Perillo Tours Italy 2024

Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi Next, we’ll drive to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, one of Italy’s most famous patron saints. We’ll check in to our beautiful hotel and then head out on a walking tour with a local guide. We visit the Pala Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, an important pilgrimage site dedicated to St. Francis. We will also visit a crypt where the remains of St. Francis are kept. Of course, we’ll have to stop for an olive oil tasting at a family-owned oil mill as the extra virgin olive oils from Umbria are some of the finest in the country. Tonight, we’ll relax in our hotel and enjoy dinner with fine local wines. DAY 6 • ASSISI » GUBBIO » WINE TASTING & LUNCH » ASSISI THURSDAY: This morning, we depart for Gubbio, a well-preserved medieval town dating back to the Etruscan period. We’ll take a guided walking tour of this wonderful medieval city, famous for the largest Christmas tree in the world. We’ll see the Palace of the Consuls, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Spoleto, located in the main square: Piazza del Duomo. The palace, which was built in the early 13th century by the city of Spoleto to serve as the seat of the city’s government, is one of the most important examples of medieval civic architecture in Italy. Next, we’ll enjoy a wine tasting and lunch at Cantina Semonte. After lunch we’ll return to our hotel and the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Be sure to ask your tour leader for restaurant suggestions. DAY 7 ASSISI » LAKE TRASIMENO » MAGGIORE ISLAND » WINE TASTING & LUNCH » PERUGIA » ASSISI » DINNER OUT FRIDAY: This morning, we depart for Lake Trasimento. We will arrive at the lakeside town of Tuoro where we will take a cruise (weather permitting) to the islands and beautiful areas of the lake. We’ll navigate towards Maggiore Island for a short break and a chance to admire the Castle of Gugliemi, amongst other wonders. Next, we’ll return to shore and will take a ride to the “Carini Family Winery” to enjoy a wine tasting and lunch. After lunch, we’ll return to Perugia for a walking tour with your tour leader. Perugia, a popular destination for tourists who come to explore its charming street, museums and art galleries is also a food lover’s paradise! We’ll have some free time to shop or have ice cream. Tonight, we’ll enjoy dinner out at a local restaurant with fine wines. DAY 8 • ASSISI » LUCIGNANO » LA BAGNAIA SIENA » DINNER IN SIENA SATURDAY: This morning, after breakfast, we’ll check out of our hotel and enjoy a ride through the Tuscan countryside. On our way to Florence, we’ll stop to visit Lucignano, one of the most fascinating but lesser-known medieval destinations of Tuscany. Here we will discover a past that’s still alive thanks to hidden treasures like the unique “Tree of Life,” a masterpiece of Gothic jewelry in the shape of a tree. You’ll have some free time to enjoy a quick lunch before we depart for La Bagnaia Resort. This afternoon, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of Siena. We’ll stroll through this amazing city which looks like a fascinating maze of alleys that rise and fall and intersect. Our guided tour will include the elaborately carved Duomo, one of the greatest examples of Italian Romanesque-Gothic architecture. It is said that the great composer Richard Wagner, upon seeing the Cathedral of Siena for the first time, was moved to tears. You’ll be amazed at the art and beauty as well as its wonderful marble floor which is a unique example in the history of art. Tonight, we’ll enjoy dinner out in Siena with fine local wines. DAY 9 • LA BAGNAIA SIENA » FLORENCE CITY SIGHTSEEING » THE DAVID » LA BAGNAIA SIENA » DINNER IN HOTEL SUNDAY: Florence – also known as the “Cradle of the Renaissance,” awaits our inspection! Our sightseeing today includes the majestic Duomo built in 1296, Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Baptistery with its renowned “Gates of Paradise” doors. We follow the medieval streets to the most striking square in Florence, Piazza della Signoria, home of Santa Croce Church, Michelangelo’s final resting place. “Breathtaking” is the only word to describe one’s first view of Michelangelo’s David. Yes, it’s quite large and detailed. But the real magic is in how Michelangelo transformed a lifeless rock into a man – full of pride, wary of his adversary, yet quietly confident. All with just a hammer and chisel! You’ll have some free time in Florence to shop and wander around. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner in our hotel with fine local wines. DAY 10 LA BAGNAIA SIENA » SAN GIMIGNANO » TRUFFLE HUNT » OLIVE OIL & WINE TASTING » COOKING CLASS & DINNER MONDAY: Today, we will drive through the beautiful rolling hills of Chianti for a most unique winery visit but first we’ll stop for a tour of San Gimignano along the way. This medieval town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its 14th-century towers, which rise above the town’s skyline. Once at the winery, you’ll get to meet our dear friend, Pierluigi Giachi, the world’s most enchanting and entertaining sommelier. First, we’ll start with a truffle hunt: accompanied by a guide with his trained dogs you’ll watch as they skillfully use their noses to find these delicacies. Next, we’ll enjoy an olive oil and wine tasting while taking a fun, hands-on cooking class with a chef. I hope this meal tastes good because it will be served to you for dinner! This will be a truly fun, memorable day! DAY 11 • FLIGHT HOME » LA BAGNAIA SIENA » FLORENCE » USA TUESDAY: Early this morning, our bus will take us to the Florence airport for our return flights home, arriving in the USA the same day. While we say “ arrivederci ” to Italy, we realize we’re taking a little piece of it back home with us…and maybe some wine too! Arrivederci Italia! Land Only passengers must call Perillo office first before booking return flights to the USA to ensure booking correct flight times to be guaranteed an airport transfer. • Triple Room deduct $300 pp from the Double Rate. • Kids under 12 sharing with 2 adults deduct $800 from the Double Rate. DEPART–RETURN (Sat-Tues) PER PERSON IN A DOUBLE SOLO TRAVELER Apr 20-Apr 30 3795 5295 May 11-May 21 3850 5350 May 18-May 28 3995 5495 Jun 1-Jun 11 3995 5495 Jun 8-Jun 18 3995 5495 Jul 6-Jul 16 3895 5395 Jul 20-Jul 30 3895 5395 Aug 17-Aug 27 3895 5395 Sep 7-Sep 17 3995 5495 Sep 14-Sep 24 3995 5495 Sep 28-Oct 8 3895 5395 Oct 5-Oct 15 3895 5395 Oct 19-Oct 29 3795 5295 2024 DATES & LAND -ONLY RATES Save $100 per person if ALL payments are made by check or our new easy online ACH payment. Kids rate does not qualify. See page 33 about our low airfares 1 5