TUSCANY & UMBRIA
Scenery, History, Food, Culture, Relaxation - oh and the Wines!
Encounter incredible Florence plus the medieval towns and countryside of Tuscany while tasting the delectable and homemade dishes of the region, don’t forget that right next door is Umbria, which we call the "green heart of Italy." We can personalize your itinerary for more time in Umbria, as well as adding other parts of Tuscany such as Pisa, Lucca, Carrara and Volterra, or simply plan a few wine tastings, some pool time and perhaps a cooking class. This itinerary will give you a sample of what we can do for you!
UNIQUELY BETHESDA TRAVEL CENTER
“It All Starts with a Conversation!”
Together, in our detailed consultation we create the vision of your very own personalized itinerary. We determine how much time to spend in each destination, choose from our favorite hotels, arrange appropriate transportation and create unique experiences with our dynamic local guides! Relax while our team brings everything to life. Our customized travel app gives you easy access to all itinerary details, plus suggestions for your free time and some dining ideas! We seamlessly integrate technology, experience and attention to detail to create your very own custom-tailored “Trip of a Lifetime!”
OUR SAMPLE ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrive in Florence, and Get Acquainted with Your Vibrant Neighborhood
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Benvenuti a Firenze!! Meet your driver for a private transfer to your centrally located hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day to travel back to the days of the Renaissance and explore the hidden gems of the city of the Medici. Of course, we will make some restaurant suggestions as well for our favorites!
Day 2
Explore Florence and its Famous Academy Gallery
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Enjoy a privately guided visit to discover the secrets of Michelangelo’s treasures at the world-class Galleria dell’ Accademia through the eyes of a Florentine art expert. PM free to explore the city, perhaps visit the Palazzo Pitti and the Medici Chapels, or spend the afternoon shopping in the boutiques of Florence?
Day 3
Gaze at the Artworks of Botticelli and Michelangelo at the Uffizi Gallery
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With your art guide, begin to uncover the beauty of the Renaissance’s masterpieces at the famous Uffizi and the Bargello Sculpture Museum. Learn the progression of art through the Middle Ages into the Renaissance and enjoy a relaxing afternoon
Day 4
On to Tuscany’s Romantic Countryside
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By private driver (or using a rental car) head south into the Chianti countryside and consider stops in Certaldo, Greve, or Radda before checking in to your hotel in the Chianti wine region
Day 5
Visit Alluring Siena & San Gimignano
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Journey to Siena, famous for its biannual Palio horse races and seashell-shaped city center. Together with your knowledgeable guide, visit Piazza del Campo, Palazzo Comunale, Piazza del Duomo - a precious building which contains the gothic cathedral and the Piccolomini Library. In the afternoon, consider a visit to the hilltop town of San Gimignano, iconic Tuscan village with for its many towers and Medieval ambiance
Day 6
Cruise around Southern Tuscany
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Driving to the southern side of Tuscany, consider stopping in the fortified town of Monteriggioni or Cortona, the town made famous from Under the Tuscan Sun, then check-in to a carefully selected hotel that showcases the authentic Tuscan village life experience
Day 7
Free Day to Unwind in the Tranquil Countryside and Sample Tuscany’s Treats and Wines
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Great day for a wine tasting or cooking class! Tuscan wines are among the best and you will delve into the secrets of local vino including Chianti Riserva, Brunello di Montalcino and don’t forget the Supertuscans! Some suggestions include the medieval hilltop towns of Montepulciano, famous for its Vino Nobile red wine, and also Pienza, well known for its pecorino cheese, perhaps Montalcino as you further explore the UNESCO Heritage region known as the Val d’Orcia, the Valley of the Orcia River!
Day 8
Venture to Assisi
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Continue your journey into Umbria, reaching Assisi. Consider a stop in Perugia, known for Perugina chocolates. Nearby Assisi, we suggest staying in our favorite small family-run countryside hotel complete with delectable homemade dinners and a pool! Buone Vacanze! Have a Great Vacation!
Day 9
Discover Assisi and Umbria
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A guided visit to Assisi will feature the life of St Francis, patron saint of Europe and the Basilica decorated by the master Giotto and Cimabue, among others. PM exploration of local villages including hilltop Montefalco, Bevagna, Spello, Spoleto and more, or just relax poolside?!
Day 10
Travel to Rome Airport
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Driving south today, some possible stops could be the ceramic town of Deruta, Todi and Orvieto before dropping the rental off at Rome Fiumicino Airport (or say farewell to your private driver) for a convenient stay by the airport (you might even consider a couple of days stay to acquaint yourselves with The Eternal City!)
Day 11
Depart Rome
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Check-in at the Rome FCO airport for your flight back home. Same day arrival in the USA. Welcome back!
When should I go?
The ideal time is from April to October, note that mid-summer crowds can be an issue. During the winter, the main cities and larger towns are fully operational, however many countryside hotels and restaurants remain closed
Call us now! Our experienced travel team is eager to listen to your interests and desires to craft a uniquely personalized itinerary. Remember! Our specialty is listening to YOU as we work together to craft the very best itinerary, pace and hotel selections for you and your family!
Buon Viaggio! We are just a phone call or an email away!