Compare A Week In... Tuscany & Umbria 2022 by Tauck vs Country Roads of Umbria & Tuscany - Small Group by Insight Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4 | Great
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 8 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 4,290 | $ 3,295 |
| Price Per Day | $ 536 | $ 330 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
N/A |
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | No | Airfare included |
| Activities |
|
N/A |
| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Smaller groups averaging 24 Tauck guests, enjoy an in-depth look at Tuscany and Umbria The sun-soaked hill towns of Tuscany and Umbria in the heart of Italy seduce the senses with a kaleidoscope of daily life which Tauck guests experience firsthand: wine tastings in bountiful vineyards, a chef-hosted cooking class, ceramic making, truffle hunting, hand weaving, medieval crafts, age-old basilicas adorned with frescoes and more... |
Live 'la dolce vita' during this 9-day guided tour of Italy. Explore the Vatican Museums, where your VIP pass gets you behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase. Walk the narrow cobblestone streets of Siena to the shell-shaped plaza Campo and see the Torre del Mangia, the second-tallest tower in Italy. Visit a family-run olive mill, where a third-generation olive maker will share how its olives become the decadent oil you’ll taste at the mill. In San Gimignano, eat the best gelato in the world — literally. You’ll meet a world champion gelato maestro who will welcome you into his ice cream parlor to indulge in his favorite flavors. 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. |
Day 1 Arrive Florence
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Villa La Massa. A transfer is included from Florence's Peretola Airport to Villa La Massa in Candeli on the outskirts of Florence, set at the gateway of the Chianti wine region in Tuscany. Meet your fellow travelers at a welcome reception and dinner tonight at your historic luxury hotel – a former 16th-century Renaissance estate of the Medici family on the banks of the Arno River, surrounded by 22 acres of gardens, olive groves and lemon trees.
MEALS : D
LODGING : Villa La Massa
PORTOFCALL : Florence, Italy
Day 2 Tuscan Wine Tasting & A Cooking Class
Chianti, one of the oldest wines in the world, has been produced in Tuscany since the ancient Etruscans tended their vineyards here 2,500 years ago. Imagine its long-lived history as you drive through the Chianti countryside this morning to a farmhouse cooking school in the ancient Tuscan village of Montefiridolfi. This morning's hands-on cooking class with the former head chef of a Michelin-starred restaurant introduces you to the tastes and traditions of its regional food through anecdotal stories that add more flavor to this immersive culinary experience. Wine tasting is on the menu during a rooftop lunch in Bargino at the hillside winery of Marchesi Antinori Chianti Classico, whose historic wine-making heritage dates back to the 12th century. A guided visit to the museum and unique cellars reveals the family's wine-making philosophy. Join us for dinner tonight at a typical Tuscan restaurant.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Villa La Massa
PORTOFCALL : Florence, Italy
Day 3 Golden Arezzo & Lake Trasimeno
Travel this morning to the ancient hilltop Tuscan city of Arezzo, whose long history predates the Roman Empire, going all the way back to the days of the Etruscans in the 4th and 5th centuries BC. Today a city of just under 100,000 people, Arezzo possesses a wealth of historic architecture spanning the 11th to the 19th centuries – some of which you'll see on a walking tour – including many piazzas, palaces, churches and basilicas, as well as a 16th-century Medici fortress (the Fortezza Medicea). After more time to explore and have lunch as you please in Arezzo, continue your journey to Lake Trasimeno and on into the province of Umbria. Arrive early evening at your hotel in Gubbio, set in a 17th-century stone monastery overlooking wooded hills, and enjoy dinner there at your leisure tonight.
MEALS : B, D
LODGING : Park Hotel ai Cappuccini
PORTOFCALL : Arezzo, Italy
Day 4 Medieval Gubbio & Truffle Hunting
Explore medieval Gubbio on a walking tour this morning with a local guide. View the town's well-preserved Roman amphitheatre still in use today, its 13th-century church of Sant'Agostino, adorned with spectacular frescoes, and the turreted tower of Palazzo dei Consoli, built between 1332-1349. Spend some time discovering more of Gubbio on your own, including its many craft boutiques known for their pottery and ceramics. The "black diamonds" of Umbria, truffles, known as tartufi in Italian, are mushrooms so rare and unique-tasting that they can cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars per pound. Enjoy a precious taste of these subterranean delicacies during lunch in a charming renovated castle on a truffle farm... then sniff them out on a private truffle-hunting experience in the Umbrian woods with an experienced guide and his trained dog who lead you to the prize! The evening is free to enjoy as you wish in Gubbio.
MEALS : B, L
LODGING : Park Hotel ai Cappuccini
PORTOFCALL : Gubbio, Italy
Day 5 Assisi & An Exclusive Wine Pairing
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Assisi reigns over Umbrian landscapes atop a hilltop perch that has welcomed travelers for centuries, especially pilgrims in search of heaven-sent miracles from St. Francis, who was born here. A guided walking tour of this medieval gem includes visits to the Basilica of San Francesco, eternal resting place for its patron saint, adorned with 13th-century frescoes by Giotto depicting the life of St. Francis and other works from the medieval and Renaissance periods. A Tauck-Exclusive al fresco lunch in the vineyards of Lungarotti Winery ensures an unforgettable taste of the bounty of land and vine in Torgiano (weather permitting). Continue on this afternoon to Umbria's capital city, Perugia, once one of the key cities of the Etruscan civilization. Your hotel for the next two nights is located in the historic heart of Perugia, where your evening is free.
MEALS : B, L
LODGING : SINA Palace
PORTOFCALL : Perugia, Italy
Day 6 The Meandering Streets of Perugia
Your day begins with a guided visit of Perugia; from your hotel walk down Corso Vanucci to the main fountain; tour the square and inside visit of the Collegio del Cambio, home to remarkable frescoes. Enjoy some free time to explore as you wish, or join us for a short drive to the nearby workshop of Giuditta Brozzetti, housed in the former Church of San Francesco. Inspired by the women's tradition of producing the necessary materials for the household, Brozzetti sought out Umbrian traditional designs and in 1921 founded this workshop / school. One of the few remaining ateliers of hand-weaving on antique "Jacquard" frames in Italy, it is known for its unique characteristics typical of medieval Perugia. Tonight you have a choice of dining at your hotel's restaurant or a local taverna.
MEALS : B, D
LODGING : SINA Palace
PORTOFCALL : Perugia, Italy
Day 7 Spoleto & Underground Narni
You may be familiar with the saying that "all roads lead to Rome." Today they do just that with a few stops along the way. From Perugia drive to Spoleto for a guided tour of the city. Famous for the Ponte Delle Torri (Bridge of Towers) erected in the 14th century on the foundations of a Roman aqueduct, the bridge is 262 feet high and 755 feet across and built with an impressive set of 10 arches. See the bridge, visit the 12th-century Duomo of Spoleto and spend some free time in town, enjoying lunch as you please in Spoleto before traveling to Narni for a fascinating afternoon of exploration. Visit Narni Sotterranea (Narni Underground), the ancient Roman ruins which lay hidden underground for centuries until six young speleologists on a caving expedition rediscovered them in a vegetable garden in 1979. Hear all about the infamous tales that led to this hidden archaeological find as you discover a 12th-century chapel covered in frescoes, secret tunnels leading under the monastery complex of San Domenico, a Papal inquisition torture chamber and a prison cell covered in cryptic graffiti. Then drive on to Rome, arriving late afternoon for an overnight stay; join us for a farewell reception and dinner tonight.
MEALS : B, D
LODGING : Hotel Indigo® Rome – St. George
PORTOFCALL : Rome, Italy
Day 8 Journey Home
Tour ends: Rome. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Hotel Indigo St. George to Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino or Rome Termini Train Station. Allow three hours for flight check-in at the airport.
MEALS : B
PORTOFCALL : Rome, Italy
Day 1: Welcome to Rome
Transfers to your hotel depart from Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 09:30, 12:30 and 15:30. Join your Travel Director at 17:30 to explore the Eternal City, passing the renaissance palaces and baroque churches scattered throughout the city. Get to know your fellow travellers over a pleasant Welcome Dinner as you dine at your hotel's restaurant, Unique al Palatino.
Kolbe Hotel Rome.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: Umbria and on to Perguia
Explore the Vatican Museums in the morning, where a local historian unveils the gems of the vast Papal art collection. Your special visit includes fast-tracked entry and behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase, a part of the Vatican normally closed to visitors. View the imposing Basilica of St. Peter, the largest in the world. Journey north to the Umbrian village of Baschi. Immerse yourself in the flavours 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. Then join Chef Lorenzo for an entertaining pasta demonstration and delicious Highlight Lunch accompanied by Orvieto Classico wine. Join a Local Expert in Perugia to navigate the underground labyrinth of little streets, alleys and arches. Walk Corso Vannucci, resplendent in pale-pink stone, passing the princely Priors' Palace, cathedral and finely sculptured Great Fountain in the main square.
Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia.
Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
Day 3: Perugia Sightseeing & Free Time Relaxed Start
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. Afterwards, you will be free to enjoy the many delights of Umbria's capital city. 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!
Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 4: Assisi, in Search of St. Francis Relaxed Start
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. Continue through the twisted groves that carpet the side of Mount Subasio.
Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia.
Breakfast
Day 5: Tuscany to Cortona, Siena and San Gimignano
Follow the shores of Lake Trasimeno to Cortona, one of the oldest hilltop towns in Tuscany. After free time to explore, 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 superb 14th century Town Hall. Explore Siena with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the medieval Cathedral. 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.
Villasanpaolo, San Gimignano.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 6: San Gimignano sightseeing and Free Time Relaxed Start
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 jaunty gelataio doles out his silky, frozen treats in a range of unique flavours for you to try. The rest of the day is at leisure; why not join an Optional Experience to Pisa and Lucca?
Villasanpaolo, San Gimignano.
Breakfast
Day 7: Florence and Tuscan Countryside Experience Relaxed Start
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 Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy tasting flavoursome dishes prepared with locally grown ingredients, sourced from the farm or nearby Tuscan region. Relax as the pairing of home-made pastas with the farm's own traditional Chianti wine rounds off your great Italian adventure.
Villasanpaolo, San Gimignano.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 8: Country drive to Ancient Rome
Leave behind the tower topped town of San Gimignano. Enjoy rolling Tuscan hills as you journey through the Italian countryside, making your way to Ancient Rome. On arrival, enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
NH Roma Centro, Rome.
Breakfast
Day 9: Arrivederci Roma
Bid farewell to the glories of Italy. Departure transfers arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 and 09:30.
Breakfast
