Let's Go to Italy!
Pack your bags, Ashley Hall alumnae! We’re planning an exciting trip to Italy and want you to join us. This is a wonderful opportunity for alumnae to immerse themselves in the culture and nature of central Italy while experiencing a trip that echoes Ashley Hall’s student travel program.
Full Itinerary Details:
Thursday, October 10 | Depart the United States
Friday, October 11 | Arrive in Rome, Italy
Upon arrival at the Rome Airport (Rome Fiumicino), the group will be transported to Spoleto to begin your stay at the Palazzo Leti, built in 1292 as a private home and now a charming hotel. After lunch and a rest, the group will take an introductory walking tour of Spoleto. You will end the day with cocktails and dinner.
Saturday, October 12 | Orvieto & Civita di Bagnoregio
Situated at the top of a majestic hill, the town of Orvieto is steeped in Etruscan history and home to one of the most outstanding churches built in Central Italy during the 13th century, the Duomo of Orvieto. After lunch in Orvieto, you will continue on to Civita di Bagnoregio, a small village hidden deep in the countryside which is accessible only to pedestrians and animals via a narrow bridge.
Sunday, October 13 | Interest-Based Umbria Excursions
In order to explore personal interests, three activity options will be available that will allow you to design your own Sunday in Italy. Some examples include: exploring the Sacred Wood where Saint Francis came to pray; wandering through the olive trees in Castel Ritaldi; or taking a local cooking class in Spoleto.
Monday, October 14 | Siena
Located in the heart of the Tuscan hills, Siena is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. You will enjoy lunch at a traditional trattoria and experience Siena’s culinary tradition, rich with unique pasta and tasty long-stewed meats. We’ll then have time to leisurely explore Piazza del Campo, home of the Palio, and to take in the beautiful frescoes in the Duomo and Palazzo Pubblico. Cena al Caminetto.
Tuesday, October 15 | Spello and Asissi
Today, you will travel in Spello, an ancient town built on Roman foundations. After spending time there, the group will head to Asissi, stopping first at Eremo delle Carceri where St. Francis went to pray. The final destination of the day will be the city of Assisi where you will explore and enjoy a breathtaking sunset from the Basilica of St. Francis, the holy patron of Italy. You will dine on excellent local pizza then return home.
Wednesday, October 16 | Fontanelle
After a picturesque drive through the olive groves, you’ll set out on a foodie adventure in the mountaintop village of Fontanelle. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by truffle hunters and their dogs who are trained to sniff out Umbria’s greatest culinary treasure: truffles. You’ll then walk with these adept canines to explore the land and learn why it makes Umbria the largest truffle producer in Italy. To conclude the adventure, you’ll toast a glass of wine and savor freshly grated truffles while taking in a view of the magnificent Umbrian valley.
Thursday, October 17 | Trevi, Montefalco & Bevagna
In the nearby town of Trevi, we will visit Marfuga, a family-owned company known for farming, cultivating, and pressing olives for their oil. Next, you will head to Montefalco, an area known for its Sagrantino grapes that produce the delicious wines of Umbria, where you will troll through vineyards while learning about the growing and cultivation process. You will end the day with a beautiful sunset dinner in the small town of Bevagna.
Friday, October 18 | Perugia & Trasiemeno Lake
You will start our day in Perugia, Italy’s chocolate capital and home to the renowned Perugina Chocolate Factory. Master chocolatiers will guide you through their careful selection of cocoa beans and explain the process of transforming these rich beans into authentic Perugina products. Lunch will be at Trasimeno Lake, and then you return to Spoleto for the final night together.
Saturday, October 19 | Farewell to Italy
The itinerary includes moderately rigorous activities, including extensive walking in hilly and rocky terrain. Participants will need to be able to handle such a challenge unassisted.
The Details:
Transportation: Airfare is not included in this package nor is travel insurance. Airline itineraries should depart from the United States on Thursday, October 10, 2024 with arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino (FCO) airport between 7:00 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. On Saturday, October 19, 2024 flights should depart from Fiumicino after 10:15 a.m.
Fees: The fee for this trip is $3,850 single occupancy or $3,250 for double occupancy which includes ground transportation, breakfasts, and meals where indicated.
Registration: A $1,000 non-refundable deposit is due by July 30. Please use the button below to register and make your deposit online.
For inquiries, please contact Director of Alumnae Engagement & Giving Kathryn Reddick at [email protected].