Day 1: Arrive Rome: Make your own way to the hotel,
then the day is free to explore at leisure. Maybe start your souvenir
shopping or try an Italian gelato. Tonight, enjoy a "welcome
drink" and dinner after meeting with your Tour Manager and fellow
travellers at 6pm. (D)
Day 2: Rome
to Siena: We start the day with a visit, by funicular, to the
magnificent town of Orvieto perched on the cliff tops with breathtaking
views over the surrounding vineyards. Later we head for the deserted town of
Bagnoregio, once a thriving medieval town but now boasting just 15
residents! Early evening we arrive at our hotel for five nights set in the
heart of the Tuscany region. (B,D)
Day 3: Tuscany
Sightseeing: Chianti: Today we experience essential Tuscany.
We spend the morning exploring the Chianti region by bike, ending at the
beautiful Castelo Meleto where we will taste the famous Chianti classic
wines and enjoy a light lunch. This afternoon we return to Siena, home to
Tuscany’s most celebrated festival the Palio with its famous bareback
horse race. Time for you to visit the Cathedral, Palazzo Pubblico and Piazza
del Campo, arguably Italy’s most picturesque piazza. Why not join us for a
sunset dinner overlooking the rolling Tuscan hills? Magical! (B)
Day 4: Tuscany
Sightseeing: We leave Siena this morning for Pisa and its
famous leaning tower. We continue to Volterra and later this afternoon we
stop at one of the most beautiful beaches on the Tuscan coast. Some time to
swim in the Mediterranean sea, soak up the sun and relax. (B,D)
Day 5: Tuscany
Sightseeing: Mugello: Join our local guide this morning who
takes us into the countryside to find fresh locally grown specialities to be
used in our cookery lesson this evening. We visit Cafaggiolo castle built in
the 14th C and considered one of the finest examples of Renaissance
architecture. We arrive into Florence for our guided tour including Basilica
of Santa Croce, Giotto’s belltower, Piazza della Signoria and the Duomo.
See a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft. What better way to end the
day than eating our classic regional meal prepared with ingredients found
this morning? (B,D)
Day 6: Tuscany
Sightseeing: Florence: A full day and evening for you to
explore Renaissance Florence. Maybe visit the Uffizi or Academia, cross the
River Arno on the Ponte Vecchio bridge, shop for Italian fashions, explore
the markets or wander the streets and take in the atmosphere. (B)
Day 7: Siena
to Rome: Leaving Tuscany, we head south for Rome and with our
local guide visit the Vatican City and Sistine Chapel. This afternoon, time
for you to further explore the city. This evening, why not celebrate your
last night in Italy with a farewell dinner and recount the fun times from
the last 7 days. (B)
Day 8: Depart
Rome: Time to swap addresses and email details and say
"Arrivederci Roma" as our tour ends after breakfast. (B)
=Guaranteed
Departures