A Week In... Tuscany & Umbria - 8 Days

Duration

8 Days

Difficulty
Balanced
Start

Florence

End

Rome

Rating

*****

Operator

Tauck

The sun-dappled hill towns of central Italy seduce the senses with a festival of daily life which guests experience firsthand: wine tastings in bountiful vineyards, a chef-hosted cooking class, ceramic making, hand weaving, medieval crafts...

In Tuscany, spend two nights at a historic Medici estate-turned-luxury hotel in the Chianti countryside near Florence, with a cooking class at a farmhouse cooking school and a rooftop wine tasting lunch, a guided visit to a winery and a museum, and discovery of the ancient city of Arezzo, dating back to Etruscan times... Sightseeing delights during a two-night stay at a restored monastery in Umbria include a guided visit to medieval Gubbio, truffle hunting and ceramic insights... Two nights in Perugia at a palace hotel feature exploration of Assisi, an exclusive wine experience at a renowned vineyard, a hand-weaving workshop, a basilica visit, and special access to "Gaite" workshops in Bevagna... And in the magnificent city of Rome – an overnight is preceded by a visit to Spoleto and a guided tour of an ancient underground Roman church in Narni.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Florence & Tuscany

A transfer is included from Florence's Peretola Airport to Villa La Massa in Candeli on the outskirts of Florence, set at the gateway of the Chianti wine region in Tuscany. Meet your fellow travelers at a welcome reception and dinner tonight at your historic luxury hotel – a former 16th-century Renaissance estate of the Medici family on the banks of the Arno River, surrounded by 22 acres of gardens, olive groves and lemon trees.

Villa La Massa, Florence
Dinner

Day 2: Tuscan wine tasting & a cooking class

Chianti, one of the oldest wines in the world, has been produced in Tuscany since the ancient Etruscans tended their vineyards here 2,500 years ago. Imagine its long-lived history as you drive through the Chianti countryside this morning to a farmhouse cooking school in the ancient Tuscan village of Montefiridolfi. This morning's hands-on cooking class with the former head chef of a Michelin-starred restaurant introduces you to the tastes and traditions of its regional food through anecdotal stories that add more flavor to this immersive culinary experience. Enjoy a wine tasting of Antinori wines at their Fonte De' Medici agriturismo as well as a farm to table lunch.Wine tasting is on the menu during a farm to table lunch, then return to your hotel; join us for dinner tonight at a typical Tuscan restaurant.

Villa La Massa, Florence
Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 3: Arezzo in Tuscany & on to Gubbio in Umbria

Travel this morning to the ancient hilltop Tuscan city of Arezzo, whose long history predates the Roman Empire, going all the way back to the days of the Etruscans in the 4th and 5th centuries BC. Today a city of just under 100,000 people, Arezzo possesses a wealth of historic architecture spanning the 11th to the 19th centuries – some of which you'll see on a walking tour – including many piazzas, palaces, churches and basilicas, as well as a 16th-century Medici fortress (the Fortezza Medicea). After more time to explore and have lunch as you please in Arezzo, continue your journey to Lake Trasimeno and on into the province of Umbria. Arrive early evening at your hotel in Gubbio, set in a 17th-century stone monastery overlooking wooded hills, and enjoy dinner there at your leisure tonight.

Note: On tours of May 4, 18, 25; June 1; September 7, 21, 28 and October 5, guests will have an alternate itinerary for day 3 featuring an opportunity to meet Author Frances Mayes (Under the Tuscan Sun) in her adopted home town of Cortona, Italy, for a talk on her life in Italy over the last 30 years. In addition to a guided walking tour of Cortona with a local historian and guide, you'll attend a fine dining lunch prepared by a Michelin star chef featuring local wine.

Park Hotel ai Cappuccini, Gubbio
Breakfast Dinner

Day 4: Truffles, ceramics & more in Gubbio

Explore medieval Gubbio on a walking tour this morning with a local guide. View the town's well-preserved Roman amphitheatre still in use today, its 13th-century church of Sant'Agostino, adorned with spectacular frescoes, and the turreted tower of Palazzo dei Consoli, built between 1332-1349. Spend some time discovering more of Gubbio on your own, including its many craft boutiques known for their pottery and ceramics. The "black diamonds" of Umbria, truffles, known as tartufi in Italian, are mushrooms so rare and unique-tasting that they can cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars per pound. Enjoy a private truffle-hunting experience in the Umbrian woods with an experienced guide and his trained dog who lead you to the truffles... then enjoy the precious taste of these subterranean delicacies during dinner in a charming renovated castle on a truffle farm. The evening is free to enjoy as you wish in Gubbio.

Park Hotel ai Cappuccini, Gubbio
Breakfast Lunch

Day 5: Assisi & on to Perugia, Umbria's capital

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Assisi reigns over Umbrian landscapes atop a hilltop perch that has welcomed travellers for centuries, especially pilgrims in search of heaven-sent miracles from St. Francis, who was born here. A guided walking tour of this medieval gem includes visits to the Basilica of San Francesco, eternal resting place for its patron saint, adorned with 13th-century frescoes by Giotto depicting the life of St. Francis and other works from the medieval and Renaissance periods. A Tauck-Exclusive al fresco lunch in the vineyards of Lungarotti Winery ensures an unforgettable taste of the bounty of land and vine in Torgiano (weather permitting). Continue on this afternoon to Umbria's capital city, Perugia, once one of the key cities of the Etruscan civilization. Your hotel for the next two nights is located in the historic heart of Perugia, where your evening is free.

Sina Brufani, Perugia
Breakfast Lunch

Day 6: Medieval arts & crafts in Perugia

Your day begins with a guided visit of Perugia; from your hotel walk down Corso Vanucci to the main fountain; tour the square and inside visit of the Collegio del Cambio, home to remarkable frescoes. Enjoy some free time to explore as you wish, or join us for a short drive to the nearby workshop of Giuditta Brozzetti, housed in the former Church of San Francesco. Inspired by the women's tradition of producing the necessary materials for the household, Brozzetti sought out Umbrian traditional designs and in 1921 founded this workshop / school. One of the few remaining ateliers of hand-weaving on antique "Jacquard" frames in Italy, it is known for its unique characteristics typical of medieval Perugia. Tonight you have a choice of dining at your hotel's restaurant or a local taverna.

Sina Brufani, Perugia
Breakfast Dinner

Day 7: Spoleto, underground Narni & Rome

You may be familiar with the saying that "all roads lead to Rome." Today they do just that with a few stops along the way. From Perugia drive to Spoleto for a guided tour of the city. Famous for the Ponte Delle Torri (Bridge of Towers) erected in the 14th century on the foundations of a Roman aqueduct, the bridge is 262 feet high and 755 feet across and built with an impressive set of 10 arches. See the bridge, visit the 12th-century Duomo of Spoleto and spend some free time in town, enjoying lunch as you please in Spoleto before traveling to Narni for a fascinating afternoon of exploration. Visit Narni Sotterranea (Narni Underground), the ancient Roman ruins which lay hidden underground for centuries until six young speleologists on a caving expedition rediscovered them in a vegetable garden in 1979. Hear all about the infamous tales that led to this hidden archaeological find as you discover a 12th-century chapel covered in frescoes, secret tunnels leading under the monastery complex of San Domenico, a Papal inquisition torture chamber and a prison cell covered in cryptic graffiti. Then drive on to Rome, arriving late afternoon for an overnight stay; join us for a farewell reception and dinner tonight.

Hotel Indigo Rome – St. George
Breakfast Dinner

Day 8: Journey home from Rome

Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Hotel Indigo St. George to Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino or Rome Termini Train Station. Allow three hours for flight check-in at the airport.  You can, of course, extend your stay.

Breakfast

Includes

  • 7 nights in handpicked 4 & 5 star hotels
  • Comfortable coaches with bathroom facilities (w/c)
  • 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert driver
  • Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants are included
  • Meals as stated in the itinerary 

Excludes

  • Flights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book flights
  • Pre & post nights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book additional nights
  • Driver & Tour Director gratuities - these can be pre-paid, please ask your reservations agent when booking your tour

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Prices shown above are per person based on 2 adults sharing. For single, triple, quad and child prices please call us for a quote.

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to check the latest up-to-date availability and to book your tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How much is the deposit to secure a tour and when is the balance due?

A deposit of 10% is required when making your booking.

The balance of the holiday cost must be received by us no less than 10 weeks prior to your date of departure. Bookings made within 10 weeks of departure require full payment at the time of booking.

For some tours or if there is a special "Early Booking offer", the balance maybe due sooner than 10 weeks before departure, in this case you will be advised at time of booking when the balance due date would be.

The balance payment date will be shown on your confirmation invoice. 

Payments can be made by debit card, credit card or bank transfers.

YOUR PAYMENTS TO US ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY SECURE FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND: Where your confirmed travel arrangements include a flight and you are resident in the UK (or EU) or the flight departs from, arrives in or transits the UK, this is financially protected through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number 6874 managed by the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR, UK, telephone 0333 103 6350, email claims@caa. co.uk.

CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations t&c's can differ from operator to operator, these will be confirmed to you with your booking confirmation. For our general Terms and conditions and general cancellation details please click here.

What does the tour cost include?

The per person price listed covers all hotel accommodations, taxes, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motor coach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Travel Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on trip by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.

Can we book flights through you ?

Yes, we can offer competitive airfares with all the major airlines. When booking a package with us that includes flights and a tour, your package is then fully ATOL Bonded by the CAA for your full financial peace of mind.  You are of course are welcome to book flights independently but we are therefore not responsible should your flights be delayed and you miss any part of your tour or other arrangements booked with us.  

Can I add additional hotel nights before or after my tour?

Many of our clients choose to add extra hotel nights to spend a little more time in their chosen destination. You can reserve additional hotel nights before or after your tour.

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your additional nights and assist with your requirements.   

Can i book twin beds or triple and quad rooms

Yes, We have options for twin (2 beds) and triple/quad room configurations.

If you a travelling in a party of three or four adult guests, please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.

For double rooms (2 guests), 1 Double/Queen or King bed is the normal, Twin beds can be requested at time of booking.

For triple rooms (3 guests) these will normally have 1 Queen/King bed and a fold out bed, or 2 Queen/King beds and a fold out bed.

For Quad rooms (4 Guests) these will normally have 2 Queen/King beds.

How much is the solo/single supplement?

Escorted tours are the perfect option if you're travelling solo, combining the camaraderie of a smaller group with the independence of a solo trip. Many tours offer solo room share options, or a competitive solo supplement. 

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.

How many guests will be on this tour?

Tauck offer up to 3 different group sizes on some tours.

Classic group departures have an average of 35 - 44 Guests.

For small group departures these average 24 guest and then some tours also offer smaller group departures which average around 15 guests.

How much walking with be on this tour?

With your comfort in mind, Purely Escorted Tours assigns every tour an activity level. The activity level for your chosen tour is displayed in the tour introduction.

Leisurely: Tours will typically have minimal to 1-2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces and with some stairs. 

Balanced: Tours typically have up to 1-3 miles of walking per day, which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs. 

Dynamic: These journeys can feature 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve some steep hills.   

Do the coaches have on-board Wi-Fi and bathroom facilities

Tauck coaches are modern, well-appointed buses with comfortable seating, large windows for viewing, and on-board amenities like Wi-Fi and bathrooms. 

While the specific coach model may vary by tour and region, guests can expect an upgrade from standard coaches, reflecting Tauck's commitment to luxury and an elevated travel experience. 

The coaches are equipped to provide a high level of comfort and convenience, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the scenery during their travels.

The coaches offer onboard Wi-Fi, bathroom facilities (w/c), charging unites, reclining seats, air conditioning, footrests, tray tables, drink holders and seat pockets 

Are gratuities included for the driver, tour director and at restaurants etc?

Gratuities are included at hotels and restaurants. And, you have the option to pre-pay your Travel Director and driver gratuities before you travel if you wish.  

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for you to pre-pay driver and tour director gratuities.

Do you offer/include Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is not included in your tour and we do not offer travel insurance.

Please procure Travel Insurance before travelling. This will protect you and will give you peace of mind before you travel and whilst on your tour.

We suggest that your insurance covers the following:

  • Cancellation or curtailment of your vacation due to medical or other reasons
  • Loss or damage to your property and baggage
  • Loss of cash, credit cards etc
  • Medical costs and personal accidents

Certain countries require visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry and in Europe, you may find that doctor's surgeries, dentists and hospitals often require payment in cash prior to providing services. Whilst rare, medical evacuation can be exceptionally expensive. 

Do remember to bring a copy of your policy, contact phone numbers and details of how to claim when you travel. 

Should you choose to travel on Purely Escorted Tour without the required travel insurance, you will have full responsibility for all expenses (trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, quarantine expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation) that may arise while travelling with us.

What does a guaranteed departure mean?

A guaranteed departure has reached the minimum number of guests for the tour to operate or will depart no matter how many people are booked to travel. 

In the slim case that a guaranteed departure has to be withdrawn that you are booked on due to a unforeseen circumstances, you are entitled to a full refund on the funds already paid or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure that suits you.

What do I need to know about border crossings, visas, entry requirements and passports?

Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks and so it is strongly advised that you consult your local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.

Note: Purely Escorted Tours is not responsible for obtaining any necessary visas required on your tour.

Information about border crossings and visas, entry requirements varies by destination. Please check the destination you're visiting below for more information:

Europe trips:

Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.

Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.

Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country for example an ETA when transiting through UK & Ireland.

Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc. 

United Kingdom and Northern Ireland trips incl transiting travellers:

From January 8, 2025 UK law requires travelers both entering and transiting through the UK and Northern Ireland to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be obtained in advance of travel. 

UK eTA applications can be made at the UK Governments official website.   

USA trips incl transiting travellers: 

US law requires travellers both entering and transiting through the United States are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.

ESTA applications can be made at the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection website. 

Canada trips:

Canadian law requires travellers both entering and transiting through Canada to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.   

eTA applications can be made at the Government of Canada's website.

Rest of the World trips:

Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas before the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks before your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them. 

What if I have mobility issues?

Please notify us of any disability requiring special assistance prior to travelling. We will try our best to accommodate you throughout the tour and will inform the hotels.

What if I have food allergies?

Please advise us of any dietary requirements. We will make arrangements with our suppliers where possible.

You will also need to talk to your Travel Director at the beginning of your tour and they will do their utmost to arrange an alternative menu at the hotels and restaurants.

How much luggage can I bring?

Travelling on a Purely Escorted Tour entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in). Guests may also bring one item of hand luggage that is small and light enough to be carried onto the coach and fit underneath the seat, or in the small overhead compartment above. (Luggage with adjustable handles and wheels will not fit).

Please test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.

Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.  

GBP £4,289.00 / Adult
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