A Journey Through Medieval Italy with an Italian Countess

The Exploration of Art, Food and Wine in an ancient Culture

Departure date: May 10

Alessandra Ranghiasci Gardino, a countess from an ancient Italian family, has designed an unforgettable travel experience that will allow you to visit still-hidden destinations and become more than just tourists within the beautiful landscapes and cultures of Central Italy.

Price: $3,950 per person, land only

Itinerary Overview:

Day 1 – May 10 – Fly from the USA to Rome


Day 2 – May 11 – Rome and Viterbo

After meeting in Rome , you will be transported by private bus to the beautiful city of Viterbo . You will have a late lunch in Viterbo, and after a short exploration of the city you will head towards the tiny village of Sovana , in the Maremma area. Sleep in Sovana

Day 3 – May 12 – Sovana and Pitigliano

This morning you will start the exploration of this lesser known area with a visit to Sovana. This small village was once connected to Pitigliano by a network of Tufa canyons excavated approximately 2,500 years ago by the Etruscans. Today they are called “vie cave” - hollow streets. A walk through the countryside and down into the vie cave to the Etruscan necropolis is an unexpected and unforgettable experience.

In the afternoon you will visit Pitigliano, an enchanting town that stands on a sharp bluff high above the rivers Olpeta, Fiora and Lente. It was first inhabited by the Etruscans but later became known as “ La Piccola Gerusalemme ”, the Small Jerusalem. After the Jewish expulsion from the Papal States (around 1579), the noble Orsini family gave Jewish immigrants the opportunity to establish themselves in the area. Homes and businesses were excavated into the friable sandstone called Tufa. In just a few years Pitigliano's Jewish community, residing mostly in the Jewish ghetto, comprised 10% of the total local population. During a walking tour you will visit these homes and then sample “sfratti” -- a tasty pastry made with honey and nuts, at the kosher bakery. Sleep in Sovana

Day 4 – May 13 – Tarquinia and the Bolsena Lake

Today you will drive through 2 Italian regions, the Maremma (part of Tuscany ) and Lazio.

Geographically they are connected and they share the same kind of soil. All of this area – which includes Sovana and Pitigliano as well - was in the ancient past home to the Etruscans. This very interesting civilization produced masterpieces of art and architecture, and taught to the Romans a big deal. Today most of what we know about this lost civilization is due to their burial sights, called Necropolis. A visit to Tarquinia (Unesco World Heritage since 2004) will show you the most interesting of these burial sights, in tombs that have been excavated in the soil, and then painted with the most amazing colourful and vivid scenes. These paintings on wall (frescoes) – painted approximately 2,500 years ago, are considered to be the best examples of paintings from the pre-Christian era in the Mediterranean, after the Valley of the Kings in Egypt .

A drive through the Bolsena Lake , and a visit to the lovely city of Bolsena , will complete this unusual and dense day of visits. Sleep in Sovana

Day 5 – May 14 – Perugia and Gubbio

Heading towards Gubbio you will stop to visit the capital of the Umbria region, the famed Perugia . Build on top of a rock, Perugia has been inhabited for the last 3000 years. The Etruscans, the Romans, then the Middle Age with the important guilds of workers, everybody has left a trace of its passage in the city layout.
You will visit the amazing main square, with the fountain built by Arnolfo di Cambio, and you will experience some fresco paintings by the famous Perugino, one of the most important artists of the Renaissance period, and master of Raphael.

In the afternoon you will reach Gubbio, where you will perceive right away a very special atmosphere. People will be dancing and singing in the streets, all of the medieval alleys of the historical centre will be decorated with yellow, blue, black and red flags. Tomorrow is the most important day of the year, here. The “Corsa dei Ceri”, an amazing and unforgettable festival, is about to start. Get ready, learn about it, while the drums in the back ground recreate the sounds of the past. Sleep in Gubbio

Day 6 – May 15 – Gubbio and the Festival

Take in the “Ceri Race” of Gubbio from the comfort of your own balcony at the Ranghiasci Palace , the most prominent private building on the main square of Gubbio . Learn about the event from Alessandra, the owner and granddaughter of the city's last Marquis, and marvel at the force of this moment: the enthusiasm of the crowds of locals and bewildered tourists that run here from all over Italy to enjoy the race. You will be taken back in time for an insider's look at local cultural tradition. The “adrenaline moment” at the start of the race is impossible to be describedwe can say it is often compared to Pamplona 's “Running of the Bulls.” After the morning celebrations you are invited to stay at the Palace for a special party where you will meet the local people of Gubbio. In the afternoon you will be free to follow the second part of the race up to Mount Ingino , or explore more of this amazing village. Sleep in Gubbio

Day 7 – May 16 – Urbino

Today you will wake up in a very quiet city. After yesterday's celebrations, Gubbio is resting, giving homage to its Saint protector Ubaldo and sleeping over. You will drive to the nearby Marche region, to visit the most famous of all cities there, the beautiful Urbino (Unesco World Heritage since 1998).

Urbino, at the Renaissance time, was the capital of the Duchy of the Montefeltro family, who also built the Ducal Palace of the city. Today it is an astounding museum, with famous paintings by Raphael, Piero della Francesca, Signorelli, Titian, and some of the most amazing works of inlaid wood you can find in the world. The palace is interesting also because it still hosts the kitchens, lavatories and all of the “real life” facilities that were part of the day by day routine of a royal household. After a local meal in the area, you will head back to Gubbio. Sleep in Gubbio

Day 8 –May 17 - Gubbio

This morning you are invited to learn a few of Alessandra's family recipes during a cooking experience at the palace. You can enjoy your creations over lunch in Alessandra's private garden or on one of her nine balconies overlooking the village and Umbrian plains. You will also have the chance to wander through Gubbio's Annual Street Fair and then join Alessandra for a table decoration class or a visit to her favorite ceramic painters, leather workers and metal artisans. Sleep in Gubbio

Day 9 – May 18 - Cortona and Tuscan Countryside 9 – May 18 - Cortona and Tuscan Countryside

Today you will enjoy a lovely drive on the shoreline of Lago Trasimeno (the lake that comprises part of the border between Umbria and Tuscany) where you will visit a local olive oil mill and taste the area's fruity and delicate extra virgin olive oil. In the late morning you will reach Cortona, a gorgeous Tuscan hilltown which was once an important center of Etruscan civilization. Cortona's new-found fame can be attributed to its role in Francis Mayes' novel “Under the Tuscan Sun” but one of the highlights of your visit here will be the Museum of Etruscan Civilization . In the afternoon you will drive along the sloping landscapes of the Tuscan countryside to a charming countryside estate where you will try the local red wine (Chianti Classico) and learn how to cook famous Tuscan dishes. Sleep in the Tuscan countryside

Day 10 – May 19 - Volterra

Volterra, one of the prettiest Tuscan cities, was founded most likely around 3000 years ago, and became one of the powerful cities of the Etruscans. Centre of interest for the Romans and in the Middle Ages, today it is a pleasant and picturesque small centre, still famous for its production of alabaster objects. The Etruscan museum is one of the most representative of its kind, and the roman ruins which include an amphitheatre, an aqueduct and the baths are still visible. The main cathedral, consecrated in 1120, was enlarged by Andrea Pisano in 1254. Besides visiting the most important sights you will have time to explore on your own, shop and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the city. Sleep in the Tuscan countryside

Day 11 – May 20 - Pisa

After a scenic drive from Cortona, you will enjoy the unforgettable Piazza dei Miracoli (Unesco World Heritage since 1987) and Leaning Tower of Pisa. Learn about the people responsible for the construction of the architectural masterpiece and significance of the Medieval symbols carved all over, and discover the proud history of this city, once a very important maritime power.

In the afternoon you will explore some of the smaller streets of the city, to end your day in one of the local typical trattorias for your farewell dinner. Sleep in Pisa

Day 12 – May 21 – Time to say goodbye

Your tour ends this morning in Pisa after breakfast. You can transfer to the airport or begin a special M&G post tour.

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