A Taste of Tuscany and Umbria 
(from $3050/person)

 October 3 - 12, 2011
Join us for a fun-filled 10-day tour of Tuscany and Umbria with stops in Florence (3 nights), Siena (2 nights), Perugia (2 nights), and Rome (1 night).  Highlights of this trip include guided sightseeing tours of these scenic Italian cities, several wine tastings and a Tuscan cooking class.
 
Day 1: Flight to Italy
Your trip begins with a regularly scheduled overnight flight to Florence aboard an internationally recognized airline.

Day 2: Arrival in Florence
We will be met at the airport and escorted to the hotel in Florence.  The rest of the day is free for strolling the cobblestone streets and stone bridges of this beautiful city or just relaxing at your hotel.  This evening become acquainted with your fellow travelers as well as the regional cuisine at the Welcome Dinner.

Day 3: Florence sightseeing and Tuscan cooking class
Discover the timeless city of Florence, birthplace of opera and the Italian language.  Today's guided tour introduces you to the city's Renaissance splendor.  Marvel at Brunelleschi's masterpiece - Florence's massive pink, white and green Duomo.  The enter the church of Santa Croce, where the tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo as well as the Dante Memorial are displayed.  This evening, learn to make cuisine the Italian way at a private Tuscan cooking class.  Then enjoy the freshly prepared meal with your fellow chefs.



Day 4: Free Day in Florence
Bask in a free day to explore the Renaissance City on your own.  Browse the shops of the Ponte Vecchio or simply people-watch as you sample some tasty gelato.  You may wish to opt for a pastoral excursion to the walled city of Lucca and Colle Verde, a rural farm where olive oil is pressed.  Tonight, join an optional dinner at a historic trattoria-style restaurant in the heart of Florence's old town.

Day 5: San Gimignano and Tuscan wine tasting
En route to the enchanting city of Siena, stop in San Gimignano, "the city of beautiful towers".  Take in views of glorious scenery before continuing to a local wine tasting, where you'll have the opportunity to sample some of the region's fine wines.  Arrive in Siena for this evening's included dinner.



Day 6: Siena and Brunello wine tasting
Follow a local expert guide on a morning tour of Siena, longtime rival of nearby Florence.  Visit Siena's Romanesque Duomo, which houses major works of art by Donatello and Nicola Pisano.  Walk along medieval streets to the Piazza del Campo.  This afternoon, travel through vineyards and olive groves to the hilltop town of Montalcino, famous for its Brunello di Montalcino wine.  Enjoy the opportunity to taste this local treasure.



Day 7: Cortona and Perugia
Continue your travels across the Italian landscape to reach Cortona, perched on a Tuscan hillside for panoramic views of the plains below.  Meander through the steep, narrow streets and look for the remains of the original city wall before a visit to the city's museum.  After a visit to Lake Traimeno, savor an included lunch of traditional Umbrian cuisine.

Day 8: Perugia sightseeing
A local guide introduces you to the vibrant streets and landmarks of Perugia, the medival town symbolized by the Etruscan Arch.  Visit the Palazzo dei Priori, the gorgeous medieval palace, and the gothic Church of St. Pietro in Vincoli, which maintains its breathtaking original 10th-century layout.  Enjoy a free afternoon by wandering the stately Corso Vannucci, a pedestrian avenue where you will find an array of boutiques and tavernas.  You might also wish to visit the Duomo, with its elaborately carved choir stalls or the renowned Archaeological Museum.  An optional excursion to Assisi and Spello will also be available.

Day 9: Wine tasting and Rome 
Journey across the Umbrian valleys today en route to Rome.  Stop along the way in Orvieto, which you'll reach by funicular, for a wine tasting followed by a light lunch.  Arrive in Rome, the Eternal City, in time for this evening's Farwell Dinner.

Day 10: Departure (or extension)
A guide will accompany you to the airport for your flight home.  Or you can choose to linger in Rome on our tour extension.

 Post-Tour Extension (Rome - 2 Nights for $299/person)
Day 10 & 11: Explore Rome
Stay in Rome for another two days to examine the myriad treasures of the Italian capital.  Spend the free days exploring on your own or experience the grandeur of the Roman empire on our optional Imperial Rome tour on Day 10.  You may also want to consider an optional tour of Vatican City, with visits to St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel on Day 11.  An optional Dinner with Tenors is also available.


Day 12: Departure
A representative will accompany you to the airport for your return flight home.