Tuscany escorted tours

The name of this Italy tour—Gems of Umbria & Tuscany—says it all, as you’ll visit some of the medieval hill towns and see some of the beautiful gems that call central Italy home. You’ll begin and end in Rome, and in between, you’ll overnight in Spoleto, San Martino in Campo, Siena, and Orvieto. History fans will be thrilled throughout this Umbria and Tuscany tour. As you travel through the towns in these regions “off the beaten path”, you’ll learn about the Etruscans, who lived here for centuries before the Romans did, and you’ll see remains from periods throughout Italy’s history, including medieval times. Orvieto sits atop a volcanic rock and has a labyrinth of caves carved by Etruscans. You’ll visit these caves as well as Orvieto’s cathedral, dating back to the early 14th century. In Siena, one of Italy's best-preserved medieval towns, you’ll walk through its narrow lanes to Piazza del Campo, perhaps one of the finest piazzas in Europe. From Siena, you'll also take an excursion to Volterra, a former important Etruscan city, and San Gimignano, a picturesque, perfectly preserved medieval town with its 14 towers from the 13th century. In Narni, a guided visit of the Convent of San Domenico basement reveals a cell where prisoners of the Inquisition wrote graffiti on the walls. Also enjoy guided walking tours in Spoleto, Assisi and Perugia. Of course, these regions are known not only for history but also for wine and olive oil. That’s why we’ve arranged a Brunello wine tasting with lunch in Montalcino, beautifully located in the Tuscan Hills, and an olive oil tasting at an authentic mill in Frantoio di Spello—just two of the unique experiences offered by Globus! From the historic gems and the wonderful piazzas to the special adventures, this Umbria and Tuscany tour offers all of this and much more. A holiday of a lifetime!

On this affordable Italian tour package, the town of Montecatini serves as your home base from which to venture out daily to explore the surrounding landscapes of breathtaking Tuscany. You’ll indulge in picturesque scenery, world-class local wines, traditional cuisine, and cultural discoveries via eight days of regional excursions. From the rolling hills of Montalbano to Vinci and beyond, you’ll make daily excursions through bountiful vineyards, olive groves, and chestnut trees. You’ll even visit the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci to experience the Renaissance master’s life and art.  Travelling through some of the most stunning and lush natural landscapes in Italy, you’ll embark each day to visit idyllic spots, including the gorgeous Chianti Valley and the Etruscan Coast. As you visit quaint wine shops, cafes, historic estates, and museums, you’ll feel immersed in the history and traditions of each daily destination. In addition to sampling the local gourmet Tuscan fare, you’ll also be treated to an Italian cooking lesson. You’ll prepare an authentic Italian dish inside a rustic Tuscan farmhouse where you and your travel companions will enjoy your culinary creations – complete with master-chef prizes. You’ll also learn the art of Italian dessert-making at your hotel. You’ll revel in the beauty of becoming familiar with a single destination of Montecatini while making priceless daily discoveries of locales that are off the beaten path – perfect for the smart, creative, and budget-minded traveller.

This is a comprehensive, affordable tour of Italy, showcasing some of the world’s most beloved cities (including Rome, Florence and Venice), historic sites, small towns, and scenic wonders. You’ll start and end in Rome focusing on Tuscany and the Sorrento coast, but also visiting Venice, San Marino (one of the world’s smallest countries), and Assisi. Enjoy three nights in the Tuscan hills, famous for medieval villages, charming towns, and the celebrated wine-growing regions. From your base, visit Siena, home of the famous palio horse race and take an excursion to Florence with a walking tour of the Renaissance city centre. You’ll see Piazza Signoria – the centre of political life in Florence since the 14th century. Spend three nights in the area of Sorrento, a laid-back town with amazing views of the azure seas and cobblestone streets lined with shops and restaurants and take the excursion to Capri, with is crystal-blue water, legendary piazzetta, and fashionable boutiques; Explore Pompeii, which was completely buried during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. This preserved town gives you an amazingly detailed look into ordinary life at the peak of the Roman Empire. This Italy tour also visits Orvieto—situated high atop a volcanic rock—to visit the gothic cathedral; Ravenna, with its Byzantine mosaics dating from the 5th century AD; Urbino, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has preserved its Renaissance appearance; Gubbio, dating to the 14th century; Assisi, where you’ll visit the Basilica of St. Francis that houses the tomb of St. Francis; and Montecassino, where you’ll visit the Benedictine Abbey dating to the 6th century. To top it all up, visit Rome, the “eternal city,” including a city tour showing all the main sights, from Vatican City to the Colosseum. From the small, historic towns to the vibrant cities, this affordable Italy tour for value-minded travellers has it all!