Country Roads of Umbria & Tuscany - Classic Group
Country Roads of Umbria & Tuscany - Classic Group
Country Roads of Umbria & Tuscany - Classic Group
9 Days Starting and ending in Rome
Visiting: Rome, Vatican, Umbria, Perugia, Assisi, Monte Subasio, Siena, San Gimignano, Florence, Bagno Vignoni, Pienza
Tour Overview
Live 'la dolce vita' during this 9-day guided tour of Italy. Explore the narrow cobblestone streets of Siena to the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo and see the Torre del Mangia, the second-tallest tower in Italy. Discover the art of truffle-hunting and learn how to make pasta from a professional before delighting in a local lunch. In San Gimignano, eat the best gelato in the world - literally. Indulge in your favorite flavors or try something unexpected. Alongside a Local Expert, marvel at the cathedral at the center of Florence: Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, nicknamed 'the Duomo' for its awe-inspiring crown made by a master goldsmith.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To The Eternal City Of Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Hotel St. Martin, Rome.
Accommodation Name: NH Roma Centro, Rome
Meals Included: Dinner
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 travelers over Roman specialties during dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Umbria And On To Perugia
Location: Rome, Vatican, Umbria, Perugia
Accommodation: Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia.
Accommodation Name: Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia
Meals Included: Breakfast
See the imposing Basilica of St. Peter 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 Expert. Journey north to the Umbrian village of Baschi. Immerse yourself in the flavors 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.
Day 3: Perugia Sightseeing & Free Time Relaxed Start
Location: Perugia
Accommodation: Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia.
Accommodation Name: Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning enjoy free time to explore the many delights of Umbria's capital city or join an optional experience to Cortona. Later, 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. 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!
Day 4: Assisi, In Search Of St. Francis Relaxed Start
Location: Perugia, Assisi, Monte Subasio
Accommodation: Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia.
Accommodation Name: Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 5: Tuscany To Siena And San Gimignano
Location: Perugia, Siena, San Gimignano
Accommodation: Villasanpaolo, San Gimignano.
Accommodation Name: Villasanpaolo, San Gimignano
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 6: San Gimignano Sightseeing And Free Time Relaxed Start
Location: San Gimignano
Accommodation: Villasanpaolo, San Gimignano.
Accommodation Name: Villasanpaolo, San Gimignano
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 silky smooth, frozen treats are beautifully displayed in a range of unique flavors for you to try. The rest of the day is at leisure; why not join an Optional Experience to Pisa and Lucca?
Day 7: Florence And Tuscan Countryside Experience Relaxed Start
Location: San Gimignano, Florence
Accommodation: Villasanpaolo, San Gimignano.
Accommodation Name: Villasanpaolo, San Gimignano
Meals Included: Breakfast
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, home-made pastas, traditional Chianti wine, all sourced from the farm in the Tuscan region.
Day 8: Country Drive To Ancient Rome
Location: San Gimignano, Bagno Vignoni, Pienza, Rome
Accommodation: NH Roma Centro, Rome.
Accommodation Name: Hotel St. Martin, Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave behind the tower topped town of San Gimignano. Enjoy rolling Tuscan hills as you journey south through the Italian countryside. This morning, delight in the medieval spa town of Bagno Vignoni, renowned for its mineral rich thermal baths and continue to the 'model' renaissance town of Pienza, famous for its delicious pecorino cheese, before making your way to Ancient Rome.
Day 9: Arrivederci Roma
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bid farewell to the glories of Italy.
Check out our Q&As
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
Trusted Agent
Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.
We look after you every step of the way.