Bella Italia

Enjoy a relaxing overnight flight to Rome.

Upon arrival at the airport make your own way to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the Eternal City. In the evening meet your tour host for a welcome cocktail and a briefing on your tour followed by a welcome dinner. (D)

After breakfast you will start your Rome sightseeing with a visit of the Vatican. After lunch (not included) you will continue to explore Rome. See Piazza del Popolo, the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Campo dei Fiori. In the evening, experience real Roman food at a restaurant in close proximity to your hotel. (B,D)

You will have a leisurely day to explore Rome on your own or consider joining an optional excursion to Sorrento and Pompeii or the Colosseum. (B)

After breakfast meet your driver and your tour leader for your trip to Florence. Enjoy a magnificent drive along the Tuscan countryside before reaching Siena, Italy’s loveliest medieval city. Enjoy a famer's lunch with authentic Tuscan food - a wine tasting with cheese and salami. After lunch, join your local guide for a walking tour and visit the most important highlights. On your way to Florence, stop at a vineyard in Chianti for a wine tasting. If time permits, you will also stop in Monteriggioni where you will have some free time to discover this ancient Templar village with its castle. Arrive in Florence in the late afternoon. (B,L)

In the morning you will join your guide for a walking tour of the city. Visit Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio (outside), the Dome with Giotto’s Bell Tower (outside), and Ponte Vecchio. Finally, visit the Accademia and see the masterpiece of Michelangelo - the statue of David. Spend the afternoon at leisure. In the late afternoon meet your tour assistant for a 30-minute sunset walking tour to explore the hidden Florence. The sunset is spectacular and offers the best moments for your photos. At the end of the tour, enjoy a tasty dinner at a traditional trattoria. (B,D)

After breakfast depart for Umbria. En route stop in Montepulciano and Montalcino and visit these two beautiful medieval villages, today famous also for their unique wines. Montepulciano is also known as the "Pearl of the 1500s"' for the quantity and the beauty of its masterpieces created by famous Renaissance artists. The town is located on a hilltop overlooking the southern Tuscan countryside of vineyards and olive groves. During the visit of Montepulciano, we will have the chance to taste different wines from this area. Montalcino is a medieval walled city, full of important palaces, churches and squares. The city became famous during the wars between Siena and Florence. The people of Siena abandoned their town and retreated to Montalcino. But, today Montalcino is known everywhere because of its Brunello, considered one of the best wine in the world. In the late afternoon, arrive in the Perugia area and check into your hotel. Dinner will be served at the hotel. (B,D)

Today, explore Cortona, a small village not far from Siena.? The city, protected by stone walls, was Etruscan and then Roman. It’s located on the top of a hill. This dominant position over the valley offers a spectacular view from all over the town of the surrounding valley. In the afternoon, return to your hotel. You can relax in the park, enjoy the pool ( from June to September) or take advantage of the spa. In the late afternoon, be ready for your cooking class and learn how to prepare Italian pasta. At the end of the class, eat the food that you have prepared. (B,D)

Depart from your hotel in the morning and continue to Assisi. You will have free time to explore the city of St. Francis. After lunch (not included), continue to Rome. Upon arrival, you have some free time to continue to explore the Eternal city. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner in a typical Roman restaurant. (B,D)

Your program ends after breakfast. (B)