Let's Go to Italy, Ashley Hall Alumnae!
A Special Exploration of the Art, Gastronomy, Culture, and Nature of Central Italy
October 23 – November 1, 2025 (10 days)
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 23 | Depart the United States
Friday, October 24 | Arrive in Rome, Italy
Upon arrival at the Rome Airport, we will be transported to Spoleto to begin our stay at the Palazzo Leti, a charming hotel constructed as a residence for the Leti family shortly after the medieval city walls were erected in 1292. After lunch and a rest, the group will take an introductory walking tour of Spoleto. We will end the day with cocktails and dinner.
Saturday, October 25 | Orvieto & Civita di Bagnoregio
Situated at the top of a majestic hill, the town of Orvieto is steeped in Etruscan history and home to the Duomo of Orvieto, one of the most outstanding churches built in Central Italy during the 13th century. Orvieto is also home to the Pozzo di San Patrizio, a historic well famous for its incredibly advanced engineering. After lunch in Orvieto, we will continue on to Civita di Bagnoregio, a small village hidden deep in the countryside that is accessible only to pedestrians and animals via a narrow bridge.
Sunday, October 26 | Interest-Based Umbria Excursions
To explore personal interests, we’ve planned three activity options that you may choose from to design your own Sunday in Italy (options subject to change based on interest).
- Explore the Sacred Wood where Saint Francis came to pray
- Drive a short distance to Castel Ritaldi to wander through the olive trees
- Take a local cooking class in Spoleto
Monday, October 27 | Siena
Located in the heart of the Tuscan hills, Siena is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. We will have 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 28 | Viit Spello and Assisi
Today, our first trip is to Spello, an ancient town built on Roman foundations. After spending time there, the group heads 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 we will explore and enjoy a breathtaking sunset from the Basilica of St. Francis, the holy patron of Italy. On the drive back home, we will dine on excellent local pizza.
Wednesday, October 29 | Fontanelle
After a picturesque drive through the olive groves, we’ll set out on a foodie adventure in the mountaintop village of Fontanelle. Upon arrival, we will be greeted by truffle hunters and their dogs, who are trained to sniff out Umbria’s greatest culinary treasure: truffles. We’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 our adventure, we’ll toast a glass of wine and savor freshly grated truffles while taking in a view of the magnificent Umbrian valley.
Thursday, October 30 | 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, we will head to Montefalco, an area known for its Sagrantino grapes that produce the delicious wines of Umbria, where we will troll through vineyards while learning about the growing and cultivation process. We will end the day with a beautiful sunset dinner in the small town of Bevagna.
Friday, October 31| Perugia & Trasimeno Lake
We will start our day in Perugia, Italy’s chocolate capital and home to the renowned Perugina Chocolate Factory. Master chocolatiers will guide us through their careful selection of cocoa beans and explain the process of transforming these rich beans into authentic Perugina products—and let us taste their delicious Bacio Perugina sweets, of course! Lunch will be at Trasimeno Lake, and then we will return to Spoleto for our final night together.
Saturday, November 1 | Farewell to Italy
The itinerary includes moderately rigorous activities, including extensive walking in hilly and rocky terrain. Participants must be able to handle such a challenge unassisted.
The Details:
Transportation: Airfare and travel insurance are not included in this package. Airline itineraries should depart from the United States on Thursday, October 23, 2025, arriving at Rome’s Fiumicino (FCO) airport between 7:00 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025, flights should depart from Fiumicino after 10:15 a.m.
Fees: The fee for this trip is $3,500 for single occupancy or $2,900 for double occupancy, which includes ground transportation, breakfasts, and meals where indicated.
For inquiries, please contact the Director of Alumnae Engagement & Giving Kathryn Reddick at [email protected].