Country Roads of Umbria and Tuscany
Operated by: Insight Vacations
9 Days from $2,453 per person
Locations Visited
Rome, Orvieto, Perugia, Assisi, Siena, San Gimignano, Florence ...more Rome, Orvieto, Perugia, Assisi, Siena, San Gimignano, Florence"Views were fabulous!"Chose Country roads to be in the countryside instead of the big cities and Umbria and Tuscany were great areas with interesting small towns. The views were fabulous!
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Day 1
Welcome to Rome.
Transfers to your centrally located hotel, not far from the Ancient Roman Ruins, depart from Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 09:30, 12:30 and 15:30. Relax and settle in before meeting your Travel Director at 17:30. Get to know your fellow guests during your Welcome Dinner.(Dinner with Wine)
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Day 2
Sistine Chapel, Cooking in Orvieto and on to Perugia.
Explore the Vatican Museums in the morning, where a local historian unveils the gems of the vast Papal art collection. Your special VIP visit includes fast-tracked entry and behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase, a part of the Vatican normally closed to visitors. View the imposing Basilica of St. Peter, the largest in the world. Journey north to the Umbrian hilltop town of Orvieto; its cathedral is one of Italy’s most celebrated buildings. You’re welcomed into the kitchens of zesty, Etruscan chef Lorenzo Polegri, who shares his virtuoso cooking skills and love of Italian food with you. Delicious pasta fresca, combined with the local staples of olive oil, cheese, prosciutto and focaccia, make for a memorable Highlight Lunch, all washed down with a chilled glass of Orvieto Classico wine. Join a Local Expert in Perugia to navigate the underground labyrinth of little streets, alleys and arches. Walk Corso Vannucci, resplendent in pale-pink stone, passing the princely Priors' Palace, cathedral and finely sculptured Great Fountain in the main square.(Breakfast / Lunch with Wine)
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Day 3
Perugia Sightseeing & Free Time.
Visit an artisanal workshop to meet Marta, beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant, and her weavers. See how the fascinating art of loom-weaving textiles has been passed down through the generations and learn how this ancient craft is being preserved. Afterwards, you will be free to enjoy the many delights of Umbria's capital city. For dinner, choose your ideal ambience and palate-pleasing menu from a hand-picked selection of Perugian restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening. Buon appetito!(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
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Day 4
Assisi, in Search of St. Francis.
Journey to Assisi, one of Italy's most beautiful medieval hilltop towns, set high up in the mountains and enclosed by fortress walls. In the valley, see the famous Church of St. Mary of the Angels, much venerated as the place of St. Francis' death, then continue up Mount Subasio to the upper town. Step inside the massive, 13th century Basilica of St. Francis with your Local Expert to learn how Giotto masterfully painted frescoes that inspired a variety of Renaissance artists. Continue through the twisted groves that carpet the side of Mount Subasio. At a family-run olive mill, meet a third generation specialist to follow the evolution of the olive from tree to table. Relish the intense flavours drizzled over crusty bread with a sprinkle of salt – delizioso!(Breakfast)
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Day 5
Tuscany to Cortona, Siena and San Gimignano.
Follow the shores of Lake Trasimeno to Cortona, one of the oldest hilltop towns in Tuscany. After free time to explore, continue to the narrow cobbled streets of Siena. Standing in the shell-shaped Campo, imagine the frenzied atmosphere of the biannual Palio horse race and see the superb 14th century Town Hall. Then, with your Local Expert, there is time to climb up to the black-and-white striped marble cathedral. Travel to your home for the next three nights, a delightful villa near the medieval town of San Gimignano.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
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Day 6
San Gimignano sightseeing and Free Time.
In the morning, your Travel Director will show you San Gimignano's medieval skyscrapers, serpentine streets and hidden squares. The town is also home to world champion gelato maestro Sergio Dondoli. At his artisan ice cream parlour on Piazza della Cisterna, the jaunty gelataio doles out his silky, frozen treats in a range of unique flavours. The rest of the day is at leisure; why not join an Optional Experience to Pisa and Lucca?(Breakfast)
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Day 7
Florence and Tuscan Countryside Experience.
The morning is devoted to the Renaissance city of Florence. A fascinating walking exploration with a Local Expert takes you to the marble-clad cathedral crowned by Brunelleschi's dome. See the baptistery with its beautiful Gates of Paradise and Giotto's splendid bell tower. Walk on to Piazza della Signoria with its open-air gallery of Renaissance sculptures, followed by free time to shop for top-quality Florentine leather or seek bargains in the gold workshops. Toast to your travels during a delicious Farm-to-Table Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy tasting flavoursome dishes prepared with locally grown ingredients, sourced from the farm or nearby Tuscan region. Relax as the pairing of home-made pastas with the farm's own traditional Chianti wine rounds off your great Italian adventure.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
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Day 8
Country drive to Ancient Rome.
Descend from the Apennine Mountains, leaving behind the tower topped town of San Gimignano. Enjoy rolling Tuscan hills as you journey through the Italian countryside, making your way to Ancient Rome. On arrival, enjoy the afternoon at leisure.(Breakfast)
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Day 9
Arrivederci Roma.
Your departure transfer arrives at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 and 09:30.(Breakfast)
Price Includes
Included Insight Services
- Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- 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.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- From time to time, your Travel Director will enchant you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- 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.
Authentic Dining
- Orvieto: Meet Etruscan Chef Lorenzo Polegri, who shares his virtuoso cooking skills, followed by a memorable Highlight Lunch with wine.
- 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.
- Mount Subasio: Follow the evolution of the olive, from tree to table, with a tasting at a family-run olive mill.
- San Gimignano: Meet world champion gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli, and sample silky frozen treats in a range of unique flavours.
- 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.
- Dining Summary: 8 Breakfasts (B), 1 Lunch with Wine (LW) and 4 Dinners with Wine (DW) all with tea or coffee.
Insight Experiences
- Vatican City: Gain VIP access into the Vatican Museums and be among the select few to admire the famous Bramante Staircase. Admire the Popes’ treasure-trove and witness the genius of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel. Venture inside St. Peter's Basilica and see Michelangelo's Pietà, and the splendid dome.
- Perugia: Meet Marta, recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Learn how Marta and her weavers are preserving the ancient craft of loom-weaving at their artisanal workshop.
Top Rated Highlights
- Rome: See the mighty Colosseum and Roman Forum. You will also see other medieval buildings, including Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches, scattered throughout the city.
- Orvieto: During your orientation of this Umbrian hilltop town with your Travel Director, visit Piazza del Duomo to admire the cathedral.
- Perugia: Join a Local Expert to navigate the underground labyrinth of little streets, alleys and arches. Promenade the wide Corso Vannucci, resplendent in pale pink stone, past the princely Priors' Palace, cathedral and finely sculptured Great Fountain in the main square.
- Assisi: See St. Mary of the Angels Church and join your Local Expert to walk through the cobbled streets to St. Clare’s Church and see the cathedral.
- Assisi: A Local Expert will explain why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered one of the crowning achievements of medieval Europe.
- Siena: With your Local Expert explore the cobbles streets of Siena. Learn about the Palio horse race while standing in Piazza del Campo. See the 14th century Town Hall and its Mangia Tower.
- Siena: Led by your Local Expert, wander your way through the medieval streets to visit the black-and-white striped marble cathedral.
- San Gimignano: Explore the stunning hilltop town with your Travel Director. Navigate the winding streets, hunting out the towers and palaces for which it is so famous.
- Florence: View the city skyline from the sumptuous terrace of Piazzale Michelangelo. Explore the city and its landmarks with your Local Expert - see the domed cathedral, it's adjacent baptistery with its Gates of Paradise, and the open-air gallery of Piazza della Signoria.
Dates & Prices
Airfare is not included, but can be added to quote upon request-
Definite Departure
- Special Rate Solo Rooming
| Price | Discount | Availability | Price | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Start Date:
Sun, Apr 19, 2020
Return Date:
Mon, Apr 27, 2020
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$2,825$2,543pp | SAVE: $282Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Sun, May 3, 2020
Return Date:
Mon, May 11, 2020
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$2,825$2,543pp | SAVE: $282Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 |
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Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Sun, May 31, 2020
Return Date:
Mon, Jun 8, 2020
|
$2,825$2,543pp | SAVE: $282Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 |
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Request Quote Book Now | ||
|
Start Date:
Sun, Jun 14, 2020
Return Date:
Mon, Jun 22, 2020
|
$2,825$2,543pp | SAVE: $282Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Sun, Jun 28, 2020
Return Date:
Mon, Jul 6, 2020
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$2,825$2,543pp | SAVE: $282Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Sun, Jul 12, 2020
Return Date:
Mon, Jul 20, 2020
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$2,795$2,516pp | SAVE: $279Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Special Rate Solo Rooming
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Start Date:
Sun, Jul 26, 2020
Return Date:
Mon, Aug 3, 2020
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$2,750$2,475pp | SAVE: $275Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Sun, Aug 9, 2020
Return Date:
Mon, Aug 17, 2020
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$2,725$2,453pp | SAVE: $272Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Special Rate Solo Rooming
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Start Date:
Sun, Aug 23, 2020
Return Date:
Mon, Aug 31, 2020
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$2,725$2,453pp | SAVE: $272Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Sun, Sep 6, 2020
Return Date:
Mon, Sep 14, 2020
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$2,825$2,543pp | SAVE: $282Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Start Date:
Sun, Sep 20, 2020
Return Date:
Mon, Sep 28, 2020
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$2,825pp | AARP members save an additional $100 |
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Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Sun, Oct 4, 2020
Return Date:
Mon, Oct 12, 2020
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$2,825$2,543pp | SAVE: $282Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Special Rate Solo Rooming
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Start Date:
Sun, Oct 18, 2020
Return Date:
Mon, Oct 26, 2020
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$2,825$2,543pp | SAVE: $282Pay by Dec 18AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now |
Optional Add-Ons
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Rome
Rome By Night - Illuminations Drive
Join your Travel Director for a classic journey through one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Rome by night is a vision with its ancient monuments, classical buildings, palaces and churches beautifully illuminated against the evening sky. A wonderful introduction to the Eternal City!
Adult Price: €19
Perugia
Excursion To Spello
Enjoy an afternoon excursion to the breathtaking Umbrian hillside town of Spello, its centro storico still enveloped by Roman walls. With a local expert, we'll ascend through ancient arches and tight cobbled streets, where houses cascade with hanging flower pots and churches seemingly sanctify almost every street corner.
Adult Price: €25
Umbrian Dinner Experience
Umbria is not only a region which is culturally rich and full of beautiful vistas, it is also a region rich in its gastronomic offerings as well! A journey to explore the edible treasures of the traditional Umbrian kitchen and the superb wines of this region too, all served to you in a beautiful rustic restaurant!
Adult Price: €62
Florence
Dinner In The Tuscan Hills
A fabulous dinner of Tuscan specialities awaits you. We drive into the hills surrounding Florence for a delicious typical Florentine meal complete with Chianti wine, music and lots of fun! An evening to remember. Viva Italia!
Adult Price: €65
Tuscan Dinner & Cooking Demonstration
Florence and Tuscany are renowned for their rich gastronomic heritage. Tonight we'll travel into the hills near Florence to the Chiantri countryside, where a local chef will introduce you to the dishes that make Tuscan cuisine famous throughout the world. This wonderful cooking demonstration, with superb food and wine, will provide warm and genuine Tuscan hospitality.
Adult Price: €69
San Gimignano
Pisa and Lucca Experience
Enjoy the day visiting two of Italy's most beautiful cities, Pisa and Lucca, with a local expert. First, we’re off to Pisa, where you'll have time to explore the famous Square of Miracles, dominated by the leaning tower. We'll continue to the quaint and picturesque town of Lucca where you’ll take a leisurely tour of the medieval centre to admire the beauty of this Tuscan gem. Then, enjoy free time to do your own exploring.
Adult Price: €56
Venice
Magical Venice
Venice can be Europe's most romantic city in the evening, offering dramatic landscapes with buildings that dazzle as the sun sets and the lights go on. Sit back and take it all in as private water taxis whisk you to the centre of it all, Piazza San Marco, where we have seats reserved outside a famous Venetian cafe, in front of a live orchestra and in view of those illuminated St Mark's sights. Our private water taxis will also take us the length of the Grand Canal, under the Rialto Bridge and back to our hotel, having seen Venice at its most magical.
Adult Price: €55
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