Italy
The Hidden Medieval Villages of Tuscany and Umbria
Program No. 22977RJ
Go off the beaten path to discover the charming, lesser-known villages of Tuscany and Umbria. Learn about Roman history, sample delicious regional food and much more!
Enroll with Confidence
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more
Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Sep 2 - Sep 13, 2024
Starting at
3,499Sep 9 - Sep 20, 2024
Starting at
3,499Sep 16 - Sep 27, 2024
Starting at
3,499Oct 7 - Oct 18, 2024
Starting at
3,499Oct 14 - Oct 25, 2024
Starting at
3,499DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Sep 2 - Sep 13, 2024
Starting at
4,059Sep 9 - Sep 20, 2024
Starting at
4,059Sep 16 - Sep 27, 2024
Starting at
4,059Oct 7 - Oct 18, 2024
Starting at
4,059Oct 14 - Oct 25, 2024
Starting at
4,059Not seeing the date you're looking for?
To be notified if dates of this program become available, click the button below.
12 days
11 nights
22 meals
10B 4L 8D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
6
Cortona
Siena
7
Gubbio, To Spoleto
Spoleto (PG)
8
Spoleto
Spoleto (PG)
9
Assisi, Free Time
Spoleto (PG)
10
Perugia, Free Time
Spoleto (PG)
11
Orvieto, To Rome-Fiumicino, Free Time
Roma Fiumicino
12
Program Concludes
In Flight
At a Glance
The villages of Tuscany and Umbria have their own pace — a relaxed philosophy that flows along the colorful hillsides, quiet towns and timeless landscapes. Discover these idyllic regions as you explore the piazzas, churches and fortresses of Italy’s quieter gems that are often away from the flow of tourists. From Siena to the underground tunnels of Orvieto, the secrets of the Italian countryside wait to be discovered!
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two and half miles; some uneven ground and cobblestones. Stairs without railings.
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
- Explore the Southern part of Tuscany, the Val D'Orcia, rich in beauty and charm.
- Delight in a field trip to the Collegio del Cambio in Perugia to admire Perugino's frescoes.
- Discover the mysteries of Orvieto, a hilltop village renowned for its Cathedral of St. Mary of Assumption and the underground caves that were dug beneath the city 2,500 years ago.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Mario Carniani
A native of Fiesole, Italy, Mario Carniani graduated with honors from the University of Florence with a focus on foreign languages and literature. After pursuing studies on Elizabethan drama in England, he moved on to teach Italian at the British Institute of Florence and English in Italian State schools. He has conducted courses on Italian literature and history for numerous international institutes based in Florence, including Georgetown University and Dartmouth University.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Mario Carniani
View biography
A native of Fiesole, Italy, Mario Carniani graduated with honors from the University of Florence with a focus on foreign languages and literature. After pursuing studies on Elizabethan drama in England, he moved on to teach Italian at the British Institute of Florence and English in Italian State schools. He has conducted courses on Italian literature and history for numerous international institutes based in Florence, including Georgetown University and Dartmouth University.
Mick Plewman
View biography
Mick Plewman is an exploration leader with more than 20 years of experience working all over the world, from Central America to Sri Lanka. He is also a qualified teacher and educational psychologist who worked in the British school system and for the British Army. Mick has lived in Central Italy for more than two decades, where he is renovating an old farmhouse in Umbria. He enjoys traveling, reading, and studying the art and history of the many places he visits.
Ilaria Fiore
View biography
Ilaria Fiore was born in Milan, where she studied languages (English, German, Spanish) and graduated in art history at the State University with a thesis focused on the Cathedral of the City (Duomo) in the Napoleonic period. She decided to turn her passion for travel into a profession, obtaining licenses related to leading groups as well as a master's degree in food and wine tourism. She has also taught art and literature as a substitute teacher, and is an amateur actress.
Romana Gatti
View biography
Romana Gatti was born in Italy, raised in Switzerland and England, and still maintains a double nationality. She has studied art, sociology, and history, deciding after university studies to became an exploration leader. She has traveled all over the world and lived in several countries including the U.S. Choosing Italy as her permanent home, she settled in Umbria. Romana has had the pleasure to work with people from around the world with interests from art and history to nature, handicrafts, gastronomy, and wine.
Suggested Reading List
(7 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
The Hidden Medieval Villages of Tuscany and Umbria
Program Number: 22977
A Vineyard in Tuscany: A Wine Lover's Dream
Umbria: A Cultural History
Reluctant Saint: Life of Francis of Assisi
Walking and Eating in Tuscany and Umbria
St Francis of Assisi
The Rough Guide to Tuscany & Umbria
The Most Beautiful Country Towns of Tuscany (Most Beautiful Villages Series)