This has to be one of our most scenic tours with stunning 360° views throughout the day as we explore this ancient Sabine territory with the option to sample delicious handmade chocolates and stand in the very centre of Italy.
'Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.' St. Francis of Assisi. SAMPLE ITINERARY: designed mainly around Medieval history and amazing views, where you will discover the authenticity and character of the area with its pristine natural beauty. The Sacred Valley (Valle Santa) envelopes you in a tranquillity and silence that is hard to find these days allowing you to switch off from the stresses of modern day life for a whole day.
During the day there will be visits to the sanctuaries at Greccio (a small mountain town twinned with Bethlehem), Fonte Colombo, situated a short distance from each other and La Foresta sanctuary. Greccio was the site of the very first 'living nativity' in Europe (1223). You will be able to visit original wooden dormitories and hermitage offering up magnificent views of the entire valley. Descending part way down the mountain we arrive at Fonte Colombo which is where Saint Francis of Assisi's eye operation was performed, and it was also here that he received the Rules of the Minor Friars and you can visit the hermitage where he and his first followers slept. At La Foresta Saint Francis waited for his eye operation (1225 AD). The setting is absolutely charming and has a tranquillity hard to find in our busy modern lives. There is a tiny chapel at La Foresta dating to the 1400's with frescoes partially in tact, and an original alter of circa 1000 years old. It is located in a very attractive rural setting of trees, gardens and allotments where the remaining few monks grow their own fruit and vegetables. For lunch - at weekends lunch will usually be in an elegant country house restaurant set amidst the hills below Greccio, where you will be served the best of traditional local cuisine refined and reworked in a modern way to add a new element to your tour. During the week lunch will be in one of the several delicious restaurants in the centre of Rieti. Depending on you individually itinerary you might like to include Rieti - official geographical centre of Italy - for an unusual coffee tasting made from beans that have been aged in oak barrels, coffee beer, or a chocolate tasting at a local artisan chocolate maker which includes chocolate made with extra-virgin olive oil. The coffee has consistently won awards at international coffee tastings. If you have a particular interest for ancient cultures we can include a brief visit to the St. Vittoria sanctuary at Monteleone. Vertical Divider
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Highlights
Duration
This will depend on your start location (which can be Rome or Rieti), and inclusions in your itinerary, but we normally recommend a full day.
Practical Info
Notes
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