Country Roads of Tuscany & Central Italy

You’ll arrive in Rome to streets layered with ancient ruins, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches, each one carrying the burnished glow of centuries. After time to unpack, you step back out to restaurant chatter, polished stone and waiters weaving between trattoria tables along the street. This evening, you meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers over dinner at a local restaurant, sharing Roman specialities as you pass warm plates and savour the first forkfuls of the trip.

See St. Peter's Square in the Vatican City before crossing the Tiber into Ancient Rome and imagining the gladiatorial combats and sounds of roaring spectators as you visit the mighty Colosseum with your Local Specialist. 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 Specialist 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.

This morning, during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, visit an artisanal workshop to meet Marta — recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant — and her team of weavers. Discover how the fascinating art of loom weaving has been passed down through generations and learn how this ancient craft is being preserved today. Later, enjoy free time to explore the many delights of Umbria’s capital city or join an Optional Experience to Cortona. In the evening, take your pick from a hand-picked selection of Perugian restaurants for a Dine-Around experience — choosing the ambience and menu that suit you best. Buon appetito!

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 Specialist to learn how Giotto masterfully painted frescoes that inspired a variety of Renaissance artists.

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 your choice. Choose to visit the medieval Cathedral or, alternatively, sample panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert. Travel to the medieval town of San Gimignano, where your Travel Director will show you the 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 silky-smooth frozen treats are beautifully displayed in a range of unique flavours for you to try. Your home for the next three nights is nestled in the Tuscan countryside.

Enjoy your day at leisure, taking in your Tuscan surroundings. Relax at your hotel or you could opt to join an Optional Experience to Lucca.

The morning is devoted to the Renaissance city of Florence. A fascinating walking exploration with a Local Specialist 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, home-made pastas, traditional Chianti wine, all sourced from the farm in the Tuscan region.

Enjoy the rolling Tuscan hills as you journey south through the Italian countryside. This morning, visit the medieval spa town of Bagno Vignoni, renowned for its mineral-rich thermal baths, then continue to the ‘model’ Renaissance town of Pienza, famous for its delicious pecorino cheese, before making your way to Rome.

Bid farewell to the glories of Italy.