required.
Walking Time. 2hrs morning, 2 hrs afternoon. Optional return walk.
Day 6 Friday Saint
Francis' Hermitage Trail,
Transport is provided to St. Francis' Hermitage on Monte Subasio from where we
walk down to the town of
Walking Time: 2 hours. Some steep downhill plus town walking on cobbled
stones and asphalt. Transport: 35 mins each way.
Day 7 Saturday : Old Traditions
B L D
After a short drive to Gualdo Cattaneo we walk through forest and country lanes
We stop for lunch at a farmhouse that was once a ‘carbonaio’ or charcoal
kiln that provided the local area with wood coal. They will show us the ancient
methods and we have lunch on the property. In the afternoon an easy return walk
or optional transport to the accommodation.Tonight we have farewell drinks in
the garden before the final dinner. Walking
time: Morning 2 hours, easy country lanes. Afternoon return via same route.
Transport: 1 hour
Day 8 Sunday: Departure
B
You depart at 9am for Foligno station where you arrive at approximately 9.45am.
The tour officially ends here.
Inclusions:
- Foligno station or Foligno hotel transfers
- Accommodation for seven nights including breakfasts
- 4 days full board, 3 days halfboard
- Air-conditioned transport as per the itinerary
- Traditional Umbrian meals with local produce
- A truffle hunt in the forest above Spoleto
- A cellar wine tasting
- Services of a walking guide throughout the programme
- All inclusions as per the itinerary
Departures: Jan
3; Mar 14;
Apr 11; May 9, 23; Jun 13;
Jul 4; Sep 5;
Oct 3.
CLIENT
INFORMATION
WELCOME to the
Hidden
During your stay in
ARRIVAL
You will be collected from outside FOLIGNO station at the main taxi
point, at 11am on the first day of the tour, or – on
request - from a Foligno hotel at 10.30am. To arrive at FOLIGNO station from Rome Termini you take the
We will have a sign saying ‘LIVING
ITALY’ and/or ‘HIDDEN UMBRIA’. In case of any problems the mobile phone numbers
of the people collecting you are +39
348413 5545 or the office number in
From FOLIGNO station you will be transferred
directly to Montefalco in a private air-conditioned coach. Unless there are
unexpected delays you will arrive at the accommodation in time for lunch.
Alternatively we can collect you from a hotel in Foligno, before the station pick up. This can be by arrangement only and
must be indicated clearly on the attached form.
Please specify your arrival preference
on the attached form. In case of any
problems or change of plans please contact us on by text +39 348413 5545 or one of the above phone
numbers, or email info@livingitaly.com at least 48 hours before your
anticipated arrival.
DEPARTURE
On the last day of the tour you will be transferred to FOLIGNO Station arriving at 9am.
Clothing
Durable comfortable clothing is essential on this program. Informality and comfort are the
rule and sportswear is suitable for all activities though you will be spending
a great deal of time outdoors. Considering the possible range in temperatures
it is best to pack clothes that can be layered. Layering‘ of clothes is
always a good idea because it provides adaptability to climate changes. Always
have your rain gear handy. You may wish to invest in a ‘rain suit’ which
consists of a lightweight, storable water-repellent jacket and pants. Cotton
clothing is generally suitable for outdoor wear and is strongly encouraged.
Nylon shell clothing which is breathable will also help keep you dry.
Shoes
Proper foot gear is extremely important. It is a good
idea to wear your walking / hiking shoes several times prior to the program. We
suggest that you bring a pair of comfortable broken-in insulated boots with
firm non-skid soles, and if possible ankle high tops. You must also protect
your legs against occasional overgrown trails. If you are planning to purchase
new boots, do so now, and take several long walks between now and
departure time to ensure that they are comfortable and fit properly. A pair of comfortable walking shoes is essential
for the often steep cobbled streets of the hilltowns, and all shoes should be non-slip.
Please be sure your boots have the
following features:
·
Breathable, flexible and durable
·
Leather remains
the material of choice among the hiking/walking connoisseurs
·
Durability & protection. Look for a reinforced toe-box and external ’bumper’
to keep the boot’s front end from falling apart while protecting your forefoot
from rocks and trees.
·
Stability & support. Mid-height or high-top boots with padded collars
provide ankles with lateral support. Outsole with medium depth lugs (feels
similar to athletic shoes) are sufficient for most day hikers
·
Lightweight – the lighter the boot, the easier the walk (light is right)
·
Comfort features. Please don’t bring new shoes – make sure your walking boots are well
worn in! Look for internal padded cushions, and soles that flex at the ball of
the foot, and a boot designed specifically for your gender (women’s feet
generally have a higher instep and thinner heels and Achille’s tendon).
·
Weatherproofing – no hiker enjoys wet feet. A ‘rand’ that wraps around the outside of
the boot just above the outsole improves water resistance. Look for water proof
leather with waterproof liners. If you already have boots that are not
waterproof, buy a can of shoe waterproofing at any shoe shop.
Suggested Packing List
·
A small
back pack is essential
·
One pair of
ankle high, well broken-in, lightweight, waterproof hiking boots with traction
soles (see shoe recommendations).
TENNIS SHOES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR HIKING.
·
Cotton socks for when not on the walks
·
Light weight
socks such as silk, polypropylene
or ‘smart wool’ (FABRICS THAT WILL TAKE MOISTURE AWAY FROM YOUR SKIN). Cotton
socks are not recommended while walking as they quickly cause blisters
·
One
windproof jacket with hood
·
A couple of
warm sweaters or jacket
·
A couple of
flannel or cotton shirts, sweatshirts and turtlenecks
·
Walking
pants and shorts
·
A hat or
visor
·
Warm hat and
gloves
·
One water
bottle. It is highly recommended
that each person bring a personal light-weight water bottle as it is
extremely important to have as much fluid intake as possible when walking
·
Bandaids,
elastic bandage, first–aid cream, and footcream
·
Sun-screen (SPF 15 or greater)
·
Sunglasses,
binoculars, and camera
·
Insect
repellent
·
Lightweight
rain gear
·
Alarm clock
·
Pedometer
(optional)
For other activities on the program:
Remember to include a lightweight folding umbrella, and a torch can be handy for evening
strolls along the country roads. Your binoculars can come in handy in churches
for looking high up at frescoes. And from June to September the pool is
uncovered so don’t forget to bring your swimming costume during these
times if you enjoy a refreshing dip at the end of the day.
Daily Schedule
Each day of this program is active and,
to a certain extent the pace is set by the group. The day begins at about 9am
after breakfast when the group departs for the day’s activities. Daily options
will be explained in briefings. Generally the pace is moderate. We will walk
for a couple of hours at a time, with brief stops for water, snacks,
sightseeing and photography. Sometimes we need to keep moving. Most of the
trails are used regularly. There is no rock climbing or dangerous footing,
however the trails occasionally cross ridges or streams and some excursions
involve walking on uneven terrain. Generally we follow roads or trails and
paths that the local inhabitants have been using for centuries. Some of the
trails can be strenuous and they are not flat. Remember they are not called
hilltowns for nothing. We do use the
coach to gain altitude so that when possible there is more downhill than uphill
walking. We concentrate on walking through varied terrain along gravel roads
and paths and through beautiful fields and forests, villages and towns.
We strongly
recommend assessing your ability to do this walking program if you have hip or
knee problems.
In Montefalco
There is one internet café, a post office, a newsagent
with photocopying and fax facilities, a camera/photography shop, an
optometrist, a doctor, dentist and pharmacy as well as clothes and shoe shops
(nothing fashionable, emergency supplies only), a supermarket, several
restaurants and a number of coffee shops/bars and wine bars. There are
hairdressers and a beautician who does therapeutic massage. Opening hours of
all shops and offices is: 8 or 9am-1pm and 4pm-7 or 8pm.
Very close to the hotel (about a 5 minute walk) there
is a small shop/bar where you can buy fruit, cappuccinos and general
provisions.
Banks
There are two banks in Montefalco. Both have ATM which accept
Maestro/Cirrus keycard and Visa card.
Check with your bank that your PIN code will work overseas. Most of the
towns that you will visit during the tour also have ATM machines. Banks in the larger towns will change cash.
Travellers’ cheques seem to have been difficult to cash (the nearest bank which
will do so is in
Laundry and facilities
The ladies at the hotel will do your washing for you
for €30.00 (approx $50) per machine load. It will be returned to you beautifully
ironed two days later. Washing and ironing facilities are also available
(Italian washing machines take up to 2 hours to do a load though!). You can
also make a cup of tea in the dining room of the hotel.
The Accommodation
While in Umbria you
will return every night to the tranquillity and comfort of the Fabrizi family Agriturismo, a sixteenth
century farmhouse nestling high on the hillside just outside the walls of Montefalco with spectacular scenery stretching across the valley
to the Apennines. The term 'agriturismo' applies to a category of family run
hotels in a rural setting. The property is the home of a distinguished Italian
family with a basis in agriculture who have been in residence here since the 16th
century.
Four of the farm buildings have been converted into
high quality accommodation, with a swimming pool in the garden. The complex is
surrounded by fruit trees, olive groves and vineyards. There are twenty rooms,
all with their own bathroom and private entrance. The rooms are air conditioned and the thick walls, the
window shutters and the shady trees keep the temperature pleasant even on
hotter days. The swimming pool is
wonderful for fresh morning swims or a soothing dip on hot afternoons. The
accommodation is ideally situated for visits to the nearby hilltowns that are
such a feature of this region. Whether relaxing in the shady garden or by the
pool, or strolling past vineyards and olive groves, you will appreciate the
serenity of the country setting. Dinner is included each evening, and is
generally of soup or pasta with fresh vegetables from the garden followed by a
meat course with vegetables and salad, and served with their own red and white
wines and olive oil.
Montefalco has a long history of being one of the best producers
of olive oil in the central Umbrian region and one of Montefalco’s Sagrantino
red wines is officially listed as the best in
Montefalco
The
medieval walled town of
With
its complete ring of medieval walls and panoramic views stretching from
Umbria
Wheat
fields, olive trees and vineyards make up a picturesque collage in countryside
that has been lovingly cultivated and reclaimed throughout the centuries and
where local farmers still follow age-old traditions. During May this
characteristic patchwork becomes streaked with the dramatic red of poppies,
while in June the evenings are embellished by fireflies and the fields turn
brilliant yellow as the sunflowers reach their peak. The grapes are harvested
in September as the green re-emerges after the hot summer months, and by
October golden autumn cascades frame the stone towns as the time for olive picking
approaches.
How to contact people on Hidden
Telephone
calls and faxes to and from
Fabrizi
family Agriturismo Hotel
06036
Montefalco (PG),
TEL:
0011 39 0742 379 492 FAX: 0011 39 0742
371 077
The time difference
between
If you have a digital mobile phone it is possible to request installation of 'global
roaming' and to take your phone to
The tour organiser
in
TEXT: + 39 3484135545 TEL-FAX: + 39 0743 254063 EMAIL:
info@livingitaly.com
Calling people in
It is strongly suggested that you obtain a Telecard from Telstra or Optus. This will
allow you to call
CLIENT INFORMATION FORM
Please return this form to your travel agent or direct to Living
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ACCOMMODATION PREFERENCES: UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS
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Sharing with |
ARRIVAL DETAILS: Please confirm FOLIGNO STATION 11am
OR FOLIGNO HOTEL (Please provide details)
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EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS in case of
accident or illness
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ESSENTIAL MEDICATIONS Please be sure to let us know if you
have any food allergies or a pre-existing medical condition that may be
relevant to us in an emergency. In such a situation it is essential that we
have a record of any medication that you are required to take
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TERMS AND
CONDITIONS
TOUR CANCELLATIONS CANCELLATIONS:
must be in writing
Deposit is non refundable, unless the
tour is cancelled by the operator. Cancellations made subsequent to the final
tour payment having been received will incur a cancellation fee as a proportion
of that amount as follows: Over 45 days prior to Day 1: 10%; 45
days: 25%. 21 days: 100%. Should Living Italy be forced to cancel
the tour all payments will be refunded
TRAVEL
INSURANCE
Insurance cover is a prerequisite of participation in
the tour. Please provide details
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INSURER: POLICY
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DISCLAIMER
Living
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Please sign below, indicating that you have read and
accept the terms and conditions and return this form to your travel
agent/Living
SIGNED ……………………………………………………………...……………………………..DATE…………………………