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Art & History Abroad Tours

Art & Architecture Tour of Urbino & Gubbio

Clare Ford-Wille takes us to the Le Marche and Umbria regions of Italy and two Renaissance gems that just beg to be explored in depth, with superb ecclesiastical and ducal architecture, extensive art collections and a wonderfully “simpatico” ambience that one only gets in Italy.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Urbino is a delightful gem and a wonderful place to be based for a few days with an unspoilt, medieval centre, dominated by its impressive 15th century Ducal Palace, arguably the most beautiful in the whole of Italy. 

Elsewhere, we head into Umbria to savour lovely Gubbio’s charming medieval streets and piazzas, and to the lovely seaside town of Pesaro, renowned as the birthplace of the composer, Rossini.

From

£1,849

per person

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what’s included

At A Glance

  • The Travel Editions Experience
    Our tours are thoughtfully crafted and meticulously planned, with every destination, hotel, excursion and stop along the way having been selected to form a truly memorable experience.
  • Meals Included
    All breakfasts and two dinners.
  • Handpicked Accommodation
    Three nights at the four-star Albergo San Domenico Hotel, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room.
  • Discover the Authentic Urbino & Gubbio
    From the Renaissance splendour of Urbino’s Palazzo Ducale to medieval Gubbio and Rossini’s seaside birthplace of Pesaro, uncover the art, architecture, and culture of one of Italy’s most rewarding hidden corners.
  • Your Expert Guide
    Clare Ford-Wille and tour manager throughout.
  • Tours & Transfers
    Transfers, tours and entrance fees.
  • Flights from the UK
    Fly from London Heathrow to Bologna.
Meet Your Expert Guide

Clare Ford-Wille

Clare has taught art history for more than forty years and continues to lecture at leading institutions including the Wallace Collection, the V&A and The Arts Society. A graduate of Birkbeck, she has covered a remarkable range of European art and architecture throughout her career.

Clare brings vast experience and infectious enthusiasm to every Travel Editions tour. Her deep knowledge, clear explanations and passion for close looking enrich galleries, churches and historic cities alike, creating journeys that are both engaging and illuminating.

Meet Our Expert Guides
itinerary & excursions

Your Itinerary

Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.

Day 1: Bologna, Oratorio di San Bernardino and Urbino

Fly from London Heathrow to Bologna. On arrival, we visit the Oratorio di San Bernardino, a gorgeous church dating from the late 15th century, which contains several important works of art, then continue to Urbino for check-in to the hotel. Welcome reception, lecture from Clare Ford-Wille ‘The Patronage of Federico di Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino’ and dinner with wine at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Urbino’s Ducal Palace and Renaissance Treasures

Today is a full day in Urbino, a World Heritage site, concentrating this morning on the splendour of the Palazzo Ducale, arguably Italy’s most beautiful Renaissance palace, built in the 15th-century for Duke Federico di Montefeltro, which contains superb decorations and works of art.

Afternoon visits to the exquisite Oratorio di San Giovanni Baptista, with its superb 15th-century frescoes and Accademia Raffaello, home to the city’s most famous son, Raphael in the late 15th-century. Evening lecture from Clare, ‘Art and Architecture of Gubbio and Pesaro’ and dinner with wine at a local restaurant.

Day 3: Medieval Gubbio and the Umbrian Hills

A full day visit into Umbria, to the lovely medieval city of Gubbio. The beauty of its twisting streets and terracotta-tiled houses are framed by the forest-clad Apennines. Sights to be explored include the 15th century Palazzo Ducale, 13th century Duomo and a wealth of glorious churches, but much of the town’s appeal is its picturesque streets and piazzas.

Day 4: Pesaro, Rossini and Return Home

This morning we transfer to the lovely seaside town of Pesaro, home to the composer Rossini, whose medieval centre is well worth exploring. Sights here include the Civic Museum, which contains works by Bellini and others as well as several interesting churches.

Time for a seaside lunch (not included) before heading back to Bologna Airport for the return flight to London Heathrow.

our guests say

Recent reviews

“Urbino was a real highlight of the trip, especially the beautiful Palazzo Ducale and the atmosphere of the town itself.” 
Mrs W, May 2026

“Tessa and Claire worked wonderfully together throughout the tour. Tessa kept everything organised and clearly explained, while Claire’s inspiring lectures and insights into the art and architecture added so much depth to the experience.”  
Linda Sewell, May 2026

“Fascinating area for art and history. Clare and Tess were superb. The tour was intense but all fun. I love your tours, 2 more this year!” 
Ms C, May 2025

“Tessa as tour manager was excellent as was Clare as our guide.” 
Ms R, May 2025

“The Tour manager was organised and communicated well in all other aspects. Our lecturer was incredible as was the tour. I considered the tour excellent value.” 
Ms C, May 2025

“Spectacular! Clare was as engaging and informative as ever and Tessa was fantastic with the admin. Everything went very well, we will be back.” 
Mr Neil Wood, May 2025

Availability

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Date
Departing From
Price From
Availability
06/05/2027
London Heathrow
£1,849
Book Now
Solo Traveller Supplement From: £189
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HOTELS

Tour Accommodation

Albergo San Domenico Hotel, Urbino
An old Renaissance convent, the four-star Albergo San Domenico is located opposite the Ducal Palace in a very central location on the main square of the town. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, library, courtyard and wellness centre. Rooms all have private bathroom with shower or bath, TV, telephone, wi-fi, safe, air-conditioning and hairdryer.

Albergo San Domenico Hotel Website

our regular tours

Mobility Information

This tour has a demanding fitness rating and is designed for travellers who enjoy a more active pace of exploration. While it is not a walking holiday, you should expect busy days with extended periods on your feet and visits where conditions may be more varied. These may include uneven terrain, cobbled streets, archaeological sites, steep paths, steps, stairs, limited handrails or fewer opportunities to sit and rest.
 
A good level of fitness and mobility will help you enjoy the full experience of the itinerary. Please read the day-by-day itinerary carefully, as we highlight specific practical details wherever possible. This may include notes about ground conditions, stairs, walking distances, coach access or sites where lifts are not available.
 
If you have any questions about whether this tour is suitable for you, please contact our team before booking. We are always happy to talk through the itinerary and help you make the right choice.

Mobility Information
Your questions answered

Tour FAQ

If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.

Simply complete our online booking form or give us a call on 020 7251 0045 between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday where you can speak to a real person. A 20% deposit per person is required at the time of booking, to book your place. Payments by debit card or credit card incur no charge. 

You must pay for the balance of your holiday at least 12 weeks before departure. Please note: no reminder for balance payments is sent to you and are not receipted unless requested. If you book your holiday within 12 weeks of departure, full payment is required at time of booking. Please note that some tours may require final payment to be paid earlier than 12 weeks, due to financial commitment with suppliers. The exact date will be notified to you at the time of booking. Final joining instructions and documentation will be dispatched approximately 10 days before travel.

In almost all cases, the price includes your accommodation, meals as described in the itinerary, all excursions shown in the programme, and travel arrangements from the UK. Excursions are taken by private coach exclusively for Travel Editions guests. If anything is ever excluded from the price, it will be clearly marked as optional and payable locally, you won’t find any hidden extras on your final bill. Travel Editions operates a firm no-surcharge policy, so the price you are quoted is the price you pay.

The specifics vary by tour and are set out in your individual itinerary, but most of our tours depart from London, either by Eurostar from St Pancras International or by air. For rail tours, we advise allowing at least one hour before the Eurostar departure when planning your journey to London. For flights, all costs are based on economy class unless otherwise stated, and all times shown are local time. For tours in the UK, these often start at the hotel in question.

Flight upgrades and connections from regional airports are available on request and subject to availability, contact us on 020 7251 0045 or at tours@traveleditions.co.uk for details. We strongly recommend not booking non-refundable connecting travel until you have received your final joining instructions, which are sent around 10 days before departure and confirm all timings and meeting points.

Yes, and you’re very welcome. Single room supplements apply on most tours, reflecting the fact that single and double rooms are generally priced similarly by hotels. If you would prefer to share with another solo traveller of the same gender, we are happy to arrange this, simply let us know at the time of booking. Sharing is subject to another traveller in the same situation being booked on the same tour.

Each tour is accompanied by a dedicated tour manager, who in most cases will travel out from the UK with the group. On some tours, the tour manager will meet you at your destination station or airport, with full details being confirmed in your joining instructions 10 days before travel. Many of our tours are also led by expert lecturers or specialist guides whose knowledge brings each destination to life; details of who will be accompanying your particular tour are included in the individual tour pages and itineraries.

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