Country Roads of Umbria & Tuscany - Small Group
Country Roads of Umbria & Tuscany - Small Group
$3850
Country Roads of Umbria & Tuscany - Small Group
9 Days Starting and ending in Rome, Italy
Visiting: Rome, Perugia, Assisi, Siena, San Gimignano, Florence
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SE822ZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, History, Religion and Spiritual
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Italy with the "Country Roads of Umbria & Tuscany - Small Group" tour. This immersive experience begins in the eternal city of Rome, where you'll explore iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and Vatican City. Venture into the enchanting regions of Umbria and Tuscany, where you'll savor authentic Italian cuisine, including a truffle hunting session and a farm-to-table dinner. Discover the medieval charm of Assisi, Siena, and San Gimignano, and marvel at the Renaissance splendor of Florence. Engage with local artisans in Perugia, preserving ancient crafts, and indulge in world-class gelato in San Gimignano. With expert guides and exclusive experiences, this tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and gastronomy, all while supporting sustainable tourism initiatives. Conclude your Italian adventure back in Rome, enriched by the beauty and heritage of these timeless regions.
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Siena: Enjoy a tasting of Panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert containing fruits and nuts.
- Siena: Visit the Cathedral with your Local Expert.
Top Rated Highlights
- Assisi: See St. Mary of the Angels Church and join your Local Expert to walk through the cobbled streets and beautifully preserved medieval laneways of this quaint town.
- Assisi: With a Local Expert, find out why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered one of the crowning achievements of Europe.
- San Gimignano: Visit the Tuscan town of San Gimignano, often called the 'Medieval Manhattan' of Italy.
- Florence: Join a Local Expert to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square. See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods.
Make Travel Matter
Perugia: Meet Marta, a recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Learn how she offers employment opportunities for local women and, alongside her weavers, preserves the ancient craft of loom weaving in an artisan workshop.The workshop is owned by women and actively empowers women and girls through its education and training programs. Marta, and her students help to safeguard the unique patterns while contributing to the protection of Umbria’s cultural heritage. Laboratorio Guidetta Brozzetti advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality and UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities.
Authentic Dining
Rome: Savor dinner at a uniquely Roman restaurant, offering a perfect exploration of Lazio's typical flavors.
Umbria: Explore the art of Italian cooking with Chef Lorenzo and take part in a truffle hunting walk followed by lunch.
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.
San Gimignano: Ascend serpentine alleyways to the artisan gelato parlour of world champion gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli for a taste of his finest frozen treats.
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.
Insight Choice
Siena: Enjoy a tasting of Panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert containing fruits and nuts.
Siena: Visit the Cathedral with your Local Expert.
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
2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a center of celebration. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City. 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: 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: Assisi
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: Siena
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 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 flavors for you to try. Your home for the next three nights is a delightful villa near this jewel of medieval architecture.
Day 6: San Gimignano Free Time Relaxed Start
Location: San Gimignano
Accommodation: Villasanpaolo, San Gimignano.
Accommodation Name: Villasanpaolo, San Gimignano
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy your day at leisure, taking in your Tuscan surroundings. Relax at your hotel or you could opt to join an Optional Experience to Pisa and Lucca.
Day 7: Florence And Tuscan Countryside Experience
Location: 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: 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.
What's Included
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Choice Highlights
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Siena: enjoy a tasting of Panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert, or visit the Cathedral with your Local Expert.
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Top Rated Highlights
Visit Assisi to see St. Mary of the Angels Church and walk through the cobbled streets with a Local Expert. Discover the Basilica of St. Francis, visit San Gimignano, and explore Florence with a Local Expert.
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Make Travel Matter
Meet Marta in Perugia, a recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant, and learn about her efforts to preserve the ancient craft of loom weaving and empower local women.
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Authentic Dining
Enjoy a variety of dining experiences including a dinner in Rome, a truffle hunting walk and lunch in Umbria, a Dine-Around Evening in Perugia, and a Farm-to-Table experience in Tuscany.
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Dining Summary
The tour includes 1 Dinner, 8 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch with Wine, and 3 Dinners with Wine.
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Additional Included Highlights
Personal radio headsets, hotel and restaurant tips, taxes, porterage charges, and complimentary Wi-Fi are included. Transfers are available at scheduled times for flights matching the itinerary.
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Insight Experiences
Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes in Rome during an after-hours visit.
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Well-being
Travel in comfort on Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Hand sanitizer is available on board.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as a visit to Pisa and Lucca are not included in the tour package.
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Transfers Outside Scheduled Times
Transfers are not included for flights outside the scheduled itinerary start and end dates unless additional nights are booked with Insight Vacations.
Dining Summary
- 1 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch with Wine (LW)
- 3 Dinner with Wine (DW)
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- 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.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- 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.
Insight Experiences
- Rome: Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit. This 9th-century basilica’s simple facade guards the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics. The history of the church springs to life as you admire the interior’s treasured collection, including Bernini's first sculpture and the renowned mosaics, illuminated for your visit. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is a rare and unforgettable insight into Rome and its religious history.
Travel Director
- "One thing I really love about showing guests about Italy is how art and beauty can be found around every corner of some of Italy's cities, which are real open air museums."
- "One fun fact people don't usually know before they come to Italy is that the Italian alphabet only has 22 letters."
- "I really love about showing guests the huge variety that Italy has to offer, from quaint countryside villages to cities full of stupendous art and architecture."
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style and comfort aboard a luxurious, air-conditioned coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and the convenience of included hotel and restaurant tips, taxes, and porterage charges.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and elegance at the NH Roma Centro in Rome, the Sangallo Palace Hotel in Perugia, and the Villasanpaolo in San Gimignano. Each offers a unique blend of modern amenities and traditional charm, ensuring a relaxing stay amidst Italy's stunning landscapes.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experience does the tour offer in Rome?
In Rome, the tour offers exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit, where you can admire the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics and Bernini's first sculpture.
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What activities are included in the tour in Perugia?
In Perugia, you can join a Local Expert to explore the underground labyrinth of streets and visit an artisanal workshop to meet Marta, who preserves the ancient craft of loom weaving. You also have a Dine-Around Evening where you can choose from a selection of local restaurants.
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What can I expect during the visit to Assisi?
In Assisi, you will visit the Church of St. Mary of the Angels and the Basilica of St. Francis with a Local Expert, where you can learn about Giotto's frescoes that inspired Renaissance artists.
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What culinary experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a truffle hunting session and pasta demonstration in Umbria, a Dine-Around Evening in Perugia, a visit to an artisan gelato parlour in San Gimignano, and a Farm-to-Table dinner in Tuscany.
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What is the significance of the visit to Marta's workshop in Perugia?
The visit to Marta's workshop in Perugia is part of a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, where you learn about the preservation of the ancient craft of loom weaving and how the workshop empowers women and girls through education and training programs.
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What is the highlight of the visit to San Gimignano?
In San Gimignano, you will explore the town's medieval skyscrapers and serpentine streets, and visit the artisan gelato parlour of world champion gelato maestro Sergio Dondoli to taste unique flavors of gelato.
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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
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