Country Roads of Umbria & Tuscany (Small Groups, 9 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating multi-day tour through Italy, where history, culture, and culinary delights await at every turn. From the ancient wonders of Rome to the artistic treasures of Florence, each day offers a unique blend of exploration and relaxation. Discover the spiritual serenity of Assisi, the medieval charm of San Gimignano, and the Renaissance elegance of Siena. Delight in authentic Italian cuisine, from truffle hunting in Umbria to savoring world-class gelato in Tuscany. With expert guidance and carefully curated experiences, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through Italy's most iconic destinations.
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.
8 nights in twin-share rooms at hand-picked hotels
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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Welcome to the Eternal City, where ancient history and vibrant culture converge. As you settle into your accommodations at a centrally located hotel (or similar), prepare for an exclusive evening. Join your Travel Director for a private visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, where the Rector will personally welcome you. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner, savoring Roman specialties at a local restaurant, and get acquainted with your fellow travelers.
Day 2 – Day 2: Vatican City to Perugia
- Orvieto
- Perugia
- Bomarzo
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- Vatican Museums
- Obelisk of St Peter's Square
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Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Basilica of St. Peter in Vatican City. Cross the Tiber River to explore the grandeur of Ancient Rome, where the Colosseum awaits with tales of gladiators and roaring crowds. Journey north to the charming village of Baschi for a unique truffle hunting experience with Giovanni and his dog, Chris. Enjoy a culinary demonstration and lunch with Chef Lorenzo, featuring Orvieto Classico wine. Continue to Perugia, where a Local Expert will guide you through its medieval streets and architectural wonders.
Day 3 – Day 3: Perugia's Cultural Delights
- Perugia
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- National Gallery
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Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Perugia's vibrant streets or opt for an excursion to the picturesque town of Cortona. In the afternoon, engage 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. For dinner, indulge in a Dine-Around Evening, choosing from a selection of Perugia's finest restaurants, each offering a unique culinary experience.
Day 4 – Day 4: Spiritual Journey to Assisi
- Assisi
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- Church of Saint Mary of Consolation
- Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi
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Travel to the enchanting hilltop town of Assisi, renowned for its medieval charm and spiritual significance. Visit the Church of St. Mary of the Angels in the valley, a revered site marking St. Francis' passing. Ascend Mount Subasio to explore the upper town and step inside the majestic Basilica of St. Francis. With a Local Expert, admire Giotto's frescoes that have inspired countless Renaissance artists.
Day 5 – Day 5: Siena to San Gimignano
- Cortona
- Siena
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- Porta Camollia, Siena
- piazza del Campo
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Embark on a scenic journey along Lake Trasimeno's shores to the historic city of Siena. Stand in the iconic Piazza del Campo, imagining the excitement of the Palio horse race. Choose to explore the medieval Cathedral or indulge in the flavors of panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert. Continue to your charming villa near San Gimignano, where you'll spend the next three nights immersed in the Tuscan countryside.
Day 6 – Day 6: Discover San Gimignano
Day 6: Discover San Gimignano
- Galleria Continua
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Explore the medieval charm of San Gimignano with your Travel Director, marveling at its towering skyscrapers and hidden squares. Visit the renowned Gelateria Dondoli, where world champion gelato maestro Sergio Dondoli crafts unique flavors. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, with an optional excursion to the historic cities of Pisa and Lucca.
Day 7 – Day 7: Renaissance Florence
- Florence
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- piazza della Signoria
- Pieve di Santa Maria
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Immerse yourself in the artistic splendor of Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. A guided walking tour reveals the marble-clad cathedral, Brunelleschi's dome, and Giotto's bell tower. Stroll through Piazza della Signoria, an open-air gallery of Renaissance sculptures. Enjoy free time to shop for exquisite Florentine leather or gold. Conclude your day with a Farm-to-Table dinner, savoring locally sourced dishes and traditional Chianti wine.
Day 8 – Day 8: Tuscan Countryside to Rome
- Rome
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- Parterre
- Facciatone
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Bid farewell to San Gimignano and journey through Tuscany's rolling hills. Visit the medieval spa town of Bagno Vignoni, known for its mineral-rich thermal baths. Continue to Pienza, a Renaissance gem celebrated for its pecorino cheese. As the day unfolds, make your way back to the eternal allure of Ancient Rome.
Day 9 – Day 9: Departure from Rome
- Rome - Departure day
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As your Italian adventure draws to a close, take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences and friendships forged along the way. Bid farewell to the glories of Italy, carrying with you cherished memories of this remarkable journey.
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