Florence, Chianti, Umbria Two Day Tour - Discover the Taste of Italy

Just because you are staying in Rome, doesn't mean you can't see a little more of Italy.

Take a two day trip to Florence to discover the magnificent renaissance city associated with names like Michelangelo, Leonardo and Botticelli.

Explore the Italian countryside and sample the local produce which the region is so well known for.

See below for full itinerary.

Schedule Details Departs:

Seasonal
March 1 to October 31
Thursday and Saturday

Departure Point: Tour departs from centrally located Rome hotels. If you're staying outside the Aurelian Walls or did not confirm hotel pickup - all tours will depart from 5/a Via Farini, located off Via Cavour, Rome. This departure point is a few minutes walking distance from Termini Railway Station and easy to locate. Departure Time:

• From Rome hotels: 6:30am
• From central meeting point: 7:30am

Return details: Tour concludes at 5/a Via Farini (centrally located and close to Termini Railway Station). In some cases, it is possible to be dropped off nearby your hotel but this cannot be guaranteed until the day of the tour as it depends on Rome traffic conditions and the location of your hotel. Please ask your tour guide on the day of travel. Hotel Pickup:

Hotel pickup is available from all Rome centrally located hotels ONLY. To view a full list of Rome hotels pickups, click on the 'View Map' icon above. Please list your full hotel name and address at time of booking. If you are staying outside of the central city area, please make your own way to the departure point (5/a Via Farini, Rome).

Cruise Port Pickup:
For passengers arriving into Rome on a cruise ship, you must book separate cruise port transfers between Civitavecchia and Rome. If you choose to combine transfers with a scheduled tour commencing in Rome, take into consideration the traveling time from the Port of Civitavecchia to Rome. It is approximately 1 hour and you should allow minimum 30 minutes to disembark cruise.

Itinerary: Day 1: Florence (D)
Leaving Rome in a northerly direction and crossing the green valley of the Tevere, you will pass the slopes of the Apennines which are covered with olive groves and vineyards before seeing the famous valley of Chianti and finally arriving in Florence, bordering the banks of the river Arno. The city tour will commence with a visit to the Accademia Museum, where you can see the statue David by Michelangelo and then, continuing on foot with your local guide to see the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with the beautiful dome of Brunelleschi. Other treasures, such as the Baptistery and Giotto's Bell Tower will be seen before arriving at Piazza della Signoria, the 'heart' of Florence.

Your included lunch will be served in a typical Florentine restaurant before continuing the afternoon promenade. After lunch, you will continue to the Piazza Santa Croce where the church of the same name is situated and great artists like Michelangelo are buried. You will have the opportunity to visit one of the leather schools in order to admire one of the typical crafts of the city. You will also have some free time to discover some of the other ancient crafts such as mosaics and goldsmiths. Dinner is included this evening.

Overnight: 4 star farmhouse in Umbria

Day 2: Cortona - Trasimeno Lake - Montepulciano
After breakfast, travel to Cortona. This town has changed little since the Middle Ages and was most recently depicted in the Oscar winning film "La Vita è Bella" and described by American novelist Frances Mayes in "Under the Tuscan Sun". As a result, Cortona is enjoying a renewed popularity.

Here, you can stroll through the historic center, discovering it's hidden corners and absorbing the atmosphere of this picturesque town.

After, a drive along the shores of Lake Trasimeno there will be a stop to taste and buy some of the many local products (olive oil, cheeses, salami and ham). Lunch will then be served in a typical countryside restaurant.

In the afternoon, driving through the gentle hills of the Chianti Region, you will reach the hilltop town of Montepulciano. The deep ruby red wine, "Vino Nobile" of this town is famous the world over. Here you will visit one of its oldest wine cellars, carved out of the tufo rock, to discover some of the secrets of the winemakers, and of course to taste the final result.

Additional Information