Explore picturesque medieval towns in the provinces of Tuscany and Umbria – including the UNESCO-listed Urbino, the birthplace of Raphael
Experience Piero della Francesca’s The Madonna del Parto in Monerchi, as well his masterpiece, the Legend of the True Cross, in Arezzo Cathedral
Discover the unique churches of the region, from the vibrancy inside the Basilica of San Francesco to the stunning facade of the Duomo di Orvieto
"Andrew was knowledgeable and enthusiastic… the places we visited were spectacular"
ACE customer who travelled with Andrew Spira to Italy in 2024
Amidst the peaks and valleys of the Apennine Mountains, the regions of Tuscany and Umbria house an abundance of towns with ornate architecture and exquisite art. Each day we will venture to a new destination to enjoy these treasures, beginning in Perugia, Umbria’s capital and host to a wide array of galleries and monuments.
“I cannot think of any region in which there is so much quality, variety and atmosphere concentrated in such a small area – not to mention the sublime landscape and delicious food”
– Tour Director Andrew Spira
A day spent in Gubbio will provide a window into its rich history, including a visit to the Palazzo dei Consoli, a medieval palace turned art gallery. This institution is not only a shining achievement of architectural regeneration and preservation, but affords important insights into the life of the Umbrian people from prehistory to the 20th century. We will also explore the balanced courtyard and elegant interiors, complete with 13th century art, at the Palazzo Ducale di Gubbio.
Architecture will be a focal point in Assisi, where we will visit the Basilica of San Francesco, an early example of Italian Gothic architecture and a milestone in Italian art. Within the basilica lie 28 frescoes attributed to Giotto; distinctly naturalist with the illusion of depth, his innovative style led to the development of a renaissance logic, and the vibrancy of pigments here makes for a truly wondrous experience.
"2026 marks the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, one of the most influential figures in European culture. His life helped transform medieval spirituality, shifting it away from formal ritual toward a deeply personal and emotional engagement with the life of Christ. Artists of his time responded by creating powerful images designed to move viewers emotionally - a novelty in western art. This change reshaped the course of art history and laid the foundations for everything that followed.
Francis’ impact went far beyond art. His ideas shaped the moral character of the West, inspiring the creation of new types of charitable institution, such as hospitals, which became central to European society. His compassion extended to all living beings, including animals and birds, making him a highly relevant voice for our own environmentally threatened age."
– Tour Director Andrew Spira
Further architectural splendours will be seen at the Duomo di Orvieto, its synthesis of Gothic and Romanesque motifs projecting a uniquely stunning facade that culminates in gold mosaics depicting The Life of the Virgin. We will also travel to Santa Maria della Consolazione in Todi, a 16th century pilgrimage church which exemplifies the Byzantine inflections of the region, diversifying our encounters with sacred architecture.
Journeying to Arezzo, we will discover a range of fine art, including the colourfully-stylised crucifix by Giovanni Cimabue at San Domenico Church. A particular highlight will be the Basilica di San Francesco where we can view Piero della Francesca’s Legend of the True Cross frescoes, widely regarded as a masterpiece of the early Renaissance. We will encounter further works by Piero della Francesca in Monterchi, where his Madonna del Parto fresco is embraced within a serene and meditative atmosphere at the eponymously named museum.
Urbino’s historic centre is a magnificent example of one of the many UNESCO World Heritage sites in Italy. A hub for remarkable artistic and cultural flourishing in the 15th century, owing to the patronage of Federico da Montefeltro, the town's legacy can be traced through art history – for example, Titian’s seminal painting Venus of Urbino. Urbino was the birthplace of Raphael, and a visit to Casa Natale di Raffaello will offer insights into Raphael’s early life and career. We will also explore the exquisite art at the Oratory of San Giovanni Batista, containing 15th century frescoes, and at the monumental Palazzo Ducale di Urbino, with its harmonious layout and prestigious art collection, celebrated as the epitome of the Renaissance.
Our first three nights we be spent in the Sangallo Palace Hotel, a smart accommodation situated within walking distance of Perugia’s historical town centre. The following four nights will be spent at the Hotel Tiferno in Cittá di Castello which blends the original framework of a monastery with a modern air of tranquility.
Andrew Spira
Andrew has been leading tours to cultural sites in Russia, Armenia, Georgia and all across Europe for over 20 years.
This tour will be led by Andrew Spira, MA, who studied at the Courtauld Institute of Art and City University, London. For several years he was a specialist in Byzantine and Russian icons at the Temple Gallery, London, before working as a curator at the V&A Museum. Andrew was subsequently Programme Director at Christie’s Education, and has been leading tours to cultural sites in Russia, Armenia, Georgia and all across Europe for over 20 years.
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£2865
ATTU-26
