COUNTRY ROADS OF UMBRIA & TUSCANY (CLASSIC GROUP)

• 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 for Insight Vacations guests to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, welcomed by the Rector of the basilica.
• Gaze in awe at the world’s best-preserved Byzantine mosaics, illuminated for this evening’s experience, and see the first sculpture by Bernini.
• End the day getting to know your fellow travellers over Roman specialties during a Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant.

Arrival Transfer: Depart Leonardo da Vinci airport (FCO) at 09:30, 12:30, 15:30

• 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. 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 before being entertained by Chef Lorenzo with a fun 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.

• 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!

• 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.

• 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.

• 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?

• 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.

• 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.

• Bid farewell to the glories of Italy.
• Departure transfers arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport.