I am so joyfully excited to go on this trip! Janet, our main tour guide is very familiar with Italy and speaks the language, and she’s a knitter too! I look forward to sharing with you all the wonderful experiences we will have, seeing the beautiful landscapes and cities and towns, eating fabulous food, learning in my classes, and being together!
You can download the brochure below or read on!
Brochure of Italy 2023
Included meals are indicated with B, L, D. 
Day 1 Sunday, March 19
Arrive Rome
Check-in at the hotel. Meet the tour members at 6:30 pm in the lobby.
Welcome dinner in a local restaurant. (D)
Day 2 Monday, March 20
Rome
Discover the masterpieces of Rome in one day on this tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica & the Colosseum area. Vatican Museums are home to some of the most famous works of art in the world, with artists including Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Giotto, to name a few. An experience that is sure to inspire the art lover in anyone. The 54th gallery of the Vatican Museums is the famed Sistine Chapel. Completed around 1483, the Sistine Chapel is arguably the most famous chapel in the world due to the artwork located within, such as the famous ceiling and the Last Judgement painted by Michelangelo. Free time for lunch, then in the afternoon tour of Ancient Rome including the Colosseum amphitheater which hosted ancient Romans, Senators, Emperors, and Gladiators as well as animals from all over the world. Finally, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Palatine Hill, the place of the foundation of Rome, and the Roman Forum from the inside. (B)
Day 3 Tuesday, March 21
Rome-Spoleto
After breakfast depart for Spoleto by coach. On arrival in Spoleto, take time to freshen up before taking a short walking tour of the city followed by dinner at the hotel. Overnight Spoleto. (B L D)
Day 4 Wednesday, March 22
Village of Todi & Montefalco
After breakfast depart for a full day excursion and experience some of Umbria’s most beautiful towns and villages. First, explore Todi – a hilltop village with views over the River Tiber. As you wander around its cobbled streets, you’ll get to see some of its most famous sights including Cisterne
Romane, the Church of San Fortunato and the Tomb of Jacopone da Todi. Then travel to Montefalco, known as the balcony of Umbria. Here you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire valley, and have the opportunity to explore the town’s landmarks, such as the Piazza del Comune, the Church of Santa Chiara, and more. To conclude our tour, visit a local winery to sip on the famous ‘Rosso Montefalco’ and ‘Sagrantino’ wines. Time permitting, we may also make a quick visit to Bevagna a medieval town with imposing walls, narrow streets and alleys, noble palaces, shops, churches, and wonderful monuments. (B D)
Day 5 Thursday, March 23
Spoleto
Full day knitting today. 6 hours session. Finnish Fingerless Mitts. (B L D)
Day 6 Friday, March 24 
Cashmere Farm Chianti Cashmere/Siena
Breakfast in hotel then departure to Siena. Stop in the Chianti region to visit a Cashmere Farm, then proceed to Siena, tour the city famous for its splendid examples of Gothic architecture, and its Palio horse race, an annual tradition. Visit the intriguing Piazza del Campo, where the magnificent Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia stand. Later head to Piazza del Duomo and admire the imposing Cathedral, one of the finest achievements of Italian Gothic architecture. Before leaving Siena, enjoy some free time to explore its historic center at your leisure. Return to Spoleto for overnight. (B L D)
Day 7 Saturday, March 25
Spello & Assisi
After breakfast depart for a full-day visit to Spello, Assis, and Perugia. Spello is also known as the city of flowers. The streets of the small medieval village are all decorated with beautiful flowers. Spello is a perfectly preserved small medieval town. Do not miss a visit to the Baglioni Chapel inside the church of Santa Maria Maggiore where there are frescoes by Pinturicchio. Then proceed to Assisi where you can admire the famous Basilica of Saint Francis. Inside the Basilica you can marvel at the beautiful frescoes by Giotto and other famous artists that tell the story of San Francesco. A walk through the alleys will take you to discover other beautiful places such as the main square with the temple of Minerva or the Saint Clare Basilica. From the square in front of the Basilica of Santa Chiara, you can admire a splendid landscape over the Umbrian valley. Return to Spoleto. Knitting session in the afternoon for 3 hours. Introduction to Twined Knitting. (B L D)
Day 8 Sunday, March 26
Spoleto
After breakfast in the hotel, enjoy an Italian cooking lesson in Spoleto followed by lunch. PM: Knitting session in the afternoon for 3 hours. This is optional, in case you’d prefer to wander on your own. Or, you can take a Traditional Cast-ons class to learn six methods, plus some interesting bind-offs. You can also get help with the two projects we have already worked on.
(B L D)
Day 9 Monday, March 27
Spoleto – Florence
It’s time to leave Spoleto! After breakfast transfer by coach to Florence, the Cradle of Renaissance. Check-in at the hotel, and enjoy the sights of Florence with a local guide including Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Pitti, Boboli Gardens, Santa Croce Church, Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy, and at the end the church of San Miniato Al Monte for amazing views over the city. (B)
Day 10 Tuesday, March 28 
Florence
This morning, we will enjoy a Walking Wool Tour with Kate, discovering hidden gems and legends of Medici town. Kate has chosen one of the oldest yarn shops in the downtown area for us to visit. Browse through the shelves and lose yourself in a wool paradise. This afternoon is free to explore this magnificent city. Farewell dinner in a local restaurant in Florence. (B D)
Day 11 Wednesday, March 29
Depart Florence
Our tour concludes after breakfast. (B)
EXTRA INFORMATION
ENQUIRIES & BOOKINGS
For further information or to secure a place, please contact Opulent Quilt Journeys
Phone: 877-235-3767 /480 626 1135
Email: info@opulentquiltjourneys.com
Website: opulentquiltjourneys.com
Start & Finish
The tour starts at 3:00 pm on Sunday, March 19, at Hotel Quirinale, Rome.
The tour ends after breakfast on Wednesday, March 29, at Brunelleschi Florence.
On the day of arrival, we will organize pick-up times based on the majority of the group’s arrival times at Rome-Fiumicino International airport. Similarly, for departure, departure time will be set based on the majority of the group. Again, we will do our very best to accommodate everyone.
