A Taste of Tuscany & Umbria
10 Days from $2,449
plus [government taxes and fees]
Indulge yourself in the unforgettable flavors and vistas of Italy as you travel through the hill-towns and vineyards of Tuscany and Umbria. From the Renaissance treasures of Florence to the grape-laden groves of Siena and all the way to the chocolate hub of Perugia, you will encounter only spectacular scenery and decadent cuisine every step of the way.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Florence
Your trip begins with a regularly scheduled overnight flight to Florence aboard an internationally recognized airline.
Day 2 – Florence
Welcome to Italy! A Go Ahead representative welcomes you at the airport and escorts you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for strolling along the cobbled streets and stone bridges of Florence or just relaxing in your hotel. This evening, become acquainted with your fellow travelers as well as the region’s famed cuisine at this evening’s Welcome Dinner.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner
Day 3 – Florence
Discover the timeless city of Florence, birthplace of opera and the Italian language. Today’s guided tour introduces you to the city’s Renaissance splendor. Marvel at Brunelleschi’s masterpiece— Florence’s massive pink, white and green Duomo. Then enter the church of Santa Croce, where the tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo as well as the Dante Memorial are displayed. This evening, learn to make cuisine the Italian way at a private Tuscan cooking class. Then enjoy the freshly prepared meal with your fellow chefs.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrances: Santa Croce, Tuscan cooking class
Day 4 – Florence
Bask in a free day to explore the Renaissance City on your own. Browse the shops of the Ponte Vecchio or simply people-watch as you sample some tasty gelato. Or opt to join a pastoral excursion to the walled city of Lucca and Colle Verde, a rural farm where olive oil is pressed. Tonight, join an optional dinner at a historic trattoria-style restaurant in the heart of Florence’s old town.
Included meals: breakfast
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$99 USD |
Florentine DinnerSit back as you sip a glass of wine and are charmed by the rustic beauty that is Florence, the Tuscan capital, on this traditional Tuscan dinner. This evening promises to be not only an exceptional dinner, but an authentic Tuscan experience. |
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$99 USD |
Lucca & Colle VerdeVisit the gorgeous Tuscan town of Lucca, and then travel to Colle Verde, a rural retreat and farm where some of Italy’s highest-quality olive oil is pressed. Enjoy a light lunch and an olive oil tasting session. |
Day 5 – Siena
En route to the enchanting city of Siena, stop in San Gimignano, “the city of beautiful towers.” Take in views of glorious scenery before continuing to a local wine tasting, where you’ll have the opportunity to sample some of the region’s fine wines. Arrive in Siena for this evening’s included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrances: Tuscan wine tasting
Day 6 – Siena
This morning, travel through vineyards and olive groves to the hilltop town of Montalcino, famous for its Brunello di Montalcino wine. Enjoy the opportunity to taste this local treasure and an included light lunch. Follow a local expert guide on this afternoon’s tour of Siena, longtime rival of nearby Florence. Visit Siena’s Romanesque Duomo, which houses major works of art by Donatello and Nicola Pisano. Walk along medieval streets to the Piazza del Campo. Each summer, daredevils race horses bareback around this main piazza during the famed Palio.
Included meals: breakfast, light lunch
Included entrances: Brunello wine tasting
Day 7 – Perugia
Continue your travels across the Italian landscape to reach Cortona, perched on a Tuscan hillside for panoramic views of the plains below. Meander through the steep, narrow streets and look for the remains of the original city wall before a visit to the Museum of the Etruscan Academy of Cortona, home to an impressive collection of Etruscan artifacts. Later, savor an included lunch of traditional Umbrian cuisine.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch
Included entrances: Cortona Museum
Day 8 – Perugia
A local guide introduces you to the vibrant streets and landmarks of Perugia, the medieval town symbolized by the Etruscan Arch. See the Palazzo dei Priori, the gorgeous medieval palace begun in 1298, and the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. Enjoy a free afternoon by wandering along the stately Corso Vannucci, an avenue reserved for pedestrians, to visit some of the cafés and shops. You might also wish to visit the Duomo, with its elaborately carved choir stalls, or the renowned Archaeological Museum. Or join an optional excursion to the beautiful Assisi, a pilgrimage site and home to the church of St. Francis, and the lesser-known but equally-picturesque Spello.
Included meals: breakfast
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$65 USD |
Assisi and SpelloEmbark on an afternoon tour of Assisi, a hilltop medieval town that was the birthplace of Saint Francis. Then take a guided tour of the town of Spello, known for its tiny stone houses that dot the countryside. Be sure to see the wonderful frescoes by Pinturicchio—depicting scenes from the New Testament—which are found in the 12th-century Church of Santa Maria Maggiore. |
Day 9 – Rome
Journey across the Umbrian valleys today en route to Rome. Stop along the way in Orvieto, which you’ll reach via funicular, for a wine tasting followed by a light lunch. Arrive in Rome, the Eternal City, in time for this evening’s Farewell Dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Included entrances: Funicular ride, Orvieto wine tasting
Day 10 – Rome
Linger in Rome for two nights on our tour extension. Otherwise, a Go Ahead representative accompanies you to the airport for your flight home.
Included meals: breakfast
(In the case of early morning departures, breakfast may not be included.)
Extend Your Stay
Add 2 nights in Rome for only $299 USD (Single room: add $90 USD)
Only in Rome can you sip cappuccino at a café in front of the Pantheon, buy grapes at a centuries-old market, and have an audience with the pope—all in one morning. For a mix of spectacular art, grand history and exuberant street life, no other city comes close.
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