Country Roads of Umbria & Tuscany (Classic, 9 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating nine-day journey through Italy, where history, culture, and gastronomy intertwine to create an unforgettable experience. From the ancient wonders of Rome to the medieval charm of Assisi, and the Renaissance splendor of Florence, each day unveils a new facet of Italy's rich heritage. Delight in authentic culinary experiences, explore picturesque towns, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture. With carefully curated accommodations and expert-guided tours, this multi-day adventure promises to be a feast for the senses, leaving you with cherished memories of Italy's timeless beauty.
Included
1 Dinner (D)
8 Breakfast (B)
1 Lunch with Wine (LW)
3 Dinner with Wine (DW)
Rome: Savour dinner at a uniquely Roman restaurant, offering a perfect exploration of Lazio's typical flavours.
Umbria: Explore the art of Italian cooking with Chef Lorenzo and take part in a truffle hunting walk followed by lunch.
Perugia: You are offered a selection of restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening. Choose your own ambience, cuisine and drinks for an intimate culinary experience.
San Gimignano: Ascend serpentine alleyways to the artisan gelato parlour of world champion gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli for a taste of his finest frozen treats.
Tuscany: Nestled in the rolling hills surrounding Sam Gimignano and surrounded by its own vineyards, olive groves, saffron crop and orchards, is the homely Il Vecchio Maneggio. Admire the beautiful views as you enjoy a drink before sitting down to your Celebration Dinner - a delicious Farm-to-Table experience, with all the organic produce sourced from the surrounding farm.
jain, vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, meat
Accommodation is included.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
Siena: Enjoy a tasting of Panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert containing fruits and nuts.
Siena: Visit the Cathedral with your Local Expert.
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
Rome: Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit. This 9th-century basilica’s simple facade guards the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics. The history of the church springs to life as you admire the interior’s treasured collection, including Bernini's first sculpture and the renowned mosaics, illuminated for your visit. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is a rare and unforgettable insight into Rome and its religious history.
Perugia: Meet Marta, a recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Learn how she offers employment opportunities for local women and, alongside her weavers, preserves the ancient craft of loom weaving in an artisan workshop.The workshop is owned by women and actively empowers women and girls through its education and training programs. Marta, and her students help to safeguard the unique patterns while contributing to the protection of Umbria’s cultural heritage. Laboratorio Guidetta Brozzetti advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality and UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities.
Assisi: See St. Mary of the Angels Church and join your Local Expert to walk through the cobbled streets and beautifully preserved medieval laneways of this quaint town.
Assisi: With a Local Expert, find out why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered one of the crowning achievements of Europe.
San Gimignano: Visit the medieval Manhattan of Italy.
Florence: Join a Local Expert to view the Multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square. See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods.
"One thing I really love about showing guests about Italy is how art and beauty can be found around every corner of some of Italy's cities, which are real open air museums."
"One fun fact people don't usually know before they come to Italy is that the Italian alphabet only has 22 letters."
"I really love about showing guests the huge variety that Italy has to offer, from quaint countryside villages to cities full of stupendous art and architecture."
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Rome
- Rome - Arrival day
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- Archbasilica of St. John Lateran
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Begin your Italian adventure in the heart of Rome, a city that seamlessly blends ancient history with vibrant modernity. Settle into your accommodation at the Hilton (or similar) before embarking on an exclusive visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes. Here, you'll be warmly welcomed by the Rector, offering a unique insight into this sacred site. As the sun sets, indulge in a delightful dinner featuring Roman specialties, providing the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow travelers.
Day 2 – Day 2: Rome to Perugia via Baschi
- Rome
- Bomarzo
- Perugia
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- Archbasilica of St. John Lateran
- Colosseum
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Start your day with a visit to the iconic Basilica of St. Peter in Vatican City, followed by an exploration of the legendary Colosseum, where tales of gladiators come to life. Journey north to the quaint village of Baschi, where you'll experience the art of truffle hunting with Giovanni and his trusty dog, Chris. Savor a delectable lunch featuring Orvieto Classico wine, then continue to Perugia. Here, a local expert will guide you through the city's charming streets, unveiling its rich history and architectural marvels.
Day 3 – Day 3: Discover Perugia
- Perugia
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- National Gallery
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Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Perugia at your own pace, or opt for an excursion to the picturesque town of Cortona. Later, immerse yourself in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at an artisanal workshop, where you'll meet Marta and her team of weavers. Discover the ancient craft of loom-weaving and its preservation through generations. In the evening, delight in a Dine-Around experience, choosing from a selection of Perugia's finest restaurants to savor authentic Italian cuisine.
Day 4 – Day 4: Explore Assisi
- Assisi
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- Church of Saint Mary of Consolation
- Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi
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Venture to the enchanting hilltop town of Assisi, renowned for its medieval charm and spiritual significance. Begin your exploration in the valley at the revered Church of St. Mary of the Angels, before ascending Mount Subasio to the upper town. Here, the majestic Basilica of St. Francis awaits, where you'll delve into the world of Giotto's frescoes, a masterpiece that inspired countless Renaissance artists.
Day 5 – Day 5: Siena to San Gimignano
- Siena
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- Porta Camollia, Siena
- piazza del Campo
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Embark on a journey to Siena, where the historic Piazza del Campo sets the stage for the thrilling Palio horse race. Choose to explore the stunning Siena Cathedral or indulge in the local delicacy, panforte. Continue to the medieval town of San Gimignano, your home for the next three nights, nestled amidst the rolling Tuscan hills.
Day 6 – Day 6: Discover San Gimignano
Day 6: Discover San Gimignano
- piazza della Signoria
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Begin your day with a guided tour of San Gimignano, famed for its medieval skyscrapers and charming squares. Visit the artisan ice cream parlour of world champion gelato maestro Sergio Dondoli on Piazza della Cisterna, where unique flavors await your taste buds. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure, or join an optional excursion to the historic cities of Pisa and Lucca.
Day 7 – Day 7: Florence - The Cradle of the Renaissance
- Florence
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- piazza della Signoria
- Pieve di Santa Maria
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Immerse yourself in the artistic splendor of Florence, where a guided walking tour reveals the city's Renaissance treasures. Marvel at the Florence Cathedral, adorned with Brunelleschi's iconic dome, and stroll through Piazza della Signoria, an open-air gallery of sculptures. Enjoy free time to shop for exquisite Florentine leather or gold, before concluding the day with a Farm-to-Table dinner, savoring dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients.
Day 8 – Day 8: From San Gimignano to Rome via Bagno Vignoni and Pienza
- Rome
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- Parterre
- Facciatone
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Bid farewell to San Gimignano and journey through the picturesque Tuscan countryside. Discover the medieval spa town of Bagno Vignoni, renowned for its therapeutic thermal baths, before continuing to Pienza, a Renaissance gem celebrated for its pecorino cheese. As the day draws to a close, return to Rome, where the city's ancient wonders await your exploration.
Day 9 – Day 9: Departure from Rome
- Rome - Departure day
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As your Italian odyssey comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences and memories made. Bid farewell to the Eternal City, carrying with you the essence of Italy's rich history, culture, and culinary delights.
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