Art & Food Tour Day 5, 6, 7.
Day 5
Spoleto and Spello – Art and Architecture in
a Dramatic Landscape
A fascinating day in the picturesque hill town of Spoleto, an important
colony founded by the Romans. You will walk into the city over the
Ponte della Torri (Bridge of Towers), an amazing 14th century aqueduct
with pillars 80m high and a vertiginous view of the ravine and waterfalls
far below. This landscape is dominated by the huge Papal fortress
the Rocca Albornoz. The town’s fan shaped piazza opens out to
reveal the 12th century Duomo’s elegant façade. Filling
the apse of the Baroque interior are the newly restored frescos by
Filippo Lippi with episodes from the Life of the Virgin. The fascinating
streets contain many Roman architectural remains. After lunch* we
will journey back to the small but delightful town of Spello renowned
for a fresco cycle by Pinturichio in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Back to the Casa for a little rest and to get ready for a lavish meal
at a nearby resturant.
Day 6
Orvieto -
Situated on a high plateau Orvieto is a perfect place for our last
full day tour. Here we will admire the superb Romanesque/ Gothic Duomo
with its multitude of treasures. Its gilded intricate façade
is adorned with sculptures, mosaics and the complex detailed carved
relief at the base of its four main pillars tell stories from the
Old and New Testaments. The vast interior contains several frescos
illustrating the Miracle of Bolsena and several works by Fra Angelico.
It is said that Signorelli’s great fresco cycle depicting
the Last Judgement has been Michelangelo’s inspiration for the
Sistine Chapel. Many take the view that the master was at least an
equal to the pupil! In complete contrast we will explore the Pozzo
di Patrizio commissioned in 1572 by Pope Clement VII and designed
by Antonio da Sangallo to provide the town with water. The 62m (203ft)
shaft contains a double Helix with two 248 step staircases which drop
into its dank interior. Besides superb art and architecture Orvieto
has much else to offer: great shopping and fine restaurants in leafy
gardens, one of these the venue for lunch.* After a scenic drive over
the mountains, a refreshing swim or siesta will be needed to prepare
yourselves for a long and leisurely dinner.
.
Day 7
Panicale – a Local Gem
The tour culminates with a visit to local Panicale on the last day.
It is a well-preserved, walled, medieval town with early Renaissance
art and architecture and spectacular lake views. Panicale is very
much off the beaten tourist track – may it long remain so. A
few people in the know, such as your hosts, consider it one of the
most attractive spots in Italy. You will walk along narrow medieval
streets and alleys only to come upon glorious walled gardens brimming
over with flowers and lemon trees. Besides the world famous Perugino
fresco in the Church of San Sebastian, you will be able to visit the
lace museum and take coffee* in the square by the 14th c. fountain
which, during the Festa of the Grape miraculously spouts wine! The
unique atmosphere of this little medieval gem will be a fitting memory
to take away with you. Back at the Casa a long farewell lunch awaits
you.
Time to pack, have a last swim or relax before departure back to Rome
airport.
Arrivederci!
Cost per person £639 + flights
Includes::
- All transport in Italy, including airport
transfers
- Accommodation in a comfortably furnished
apartment. Towels, linen, hair dryer, iron, ironing board, coffee,
tea making equipment, crockery, glasses, dish washer, fridge and ice
box are provided.
- Use of pool and Olive Grove
- Meals taken at the Casa
- Half board comprising continental breakfast (every day except Day
1), lunch with wine (Day 7) or an evening meal with
wine (Days 1,2,3,4,,6)
- Meals at the Casa consist of at least four courses (sometimes more!)
according to Italian custom.
- 1. Antipasto (cold starter)
-2. Pasta or risotto
-3. Carne (meat and vegetable)
- 4. Dolce (dessert)
- Please indicate any culinary restrictions (vegetarian, allergies
etc.)
- Your fridge will contain the ingredients for a continental breakfast.
In addition you will receive freshly baked rolls every morning, together
with that evening’s menu so that you can choose lunch accordingly.
- Other refreshments are available on request, at retail prices
.
- Appropriate wines with the 5 course Casa meals
- Introductory talks
- Guided walks
Not included:
- Flight to and from Italy
- Refeshments taken outside the Casa
- Dinner on Day 5
- Entrance fees
Travellers should have their own personal insurance, which
is their individual responsibility.
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