Compare Secret Italy by Voyages Jules Verne vs Country Roads of Umbria & Tuscany - Small Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 7 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 1,757 | $ 3,475 |
| Price Per Day | $ 251 | $ 348 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Of course each region of Italy has its own history and immense cultural heritage, each rivalling many individual countries. With so much focus by visitors on the most famous cities such as Florence and Venice, much remains relatively undiscovered and rewards quiet exploration. We have chosen Assisi as a convenient and atmospheric base for expeditions both within Umbria and to Tuscany and Le Marche, coordinated and accompanied by a private art collector. Visit lesser-known towns of remarkable history and art on day trips by private taxi with the opportunity to enjoy the fine local cuisine. Assisi itself is picturesquely situated on the slopes of Mount Subasio in beautiful Umbrian countryside, a tiny unspoilt Medieval gem of architectural and artistic beauty. Assisi's appearance has hardly changed since the Middle Ages and it retains the spiritual tranquillity of St. Francis who lived there some 800 years ago. |
Live 'la dolce vita' during this 9-day guided tour of Italy. Explore the Vatican Museums, where your VIP pass gets you behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase. Walk the narrow cobblestone streets of Siena to the shell-shaped plaza Campo and see the Torre del Mangia, the second-tallest tower in Italy. Visit a family-run olive mill, where a third-generation olive maker will share how its olives become the decadent oil you’ll taste at the mill. In San Gimignano, eat the best gelato in the world — literally. You’ll meet a world champion gelato maestro who will welcome you into his ice cream parlor to indulge in his favorite flavors. Alongside a Local Expert, marvel at the cathedral at the center of Florence: Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, nicknamed 'the Duomo' for its awe-inspiring crown made by a master goldsmith. |
Day 1 Depart from London Stansted to Perugia. Transfer to your chosen hotel in Assisi for seven nights. Evening visit to the Assisi home of your tour host who will accompany your daily trips. While enjoying an aperitif, he will describe his collection of Roman, Byzantine and Medieval art.
Day 2 Morning visit to Assisi, including the 13th-century Basilica of St. Francis, decorated with frescoes by Cimambue, Giotto, Lorenzetti and Martini, and other Franciscan churches. Special Umbrian dinner of traditional dishes with local wines. (B, D)
Day 3 Travel to Arezzo to visit San Francesco church for Piero della Francesca's fresco cycle 'Legend of the True Cross', the Romanesque church Pieve di Santa Maria, the Cathedral, San Domenico and Piazza Grande. At Monterchi, see Piero's 'Pregnant Madonna' and at Sansepolcro his 'Resurrection'. (B)
Day 4 Picturesque drive through Valnerina to San Pietro in Valle, an 8th-century Romanesque Abbey with remarkable Lombard sculpture and 12th-century frescoes. Continue to Marmore Falls, the highest waterfall in Europe, and the beautiful Lake Piediluco for a boat ride and fish lunch overlooking the lake. (B, L)
Day 5 A scenic journey to Urbino for a guided tour of the Oratory of St. John the Baptist with its cycle of 15th-century frescoes by Salembeni, then the Palazzo Ducale, the most beautiful Renaissance palace in Italy and its art treasures. Return via Gubbio to view its Palazzo dei Consoli. (B)
Day 6 Stopping for coffee at Lake Trasimeno, a scenic drive through Tuscan countryside to the charming village of Pienza with its Renaissance centre and museum containing the world-famous 14th-century cope of English embroidery. Continue to the lovely Romanesque Abbey of Sant'Antimo and afterwards enjoy a celebratory Tuscan lunch. (B, L)
Day 7 Free day. A local expert presents a selection of Umbrian wines at your host's home with buffet supper. (B, D)
Day 8 Return flight to London Stansted. (B)
Day 1: Welcome to Rome
Transfers to your hotel depart from Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 09:30, 12:30 and 15:30. Join your Travel Director at 17:30 to explore the Eternal City, passing the renaissance palaces and baroque churches scattered throughout the city. Get to know your fellow travellers over a pleasant Welcome Dinner as you dine at your hotel's restaurant, Unique al Palatino.
Hotel St. Martin, Rome.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: Umbria and on to Perguia
Explore the Vatican Museums in the morning, where a local historian unveils the gems of the vast Papal art collection. Your special visit includes fast-tracked entry and behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase, a part of the Vatican normally closed to visitors. View the imposing Basilica of St. Peter, the largest in the world. Journey north to the Umbrian village of Baschi. Immerse yourself in the flavours and culture of the region and learn about the secrets of Italian food culture as you join Giovanni and his dog Chris for a truffle hunting session. Then join Chef Lorenzo for an entertaining pasta demonstration and delicious Highlight Lunch accompanied by Orvieto Classico wine. Join a Local Expert in Perugia to navigate the underground labyrinth of little streets, alleys and arches. Walk Corso Vannucci, resplendent in pale-pink stone, passing the princely Priors' Palace, cathedral and finely sculptured Great Fountain in the main square.
Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia.
Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
Day 3: Perugia Sightseeing & Free Time Relaxed Start
During a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, visit an artisanal workshop to meet Marta, recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant, and her weavers. See how the fascinating art of loom-weaving textiles has been passed down through the generations and learn how this ancient craft is being preserved. Afterwards, you will be free to enjoy the many delights of Umbria's capital city. For dinner, choose your ideal ambience and palate-pleasing menu from a hand-picked selection of Perugian restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening. Buon appetito!
Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 4: Assisi, in Search of St. Francis Relaxed Start
Journey to Assisi, one of Italy's most beautiful medieval hilltop towns, set high up in the mountains and enclosed by fortress walls. In the valley, see the famous Church of St. Mary of the Angels, much venerated as the place of St. Francis' death, then continue up Mount Subasio to the upper town. Step inside the massive, 13th century Basilica of St. Francis with your Local Expert to learn how Giotto masterfully painted frescoes that inspired a variety of Renaissance artists. Continue through the twisted groves that carpet the side of Mount Subasio.
Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia.
Breakfast
Day 5: Tuscany to Cortona, Siena and San Gimignano
Follow the shores of Lake Trasimeno to Cortona, one of the oldest hilltop towns in Tuscany. After free time to explore, continue to the narrow cobbled streets of Siena. Standing in the shell-shaped Campo, imagine the frenzied atmosphere of the biannual Palio horse race and see the superb 14th century Town Hall. Explore Siena with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the medieval Cathedral. Alternatively, sample panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert. Travel to your home for the next three nights, a delightful villa near the medieval town of San Gimignano.
Villasanpaolo, San Gimignano.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 6: San Gimignano sightseeing and Free Time Relaxed Start
In the morning, your Travel Director will show you San Gimignano's medieval skyscrapers, serpentine streets and hidden squares. The town is also home to world champion gelato maestro Sergio Dondoli. At his artisan ice cream parlour on Piazza della Cisterna, the jaunty gelataio doles out his silky, frozen treats in a range of unique flavours for you to try. The rest of the day is at leisure; why not join an Optional Experience to Pisa and Lucca?
Villasanpaolo, San Gimignano.
Breakfast
Day 7: Florence and Tuscan Countryside Experience Relaxed Start
The morning is devoted to the Renaissance city of Florence. A fascinating walking exploration with a Local Expert takes you to the marble-clad cathedral crowned by Brunelleschi's dome. See the baptistery with its beautiful Gates of Paradise and Giotto's splendid bell tower. Walk on to Piazza della Signoria with its open-air gallery of Renaissance sculptures, followed by free time to shop for top-quality Florentine leather or gold. Toast to your travels during a delicious Farm-to-Table Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy tasting flavoursome dishes prepared with locally grown ingredients, sourced from the farm or nearby Tuscan region. Relax as the pairing of home-made pastas with the farm's own traditional Chianti wine rounds off your great Italian adventure.
Villasanpaolo, San Gimignano.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 8: Country drive to Ancient Rome
Leave behind the tower topped town of San Gimignano. Enjoy rolling Tuscan hills as you journey through the Italian countryside, making your way to Ancient Rome. On arrival, enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
NH Roma Centro, Rome.
Breakfast
Day 9: Arrivederci Roma
Bid farewell to the glories of Italy. Departure transfers arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 and 09:30.
Breakfast
