Country Roads of Umbria & Tuscany

Welcome to the Eternal City of Rome

Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and baroque churches. Settle in before joining your Travel Director for a private visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, welcomed by the Rector of the basilica. End the day getting to know your fellow travellers over Roman specialties during dinner at a local restaurant.

NH Roma Centro, Rome

• Rome

Umbria 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 specialist visit includes fast-tracked entry. View the imposing Basilica of St. Peter, the largest in the world. Journey north to the Umbrian village of Baschi. Immerse yourself in the flavours and culture of the region and learn about the secrets of Italian food culture as you join Giovanni and his dog Chris for a truffle hunting session. Afterwards, be entertained by Chef Lorenzo with a fun pasta demonstration and enjoy a delicious lunch accompanied by Orvieto Classico wine. Join a Local Expert in Perugia to navigate the underground labyrinth of little streets, alleys, and arches. Walk along Corso Vannucci, resplendent in pale-pink stone, passing the princely Priors' Palace, the cathedral, and the finely sculptured Great Fountain in the main square.

Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia

• Rome
• Vatican
• Umbria
• Perugia

Perugia Sightseeing & Free Time Relaxed Start

During a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, visit an artisanal workshop to meet Marta, recipient 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!

Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia

• Perugia

Assisi, in Search of St. Francis Relaxed Start

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.

Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia

• Perugia
• Assisi
• Monte Subasio

Tuscany to Siena and San Gimignano

Follow the shores of Lake Trasimeno and 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 Town Hall. Explore Siena with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the medieval Cathedral, or, alternatively, sample panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert. Travel to your home for the next three nights, a delightful villa near the medieval town of San Gimignano.

Villasanpaolo, San Gimignano

• Perugia
• Siena
• San Gimignano

San Gimignano sightseeing and Free Time Relaxed Start

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 for you to try. The rest of the day is at leisure; why not join an Optional Experience to Pisa and Lucca?

Villasanpaolo, San Gimignano

• San Gimignano

Florence and Tuscan Countryside Experience Relaxed Start

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 gold. Toast to your travels during a delicious Farm-to-Table dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy tasting flavoursome dishes prepared with locally grown ingredients, sourced from the farm in the Tuscan region. Relax as the pairing of home-made pastas with the farm's own traditional Chianti wine rounds off your great Italian adventure.

Villasanpaolo, San Gimignano

• San Gimignano
• Florence

Country drive to Ancient Rome

Leave 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.

Hotel St. Martin, Rome

• San Gimignano
• Rome

Arrivederci Roma

Bid farewell to the glories of Italy.

• Rome