Best of Tuscany & Umbria

Itinerary

• Day 1: Rome - Orvieto - Perugia - Siena

  Pick up the rental car at Fiumicino airport or Termini station and then depart for the striking hill town of Orvieto. Explore its traffic-free streets, majestic Orvieto Cathedral, and suggestive St Patrick's Well.

  Continue to Perugia, a historical city famed as the hometown of the Baci, the world-famous chocolate sweets with love phrases in their wraps. A visit to the Perugina chocolate factory with chocolate tasting will be a great choice here.

  Late afternoon, check into your hotel located on the hills just a few kilometers from Siena.

  Siena

• Day 2: Siena - Val D’orcia - Montalcino - Bagno Vignoni - Pienza - Montepulciano - Siena

  Verdant hills with rolling vineyards, picturesque villages with quaint churches, cypresses right outlining the endless fields - the beauty of Tuscan has inspired numerous artists.

  Today, you will fully take in the charms of Tuscan in Val d'Orcia. The first stop will be the village of Montalcino, where you can explore its medieval alleys by walking and taste the famous Brunello wine. The second will be Bagno Vignoni unique with a hot spring pool just the central square of the village. Next is Pienza, a small village full of Renaissance masterpieces and where you can taste the famous sheep's cheeses. Montepulciano will be the last stop where a visit to a vinery cellar with local wine tasting is included.

  B D Siena

• Day 3: Siena - Chianti - San Casciano In Val Di Pesa - Florence

  As the capital of Tuscany, Siena has well preserved its medieval image. After breakfast, a guide will take you to admire its shell-shaped piazza and learn about the history and traditions of the famous Palio.

  Departing from Siena, you will soon be soon in the midst of Chianti, an agricultural area worldwide known for its wine and olive oil. Immerse into its scenic landscape with winding hills and fortified villages stretching to the horizon. If time permits, you can walk around some villages, such as Monteriggioni, Radda, or Greve in Chianti to feel the difference.

  In the afternoon, taste local oil and wine in San Casiano Val di Pesa, a quiet Tuscan village sitting on the top of a hill, and then arrive in Florence late in the day.

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• Day 4: Florence - Bologna

  Being the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence boasts unparalleled charms in history, architecture, and art.

  This morning, with the included guided walk tour you will reach the symbols of the city, such as Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza della Signoria, and Ponte Vecchio with its goldsmith's shops.

  In the afternoon, it is suggested to visit the Cathedral interior with the masterpieces of the masters of the Italian Renaissance, or the Accademia Gallery that houses the original of Michelangelo's famous statue of David.

  At the end of the day, move on to Bologna for the night.

  B Bologna

• Day 5: Bologna - Parma - Modena - Bologna

  Parma, the heart of the Italian "Food Valley" is famous for its raw ham and Parmigiano Reggiano, a kind of granular cheese. Spend the morning exploring Parma and possibly take a food tour to taste the exquisite local products.

  In the afternoon, on the way returning to Bologna, stop in Modena to visit a vinegar factory with a taste of the famous balsamic vinegar is included. Four-wheel enthusiasts can also make a detour to the nearby Ferrari Museum.

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• Day 6: Bologna - Ferrara - Padua

  It is suggested to spend the morning exploring Bologna, a foodie's paradise where some of Italy's well-known pasta dishes, meats, cheeses, and wines come from. A food voucher is included to taste the typical local products while walking through the streets of the city centre. If you prefer, a Bolognese cooking class with lunch could be arranged at the home of a real "sfoglina".

  In the afternoon, proceed to Padua via Ferrara. In Ferrara, you can participate in a guided tour or visit the town on your own.

  B Padua

• Day 7: Padua - Venice - Padua

  Explore the fascinating Venice with plenty of activities available.

  A guided walking tour or an exploration of the Doge's Palace with the famous Bridge of Sighs might fancy your morning choice. Alternatively, you can join in a traditional shops tour to see some craftsmen relishing in their works or take a boat tour to explore the famous islands of Burano and Torcello one time.

  In the afternoon, a shared gondola ride is included. After all, you may enjoy the experience of 'drinking like a Venetian' with a tasting of local wines before back to your hotel.

  B Padua

• Day 8: Padua - Venice

  Though less known as the nearby Venice or Verona, the city of Padua is also full of treasures. Last minute to explore Padua on your own, perhaps with a private guide. Do not miss the Scrovegni Chapel with Giotto's frescoes, the St Antony's Basilica, the Piazza delle Erbe that houses the fruit and vegetable market, the beautiful Town Hall, or the amazing Palazzo della Ragione.

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