Italy
Choose Your Pace: Walking the Hill Towns of Umbria
Program No. 18709RJ
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Choose Your Pace: Walking the Hill Towns of Umbria
Choose Your Pace: Walking the Hill Towns of Umbria
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Participant Reviews
Based on 45 Reviews
SHOWING
So enjoyable!
— Review left October 19, 2025
My trip to Umbria, Italy, was AWESOME! Every aspect: the people, the leaders, the program, the schedule, food, and accommodations... I would not change a single thing and would definitely recommend this trip!
— Review left October 11, 2025
This was my first trip with Road Scholar and I loved it! The blend of walking through the countryside with exploration of the hill towns was perfect.Having three walking levels of difficulty to choose from each day was a nice option. The towns were quaint and beautiful, the views were spectacular and the food was absolutely delicious.
— Review left September 29, 2025
5 out of 5 stars
This was the first program with Road Scholar for my husband and I. we were impressed with the thoroughness of information and preparation that was provided beforehand. Lodgings and meals were excellent with stunning views and a pleasant walk to the hill town of Montefalco. We could have easily enjoyed a week's stay without exploring anywhere else. However, the programs were the icing on the cake, combining hikes in the beautiful countryside with visiting historical, artistic, sacred and agricultural sites. Our trip leader and guides were super, looking after everyone's welfare and joyfully showing us the beauties of their beloved home. It was a pleasure to explore more of Umbria with great leader and guides and a group of lovely people.
— Review left September 24, 2025
The perfect way to explore this absolutely beautiful region of Italy - including its history, fascinating hill-top cities, culture and food. I felt a great sense of accomplishment with the daily hikes. I highly recommend.
— Review left September 21, 2025
This program will immerse you in Italian life among the extensive olive orchards and vineyards of rural Umbria, centuries old farm buildings, historic hilltop cities, and outstanding regional food.
— Review left September 20, 2025
Walking the Hill Towns of Umbria was our 8th Road Scholar trip. It was truly the best of all 8! The program provided options for hiking to accommodate everyone. Irene is a RS treasure- She managed surprises ( like a 3 hour delay in our flight) and rain, with skill, patience and energy. She provided a detailed Umbria Travel Directory outlining our planned days with information on every town, plus language. Her ‘Small guide to Italian Habits’ was very helpful and funny! Irene is a gifted organizer & team builder. Irene, Sara 1, Sam, and Sarah 2 gave wonderful ( often entertaining) educative talks during our tours and hiking. The lodging was beautiful and clean- the Agriturismo family were amazing too. From bubbly Italian mineral water in our refrigerators, to insect repellent at the doors- we felt welcome and pampered. We were treated like family by our lodging hosts. The food was great- fresh from their garden and vicinity. We toasted our departure and Irene presented us with printed photos of our “gruppa “. Our entire group was 27 in total, all Americans, but diverse in every other way. These were the kindest traveling companions and I would gladly have anyone of them as a neighbor! I thank God for the glory of Italy and especially for the people who live there!
— Review left September 16, 2025
Had a wonderful time in Italy .Last day could have done without the last tour.Would probably do my own airline tickets myself .Was not to thrilled with flights I was given. .Place we stayed in was wonderful.Host and hostess and whole family were great
— Review left November 21, 2024
Great trip- Highly recommended. I especially want to thank our excellent guides for two reasons among many-1-.They handled the unpredictable weather like true professionals-,always finding the best way to handle any situation as it unfolded
and 2- they were very sensitive to individual needs and on the spot did what they could to make the experience as wonderful as possible- Thank you both!
— Review left November 4, 2024
Hiking in the Umbria area was awe inspiring and a spiritual experience in visiting the St. Francis of Assisi area. The beauty and ancient cities unsure passed any standard tourist trip .
— Review left October 27, 2024
Our first Road Scholar program and we were extremely pleased. Group leader Andrea Maccherani was excellent and was ably assisted by two other local guides, Sara and Sam. The program was a good balance of hiking, sightseeing, and hearing from local experts: wine tasting at a vineyard, olive pressing at an olive oil mill with a superb lunch afterwards, learning how truffle-hunting dogs are trained and watching them with their owner - and another superb lunch . Really enjoyed spending time with the other participants, as well. A great experience all around.
— Review left October 26, 2024
Umbria was so beautiful and the program was packed with wow experiences and information
— Review left October 26, 2024
We had a very enjoyable trip to a beautiful area of Italy. Led by Irene, this is a very well organized program, and there truly were three levels of hiking from easy to challenging (at least for a “senior” group). We were generally in the intermediate group, except for one day when we chose to do join the easy group in the morning so we could tour the fortress in one town, and then I joined the challenging group in the afternoon for one of their shorter walks. I’ve taken a number of Road Scholar trips, and this was clearly one of the most collegial groups I’ve traveled with - a real pleasure for our overall experience.
— Review left October 13, 2024
I've been wanting to visit Italy for thirty years. This program was perfect for me and more than met my expectations. It was everything I'd hoped for and more. I will definitely travel with Road Scholar again.
— Review left October 8, 2024
Very nice program for those that wish to see rural Umbria, enjoy good food and access to good wine (the plentiful wine provided without extra charge was just OK, but very good and reasonably priced local wines were always available to supplement). The hiking component, even for those choosing the “challenge hikes” were shorter and easier than intense serious hikers generally prefer. But they are accurately described in the itineraries, so make sure those match your expectations. We met really nice people on this trip (hikers tend to be compatible). The dining room was cramped with 33 participants, but the hikes did not feel crowded as 9 or 10 reliably chose each of three levels of difficulty. I highly recommend the trip unless you are looking for intense hiking.
— Review left October 5, 2024
The trip had too many people. We didn't get a chance to interact with everyone. It was impossible to get lunch or dinner in a timely manner.
Road Scholars schedule our return trip to the airport for 7AM. Our plane didn't leave until after 3PM. When someone else called Road Scholars and complained you didn't seem to care.
The guides were great. They were very knowledgeable.
I wouldn't recommend this trip to my friends.
— Review left September 16, 2024
Umbria is beautiful and fascinating! We enjoyed this program and recommend it for people who like to hike up and down hills, as we averaged about 17,000 steps per day, mostly on the intermediate options. Our leader, Irene, was well-organized and fun. All of the guides and presenters were also top-notch. Camiano Piccolo Agriturismo was quaint and comfortable, and we especially appreciated the pool after a hot day of hiking. The WiFi was quite weak and intermittent, so we were glad we had an international phone plan to access the internet. Our group of 36 was interesting and compatible. Provided meals were all inside, and the noise level was usually high, as everyone was very conversational.
— Review left September 15, 2024
Be prepared to be in a very large group. Check the elevation figures to know that you will be walking only downhill often on rocky paths where good balance is required. The hill towns of Umbria are extraordinary!
— Review left September 15, 2024
We loved our hiking visit to Umbria. The agritourism villa, the food, the scenery seen during our hikes and the leadership were all top notch. We had a wonderful group and Andrea was the perfect leader. Sam and Sara were great hiking guides. Umbria is such a beautiful place; I am so glad we chose this trip and would encourage any hiker to sign up.
— Review left June 14, 2024
I can’t say enough good things about this trip! Every aspect was fantastic. From the lodging, to the food, to the carefully planned hikes, to the pre-arranged tours…all were wonderful. The group leader, Irena, was especially attentive to everyone’s needs. I highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to explore the beautiful hill towns of Umbria!
— Review left May 2, 2024
This program was our first Road Scholar experience and it far exceeded our expectations. We highly recommend it to anyone interested in hiking the hills of Umbria. The tour guides were very knowledgeable about so many aspects of the program (local culture, history, social norms, food and wines). Road Scholar took care of all the travel details from start to finish, which is a huge stress reliever. We will definitely consider taking another Road Scholar program. Many of the participants with us on this particular tour had been on as many as 9 other programs and spoke highly of every one they had taken.
— Review left April 15, 2024
This trip is a must do! The accommodations, scenery, hikes, history, presentations and guides were all amazing. Irene, our trip leader, is an accomplished professional and extremely organized with the "choose your pace" logistics. I am still basking in the glow of this trip.
— Review left April 14, 2024
Umbria is a beautiful region of Italy. Irene and Sara, our primary leaders, were just fantastic--warm and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to explore this less-familiar part of Italy.
— Review left April 13, 2024
This trip was fantastic. The leader, Andrea Maccherani did a marvelous job of coordinating this adventure into the villages and towns of Umbria. Each day he organized with his assistants Sara and Sam three levels of walks -easy, moderate and advanced.
The hotel Italia in Foligno was comfortable and the meals were very good. Breakfasts were served before we headed out for our day treks.
If you want to exercise while learning the history, economics, food and culture of the region, you won't be disappointed.
— Review left November 19, 2023
The walks were great. The leaders lovely. Lots of yummy food. A great trip overall.
— Review left October 31, 2023
A great combination of physical activity and learning.
— Review left October 28, 2023
I would choose the trip again in a minute ! The combination of hiking, eating the most delicious food and wine and cultural/historical learning was perfect. We had gorgeous weather throughout, which didn't hurt. I generally chose the intermediate hiking option (and due to one leader's illness, the intermediate and challenging options were combined for the last hiking day), and this regular-walker (on flat geography) had no difficulty with the approximate 5 miles of up-and-down walking involved throughout the day. There was considerable hiking downhill on one hike for which trekking poles would be wise. Learning about Etruscan/Roman history, and experiencing olive oil production, winemaking, truffle-hunting and paper-making were great additions to my knowledge. Thank you to Irene, Sara and Sam for a great experience !
— Review left October 17, 2023
What a fantastic experience! The different hiking levels were spot on the descriptions given in advance of the program and our Guide Irene was just top notch. Irene, Sara and Sam were not only knowledgeable, they were passionate about the Umbrian area, it's history and culture. Would do it all over again!
— Review left September 20, 2023
What could be more fun than to enjoy daily hikes in Italy? By hiking, you see the countryside, the cities and the people on a slower, more human, pace; you can really enjoy being in Italy. Our group leader, Irene, was excellent and found a way to keep us safe and sound while we enjoyed our experiences. The Hotel Italia in Foligno was a perfect "base camp" for our daily hikes and travels; the breakfasts and dinner meals here were outstanding, as would be expected in a family-owned and operated small hotel. There were so many highlights, but the visit to the olive oil mill (and the luncheon that family served) was outstanding as was the visit to the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi led by one of the monks. The local guides were very knowledgeable and showed us some beautiful trails, especially those in the Umbrian hills. With the different levels of hikes available, everyone found a "happy" place.
— Review left June 27, 2023
Terrific trip. Very well organized. Activity level is accurately described and the choices were advantageous. Great mix of exercise and touring. Wonderful, plentiful food and wine. Umbria is amazingly uncrowded and a true hidden gem.
Hopefully your leader will be Irene.
— Review left June 5, 2023
If you are wondering if a tour group is for you like I was, I encourage everyone to look through the options and take the chance. To have everything expertly coordinated allowing you the freedom to learn, explore and experience was wonderful. Highly recommend.
— Review left May 28, 2023
This program packs a lot into six days: wonderful hikes through beautiful countryside, gorgeous towns with Etruscan and Roman remains, incomparable frescoes and Romanesque churches, and a great group of interesting and amusing people, fellow travelers and guides alike!
— Review left May 11, 2023
This program is one of the top two of the eight Road Scholar trips we've taken. Umbria is a beautiful, uncrowded region of Italy. The hiking is very good, the food superb, and our leader (Irene) was outstanding. The walking tours of the ancient hill towns, led by local guides, were excellent.
— Review left May 1, 2023
We were first time Road Scholar participants and this won’t be our last program! We consider ourselves seasoned travelers. That said, we loved the overall program, the depth of learning , the flexibility of the program and the guides and fellow participants. It was in short a unique and extraordinary experience. We added a few days by ourselves on each end of the trip as this was our first trip to Italy. (We got over jet lag and were happy to have a few more days in Italy before we had to return home.
— Review left May 1, 2023
This was my first Road Scholar trip and my first trip to Italy. Road Scholar provided a terrific introduction to the country and whetted my appetite for more. I'll definitely take another RS trip.
— Review left October 21, 2022
Great way to go hiking in Umbria on trails that you wouldn't know about. While walking in the countryside you learn about the area around you. Learn about the significant towns in Umbria and how they are interconnected and significant to the rich history of the area.
— Review left April 17, 2022
This was a wonderful experience!.The hikes were more strenuous than what i anticipated but I was able to keep up with the group and the scenic rewards were well worth the effort. Be prepared for some real climbing though!! I really didnt have a good understanding of level of hiking pre trip. I enjoyed the mix of physical activity with visiting Umbrian towns and historical sites like St Francis hermitage and basilica. The food was incredible- in spite of the exertion of climbing I gained 4 pounds! The highlight for me was visiting the truffle farm- spectacular. Our tour guide Irene was wonderful as were the hiking guides. Overall a wonderful trip.
— Review left October 19, 2021
This was a wonderful trip. Perfect logistics, good food, challenging hikes, special attention to personal needs, beautiful vistas, landscapes, and towns. Trip leader made everything work out seamlessly.
— Review left October 16, 2021
I am not a serious hiker and had reservations about my ability to fully participate in the program. This program really was "choose your pace" for each activity. I tended to vary my activity level between easy and intermediate. I think the easy level is really not too different from the walking required of typical walking tours. Most of the hikes had an overall downhill direction in the session I attended. Our tour director Irene was excellent as were our hiking guides and tour guides.
— Review left October 15, 2021
This is an excellent tour. Umbria is a beautiful part of Italy. Going during the pandemic was nice because towns were not crowded with tourists. Weather was chilly in October so pack layers and jacket and rain poncho. We needed all. Having different options for activity level is perfect for not young anymore travelers.
— Review left October 14, 2021
Wonderful views and a variety of hiking experiences available. Comfortable family owned hotel in Foligno with great food selections. This is a great way to see a more rural Italy without the hordes of tourists.
— Review left February 8, 2020
The Walking Tour of the Hill Towns of Umbria was even more exciting and beautiful than I had expected. It was fun getting to know the other 27 people in our group who were from all over the United States. We were able to decide which level of activity we wanted on a daily basis and even between the morning and afternoon walks. Our time was spent both in the countryside and lovely cities of Umbria. I felt it was very educational and a lovely tour.
— Review left September 21, 2019
Beautiful part of Italy, great people in our group - as usual! But the weather was bad, the hotel running on fumes and the much talked about "flexibility" in terms of "options" NOT really delivered on. Group leader & hiking specialists couldn't get or stay on the same page.
Rain happens! Adjustments to the schedule should have been made but were not. All this because the trip SHOULD BE a 5-star one, but a few tweaks are definitely called for.
— Review left June 19, 2019
How many trips change how you shop at a grocery store at home? I have changed how I look at Italian wine, learned about Olive Oil, and sniff truffles exuberantly.
— Review left May 29, 2019
Fe
This experience was wonderful, beautiful, and helped me to step out of my day to day life and have a marvelous adventure with a group of fun, warm and intelligent participants. The Umbria region was not only beautiful, it was a trip back in time to the Romans days. Our leader, Irene ,was intelligent, fun. and informative.
I recommend this program to anyone who enjoys hiking at different paces in a beautiful country.
— Review left May 10, 2019