Tuscan & Umbrian Countryside featuring Italy's Charming Hill Towns
Tour Overview
On a journey through the less-traveled country roads of Umbria and Tuscany, discover another side to the Italy you love. Explore the Etruscan hill town of Spoleto, where the gilded facade of the cathedral rivals with the silvery sheen of the olive trees, and stroll Assisi’s old city. Hunt for truffles in Umbria. In Siena, stand inside one of Tuscany’s most ancient piazzas. Visit Florence, the “Cradle of the Renaissance.” Admire the famous towers of San Gimignano. Delight in regional specialties and Italian wine with every dinner. Feel like a local as you discover the marvels of wine, cuisine, culture, and history. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Overnight Flight
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Kolbe Hotel
On a journey through Italy’s roads less traveled, discover its endless treasures from Rome to Umbria to Tuscany, and the marvels of wine, cuisine, culture, and history in between.
Day 2 : Rome, Italy
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Hotel Antica Dimora Alla Rocca, Trevi
Meals Included: Dinner
Italy’s dynamic capital city beckons. Get a taste of the local culture and start your journey at a delicious welcome dinner.
Day 3 : Rome - Spoleto - Umbria
Location: Spoleto
Accommodation: Hotel
Olive and cypress trees accent the Umbrian hill town of Spoleto. Stroll the historic streets with a local expert and see centuries of architectural history, from the ruins of the Rocca Albornoz castle to the gilded elegance of the Duomo of Santa Maria Assunta. Pause at an family-owned frantoio (olive presser), where olives are pressed each November.* After learning about the many varieties of trees and oil-making methods, join a tasting of the EVOO produced at the mill. Then, take in the splendors of country life in a pristine Umbrian hill town, your home for the next 3 nights.
Day 4 : Umbria - Assisi - Umbria
Location: Assisi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
Travel to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Set out on a walking tour of the old city with a local guide, learning about its history as you stroll the medieval streets. Visit the famous Basilica of St. Francis. Later, a local family welcomes you to their country home for lunch as their honored guest. Share stories and make an Umbrian friend (or two).
Day 5 : Umbria
Location: Umbria
Accommodation Name: Hotel Corsignano, Pienza
Meals Included: Lunch
In the shadow of the Apennines, experience Umbria’s epicurean side. Join a local truffle hunter in search of the elusive fungi in the company of his trained, truffle-sniffing dogs. Sample the goods yourself during a rustic, home-cooked lunch before returning to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Day 6 : Umbria - Pienza
Location: Pienza
Accommodation: Hotel
Leave Umbria for the villages of Tuscany, nestled among the rolling hills and cypress trees of the Val d’Orcia region (UNESCO). Taste the flavors of the region at a local pecorino cheese farm. Snack on some of the cheesemaker’s creations and take in the views of the sparse farmhouses and open fields on your way to Pienza (UNESCO), a Renaissance village where flowers and plants adorn the cobblestoned streets.
Day 7 : Pienza
Location: Pienza
Accommodation Name: Villa San Lucchese Hotel, Chianti Countryside
Embark on a culinary journey through the undulating landscape of the Orcia Valley. Begin your day with a visit to an artisanal pasta factory, producing the local specialty – pici – with its organically-grown wheat. Pause in the unique hamlet of Bagno Vignoni, whose central piazza is filled with thermal water once used to cure pilgrims who stopped here on their way to Rome. Then explore hilltop Montalcino, namesake to one of Italy’s great red wines, the Brunello. Tour a winery’s estate and cellar before indulging in a multi-sensory tasting, pairing wine with music. Back in Pienza for an afternoon at leisure, maybe you’ll explore the countryside along one of the many white roads that cut through the farmland.
Day 8 : Pienza - Siena - Chianti Region
Location: Siena
Accommodation: Hotel
Take a guided walking tour through Siena, delving into the local history as you learn about the world-renowned Palio Horse Race. Enjoy free time to explore more of this hilly town, perhaps visiting its cathedral or the town hall’s frescoes. An afternoon drive through Tuscany’s Chianti Region takes you to the restored Tuscan villa** where your hotel is located.
Day 9 : Chianti Region
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Hotel
Explore Florence, the “Cradle of the Renaissance,” during an extensive walking tour in the company of a local expert. View the Ponte Vecchio, the only Florentine bridge to survive WWII. Take in the Palazzo Vecchio, where, for over 300 years, the Medici Family ruled over the city. Admire the Piazza del Duomo, richly adorned by polychrome marble and gilded bronze doors. Take some time on your own*** to explore the city’s seemingly endless treasures, before returning to your Tuscan villa in the evening.
Day 10 : Chianti Region
Location: San Gimignano
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Spend your morning in San Gimignano, whose 13th-century medieval towers stand tall over the surrounding vineyards. Nicknamed “the Manhattan of the Middle Ages,” San Gimignano’s towers soar over the landscape making its distinctive skyline stand out against the rolling hills. Taste authentic Italian gelato from an award-winning ice cream parlor while you wander the cobbled streets and gaze up at the imposing towers during time at leisure in this Tuscan gem. Return to your hotel mid-afternoon. As the sun begins to set, gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner of Tuscan specialties.
Day 11 : Chianti Region - Tour Ends
Location: Tuscany
Accommodation: Hotel
Your journey through Tuscany and Umbria comes to a close today in your restored Tuscan villa.
What's Included
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Welcome Dinner in Rome
Start your journey with a delicious welcome dinner in Rome, Italy's dynamic capital city.
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Guided Walking Tour of Assisi
Enjoy a guided walking tour of Assisi, learning about its history and visiting the famous Basilica of St. Francis.
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Truffle Hunting Experience
Join a local truffle hunter in search of truffles with trained, truffle-sniffing dogs, followed by a rustic, home-cooked lunch.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not listed in the itinerary are not included.
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International Flights
International flights to and from Italy are not included in the tour package.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
Experiences
- Behold the unique water-filled piazza in the village of Bagno Vignoni.
- Enjoy 3 nights in a restored Tuscan villa.
- Hunt for truffles with a local expert and his truffle-sniffing dogs.
Culinaries
- Experience a home-cooked meal in one of Umbria's country homes.
- Sample pecorino sheep-milk cheese at a local farm in the Orcia Valley.
- Savor the famous Brunello red wine during a musical tasting at a winery in Montalcino.
Must See
- Surround yourself in the mystery of the Etruscan hill town of Spoleto.
- Explore historic Siena and see the famous piazza of the Palio Horse Race.
- Discover Florence, the "Cradle of the Renaissance."
Choice Highlights
Spoleto Spoleto dates back to the Roman period when it experienced great wealth as a city on the Via Flaminia. Today visitors can see Roman monuments, like the theatre, intertwined into the fabric of the hill town. The city is dominated by a grand castle perched at the top of the hill and its elegant cathedral, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin. The church houses an original letter from Saint Francis of Assisi. The streets of the city pass grand palaces and hidden piazzas just waiting to be explored.
Olive Oil Mill
Assisi Join us on a guided walking tour of the town of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Here you'll discover a blend of Roman ruins, winding medieval streets and beautiful churches that make this a must-see destination. Once a pilgrimage site and historical treasure, Assisi offers you the chance to return to another time. With a history that stretches back to 1000 B.C. (predating the Roman Empire), the town rests among the gently rolling hills of Umbria. Marvel at the Basilica of San Francesco, find an out-of-the-way shop, look out at the stunning landscape, or sit and relax at a quiet café.
Home-Hosted Lunch Come to know daily life in the Italian countryside when visiting a local family’s home in Umbria. The family invites us into their home to share stories of rural life in Italy. During your visit you are treated to a leisurely lunch with an array of regional specialties and local wine. A homemade meal of fresh locally-grown products awaits. Perhaps you will dine on a delightful fresh bruschetta, followed by a traditional pasta course, then feast on a savory main course of roast pork, and cap off your meal with a delectable tiramisu. This is an experience of building new friendships highlighted by the tastes of Mamma’s kitchen.
Truffle Hunting
Pecorino Cheese Farm
Pienza
Orcia Valley
Pasta Factory Visit
Bagno Vignoni
Brunello Wine Tasting
Siena The city of Siena is a charming hill town in central Tuscany with a city center that has masterfully preserved its medieval architecture. The city radiates out over three hills from its central piazza called Il Campo which is home to Siena’s famous Palio - a horse race and medieval festival that occurs twice a year. Siena strikes the perfect balance as a city that welcomes the students studying at their university, locals conducting their business and tourists taking in the many sights.
Florence Florence is the regional capital of Tuscany and home to countless Renaissance masterpieces. The city developed great wealth during the late Middle Ages and was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance that produced great artists like Michelangelo, Raphael, Brunelleschi and many others. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with numerous museums, stunning architecture and charming piazzas. The city offers something for everyone from culture, to great food and excellent shopping (like their famous gold or leather).
San Gimignano San Gimignano is a picturesque hill town in the central part of Tuscany. The town developed great wealth in the middle ages and was home to 70 plus medieval towers. Today, only a handful of the towers are still intact, but at least one is open to the public. The hilltop location allows for beautiful panoramic views over the Tuscan Countryside. The town is also home to shops that sell a variety of Tuscan goods from pottery to wine, cheese and wild boar salami.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Italy's picturesque countryside, exploring regions like Umbria and Tuscany. Enjoy guided walking tours in cities such as Rome, Assisi, and Florence, with transportation provided between destinations to ensure a seamless journey.Accommodation
Enjoy 3 nights in a restored Tuscan villa, offering a charming and authentic Italian experience. Stay at the Kolbe Hotel in Rome, Hotel Antica Dimora Alla Rocca in Trevi, Hotel Corsignano in Pienza, and Villa San Lucchese Hotel in the Chianti Countryside.Check out our Q&As
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What unique experience can I expect in Bagno Vignoni?
In Bagno Vignoni, you can expect to see a unique water-filled piazza, which is a central feature of this village. The thermal waters were historically used to cure pilgrims on their way to Rome.
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What culinary experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several culinary experiences such as a home-cooked meal in an Umbrian country home, sampling pecorino sheep-milk cheese at a local farm in the Orcia Valley, and savoring Brunello red wine during a musical tasting at a winery in Montalcino.
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What is special about the truffle hunting experience?
The truffle hunting experience involves joining a local expert and his trained, truffle-sniffing dogs to search for truffles. You will also have the opportunity to sample the truffles during a rustic, home-cooked lunch.
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What can I expect during the visit to the pecorino cheese farm?
During the visit to the pecorino cheese farm, you will taste the flavors of the region and snack on some of the cheesemaker’s creations while enjoying the views of the sparse farmhouses and open fields.
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What will I see during the walking tour in Florence?
During the walking tour in Florence, you will explore the 'Cradle of the Renaissance' with a local expert, viewing landmarks such as the Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Piazza del Duomo.
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What is the significance of San Gimignano's towers?
San Gimignano is known for its 13th-century medieval towers, which are nicknamed 'the Manhattan of the Middle Ages.' These towers create a distinctive skyline that stands out against the rolling hills.
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What is included in the farewell dinner in the Chianti Region?
The farewell dinner in the Chianti Region includes Tuscan specialties and is a gathering with fellow travelers as the sun sets, marking the end of the tour.
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Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?
Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.
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Can my children travel on tour?
Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.
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What is the difference between a twin room and double room?
In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.
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Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?
Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.
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Do I need a passport?
Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.
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Is there a lot of walking on tour?
We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
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CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Terms and Conditions
Tuscan & Umbrian Countryside featuring Italy's Charming Hill Towns
11 Days Starting in Rome, Italy and ending in Tuscany, Italy
Visiting: Rome, Spoleto, Assisi, Umbria, Pienza, Siena, Florence, San Gimignano, Tuscany
Tour operator:
Tour code:
15353
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
5-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
