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Italy

Christmas in Assisi

Program No. 19220RJ
'Tis the season for musical performances, great works of art, expert lectures, and traditional Umbrian cuisine on this holiday celebration in Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis.
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  • An older couple on a Christmas tour in Assisi, Italy, look up in awe as the man points to a historic landmark.
  • The historic town of Assisi, featuring a large basilica, is viewed across rolling green hills and olive groves in Italy.
  • The Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy, stands above a large piazza filled with visitors on a sunny day.
HolidaysSmall GroupCity Discoveries
Length
9 days
Rating (4.83)
Activity Level
Starts at
3,799
Flights start at
1,350
Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
9 days
8 nights
What's Included
17 meals ( 7B, 4L, 6D )
3 expert-led lectures
10 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
7 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven terrain, stone pavement, steps. The orientation walk in Florence is less than 1 mile.
Afternoon:
After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. Orientation: 4:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will learn from the Group Leader as well as local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Program-related transfers will be by bus; other program-related travel may be by bus, van, or taxi depending on circumstances, and specific vehicles are not guaranteed. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times might change due to local circumstances/conditions. We will alert you as quickly as possible in the event of changes. Thank you for your understanding. Next, we will join our Group Leader in a welcome cocktail (or fruit juice).
Dinner:
At the hotel restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving 110 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking up to 3 miles; uneven terrain, inclines, steps.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Bags will be picked up early morning outside rooms for secure storage in the hotel luggage room until it is loaded on our bus in the afternoon. We will meet in the hotel meeting room, where a local historian will give an informative presentation on the Etruscans, the ancient civilization among the earliest settlers of Florence and Assisi. The historian will provide a thorough overview of the Etruscan people’s contributions to the region, highlighting the cultural, artistic, and architectural influences that shaped the development of these cities. By examining their societal structures, religious practices, and advancements in metallurgy and art, we will understand how the Etruscans laid the foundation for the rich history of Florence and Assisi.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Returning to the hotel, we will board a bus and head for Assisi Santa Maria degli Angeli, the neighborhood at the foot of Assisi where our hotel is located. After checking in and settling into our rooms, we’ll meet in the lobby and set out on foot to explore the neighborhood with our Group Leader. This is the modern residential and commercial center of town that lies in the plain just below the medieval center of Assisi. We will see the richly decorated 16th-century basilica built around a small 13th-century church where Francis of Assisi founded the Order of Friars. Before returning to the hotel, the Group Leader will point out ATMs, grocery stores, and pharmacies.
Dinner:
At the hotel restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus or vans; driving 8 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Walking up to 3 miles; inclines, uneven stone pavers and cobblestones, steps. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
In the hotel meeting room, our local expert will begin by presenting a detailed preparatory lecture focused on the remarkable frescoes by Giotto in the Basilica of St. Francis. This will include exploring the ongoing restoration efforts, particularly addressing the damages caused by the 1997 earthquake, which significantly impacted the basilica’s structure and artwork. We’ll learn about the intricate work to preserve these masterpieces, ensuring that future generations can continue appreciating their beauty. After a short break, we will gather in the lobby and board a van that will take us up the hill to the heart of Assisi, where we will meet our docent who will lead us on a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, a stunning example of Gothic architecture. Inside, we’ll have the opportunity to see relics and items associated with St. Francis and visit his final resting place, making this an especially meaningful and spiritual stop. The upper and lower churches of the basilica are adorned with frescoes by some of Italy’s most renowned artists, including Cimabue, Simone Martini, Pietro Lorenzetti, and, of course, Giotto. The frescoes by Giotto, which depict the life of St. Francis, are considered some of the most important and celebrated works of art from the Italian Renaissance.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus or vans; driving 36 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Getting on/off an escalator. Walking up to 3 miles; uneven terrain, cobblestones, inclines, steps, and extended standing during museum visits.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll board a bus to Perugia, where our local expert will lead us through the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. Our exploration will begin with a visit to the Collegio del Cambio, a striking 15th-century building that once served as the money changers’ guild hall. Inside, we will admire the extraordinary frescoes by Perugino, one of the Renaissance’s most celebrated artists. These vibrant works adorn the walls and provide a fascinating glimpse into Perugia’s artistic and economic life during the Renaissance. Afterwards, we’ll head to the renowned Pinacoteca Nazionale (National Gallery) of Perugia, home to an exceptional collection of Umbrian art from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. The gallery boasts masterpieces from Perugino, Pinturicchio, and Raphael. As we explore its vast collection, our expert will share insights into the evolution of Umbrian art and the influence of these great artists on the broader Italian Renaissance movement.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
Our expert-led field trip continues in Perugia with a visit to the National Museum of Archaeology, where we will explore a collection of Etruscan and Roman artifacts uncovered in the region. The museum offers insight into the ancient civilizations that once thrived here, showcasing everything from intricately designed pottery to statues and tools that reveal the daily lives of these ancient peoples. Our expert will provide in-depth explanations of these objects’ significance and historical context, enhancing our understanding of Perugia’s role in the ancient world. Once we’ve completed our visit, we’ll board our bus and return to Assisi. After a short break, we’ll board taxis for a comfortable ride to our restaurant in the heart of Assisi.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. You are welcome to attend Midnight Mass on your own at one of the nearby churches within walking distance of the hotel.
Activity Note
Getting on/off bus or vans; driving 15 miles, over 1/2 hour riding time. Walking up to 2 miles; stone pavement, inclines, steps. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Buon Natale! For those interested, we have some time this morning to attend a Christmas service at a local church. Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Before noon, we will reconvene in the hotel lobby and head out for a scenic drive to the heart of Assisi’s historical center.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Following lunch, we will ride back to the hotel. In the hotel conference room, the Group Leader will conduct a lecture on Christmas and holiday traditions, illuminating the unique customs and enchanting rituals that make the festive season in Italy genuinely magical. From the cherished traditions of Christmas Eve dinners and the importance of family gatherings to the lively festivities of La Befana, we will enrich our understanding of the holiday season. After a brief break, we will ride to a nearby village that brings a living nativity scene to life. This immersive experience will offer a unique glimpse into local Christmas traditions. Following our visit, we will return to the hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 30 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Getting in/out of taxis. Other vehicles may be substituted. Walking up to 2 miles, uneven stone, cobblestones, inclines, and steps.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board a bus to Deruta, a charming town renowned for centuries-old ceramic craftsmanship. Upon arrival, we'll visit a local ceramics studio where we'll have the opportunity to observe skilled artisans at work, creating intricate pieces of pottery using traditional methods passed down through generations. After exploring the studio and learning about the history of Deruta's famous ceramics, we'll head to the Museo del Vino, where we'll gain insight into the rich wine-making traditions of the region. Here, we'll be treated to an expert-led visit to the museum's collection, showcasing the history of Italian wine production and a delightful wine tasting. We'll sample various local wines, learning about their unique flavors and techniques used to produce them while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Accompanied by our local expert, we will take a taxi to explore the Roman history of Assisi. Our first stop will be the Piazza del Comune, where we’ll see a Roman temple dedicated to Minerva, which was later converted into a church. The modern square sits atop the ancient forum, once the heart of Roman civic life. The well-preserved façade of the temple, dating back to the 1st century BCE, is one of the finest examples of Roman sacred architecture. Next, we’ll visit the ruins of a Roman villa, and in a nearby residential courtyard, our local expert will point out the outline of a Roman arena. Over time, the ancient structure fell into disrepair, and the massive arena stones were repurposed to build houses. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy some independent time in the heart of Assisi before gathering for dinner.
Dinner:
On your own to sample the local fare.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving 110 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking up to 4 miles, uneven stone pavement, steps.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
In the early morning, we will leave our bags outside our rooms to be collected and loaded onto the bus as we prepare for our journey to Florence. Once everything is settled, we’ll board the bus for a comfortable drive through the beautiful Italian countryside, taking in the scenic views of rolling hills, quaint villages, and charming landscapes.
Lunch:
At the hotel restaurant.
Afternoon:
Following lunch, we will check in to our rooms and have time to relax and freshen up after our journey. Once ready, we’ll head out for an expert-led walk through the heart of Florence. Our knowledgeable local expert will lead us through Florence’s historic streets, starting with a visit to the exterior of the magnificent Santa Maria del Fiore, better known as the Duomo. This iconic cathedral, with its striking dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, is one of the architectural wonders of the Renaissance. Next, we’ll stroll to Piazza della Signoria, the vibrant square that has been the center of Florentine political life for centuries, where we’ll encounter impressive statues, including a replica of Michelangelo’s David. Our walk will continue to the famous Ponte Vecchio, the medieval bridge lined with jewelry shops offering breathtaking views of the Arno.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel depending on departure time. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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