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, Italy
Visiting: Rome, Perugia, Assisi, Siena, San Gimignano, Florence
Tour operator:
Tour code:
E822N26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Italy with the "Country Roads of Umbria & Tuscany - Classic Group" tour. Begin in the Eternal City of Rome, exploring its ancient wonders and savoring local cuisine. Venture into the serene landscapes of Umbria, where you'll partake in truffle hunting and pasta making. Discover the medieval charm of Perugia and Assisi, and delve into the rich history of Siena and San Gimignano. Relish the Renaissance splendor of Florence and enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience in the Tuscan countryside. Conclude your adventure back in Rome, enriched by Italy's timeless beauty and culinary delights.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To The Eternal City Of Rome
Location: 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: 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 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 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 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 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: Florence
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 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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Meals
1 Dinner, 8 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch with Wine, and 3 Dinners with Wine are included.
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Activities
Choose between two carefully selected activities.
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Local Experiences
Enjoy a tasting of Panforte in Siena, visit the Cathedral with a Local Expert, and savor dinner at a uniquely Roman restaurant.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Hotel and restaurant tips are included, along with all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
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Baggage Handling
Bags are carried for you and promptly delivered to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, a local specialty representing the destination.
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Wi-Fi
Stay connected with complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.
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Cooking Experience
Explore the art of Italian cooking with Chef Lorenzo and take part in a truffle hunting walk followed by lunch.
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Dine-Around Evening
In Perugia, choose your own ambience, cuisine, and drinks for an intimate culinary experience.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as a visit to Cortona or an excursion to Pisa and Lucca are not included.
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Additional Transfers
Transfers outside the scheduled times or for additional nights' accommodation are not included and may be purchased separately.
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury aboard Insight's air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom, ensuring a comfortable journey throughout Italy.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the NH Roma Centro in Rome, the Sangallo Palace Hotel in Perugia, and the Villasanpaolo in San Gimignano, with the final night at Hotel St. Martin in Rome.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique culinary experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several unique culinary experiences such as a truffle hunting session followed by a pasta demonstration and lunch with Chef Lorenzo in Umbria, a tasting of Panforte in Siena, and a visit to the artisan gelato parlour of world champion gelato maestro Sergio Dondoli in San Gimignano. Additionally, there is a Farm-to-Table dinner in Tuscany with organic produce sourced from the surrounding farm.
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Are there any special activities related to local crafts or traditions?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to an artisanal workshop in Perugia where you will meet Marta, a recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant, and her weavers. You will learn about the ancient craft of loom-weaving textiles and how it is being preserved.
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What kind of guided tours are included in the itinerary?
The itinerary includes guided tours with Local Experts in several locations such as the Basilica of Saint Praxedes in Rome, the Colosseum in Ancient Rome, the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, and a walking exploration of Florence including the cathedral, baptistery, and Piazza della Signoria.
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Is there any free time during the tour for personal exploration?
Yes, there is free time allocated during the tour. For example, on Day 3 in Perugia, you have free time to explore the city or join an optional experience to Cortona. Additionally, on Day 6 in San Gimignano, you have leisure time to explore or join an optional experience to Pisa and Lucca.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes stays at various hotels such as NH Roma Centro in Rome, Sangallo Palace Hotel in Perugia, Villasanpaolo in San Gimignano, and Hotel St. Martin in Rome. These accommodations are selected for their comfort and location.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Airport transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates. 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.
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What measures are in place for health and safety during the tour?
The tour ensures health and safety measures such as sanitizing the customized luxury coaches before the start of the tour, maintaining high standards of cleanliness, and providing hand sanitizer freely on board for use throughout the day.
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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
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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