Florence & Umbria

This tour combines refined Florence with the rustic charms and hillside towns of neighboring Umbria. On arrival in Florence, you will be transferred to the Palazzo Terranova, a restored 18th century villa in the beech and oak-forested hills of Umbria near Città di Castello. Spend several days exploring the natural, artistic and architectural heritage of the region. Tour Perugia, Assisi, Orvieto and Spoleto. Perugia, the hilly capital of Umbria, is known for Perugina chocolate (and the Eurochocolate Festival, held annually from mid-late October), a beautiful piazza, Etruscan ruins and the paintings of native son Perugino in the National Gallery of Umbria. Nature-loving St. Francis, a patron saint of Italy, hailed from the hill town of Assisi. The 13th century Basilica di San Francesco was named in his honor and is decorated with some of Italy’s most important frescoes, painted by Cimabue and Giotto. Orvieto sits atop the steep cliffs of a spectacular volcanic outcrop. Its 13th century Duomo has an elaborate facade and interior frescoes by Luca Signorelli. More than just a location for a summertime performing arts festival, Spoleto has a 13th century bridge—the Ponte delle Torri—and a Duomo decorated with frescoes by Filippo Lippi. You might also like to shop for Umbrian specialty ceramics such as white maiolica in the town of Deruta and artisanal polychrome “reverberation” ceramics in Gubbio. During free time, relax at your hillside palazzo, gazing over the valley below from the poolside and enjoying the rustic flavors of the local cuisine.

Next, for Florence for three nights at the exquisite Villa San Michele. During a flexible private walking tour, experience Florence according to your interests. You might like to explore the market squares, antique districts and artisan workshops of the Oltrarno district near your hotel. Perhaps visit the world-renowned Uffizi or the excellent Museo del Bargello—a prison in the 13th century and now home to sculpture by Michelangelo and Donatello, or visit smaller museums such as the Salvatore Ferragamo Shoe Museum. Learn about Tuscan cuisine at specialty food shops and the wonderful Mercato Centrale. Tour the beautiful Boboli Gardens. Enjoy plenty of free time for leisurely meals and time to stroll along the river and shop for Florentine gold jewelry, handmade paper, gloves, leather, antiques and housewares.

Spend a day on a private excursion in Tuscany. Travel through olive groves and vineyards to explore celebrated hill towns such as Siena and San Gimignano. Repeat visitors to Tuscany may wish to visit beautiful towns of Pienza, Montalcino and Montepulciano or other enchanting towns such as Lucca, Pisa or Arezzo. Walk the medieval alleys and admire palazzi and ancient towers, and enjoy free time to browse for olive oil, wine, baskets, cheeses, olive wood, and ceramics. Taste wines at their source, listen to white-robed monks sing the haunting melodies of Gregorian chant in a Romanesque church, or shop for designer goods at excellent outlet shops—the day’s itinerary will be determined by your interests.