Perugia & the Delights of Umbria 2012 

We set off from St Pancras International in London, travelling on the Eurostar to Paris in Standard Premier Class. A light meal and drinks are served on board. On arrival in the French capital we change trains, continuing southwards through France on the high-speed TGV to Switzerland. Our route takes us past some outstanding scenery, verdant valleys and meadows, as well as the lush pastures of the Emmental cheese-producing region. After skirting the shores of sparkling Lake Geneva, we arrive in Lausanne for an overnight stay at the Hotel Continental. After dinner together, perhaps take a stroll through the cobbled streets and down to the lakefront, or even take the funicular. (E,D)

Our journey continues this morning as we travel by First Class rail into Italy. We pass the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the vast and imposing Swiss Alps and head through the famous Simplon tunnel, emerging into the delightful scenery of northern Italy. We skirt alongside the emerald waters of shimmering Lake Maggiore and arrive in the bustling, stylish city of Milan. Here we connect with our regional service to the Renaissance city of Florence and onwards into Tuscany, passing the rugged Apennine Mountains and countless pretty villages perched on distant hilltops as we cross into the landlocked region of Umbria. Our destination is Perugia, a picturesque medieval walled town which stands proudly on a hilltop looking out across the Spoleto valley towards Assisi, in a location very close to the geographical centre of Italy. Perugia was an Etruscan settlement which has been built on over the centuries; evidence of the town's history can be found wherever you look, including ancient Etruscan ruins. Perugia is home to a surprising underground city, created when Pope Paul Farnese III destroyed many medieval buildings to build the Rocca Paolina on top, leaving entire sections of streets intact underneath. We spend the next seven nights in Perugia at the 4-star San Gallo Palace Hotel, dining together in the hotel this evening. (B,D)

This morning we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Perugia, visiting the city's fascinating sights including the impressive Rocca Paolina, the imposing cathedral and the Fontana Maggiore, located in Cathedral Square. We also see the Palazzo dei Priori, an ancient building used by Perugian magistrates from early in the 14th century. This afternoon you are free to explore Perugia at leisure. You could choose to relax at the hotel and take advantage of the facilities, including the indoor pool and the panoramic sun terrace, which enjoys superb views across the surrounding countryside. Alternatively, catch the escalator from outside the hotel, which transports you through atmospheric Rocca Paolina into the city centre, where you can indulge in some shopping and visit the city's excellent museums and art galleries. (B,D)

Our full-day coach tour today takes us first to the fascinating hilltop town of Gubbio; a contender for the title of "Italy's most perfect medieval town" in a country and region where competition is stiff. The ancient heart of the city is incredibly compact, terracotta-tiled houses are built almost on top of each other at angles on the steep, narrow streets. The views across the area from Gubbio are truly breathtaking, with the tree-covered Apennine Mountains providing a glorious backdrop. After enjoying a guided tour of Gubbio we enjoy lunch in a small hillside restaurant just outside town - a meal of delicious, traditional local cooking, accompanied by wonderful views. This afternoon we continue by coach to Assisi, the famous birthplace of St Francis, Italy's patron saint. Assisi is packed with crooked alleyways and narrow, winding streets; another of the region's delightful, ancient hilltop towns, which we explore on a guided tour. Assisi is also home to the Saint Francis Basilica, which enjoys UNESCO World Heritage status. (B,L)

Your day is free to spend at leisure in Perugia, exploring the town or travelling to visit some of the other nearby hilltop towns, such as Spoleti or Todi. You could venture across into Tuscany to visit some of its many superb destinations, or simply relax and enjoy a day at the hotel. (B)

Today we travel by train to Passignano, one of the main resorts on Lake Trasimeno. Passignano is a lovely lakeside town, with a wonderful historic Old Town which rises up the hillside from the shores of the lake. A church sits at the highest point of town - a steep but highly rewarding climb from the lakeside, which enjoys fantastic views across the lake and surrounding region. We enjoy lunch in a local restaurant in Passignano before taking a trip across the water to Isola Maggiore, the main island on the lake. Here you could choose to relax in a café and enjoy the scenery, or follow the path leading all the way around the island - complete the circuit around the island and you will be rewarded with a certificate and bottle of wine. We return to Perugia by train. (B,L)

You are free to further explore Perugia at leisure today, or you could take the opportunity to explore one of the fascinating cities further afield. The beautiful city of Florence, home to over a fifth of the world's Renaissance art, is only a train journey away, as is the fascinating Italian capital, Rome. (B)

This morning we set out on a full-day excursion, our first stop being the fantastic town of Orvieto, which stands proudly and precariously on top of a cliff of red volcanic rock. We enjoy a guided tour of Orvieto, taking us through the wonderful winding streets and past the magnificent Gothic cathedral, with its black and white striped walls and colourful mosaics. You are then free to enjoy lunch in Orvieto and continue exploring at your leisure. The city has a fascinating warren of caves and underground passageways, which you can explore on a tour - there are also places to eat underneath the city. This afternoon we continue by coach to Torgiano, where we follow a local Wine Route which celebrates some of Umbria's famous wines. We enjoy some free time in the perched town of Torgiano, one of the region's important wine towns, which looks out across the vineyards stretching across the surrounding valley as far as the eye can see. We enjoy a tasting of local wines at a wine cellar, followed by dinner. We return to Perugia by coach tonight. (B,D)

We take the train through the heart of Italy to Turin. Here we stay overnight at the 4-star ATA Hotel Concord. On Day 10 we travel by TGV to Paris, where we transfer by coach across the city. We continue to London by Eurostar, with a light meal and drinks served on board. (Day 9-B,D; Day 10-B,E)

E=Eurostar Meal, B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
These meals, where shown are included in the price of your holiday

The 18th Perugia Eurochocolate Festival takes place in October. During the international festival the streets of the Old Town are transformed into a huge celebration of chocolate from across Italy and all over the world.