Tuscany and Umbria with a taste of the Cinque terre

TOUR TYPE: Self-drive with eletric car

STARTING: Reykjavik International Airport (KEF) – ENDING: Reykjavik International Airport (KEF)

 

WHAT TO EXPECT

The 10-days tour will give you a deep understanding of the cultural, historical and natural aspect of Tuscany and Umbria. Drive through these picturesque regions, admire the landscapes and discover the most outstanding sights. Get ready to discover wine, olive oil and the best culinary experiences and explore the famous Tuscany and Umbria Borghi towns.

Starting from the north part of Tuscany with the possibilities to have a day in the Cinque terre, then make your way south to the Chianti Area and continue to Valdichaiana and Val DÓrcia and discover the thermal area of Chianciano Terme and the amazing Montalcino hills.  So many possibilities from Hiking, Spa experience, wine and olive oil tasting, Tuscany has a lot to offer to everyone.

The last part of the trip will take you to the region of Umbria which is in many ways still unknown. Visit Assisi and follow the path of Sant Antonio. But Umbria is also a very green and natural area and can offer many activities from hiking to canoeing and rafting.

This will be an unforgettable journey accompanied by a delicious local food and remarkable wines and amazing views.

Itinerary, accommodation, car rental, insurance, activities – We can organize all you need. The program can be adapted to your wishes and adjusted to your interest.

 

Itinerary

Day 1: Florence airport – Lucca (20.06KM)

Upon arrival at Florence Airport, pick up your rental car and drive to Lucca. Check in at the hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure.  There is also a possibility to visit Florence for half day depending on the flight arrival time.

Lucca and the surrounding area are ideal as a base to visit the north part of Tuscany and the Cinque Terre before moving on to the heart of Tuscany. Lucca is a charming town still surrounded by the city walls, famous also for being the birthplace of Puccini and an history full of legends to discover. May lovely restaurants and shops will also keep you busy.  Enjoy walking around the old town cobbled streets and the city walls which are treelined and popular for strolling and cycling along, Visit the perfectly circular Piazza dell’ Anfiteatro , with pretty shops, bars and restaurants, The Duomo and the San Michele Church. Discover some of the Legends of Lucca and visit the bridge of the Devil.

Services included: Car rental for 10 days, overnight in 4* hotel in Lucca or surrounding area

Optional with supplement: Lunch or Dinner at the famous and historic restaurant in Lucca – The Bucadisantantonio – 3 course menu

 

Day 2: Lucca – Day trip to Cinque Terre National Park – Unesco World Heritage (92 Km each way, 1h30 min one way)

Early start as it can get busy! – After breakfast drive to the Cinque Terre to explore the fantastic costal area made up of 5 tiny, traditional fishing villages famous for the colourful houses built in the side cliffs.

Drive to Riomaggiore and park the car at the National Park carpark outside the village. There is a shuttle bus which will then take you to Riomaggiore or is also possible to park in La Spezia. We include the Cinque Terre Treno Card which allows to hop on an off trains and buses between La Spezia and Levanto. You can visit any of the fishing villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Riomaggiore, and Manarola), follow the walking Itinerary which can go from 20 Min to 4 hours and taste the local food. Typical of the area are pasta with pesto, fresh focaccia bread, Anchovies and fresh seafood.

Return to the hotel and free time.

Services included: 24 Hour Cinque Terre train Card which allows usage of trains and buses and free access to the hiking paths, overnight in Hotel 4* hotel in Lucca or surrounding area

 

Day 3: Lucca – Montefiorale – Radda in Chianti (125 km, 2h 30min in total)

After breakfast check out and leave for Radda in Chianti. The Chianti area offers a unique landscape, with green, gentle hills covered with wide fields of vineyards and olive groves, small stone villages, characteristic parishes and countryside homes in stone.

We suggest to stop in Montefiorale, Greve in Chianti and Panzano in Chianti. Lunch in Panzano in Chianti as there are many nice restaurants which offer typical food with terrace or gardens. (Ristorante Oltre Il Giardino, Cantinetta Sassolini, Ristoro di Lamole). Then pop in the Fattoria Le Fonti where is possible to visit the cantina and try the wines. (Mon to Friday – Week end need to book in advance)

Arrive at hotel and free time

Services included: Overnight in Hotel 4* in Radda in Chianti or similar

 

Day 4: Radda in Chianti – San Gimignano (45 Km, 1h) – Volterra (31km, 40min) – Radda in Chianti (63 Km, 1h30)

Discover more of Tuscany!

Drive to San Gimignano, Unesco Heritage. This Etruscan town sits at the top of a hill surrounded by intact walls. Walk around and discover the small city which is also famous for the preservation of about a dozen of its tower houses towers. Stop at Gelateria Dondoli in the square (even if can be busy) for a lovely and authentic ice cream.

Drive to Taverna di Bibbiano to taste some typical food for Lunch is a real Tuscan setting or similar agriturismo. (booking recommended). After Lunch drive to Volterra, Etruscan and medieval art centre. Walk around and visit the Piazza dei Priori, Priori Palace, the Duomo and the Etruscan walls.

If you want to see something different drive to The Badia Camaldolese and the Blaze. This Monastery from the 11th century, was abandoned when the landscape was changing and The Blaze Cliff started to Break up. (Open to the public only Jul to Sep and limited times). Return to hotel

Services included: Overnight in Hotel 4* in Radda in Chianti or similar

Optional with supplement: Lunch at restaurant agriturismo

 

Day 5: Radda in Chianti – Castello Di Brolio (20km, 35min) – Siena (23km, 40min) – Cortona (76 Km, 1h15m)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel.

We suggest a stopover at Castello Di Brolio with guided tour of the gardens and the castle and wine testing which will take about 1 hour. This castle is surrounded by 240 hectares of valleys and woods of oks trees and chestnut trees. It is possible to have lunch at the osteria di Brolio (booking requested) or continue to Siena and enjoy lunch in Siena

Siena is a wonderful medieval city. We recommend a guided tour of a few hours to understand the city in full and all its splendour.  Visit the Piazza Del Campo, the Gothic Duomo, and if you have the possibility, taste the Pici pasta served with pepper and cheese or Tomato sauce and the Ricciarelli which are traditional biscuits with almonds.

Depart Siena for Cortona area check in at hotel and free time. Check in at the hotel and dinner.

Services included: Garden and Castle Visit at Castel di Brolio – overnight in 4* hotel in Cortona (with supplement possible upgrade to Il Falconiere relais & Chateux)

Optional with supplement: At Castello di Brolio is possible to organize e-bike tours at 9.30 am and last around 4 hours. This will take you through the Chianti hills and will terminate with a testing experience.

 

Day 6: Cortona

After breakfast visit Cortona.

This Town is the main cultural and artistic center of the Val di Chiana after Arezzo. The beautiful little town Cortona and Piazza Garibaldi is exactly what you would expect think under a Tuscan sun. A hidden gem & the whole town is amazing.

Then we would like to offer an experience which sums out the Tuscan dream. Cooking in amazing settings and the best products and great chef at the Il Falconiere resort with a Michelin star restaurant. The classes introduce to the traditional Tuscan recipes designed by Silvia Baracchi, Michelin Star chef and owner of Relais& Chateaux Il Falconiere & Spa. After the cooking experience you can enjoy the amazing lunch.

Free afternoon and accommodation in Cortona.

Services included: Luxury Michelin stat cooking class and lunch.  Overnight in 4* hotel in Cortona (with supplement possible upgrade to Il Falconiere relais & Chateux)

Optional with supplement: cooking class can be changed to other activity depending on personal request.

 

Day 7: Cortona – Montepulciano (31km, 40min) – Pienza (15km, 25min) – Fattoria del Colle (26km, 35min) – Cortona (40Km, 50min)

After breakfast drive to Montepulciano which just on the hills between Valdichiana and the Val d’Orcia. The historic wealth and the unspoilt nature of the countryside around makes this town a place loved by all. Visit the Piazza Grande, continue to the old town center, between the historic buildings and the artisan shops and arrive at the Temple of San Biagio.

Drive to the hills of the Val d’Orcia to reach Pienza, UNESCO heritage sites. Walk along the lanes of the ideal Renaissance city, whose urban layout has been defined as an admirable example of architecture. Taste some local typical product like the Pecorino cheese from Pienza in one of the local shops.

If you prefer more experiences and less Sightseeing, amend the morning to one of the following activities: Morning Yoga at the Lake Chiusi / Fitness lessons among the vineyards of Montepulciano / Bike tours / Hiking up the peak of Cetona or experience the benefits of the 20 wonders of the Sensory Spa in Chianciano Terme. (activity are priced on request and subject to availability and date of travel)

Drive to Fattoria del Colle for Lunch. The Lunch Experience includes Bruschetta with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, freshly made Raviggiolo, cheeses, 1 local soup, 1 glass of wine. With the lunch the story-telling of the centuries-old history of cheeses will help you discover the tradition of the Sienese countryside. At followed by the Historic guided tasting tour will guide you through the Villa and 16th Century Chapel, Gardens, vegetable garden and wine cellar with tastings of 3 wines. This will introduce you to 3 vineyards, 3 grape varieties and 3 wines. We recommend this place as is a family run business like many in the area but is really special. Great food and excellent wine with an interesting history and great views of the countryside.

Time to drive back to Cortona and enjoy the view

Services included: Lunch and wine testing at Fattoria del Colle, Overnight in 4* hotel in Cortona (with supplement possible upgrade to Il Falconiere relais & Chateux)

Optional with supplement: Activities listed as suggestions are extra and to be quoted separately

 

Day 8: Cortona – Assisi (77Km, 1h30min) – Torgiano Area (20Km, 30 min)

Today we are heading to Umbria. There are many possibilities in Umbria to suit all, from culture to activity and adventure sports, hiking and of course food and wine.

After breakfast leave Cortona for Assisi. On the way we recommend a quick stop over at Lake Trasimemo for the view and a walk in Passignano Sul Trasimeno, ancient fishing village and Monte del Lago, an architectural jewel on an outcrop right over the lake.

Arrive in Assisi. Assisi is an impressive masterpiece of human creativity. Visit the Basilica di San Francesco, the interchange of artistic and spiritual message of the Franciscan Order has significantly contributed to developments in art and architecture in the world.

Visit the Basilica of San Francesco and walk around the town traditional streets. We suggest adventuring off the main roads to see the best and most characteristic spots of this amazing town.

For the best view over the town, follow signs to the Rocca Maggiore, which is the large fortress situated above Assisi. You can have a great view of Assisi and admire the surrounding plains, hills and valleys around. For a more strenuous walk, you can head up the wooded slopes of Monte Subasio. From Piazza Matteotti, at the top of the town, continuing uphill to the Porta Cappuccini you can follow for the Monte Subasio park and the dirt path and road leading to Eremo delle Carceri, the hermitage in the woods to which St. Francis retreated for prayer. Close to the Piazza Matteotti you can also visit the little curved street which traces out the form of Assisi’s old Roman Ampitheatre.

For Lunch in Assisi there are many restaurants to choose from, we recommend trying Umbricelli or Stringozzi (typical homemade pasta of Assisi) and black truffle of Norcia. Make sure you also try the Pagnotta Francescana which is like a sweet bread and the Rocciata di Assisi made with dry mixed fruit.

Leave Assisi and transfer to the hotel.

Services included:  Overnight in 4* hotel in Torgiano area like Relais la Corte Bettona or similar. (Upgrade with supplement to Valle Di Assisi Spa 5*)

Optional with supplement: Guide in Assisi with supplement

 

Day 9: Torgiano – Vallo di Nera (70Km, 1h) – Vogel (Ukanc, 4km, 10min) – Bohinj (5km, 10min) – Bled (27km, 30min)

Activity day! Take a rafting trip along the Fiume Nera and explore the nature of Umbria. The River Nera is category A which ensure water quality and purity and presence of flora and fauna.

The rafting adventure starts from Vallo Di Nera typical Borgo town of Umbria. The adventure will follow the river for 10 Km and discover local nature but will also give you the opportunity to visit the Abbey of SS Felice e Mauro, a gem of the Valneria. There will be possibility to swim in the clean water of the river on natural pool and learn the skills of rafting.

Driving back to the hotel stop at a Frantoi where the olive oil is produced and all the associate products. We recommend Frantoio Gaudenzi di Brunetti Rossana which works linked to the university in Perugia for the research of techniques to extract the oil and maximise the quality.

Drive back to the hotel at your leisure

Services included:  Rafting experience (adventure level) total time 3h30min, olive oil testing    Overnight in 4* hotel in Torgiano area like Relais la Corte Bettona or similar. (Upgrade with supplement to Valle Di Assisi Spa 5*)

 

Day 10: Torgiano to Florence Airport (180 km, 2h10 min)

Depending on the flight back another overnight can be arranged. Also possible to finish with a few night in Florence without the car and just experience the city.

Drive to Florence airport, drop off the car and flight back home.