Experience a Leisurely Walking Vacation in Umbria, Italy

Based in Orvieto, discover Italy's back roads and culinary traditions
group smiling people lake bolsena umbria italy walking vacation

Leisurely Walks
Great Food & Drink
Authentic Italy

Dates 2024
September 30-October 6
Cost: from $2595
Optional Single Supplement: $595
Duration: 6 nights
Location: Orvieto, Italy
Max Group Size: 12
Land only. Solo Traveler Roomshares. All prices are in U.S. dollars. Program subject to change.

Walking Vacation in Umbria, Italy

Our walking vacation in Umbria is a perfectly paced tour for explorers, walkers, and those wanting to experience authentic Italy. You will be immersed in the stunning, rolling landscape of central Italy. The beautiful region of Umbria is unique and richly steeped in art, history and culture. Here you can discover ancient hilltop towns, stroll through rolling countryside, and experience incredible regional gastronomy. Spend all 6-nights at our pretty-as-a-postcard hotel.  Unpack only once and stay in an authentic Italian neighborhood in the heart of historic Orvieto. On our walking vacation in Umbria you can relax and enjoy the peace of an unhurried Italian lifestyle.

Overview

Walking Vacation in Umbria, Italy

 

We’ve designed a tailor-made, six night tour of our favorite places. Join us in the unspoiled rural region of Italy. On our half-day excursions you will enjoy Umbria’s stunning landscapes and taste olive, grape and truffle harvests. Meet local artisans who share their passion for the land and its traditions. Of course excellent wineries abound. Each day you’ll experience rolling paths, great views and the tastes of Italy. In essence, our leisurely walking vacation in Umbria introduces you to the scenery, scents and flavors of a hidden land.

Daily walks and exploration

Each day will follow a similar schedule. First we’ll start with a delicious, full breakfast at our charming 4-star hotel in the historic center. Next we will depart by private transfer for the day’s excursion. We begin with daily, leisurely walks in the countryside that provide unique views of life in Italy.

Then, each day brings a new place to visit. One day, walk through a renovated vineyard with the winemaker as your guide. Next day, our small group will discover an ancient city, isolated by time and topography with a local historian. Another day, we’ll tour a family-owned olive oil press and view how centuries of tradition have influenced a modern approach. Most days will have an included tasting of products made on premises.

Free time and options

You will return to Orvieto by mid-afternoon. One afternoon there is an option to join a popular ceramic art class. This is a fun way to find your artistic inspiration and hand make a beautiful object to take back home with you. If a group dinner is not planned, your evenings are free to explore.

In addition to the morning walks, we offer 3 optional additional walks to further explore this alluring landscape on foot in the company of your local, english-speaking hosts. All included walks are Level 1 to mild Level 2 according to our walk ratings. The optional walks are longer and possibly more challenging.

What you’ll love

1. Small groups

With a maximum size of 12 guests, join freindly, like-minded travelers and discover intimate locations larger groups can’t.

2. Immersive experiences

Step away from your everyday life and fully experience the food, culture, and landscape of Italy.

3. Planning with Care

We take care of the details. You enjoy your vacation!

walking vacation in Umbria Italy couple in archway

Inclusions

Walking Vacation in Umbria, Italy

6 nights at our 4-star hotel in Orvieto’s historic center

  • Daily full breakfast buffet
  • All transport per the itinerary
  • Welcome aperitivo
  • Orientation walk in Orvieto
  • Winery tour with owner/winemaker
  • Wine tasting and artisan cheese tasting
  • Welcome dinner of regional specialties (wine included)
  • Olive oil museum and production guided visit
  • Tasting with wines, local meats & cheeses, and bruschette
  • Visit Civita di Bagnoregio with local guide
  • Optional ceramic class in Orvieto
  • Gourmet, farm-to-table farewell lunch
  • All activities are fully guided/hosted
  • Local, english speaking hosts
  • Free Orvieto Restaurant Mini-Guide written by your local hosts
  • Countryside walk near Lubriano (Approx 6-7km)
  • Countryside walk through olive groves near Montecchio  (Approx  6-7km)
  • Bolsena lakeside walk (Approx 6-7km)
  • Additional walk options to discover this beautiful area on foot:
    • Circular walk of Orvieto to the famous Anelle della Rupe
    • Vineyards & Vistas in the heart of the winemaking countryside close to Orvieto
    • The Sentieri Trail Walk from Sette Camini to Orvieto

Example Itinerary…

Actual daily schedules may differ.

 

walking vacation in Umbria Italy couple walking at night

Day 1

We will gather at our charming, 4-star hotel in Orvieto’s historic center. First, we will have a meet-and-greet and program overview to get you prepared for the week ahead. Then, we will have an orientation walk to get to know the neighborhood. Afterward, join us for a convivial aperitivo in the garden courtyard of a local artist’s studio. 

walking vacation in Umbria Italy vineyard glass

Day 2

After a delicious breakfast our day begins with a walk through the countryside near the village of Porano. Next, a young winemaker tours us through the vineyards and winery his family has brought back to life. Lastly, gather round the table for an al fresco cheese tasting and light lunch paired with wines from the vineyard. walking vacation in Umbria
 

walking vacation in Umbria Italy olive branch

Day 3

Begin the day with a walk from Montecchio with views across the rolling hills of Umbria. Then we will meet a family who has produced their own olive oil, from tree to table, for centuries. In their museum you will see how olive oil production has evolved. Finish with a light lunch of house specialties, olive oils and wine, all made on property.

Senior Italian women walking in piazza duomo Ovieto umbria walking vacation

Day 4

Today experience the sights, scents and sounds of a bustling Italian open market. At Orvieto’s weekly market you’ll meet local vendors of produce, meats, cheese, and more. Shop like a local and sample the best of the season. With the remainder of the day you can join an optional strada bianca walk through the vineyards of Canale, or take part in a ceramics class with a local artist.

Walking to Civita di Bagnoregio Umbria Italy

Day 5

Start the day with a visit to the completely unique hilltop town of Civita Di Bagnoregio. Over time, the slopes of “The Dying City” have eroded away. Now, only the beautiful, isolated village remains. Accessible solely by a pedestrian walkway, our local historian and guide will illuminate its mysteries. After lunch return to Orvieto or enjoy an afternoon passeggiata (walk) through the countryside.

Lake Bolsena Umbria walking vacation

Day 6

First, the day begins with a walk along the shoreline of serene Lake Bolsena, the largest volcanic lake in Europe. After working up an apetite, we will make our way to an organic farm and Agri-ristoro for our Farm to Table gourmet farewell lunch. Most everything, from breads and pasta to cured meats, to wine at the table, is produced on property. Truly, it is a feast to celebrate our week together.

Walking vacation in Umbria Italy vineyard path

Day 7

After breakfast, the tour ends, and we say, “Arrivederci! Alla Prossima!“ Goodbye … until the next time!

A week full of beautiful walks and Italian tradition

Where in the World

South of Florence and north of Rome, Umbria is conveniently situated close to everything, and yet off the beaten path. Immersed in the stunning, rolling landscape of central Italy, the beautiful region of Umbria is unique and richly steeped in art, history and culture. Here you can discover ancient hilltop towns, stroll through rolling countryside, and experience incredible regional gastronomy. On our walking vacation in Umbria, Italy you can relax and enjoy the peace of an unhurried rural lifestyle.

Orvieto is a small city perched on a rock cliff in Umbria, Italy. Within it’s walls you will find many points of interest. The famous Duomo di Orvieto, dating from 1290, has a stunning mosaic facade and houses a marble Pietà sculpture. The Pozzo di San Patrizio is a 16th-century well shaft with a double spiral staircase. A complex underground cave network attests to the city’s rich Etruscan roots.

Airport

The most convenient airport to Umbria is Rome’s Fiumicino International Airport (FCO). From FCO the town of Orvieto, where our walking vacation in Umbria is based, may be reached by train or private driver.

Italy Orvieto Where in the World Map

What to Expect

Excursions and Activities: Walking Vacation in Umbria, Italy

Countryside Walk Near Lubriano

After breakfast we depart for a quiet country road near the village of Lubriano. As the fog lifts you’ll walk the undulating path through patchwork fields and shady oaks. In the mornings you may see local truffle hunters. With their trained dogs they head deeper into the woods searching for the hidden bounty this region is famous for.

women walking along road into fog umbria italy walking vacation

Guided Tour of Civita di Bagnoregio

This is a bucketlist destination for many of our guests. Our adventure begins with a walk to the ancient and picturesque village of Civita di Bagnoregio. Spectacularly situated, the city clings atop its small ridge surrounded by a ‘moonscape’ of eroding cliffs. Then our Civita guide will share her rich knowledge of local history, culture, food and folklore. The ancient walls come alive with story as she walks us through the settlement. Afterwards you will have time to explore the winding medieval center on your own. Like a village from a fairy tale, the atmosphere is incredible! Before departure you may take a break at one of the many wonderful eateries. Enjoy a wonderful lunch with a view of the valley below.

Flower pots on stone steps
Lazy Cat Civita di Bagnoregio Umbria Italy walking vacation (1)
Walking to Civita di Bagnoregio Umbria Italy

Walk Hilltops and Olive Groves Near Montecchio

The day’s walking vacation in Umbria begins at a high point outside of Montecchio. Under a  blue sky, vineyards, farmlands, and colorful hamlets can be seen in every direction. Then we follow the rolling strada bianche (white roads) taking in beautiful views along the way. Finally we reach an olive farm and meander through the stately groves. This is a favorite walk through quintessential Italian countryside.

couple walking country road small group vacation umbria italy (1)
scenic countryside walking vacation in umbria italy

Estate Winery Visit and Tasting

Umbria is reknown for its wine throughout the world. On our tour you will learn what makes the wine of this region so admired. We will visit with a young, passionate winemaker and tour his family estate. First, our private tour will include a walk through the vineyard to gain an appreciation of its unique terrior. Afterward, you will taste of several of their premium wines. Finally, you’ll sample an organic goat cheese tasting from a local, specialist producer. Our guests love this fun, informative, and very personal introdution to Umbrian wines.

wine glass with vineyard Madonna del Latte winery Umbria Italy walking vacation vert
Walking vacation in Umbria Italy walking vacation holiday
artisan cheese Madonna del Latte winery Umbria Italy walking vacation

Shoreline Walk Along Lake Bolsena

A Blue Walk wouldn’t be complete without some hours spent by the water. Fortunately, Lake Bolsena, Europe’s second largest volcanic crater lake, is a short distance from Orvieto. After breakfast we will depart for the lakefront village of Bolsena.  From there we will enjoy a morning walk along the shoreline. Wildflowers, birds, and other wildlife abound along the lake’s verdant shore. It’s easy to enjoy lively conversations or find quiet solitude as we stroll along the flat gravel path.

Group of people walking Lake Bolsena Italy
Lake Bolsena Umbria walking vacation

Farm to Table Feast

Our walking vacation in Umbria finale is a specatacular and delicious day. After a scenic drive through pretty farmland and a few rural villages, our private transfer brings us to a truly unique family farm. Here we will indulge in a farm to table gourmet lunch in the truest sense.

First we begin with an abundant antipasto buffet of which any Italian grandmother would be proud. Artisan cheeses, cured meats, and more are offered with abundant and beautiful presentation. Next is tender housemade pasta followed by regional main dishes. Of course locally produced wines are close at hand. Finally a selection of family-recipe desserts will make it hard to choose just one.

Traditional, handmade, award winning, and organic, the cheeses and charcuterie offered here are all made on property. Experience passionate artisans, lovingly prepared food, and a most memorable meal.

 

Blue Walk Italy walking vacation cheese farm sheep waiting to be milked
Pasta with Ragu in Orvieto Italy

Important Notes

Walking Vacation in Umbria, Italy

Deposits

Your place on a tour is secured once we have received and confirmed your deposit payment. Before the final payment date, a non-refundable deposit of $500 for walking vacations and $750 for art vacation workshops is required. After the final payment date, the entire tour amount must be received to hold a space on a program. 

You may cancel for any reason up to 90 days prior to departure and your non-refundable deposit may be forwarded to a future tour. Any balance on your account will be returned. For complete details please see our Terms and Conditions.

Solo travelers and single supplements

For our guests who are traveling solo... We offer a single supplement for an additional fee if you wish to guarantee a private room.

If you do not request a private room, you will share a twin room with another trip participant of the same sex (Roomshare). When you sign up, if no Roomshare is available, a 50% single supplement will be included on your invoice and is due at final payment. However, if a roommate is found before your trip departs, you will be matched and the single supplement will be removed or refunded.

A single supplement guarantees a private room. Whenever possible singles will be placed in the same room type as our double or twin rooms.

Twin / Double Rooms

Please be aware twin beds in Europe may have very little or no space between beds. Also, for double beds, instead of a king or queen mattress, double beds are often two adjoining twin mattresses secured together and made with double bedding.

Fitness

Walking is a part of this program. It is both a means of visiting locations and a way to immerse yourself in a place. Our scheduled walks are usually 1-2 hours long at a casual pace. We provide a general description of our walks here. It is your responsibility to know your own physical and medical condition with respect to the advisability of participating in a chosen trip. We suggest you prepare by doing at least 1 hour of walking several times per week, and a longer walk at least once per week. Ideally, include walks with elevation change and stairs. (There are always stairs.)

As with any exercise program, we recommend you consult with your physician prior to your arrival regarding the suitability of a walking tour.

Some of our guests find trekking poles helpful on steep or uneven terrain. In Europe they are quite common. Before using them on a vacation, please practice at home. We strongly advise you get comfortable using trekking  poles on familiar paths first.

 

For additional information on these topics and more, please see our FAQ page.

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