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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At a Glance

The holidays in Assisi and surrounding Umbria offer a unique blend of seasonal events, hill town festivities, and stunning landscapes, epitomizing Italy in place and spirit. Through expert lectures, archaeological analysis, and in-person encounters with some of history's greatest art masterpieces, get to know the home of St. Francis and trace its heritage back to Rome and beyond as you immerse yourself in the holiday ambiance of this fabled Italian region.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to three miles a day. Extended standing during site visits with limited or no public seating. Uneven terrain, limited public handrails, unavoidable stairs, marble and terracotta flooring, cobblestones, steep inclines, loose gravel. Elevator use is limited or restricted in historic sites. Expect crowded conditions in pedestrian centers and museums. Program-related travel and transfers will be via bus and minivan.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Study the life of Francis of Assisi through personal encounters with 700-year-old Giotto masterworks adorning St. Francis Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Florence's Basilica of Santa Croce.
  • Examine the common cultural roots shared by the hill towns of Umbria on a visit to Perugia, a traffic-free city built on Etruscan foundations and embodying an elegant standard for comparison with Assisi.
  • Start your own holiday tradition based on those whose roots stretch back through the centuries by participating in a traditional Umbrian Christmas Eve family-style dinner and midnight vigil mass.

General Notes

Give us a call to combine select dates of this learning adventure with, "New Year's in Sorrento" (#22188) for even more learning in Italy! We'll even transfer you for free between locations.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Louise Maciejewski
Louise Maciejewski completed her B.A. at the Institute of Archaeology in London with a specialization in the Mediterranean area. Recently, she was awarded an M.A. from the University of Siena in the prehistory and history of Etruria. Originally from the U.K., Louise resides with her family in Cortona. She is passionate about her orchard of olive trees, and in November personally oversees the milling of the olives to make oil.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Louise Maciejewski
Louise Maciejewski View biography
Louise Maciejewski completed her B.A. at the Institute of Archaeology in London with a specialization in the Mediterranean area. Recently, she was awarded an M.A. from the University of Siena in the prehistory and history of Etruria. Originally from the U.K., Louise resides with her family in Cortona. She is passionate about her orchard of olive trees, and in November personally oversees the milling of the olives to make oil.
Profile Image of Bianca Obradovic
Bianca Obradovic View biography
Bianca is originally from the former Yugoslavia, but after studying at the American Business School in Rome 30 years ago, she decided to make Italy her home. She is fluent in English, Italian, French, and Arabic among other languages. Bianca has worked as the site coordinator and group leader for numerous educational travel companies in Italy and in the Mediterranean.
Profile Image of Suzanne Myers
Suzanne Myers View biography
Suzanne Myers originally hails from Lincoln, Nebraska and has been living in Florence since 2011. She has a BA in art history from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota and an MA in art history from Syracuse University. She works as a lecturer for several study away programs in Florence and as a licensed group leader. Suzanne specializes in Italian Renaissance art, but also loves to lecture on a wide range of subjects from the Medici family to the Black Death to Florentine fashion.
Profile Image of Marco Ceccarani
Marco A. Ceccarani View biography
Marco Ceccarani, a native of Assisi, holds a PhD in humanities from the Università degli Studi di Perugia. His field of expertise includes medieval and Renaissance Italian civilization and literature. He has taught for several American universities in the United States and currently teaches in Florence for American university study away programs.
Profile Image of Claudia Sanvico
Claudia Sanvico View biography
Claudia Sanvico is a licensed guide in the region of Umbria. After graduating from a high school specializing in foreign languages and linguistics, she was awarded an advanced degree in the Economics of Tourism at the University of Assisi. She also served an internship in Atlanta, Georgia. Claudia lives in Perugia with her husband and two children.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
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Meals
19 Meals
7 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
7 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Dec 20, 2024 - Dec 28, 2024
  • Dec 20, 2024 - Dec 28, 2024
  • Dec 13, 2024 - Dec 21, 2024
  • Dec 20, 2024 - Dec 28, 2024
2 nights
Florence
The Rivoli Boutique Hotel in Florence is a charming, historic accommodation encapsulating the city's rich cultural heritage. Housed in a restored 14th-century Franciscan monastery, the hotel combines contemporary comforts with traditional elegance. The interior showcases a fusion of modern design elements and original architectural features, creating a unique atmosphere that reflects both past and present. The hotel also features a beautiful courtyard garden, where visitors can relax amidst the serene surroundings. The hotel is near Santa Maria Novella and provides convenient access to many of the city's iconic landmarks, such as the Duomo, Uffizi, Piazza della Repubblica, and Ponte Vecchio.
5 nights
Assisi
The Dal Moro Gallery Hotel in Assisi is a charming retreat that combines art, history, and luxurious comfort. Located in the heart of the picturesque town of Assisi, this boutique hotel offers a unique experience for guests. The Dal Moro Gallery Hotel is housed in a historic building, meticulously restored to preserve its original charm while adding modern amenities. The hotel's interior is adorned with an impressive collection of contemporary artworks, creating a gallery-like atmosphere that delights the senses.
2 nights
Florence
The Rivoli Boutique Hotel in Florence is a charming, historic accommodation encapsulating the city's rich cultural heritage. Housed in a restored 14th-century Franciscan monastery, the hotel combines contemporary comforts with traditional elegance. The interior showcases a fusion of modern design elements and original architectural features, creating a unique atmosphere that reflects both past and present. The hotel also features a beautiful courtyard garden, where visitors can relax amidst the serene surroundings. The hotel is near Santa Maria Novella and provides convenient access to many of the city's iconic landmarks, such as the Duomo, Uffizi, Piazza della Repubblica, and Ponte Vecchio.
5 nights
Assisi
The Dal Moro Gallery Hotel in Assisi is a charming retreat that combines art, history, and luxurious comfort. Located in the heart of the picturesque town of Assisi, this boutique hotel offers a unique experience for guests. The Dal Moro Gallery Hotel is housed in a historic building, meticulously restored to preserve its original charm while adding modern amenities. The hotel's interior is adorned with an impressive collection of contemporary artworks, creating a gallery-like atmosphere that delights the senses.





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