Luxury in the Italian Heartland: Castles, Cuisine & Culture

DECEMBER 21ST - Arrival

Transfer from Rome airport to Panicale (Hotel Rastrello), with a stop in Orvieto for lunch.

Rastrello is situated equidistant between Rome and Florence, making it a perfect spot to base yourself from. Assisi, Orvieto, Perugia, Siena, Cortona, Montepulciano, Pienza, Montefalco are examples of nearby towns to visit and are all about a 35-50 minute car drive from Panicale. Our intimate hotel offers 7 rooms (in our main 500-year-old building) and 2 apartments, allowing you to experience typical Italian living in a quaint Umbrian village.

Rastrello is located as part of the external, medieval walls of Panicale, a typical Umbrian hilltop village. The piazza is the heart of Panicale and just one road above the hotel or a 2-minute walk. While we have an on-site restaurant and bar that offers organic produce from our farm gardens, Panicale also has 3 other restaurants and 2 other bars that are all lovely to enjoy and help you feel part of village life.

DECEMBER 22ND - Truffle hunting experience

Enjoy an authentic Truffle Hunt, exploring ancient forests and our protected truffle grounds, and creating memories of an experience that no book or documentary could ever match.

Umbria is one of Italy’s most important areas for truffles and there is a truffle for every season. You will get to experience the truly unique and symbiotic relationship between the truffle hunter and his dog, and search for truffles in the forest with them. After (hopefully) finding truffles, guests are served a lunch highlighting this incredible ingredient.

DECEMBER 23RD - Perugia guided tour

Perugia is a city steeped in history and charm. Everywhere you turn, you’ll be captivated by its narrow streets, piazzas, palaces, and churches. Culture, art, and history intertwine seamlessly in this captivating city, making it one of the most beautiful in Italy. Perugia is renowned for its vibrant festivals and events, including the annual chocolate festival and the Umbria Jazz Festival, which infuse the city with an electrifying atmosphere that sets it apart from other Italian destinations.

Your 2h private guided tour of Perugia will commence at Piazza Italia, from where you’ll embark on a journey through the layers of history beneath the city at the Rocca Paolina, Perugia’s underground treasure trove. As you explore, you’ll discover the city’s must-see attractions, including the Fontana Maggiore, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, the Etruscan Arch, and the Palazzo dei Priori. Throughout the tour, you’ll pause at scenic viewpoints to soak in the breathtaking panoramic vistas and immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of Perugia.

DECEMBER 24TH - Extra activity in Reschio Castle

You can choose one of these activities provided directly by Reschio Castle:

• A cooking class in the Ristorante Alle Scuderie, in a cookery school that will lead you on creative foraging walks in the grounds to pick what takes your fancy, show you how to create a variety of dishes, and transform the best of our local produce into scrumptious Italian meals.
• Pottery class or wicker basket workshop, following the local tradition of ceramics and handmade works and fabrics based on plants, and giving the guests memories that will last a lifetime.

DECEMBER 25TH - Free day

Free day to enjoy Christmas activities and atmosphere in Reschio

DECEMBER 26TH - Transfer from Reschio to Florence

Italian designed hotel with a historical twist, located on Piazza Della Repubblica; Florentine-style suites with city views.

DECEMBER 27TH - Artisans tour in Florence and "old paper" workshop

Today, enjoy a private guided artisans tour in Florence, where you’ll delve into the city’s rich artistic heritage. Your tour will take you through charming streets and hidden workshops, allowing you to observe skilled artisans at work. Witness traditional crafts such as leatherworking, goldsmithing, and mosaic creation, each demonstrating Florence’s commitment to preserving its cultural legacy.

A highlight of your tour is a visit to an “old paper” workshop. Here, you’ll learn about the ancient techniques of paper making and marbling, experiencing firsthand the meticulous process that turns simple materials into beautiful, decorative paper. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with the artisans, ask questions, and perhaps even try your hand at some of the techniques.

This tour offers a unique glimpse into the world of Florence’s artisans, providing a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship that has defined the city for centuries. End your day with a renewed understanding and admiration for these timeless traditions.

DECEMBER 28TH - Medici palace and Boboli Garden

Immerse yourself in the glittering world of Renaissance Florence and the history of the Medici family, who ruled Florence and influenced Europe for centuries. Your private guide will expertly navigate you through the opulent places where you can admire the exquisite décor. And finally, step into the majestic Boboli Gardens. Enjoy free time to stroll among the statuary, grottos, and fountains, and feel like a Renaissance courtier for the day.

DECEMBER 29TH - Transfer to Airport

Transfer from Florence to Rome Fiumicino Airport.