Hidden Italy & The Keys to the Vatican

From St Pancras, travel by Eurostar to Paris, continuing by rail
to Turin for the night. On Day 2, travel by rail
to the Renaissance city of Florence, which we discover on a guided
tour before continuing to Umbria. A lesser-known gem in the heart
of Italy, Umbria is known for its old-world appeal, rural
landscapes, and farm-to-table food. Our hotel is the Abbazia dei
Collemedio in Collazzone, a former 13th-century Franciscan
monastery. With an idyllic location in the rolling hills,
surrounded by Cyprus trees, this property epitomises Umbrian
charm.

Travel by coach to peaceful Assisi. As the birth and resting
place of St. Francis, who is interred in the Basilica of Assisi,
Assisi's religious heritage has earned it UNESCO status. We are
guided through the Basilica by a local Franciscan Monk, seeing the
elaborate frescoes of the white-washed Upper Church and austere
Lower Church. Continue to the Medieval walled city of Perugia for
free time to explore the cobblestoned streets of the 14th-century
town centre.

Spend a day immersed in authentic Umbrian culture and cuisine at
a charming farm in Pettino, which has been in the same family since
the 1400s. After a warm welcome, head into the nearby hills to
partake in the centuries-old tradition of truffle hunting, sampling
our findings with a glass of prosecco in a picturesque hillside
spot. Returning to the farmhouse, learn about the family's culinary
traditions with a pasta-making demonstration and a visit to the
cheese room. Finally, sit down with the family for an authentic
Umbrian lunch, made with fresh ingredients, along with plenty of
delicious local wine.

After a relaxed morning, travel by coach to Montepulciano.
Perched on a hillside in the undulating Tuscan countryside, this
Renaissance town is known for its wine, with its prestigious Vino
Nobile regarded as one of the finest wines in Italy. Enjoy time at
leisure to explore the medieval streets before visiting one of the
town's underground wine cellars for a tour and tasting of this
famous red wine.

We travel to Foligno for a rail journey south to Puglia, the
unspoilt 'heel' of Italy. Arriving in Bari, continue to the
luxurious Leonardo Trulli Resort in Locorotondo for 4 nights. This
resort is truly special, with rooms located in the Art Nouveau
farmhouse or one of several authentic trulli - centuries-old,
cone-shaped houses typical of this region, built using techniques
that date to prehistoric times.

We uncover some lesser-known treasures on Day
7, heading first to Martina Franca, whose Old Town is a
delightful labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with intricate Baroque
façades. Continue to UNESCO-listed Alberobello, home to over 1,400
trulli, many of which have been converted into galleries, shops and
cafés. Finally, explore historic Locorotondo, famous for its wines
and circle-shaped centre.

We visit Ostuni, a stunning hilltop city whose white-washed
buildings rise from a sea of olive trees which spread toward the
coast. Ostuni is known for olive oil, and we visit an olive oil
mill for an insight into its production. After a rustic lunch, we
continue to Monopoli on the sparkling Adriatic coast, for free
time. Unwind in a café, explore the quaint streets, or admire the
impressive 16th-century castle.

We travel by rail (Standard Class) to Lecce on Day
9. We take in its Renaissance and Baroque heart on a
guided tour, pausing en route to indulge in some coffee and a
pasticciotto - a traditional filled Lecce pastry. Lecce boasts a
captivating history, with evidence of Roman structures still
visible today - the ancient amphitheatre is located in the central
piazza. Later, there is time to explore the town at your own
pace.

We travel by rail to Rome, where we check into the NH Collection
Roma Centro. Soak up Rome's world-class blend of ancient history,
art and cosmopolitan charm on Day 11. Perhaps
visit the breathtaking Colosseum, where you can trace the footsteps
of mighty gladiators as they prepared for victory. Toss a coin into
the ornate Trevi Fountain, or simply stroll amongst the historic
yet bustling streets, bursting with al fresco cafés, Medieval
piazzas and artistic masterpieces.

We wake early on Day 12 for an out of hours
Vatican tour. We meet the 'clavigero', the key keeper granted the
privilege of opening the Vatican each day, and watch as age-old
buildings are opened and lights are turned on, revealing centuries
of art, history and architecture. A highlight comes as we reach the
Sistine Chapel, stepping inside the sacred building as it is
cloaked in darkness and watching it transform before our eyes. Our
tour ends with breakfast in the elegant Courtyard of the Pinecone.
Return to the hotel for some free time ahead of our flight
home.

Please note: you will need to take your luggage back to the
UK with you on your flight, rather than by our luggage transfer
service.