Central Italy Discovery

Florence - Orvieto - Siena - Florence. Today, you will need to make your way to Hotel American Palace in Rome at 08:15 AM. From here, we travel north, leaving the capital behind as we cross the Lazio and Umbria regions. The landscape quickly changes to rolling hills dotted with olive groves, vineyards, and medieval towns.

Our first stop is Orvieto, a striking town set high on a volcanic cliff. Its impressive Gothic cathedral dominates the skyline, while beneath the surface lies a network of ancient caves. You may like to explore the narrow lanes filled with shops and cafes or pause with a glass of local wine as you take in the views of the countryside.

We then continue to Siena, renowned for its medieval streets and elegant red-brick buildings. The city’s focal point is Piazza del Campo, one of Italy’s most beautiful squares and the site of the famous Palio horse race. Take some time to wander and soak up the atmosphere of this historic city.

By evening we arrive in Florence, our base for the next two nights. Known for its Renaissance art, striking architecture and vibrant piazzas, the city offers countless ways to spend your evening. You might choose to explore on foot or settle into a traditional trattoria and enjoy a Tuscan meal with a glass of local wine.

Meeting point: Hilton Rome Eur La Lama, Viale Europa 287, Rome, 00144 at 08:15 AM for your 08:30 pick-up.

Please note: To arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the pickup time. The itinerary and sightseeing are subject to change depending on operational or local factors.

Enjoy a free day in the "Birthplace of the Renaissance," where you have the freedom to choose your activities. Marvel at the awe-inspiring Duomo, the city's iconic Cathedral dominating the skyline. Explore the Uffizi Gallery to see masterpieces like "The Birth of Venus," (we recommend you book in advance!) and visit the Galleria dell'Accademia to admire Michelangelo's masterpiece, David. Of course, Florence offers more than just art. Sample local delicacies like handmade pasta, pizza, pastries, wine, and gelato to refuel.

In the afternoon, you could uncover the power and secrets of the Medici family as you explore Palazzo Pitti, their grand palace housing some of the Renaissance's greatest treasures. To cap off your day, visit the enchanting Boboli Gardens, adorned with statues, fountains, ponds, and hidden mazes. It's your second night in Florence, so savour the evening by immersing yourself in the lively squares, excellent restaurants, and bars.

Florence - La Spezia - Cinque Terre - Pisa. After breakfast, we leave Florence and travel through the Tuscan countryside towards the Ligurian coast. Our journey brings us to La Spezia, a bustling port city often called the gateway to Cinque Terre. From here, you will receive a train ticket that allows you to explore the five villages at your own pace.

Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso each have their own unique character. You might choose to relax on the beach at Monterosso, admire the small harbour in Vernazza, enjoy the terraced vineyards of Corniglia, try a glass of local wine in Manarola, or wander the narrow streets of Riomaggiore. The afternoon is yours to uncover the beauty of these villages as you wish.

In the evening, we continue on to Pisa. You have free time here to enjoy the city, perhaps with a walk along the Arno River, a visit to the Piazza dei Miracoli, or a quiet moment in one of its historic churches. This is also the perfect opportunity to sample Tuscan cuisine before an overnight stay in Pisa.

Pisa - Lucca - Volterra - Montepulciano. Today, you will have free time to explore Pisa. Here, you will have the options of visiting the world-famous Leaning Tower and capturing that all-important photo or exploring the cathedral before we continue our journey.

Our next stop is Lucca, a walled city renowned for its character and charm. You may choose to walk along the impressive city walls, spend time in Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, or step inside one of its remarkable churches, such as the Cathedral of St Martin.

In the afternoon, we head for Volterra, a medieval town set high above the hills. You might wish to learn about the town’s Etruscan heritage and alabaster traditions at the Museo Etrusco, admire the grandeur of the Palazzo Incontri-Viti, or simply relax in Piazza San Giovanni and watch daily life unfold.

Later, we continue along winding country roads lined with olive groves and cypress trees before reaching Montepulciano, our base for the next two nights. This atmospheric hill town is surrounded by vineyards and full of Renaissance beauty. The evening is free for you to explore its narrow streets, soak up the views, and perhaps enjoy dinner with a glass of the celebrated local wine.

Please note: Entry to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Cathedral is not included.

Montepulciano - Pienza - Bagno Vignoni - Montepulciano. This morning, you have free time to enjoy Montepulciano at your own pace. You might start your day with an espresso and a pastry in a local cafe before making your way up to Piazza Grande. From here, the Palazzo Comunale stands proudly, and the views across the Val d’Orcia are simply unforgettable. However you choose to spend the morning, take the chance to soak in the charm of this hilltop town.

Later, we set out to explore the Val d’Orcia, a region renowned for its beauty and heritage. Our first stop is Pienza, a town often described as the model Renaissance city and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Here, the time is yours to find lunch and discover its treasures. Perhaps you will visit the striking cathedral, wander through the Diocesan Museum with its fine collection of paintings, or simply lose yourself in the narrow streets that make Pienza so appealing.

No day in Tuscany would be complete without wine, so we pause at a local winery for a guided visit followed by a tasting of its celebrated produce. Our final stop is Bagno Vignoni, a small village famous for its thermal springs. For centuries, these waters have been considered restorative, and today you can follow their path through the archaeological park and admire the ancient spa structures.

We then return to Montepulciano, where the evening is free. You may like to watch the sunset over the town with a glass of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano in hand, a fitting way to end the day.

Montepulciano - Sovana - Capodimonte - Rome. After our final breakfast, we leave Tuscany behind and travel south into the Maremma, a region that stretches across Tuscany and Lazio. This landscape holds strong ties to the Etruscans, a remarkable civilisation that flourished long before Rome rose to power. Known for their artistry, skill in engineering, and close relationship with nature, the Etruscans left behind a wealth of heritage in towns, tombs, and ancient pathways that we uncover today.

Our first stop is Sovana, a quiet medieval town with Etruscan origins dating back more than two millennia. Here you may choose to visit the Necropolis, where tombs carved into the tuff rock reveal the Etruscans’ beliefs about the afterlife, or walk along the Via Cave, a dramatic system of sunken roads hewn from stone during the Bronze Age. Afterwards, you have time to find lunch and enjoy the atmosphere of this charming town.

In the afternoon, we continue to Capodimonte, a small town on the shores of Lake Bolsena, the largest volcanic lake in Italy. You have free time here to stroll by the water, visit the fortress of Rocca Farnese, or perhaps take a boat ride on the lake.

From here, we make our way back through Lazio to Rome, arriving at approximately 7 PM.

Drop off point: Hilton Rome Eur La Lama, Viale Europa 287, Rome, 00144

Please note: Entrance to the Etruscan Necropolis & Vie Cave is not included.