Umbria & Le Marche Private Wine Tour

Your private driver-guide will meet you this morning at Rome airport or your hotel in Rome, and you will head north into the charming Umbria Wine Region, about an hour and a half drive. Today’s first stop is in Orvieto, an astounding ancient town that rests on a volcanic tufa plateau high above the valley below. Drive along the craggy wall, higher and higher, until you reach the spectacular Duomo, where your privately guided walking tour will begin. The Duomo is gorgeous and one of Italy’s most beautiful, dazzling, and impressive churches. Explore the small historic center, including a strange and fascinating visit to “underground Orvieto,” a series of Etruscan caves and wine cellars.

A quick visit to Civita di Bagnoregio is also in store. The “dying town” is on a tuff hill and suffers from continuous erosion caused by rain and wind, so it is slowly but inexorably collapsing and vanishing.

After sightseeing this morning and stretching your legs, you will head to your first wine estate of the tour, the legendary Castello Della Sala, located in a magnificent medieval manor built in 1350 by Angelo Della Vipera Monaldeschi and now owned by Marquis Antinori. You will taste a complete range of wines, including Cervaro Della Sala. Created in 1979, this internationally awarded white wine is a blend of Chardonnay and Grechetto grapes and is considered one of Italy’s top wines.

Next is Tenuta di Salviano, a historic wine estate owned by the Incisa Della Rocchetta family, founder of Sassicaia. Ultra-premium Umbrian wines are made here, and after a tour of this beautiful estate, you will have a wine-tasting lunch with amazing views of Corbara Lake. An excellent start to your wine tour of Umbria!

In the late afternoon, your driver will take you to your luxury countryside hotel, 5* Borgo dei Conti, Relais & Chateaux, in the Umbrian wine country to relax and enjoy dinner on your own at the hotel.

The famous Montefalco wine country is on the itinerary today, and you will visit three of Umbria’s best wineries, such as Arnaldo Caprai, Paolo Bea, and Scacciadiavoli. From your hotel, heading 30 minutes north, you will arrive at the little medieval hamlet of Montefalco (translated as “Falcon’s Mount, referring to the Birdseye view over the valley below).

Your first visit of the day will be to the Scacciadiavoli wine estate, which colorfully translates as “Devil Banisher” and comes from an ancient legend of a 17th-century exorcism that took place here. Legend has it that a young woman was possessed by the devil and made to consume the local red wine, which effectively got rid of the devil. The town named itself after this event. Good 17th-century wine marketing? Perhaps, but it’s a fun story, at any rate. You will visit this historic estate and enjoy a tasting of their most famous wines, including their excellent Sagrantino.

Lunch will follow in a charming little trattoria in Montefalco. After a three-course traditional Umbrian lunch, you will have some free time. We highly recommend visiting the 14th-century San Francesco church as the Renaissance frescos by Benozzo Gozzoli are fantastic. Explore Montefalco’s narrow, winding lanes to get some photos before heading to the next winery of the day, Paolo Bea.

The Paolo Bea estate is considered the ultimate boutique winery, making cult wines for collectors. Enjoy tasting the organic wines that have made this estate so famous.

The last winery of the day is the prestigious Arnaldo Caprai estate, a Sagrantino wine pioneer. Tour the vineyards, winery, and “Barricada” (barrel room) and taste the best wines such as Grechetto Poggio Belvedere, Grecante, Poggio Belvedere Rosso, Rosso di Montefalco, Rosso Outsider, Sagrantino Collepiano, Sagrantino 25 Anni Riserva (winner of 95 points with Robert Parker).

Your driver will take you to the medieval fairytale town of Gubbio, your base for the next few nights. Relax and enjoy dinner on your own in the historic 4* Park Hotel ai Cappuccini.

Today, you will visit two of Umbria’s most famous and historic towns- Perugia and Assisi. Your driver will transfer you from Gubbio to the bustling university town of Perugia in the morning. Enjoy some free time in Perugia to check out the shops, stroll, and have a coffee. You will notice many students here, and in fact, Perugia is home to the Università per Stranieri (Italy’s most prestigious language school, attracting thousands of international students every year). Perugia is also home to Perugina (the eponymous chocolate “Baci” kisses) and the annual chocolate festival.

En route to Torgiano, stop in Deruta, the town famous for its unique ceramics. Whether you are interested in shopping for jars, terracotta, pots, and vases or experiencing a workshop to become a potter for just a day, Deruta is the place for you. Do not leave without visiting the Fondazione Moretti and the Regional Ceramics Museum.

Next, you will stop at a historic wine estate with fantastic views over the countryside. Visit the delightful Lungarotti estate, touring the vineyards and cellars. Taste their Torgiano DOC and DOGC and Umbria IGT white, red, and rosè wines, such as Rubesco Riserva Vigna Monticchio, Torre di Giano Vigna Il Pino, San Giorgio, Sagrantino di Montefalco, and Aurente. Sample some local cheeses, salamis (coralline, capocollo, prosciutto di Norcia, and more), and Umbrian culinary treats (like strangozzi with black Norcia truffle), a hearty wine-tasting lunch!

After lunch, your next visit is to Assisi, where Saint Francis of Assisi is buried in the monumental Basilica di San Francesco. With your private art guide, you will tour this beautiful town, seeing Giotto’s frescoes in the basilica, the Romanesque-Gothic San Pietro church, and the Piazza del Comune.

Arrive back to Gubbio and free evening. For your lovely dinner, we suggest Taverna del Lupo.

Today, you head to the coastal Le Marche region, but not before seeing the perfect medieval gem – Gubbio. The town has been strategically important since the Etruscans because of its location midway between Rome and Ravenna. But in medieval times, Gubbio became prominent, and many buildings date from this epoch. You will have a private tour guiding you through the wanders around the medieval town. If here in May, we will make sure you get to see the fabulous “Corsa dei Ceri” (the “candle race”), a colorful medieval pageant.

From Gubbio, you will travel to Urbino (in the Le Marche region), but first, stop en route at home to the white truffle. Passo del Furlo di Acqualagna is one of our hidden gems; here, we will organize a superb four-course tasting menu (if in season, with white truffle, of course!) paired with Umbrian and Marche wines. The dining room is cozy, especially in colder weather like autumn, with its wood-burning fireplace/grill.

After a fantastic lunch, you will visit Urbino, one of Italy’s most elegant Renaissance towns. As there is so much to see, you will have a private art guide who will take you on a fascinating two-hour walking tour, taking in the highlights like the Disney-esque Palazzo Ducale and the marvelous Galleria Nazionale Delle Marche. You will see some of Raphael’s paintings as he was born in Urbino, and many of his Renaissance masterpieces are here.

In the early evening, you will drive to the coast. For the next few nights, you will sleep in the historic center of Ancona at the Grand Hotel Palace Ancona, a few steps away from the Ancient Port and at walking distance from restaurants, shops, beaches, and all the city’s essential sights.

For aperitif and a light, seafood-based dinner right on the water, we suggest star chef Moreno Cedroni’s restaurant Clandestino.

You will visit the best Verdicchio producers today. Verdicchio di Castelli di Jesi is the appellation, and the Verdicchio grape is one of Italy’s most exciting indigenous white grape varieties. It makes high-quality, aromatic wines. A few producers stand out above the rest, and today, you will receive a VIP tour of the best estates. Begin your Verdicchio tour at Pievalta, a top Marche winery owned by the Franciacorta wine pioneer Barone Pizzini.

Enjoy a private tour and tasting with manager Alessandro Fenino, who will explain their Amphora-based vinification and biodynamic viticulture. It’s fascinating stuff, a great visit, and super wines. Next up is La Distesa, an organic boutique estate making excellent wines. You will taste their Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore “Terre Silvate” and “Gli Eremi” along with the red Marche Rosso “Nocenzio” made with Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. You will be well ready for lunch by now, and today, we will organize a beautiful, traditional lunch at the revered, authentic “Anita” restaurant in Cupramontana.

After lunch, change gears and enjoy some spectacular natural scenery at the Frassasi caves. This extensive cave network is mind-boggling, and the 75-minute tour is extraordinary. The motto here is “journey to the center of the earth.” You will enjoy a walking tour of this underground world with a guide, complete with theatrical lighting and running commentary. Well worth the visit and very memorable.

In the late afternoon on route back to Ancona, you can stop in small, charming villages like Fabriano (which is famous for its artisan paper production), medieval Matelica, and Cingoli (known as the “Balcony of Marche” for its magnificent views).

Relax at the hotel and get freshened up for dinner. Tonight, we have a 3 Michelin-starred extravaganza at Uliassi, one of the best restaurants in Italy. A tasting menu paired with the best wines of Le Marche and Umbria will be waiting for you; this will be a gastronomic highlight of the tour. Buon appetito!

Enjoy a later start today and take in the views of the tranquil sea. Mid-morning, your driver will take you south to the beautiful Parco del Conero, a gorgeous natural park with a “Caribbean like coastline,” rare birds, honey production, and vineyards! Your first visit of the day is to the boutique Fattoria Le Terrazze. You will taste the whole range, including Super Marche wine Chaos (“Super Marche” is similar to the “Super Tuscan” nickname for elite wines produced using non-indigenous grapes). Fattoria Le Terrazze includes Bob Dylan among their biggest fans; he even inspired some of their wines.

Next is Umani Ronchi, owned by the Bianchi-Bernetti family, who, since 1957, have been making superb-quality craft wines. After the tour of wonderful Bottaia, you will taste their top-quality wines paired with local delicacies.

You will end your day at Moroder wine estate, revered for its Rosso Conero wines. You will taste the whole range, including Dorico, the Rosso Conero DOC Riserva (made with 100% Montepulciano d’Abruzzo), their Rosato IGT (rosé, blend of Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo, Alicante Nero, and Sangiovese) and their delicious “Oro” Moscato Passito wine (Moscato, Malvasia, and Trebbiano Dorato fermented in oak “caratelli,” where the wine ages for more than two years).

Dinner this evening will be a real authentic experience: cartoccio di fritti marchigiani; maltagliati alla crema di fave e carciofi; brasato al Rosso Conero; Spuma di caffè con savoiardi ubriachi.

This morning, you will head to Ascoli Piceno, a pleasant drive of about one hour and 20 minutes. First, You will visit Recanati and learn about Giacomo Leopardi (1798-1837), Italy’s famous poet and philosopher. You will visit Leopardi’s ancestral home/museum in Recanati and the historic wine estate, followed by a tasting of Leopardi’s wines.

Then, you will have a Michelin-starred lunch at Andreina, now run by the founder’s descendants. Errico (Andreina’s grandchild) works with his wife Ramona, and together, they will prepare an unforgettable meal for you based on traditional ingredients, locally sourced, and a hint of creativity.

After lunch, visit some small and characteristic wine estates in the region, such as Aurora and Cocci Grifoni, before heading to Ascoli Piceno. Begin with a visit to Aurora, a tiny, organic estate, making Piceno doc wines from local grapes Pecorino, Passerina, and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.

You will have a private tour and tasting of all flagship wines followed by a 2nd winery tour at Coffi Grifoni winery. Cocci Grifoni makes Cru red wines in the Rosso Piceno and Offida appellation as well as bubblies and whites (like the stylish Guido Cocci Grifoni Pecorino and the smooth Vigna Messieri)

And finally, you will head into Ascoli Piceno, check in to the Palazzo dei Mercanti hotel, and explore the town on your own. This medieval town is a popular stop for cyclists, and you will likely see some here taking a break at one of the cafes in the piazza. The most famous is historic liberty style Caffè Meletti; Ernest Hemingway, Pietro Mascagni, Simone de Beauvoir, and Jean-Paul Sartre frequented the cafe, sipping Anisetta Meletti (anise liquor) with a coffee bean in it. One of Marche’s cutest towns, Ascoli Piceno, offers towers, bridges, and palazzos.

Today, you return to Umbria (Spoleto tonight), traveling through the outrageously scenic Monti Sibillini mountain range. Stop for a coffee and some photos in magnificent Castelluccio di Norcia, a hilltop town overlooking a flower-covered valley. From June to July, enjoy the flowering of the lentils, creating a colorful mosaic and attracting people from all over the world.

Lunch will be at Michelin-starred Vespasia in beautiful Norcia. The town is famous for its salami, black truffle, wild boar, and pork products, and it is the birthplace of St Benedict.

In the late afternoon, arrive in Spoleto, home to the “Two Worlds” annual arts and music festival. Check into the Palazzo Leti Residenza d’Epoca and relax for the rest of the evening. Your romantic room has high ceilings with ancient wooden beams and is full of antiques. The grounds are magnificent, with manicured gardens offering views of Spoleto, the valley, and the mountains beyond. Enjoy some free time to explore Spoleto, a genuinely magical Umbrian town.

This morning, enjoy your free time to visit Spoleto. Lunch on your own with our suggestions either in Spoleto or en route to Rome. You will be dropped off in Rome (airport or your next hotel) at your preferred time. And this concludes your Slow Food style wine tour of Umbria and Le Marche! We look forward to seeing you again.