THE PEARL OF UMBRIA

Meet your private driver outside your accommodation in Rome and relax on the ride to Florence. En route, stop to enjoy a guided tour of an enchanting Umbrian town.

Your first sight of Orvieto, built on a high plateau atop cliffs of tufo, will strike you for the sheer drama of its location. It is considered one of central Italy’s most prized jewels, famous among other features for its Etruscan remains and imposing Gothic cathedral. Thanks to its unique geological foundations and the remarkable geographical position it occupies, over the centuries this town found itself at the heart of numerous tumultuous historical events that shook the area. Invaded, occupied, conquered and abandoned at different times in its long history, Orvieto also survived tragedy and thrived, registering grand epochs of revival and prosperity. It was once the home and refuge of popes, a hub of religious communities and continues today to offer visitors a glimpse of its outstanding artistic and architectural treasures.

More astounding still, as your expert guide will show, is that what you see on the surface is only one dimension of the city. Below the ground, hewn out of the volcanic rock of the foundations, is a parallel city of tunnels and caves, wells and corridors dug by Orvieto’s inhabitants over the centuries as cellars and stores for their work tools, shelters for their animals and a rich mine of building materials to be used in construction. Medieval dwellers used to throw their refuse, both organic and inorganic, into pits or butti excavated deep into the tufa stone turning yesterday’s rubbish tips literally into treasure troves for archaeologists in our own time.

Back on ground level, your guide will lead you round the splendid cathedral which is famous for the bas-reliefs, bronze doors and rose window that characterise the facade. Inside you can admire a host of stunning, priceless artworks including the beautifully decorated Chapel of San Brizio – known to have provided Michelangelo with the inspiration for his Last Judgement. Luca Signorelli takes credit for most of the wonderful fresco cycle depicting scenes of Christian iconography that you can admire here. It seems he pleased his clients too, for documents show he promptly earned free board plus 575 ducats, including wheat and wine, for his labours in the chapel.

Highlights of your tour of Orvieto also include Piazza del Popolo, for hundreds of years the core of the town’s political, social and commercial life, and the ruins of the Albornoz Fortress, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valley.

But the town offers more than just medieval pleasures. Explore Orvieto’s charming shops, cafes and restaurants. The pottery tradition here began with the Etruscans and continues to be a source of pride. You can browse a range of tastefully handmade crafts including lace and woodwork, all enticingly displayed. Those who enjoy good food and wine, top class olive oil and gastronomic treats will find a wide range of choice is offered.

After some free time for lunch rejoin your driver and head for your accommodation in Florence.