Tuscan Escape | Summer | 2025
Tuscan Escape | Summer | 2025
$2025
Tuscan Escape | Summer | 2025
7 Days Starting and ending in Rome, Italy
Visiting: Rome, Siena, San Gimignano, Florence, Pisa, Montalcino
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBTUP20
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Italy with the "Tuscan Escape | Summer | 2025" tour. This cultural adventure begins in Rome, where you'll indulge in a guided foodie walking tour in the vibrant Trastevere district, savoring local delights like pizza and gelato. Experience the charm of Tuscany with a visit to the Casale Polegri vineyard in Baschi, and explore the medieval beauty of Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cycle through the picturesque Chianti region, sample local wines, and discover the enchanting town of San Gimignano. In Florence, immerse yourself in Renaissance architecture and local crafts, and capture the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. Conclude your journey with a day trip to Perugia, renowned for its chocolate, and a visit to a traditional olive oil mill. This tour promises an unforgettable blend of culinary delights, historical exploration, and breathtaking landscapes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Hotel St. Martin (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
We’re all set to fall in love with this ancient Italian capital the moment we set foot in it. ‘Ciao’ your new Contiki pals and we’ll hop on our coach. Next we’ll cross the River Tiber to taste our way through Trastevere on a food walking tour, sampling local treats and more in this bohemian district known for trattorias, pubs and artisan shops. Full of our first introductions to Italian life, we’ll join the locals for a passeggiata (promenade) to stroll off a few of the carbs before a satisfied slumber tonight.
Day 2: Rome To Tuscany
Location: Siena
Accommodation Name: Hotel Borgo di Cortefreda (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Sorry Rome, we’d love to linger but there are so many more experiences to soak up!But first, hop on a funicular ride to the top of the hill in the city centre, you can take in the stunning views of Orvieto & the surrounding countryside. We have an epic, included MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience to enjoy. Casale Polegri is set in the countryside near the gorgeous town of Baschi, where we'll meet the Polegri family. They have run their vineyard and olive orchard for generations, and after giving us the grand tour, will serve us lunch under the Veranda. Enjoying some of the most authentic Italian food we've ever tasted (topped off with the Polegri's very own wine, naturally), we might reflect that we've never had it so good. It's the kind of local travel experience you don't encounter every day (you're welcome). The day is still unfolding and we’ve already done so much! After arriving in Siena there’ll be time to explore what is possibly Italy’s most beautiful medieval city. The historic centre has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site and its heart is the Piazza del Campo, the sweeping central square that hosts the world-famous Palio horse race. This evening we have the chance to savour a dinner of pizza, in a typical Sienese restaurant before departing Siena for our hotel in Tuscany.
Day 3: Day Trip To Chianti And San Gimignano
Location: San Gimignano
Accommodation Name: Hotel Borgo di Cortefreda (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bathed in the golden glow of the Tuscan sun, there’s no better way to uncover this historical region than by tasting it. Today we’ll hop on our bikes to ride from Gaiole to a local vineyard where we'll discover for ourselves this rich ruby red tipple the locals have been perfecting here for centuries followed by a visit to a local butchers to sample meat and cheeses. Another place famous for its wine, next we head to the enchanting hilltop town of San Gimignano. Known as the Town of Fine Towers, it’s yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its medieval architecture & sweeping views of the entire Chianti valley. Once you’ve stopped staring there’ll be free time to explore, have dinner and, hey why not, maybe another glass of wine?
Day 4: Day Trip To Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation Name: Hotel Borgo di Cortefreda (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our destination today is home to red roofs, Renaissance architecture and rustic cuisine. This morning we’ll have the chance to get involved with local handicrafts at a leather craft demonstration, part of Florence's artisan history, learning about this ancient tradition from a master craftsman and using the opportunity to customise your own leather accessory. Florence is often referred to as a 'walking museum', and today we'll find out why. With a locally guided walking tour, we'll explore the city on foot, swooning at Giotto's Bell Tower and the remarkable architectural feat that is the Duomo, pausing at the stalls and jewellery shops on the Ponte Vecchio and posing for a selfie with the replica statue of David. Later there’ll be free time for more sightseeing, shopping or food, and meat-eaters won’t want to miss the chance to sample a Bistecca Fiorentina, a Tuscan speciality. Before we leave the city today don’t forget to touch the nose of ‘Il Porcellino’, the bronze boar in Piazza del Mercato, the traditional way to make sure you return to Florence!
Day 5: Day Trip To Pisa & Lucca
Location: Pisa
Accommodation Name: Hotel Borgo di Cortefreda (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We can't be in this part of the world without a sneaky visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Depriving you of the chance to perfect the ‘holding-up-the-tower’ shot would be criminal. Our visit includes a locally guided tour. We’ll make a quick stop in Lucca, with its charming piazzas, Renaissance architecture and historic cafes. Explore the well-preserved 16th century walls surrounding the historic centre and cobbled streets with a gelato in hand. We'll hop back onto the coach and head out on a drive to a local winery to sample wines.
Day 6: Day Trip To Montalcino
Location: Montalcino
Accommodation Name: Hotel Borgo di Cortefreda (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Further south you can choose to find some dinner in Montalcino, another beautiful historic town known for – you guessed it – the production of delicious red wine. Don’t go knocking this one back too easily though, thanks to its individual grape variety, Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy’s priciest wines...
Day 7: Tuscany To Rome
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s said that all roads lead to Rome and that’s where we’re headed back to today. Has it really only been a week since we last set foot in the Eternal city? Back in modern day Rome this afternoon, it’s time to say our sad goodbyes – or ‘Arrivederci’ - until we meet again on our next adventure. How does a reunion in Greece sound?
What's Included
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Guided Foodie Walking Tour in Trastevere, Rome
Sample pizza, gelato, wine, and more in the bohemian district known for trattorias, pubs, and artisan shops.
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MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience
Visit Casale Polegri vineyard and olive orchard in Baschi for a tour and lunch under the Veranda overlooking the Tiber Valley.
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Exploration of UNESCO Sites
Visit Siena, Italy's medieval city, and the enchanting hilltop town of San Gimignano, known as the Town of Fine Towers.
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Bike Ride in Chianti & Local Tastings
Bike from Gaiole to a local vineyard in Chianti, followed by meat and cheese sampling at a local butcher.
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Locally Guided Walking Tour in Florence
Explore Renaissance architecture and local handicrafts in Florence, including a leather craft demonstration.
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Visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa & Lucca
Enjoy a locally guided tour of Pisa and explore Lucca's charming piazzas and Renaissance architecture.
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Day Trip to Perugia in Umbria
Explore Perugia, known for its chocolate, and visit a traditional Olive Oil mill.
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Dining Summary
Includes 1 Dinner, 6 Breakfasts, and 1 Lunch.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from the start and end point are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included but is highly recommended for all participants.
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Some Meals
Not all meals are covered.
Please refer to the itinerary for details. -
Personal Expenses
Expenses for personal nature like souvenirs, laundry, and tips are not included.
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Optional Activities
Any optional activities mentioned in the itinerary are not included in the tour price.
Dining Summary
- 1 Dinner (D)
- 6 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Included Experience
- Rome: Get a taste of Rome with a food walking tour of Trastevere district
- Baschi: We'll head to the rocky (but so picturesque) village of Baschi to visit Casale Polegri. Stroll around the vineyards and olive orchards on a short tour of the azienda agricola. We'll learn about the farming techniques used by the Polegri Family to harvest their fresh plants and fruit. We'll end the afternoon with a crunchy bruschetta topped with homemade extra virgin olive oil, focaccia bread with homegrown rosemary and vegetables. And of course, some risotto or pasta. All of this with a glass of their homemade wine and dessert. Happy tummy, happy life!
- Gaiole in Chianti: We’ll hop on our bikes and travel from Gaiole to explore a local winery.
- Florence: See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery & Piazza della Signoria on a locally guided walking tour of Florence.
- Pisa: Get a Pisa the action! Your expert guide will enlighten you, and you’ll finally get the ‘propping up the tower’ pic you’ve longed for.
- Lucca: Visit the Fattoria Al Dotto winery outside Lucca and taste local wines accompanied with a delicious platter of snacks
Mode of Transport
Travel through Italy in style with coach transfers between destinations, including a funicular ride in Orvieto and bike rides in Chianti, providing a seamless and enjoyable journey across the picturesque landscapes.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at Hotel St. Martin in Rome and Hotel Borgo di Cortefreda in Tuscany, offering a blend of modern amenities and traditional charm, ensuring a relaxing retreat after a day of exploration.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience at Casale Polegri vineyard and olive orchard in Baschi, where you will enjoy a tour and lunch under the Veranda overlooking the Tiber Valley. Additionally, there is a bike ride from Gaiole to a local vineyard in Chianti, followed by a visit to a local butcher for meat and cheese sampling.
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What can I expect from the guided foodie walking tour in Trastevere, Rome?
During the guided foodie walking tour in Trastevere, Rome, you will sample local treats such as pizza, gelato, and wine in this bohemian district known for its trattorias, pubs, and artisan shops. The tour also includes a passeggiata, a traditional Italian promenade, to stroll off some of the carbs.
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What activities are planned in Florence?
In Florence, you will participate in a locally guided walking tour exploring Renaissance architecture and local handicrafts, including a leather craft demonstration. You will see landmarks such as Giotto's Bell Tower, the Duomo, and the Ponte Vecchio, and have free time for sightseeing, shopping, or sampling local cuisine.
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Will there be opportunities to taste local wines during the tour?
Yes, there are several opportunities to taste local wines during the tour. You will visit a local vineyard in Chianti, sample wines at a winery outside Lucca, and have the chance to try Brunello di Montalcino in Montalcino.
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What is the significance of the visit to San Gimignano?
San Gimignano, known as the Town of Fine Towers, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its medieval architecture and sweeping views of the Chianti valley. The visit allows you to explore this enchanting hilltop town and enjoy its historical significance.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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