9 Days / 7 Nights - Tuscany, Umbria & Florence Orvieto, Siena, San Gimignano, Cortona, Perugia, Assisi
DAY 1 :: ARRIVE ROME / SIENA
DAY 1 :: ARRIVE ROME / SIENA
Tour departs: 10am from Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino. Join your fellow travelers for a drive on scenic country roads to Siena, stopping for lunch and a walking tour in the tiny Renaissance city of Pienza. Arrive late afternoon at your grand hotel, ideally located in the heart of Siena, and enjoy a welcome reception and dinner tonight. Meals LD
DAY 2 :: THE GRANDEUR OF SIENA
Once rivaling Florence in magnificent cultural riches, hilltop Siena is still a treasure to behold. Start your day with a
guided walking tour along medieval city streets, rewarded by mesmerizing views at every turn.
Visit historic Piazza del Campo and the spectacular Duomo, one of Italy’s greatest cathedrals. The remainder of the day is free
for you to enjoy as you wish; explore the city’s maze of narrow medieval streets, adorned with flags, plaques and symbolic animal carvings, or
relax in a local café. Meals B
DAY 3 :: SAN GIMIGNANO / FLORENCE
Look for the thirteen medieval towers that dominate the skyline as you journey to 12th century San Gimignano for a guided tour and lunch, followed by a wine tasting at a local vineyard. Continue on to Florence for a three-night stay and experience a dine-around tonight. Meals BD
DAY 4 :: DISCOVER THE ART OF FLORENCE
Today’s guided tour of the Galleria dell’Accademia is enhanced by the learned expertise of a noted art historian who shares insights about Europe’s first art school during a lecture. Seeing Michelangelo’s most important works inside, including the famous statue of David, makes this an experience to remember! Venture into the bustling food markets with our local guide, then spend the rest of the day exploring on your own. Meals B
DAY 5 :: ART TREASURES OF THE UFFIZI GALLERY
Botticelli, Bellini, Michelangelo, Raphael, da Vinci, Rembrandt and Titian are just a few of the artists whose work graces the halls of the Uffizi, renowned for showcasing some of the greatest art of the Renaissance. See them on a guided tour this morning. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Meals B
DAY 6 :: CORTONA / COOKING CLASS
Travel into the heart of Italy for a three-night stay in Perugia. En route, stop in the beautiful Etruscan city of Cortona, featured in the movie Under the Tuscan Sun; a walking tour includes a visit to the Museo Diocesano, housing the artist Fra Angelico’s famous painting, Annunciation. A tantalizing interactive Tuscan cooking demonstration at a culinary school located in a 15th century house entices with a freshly prepared lunch. Your luxury accommodations for the next three nights are delightfully ensconced atop a hill in Perugia, overlooking the scenic Umbrian valley below.
DAY 7 :: PERUGIA, CAPITAL OF UMBRIA
A town rife with Gothic palaces, Perugia is thought to have been inhabited since prehistoric times. Its history includes Etruscan and Roman rule - and it was once under the direct control of the Papal State. Discover its ancient sights on a guided walking tour with a local guide. The town is rich with medieval influences and architectural treasures, from the 15th century Duomo to the Oratorio di San Bernardino. Perugia is also well-known for its mouth-watering chocolate, Baci Perugina. Learn the closely guarded secrets of making this delectable treat at a chocolate-making demonstration this afternoon, but don’t spoil your appetite for your candlelight dinner at La Taverna - this popular restaurant is justly renowned for its romantic ambiance and delicious desserts! Meals B
|