A Taste of Tuscany & Umbria

Savour the very best of Tuscany and Umbria, from freshly made pecorino and handcrafted chocolate to a glass of celebrated Vino Nobile, all set among the rolling hills and timeless hilltop towns of central Italy.

Itinerary

Day1 Arrival in Arezzo

Fly from Dublin to Pisa where you will be met at the airport by your Topflight Tour Manager. You will be transferred comfortably by coach to the Hotel Minerva in the enchanting city of Arezzo, where you will stay for five nights.

The hotel is a lovely 4 star featuring modern decor, with a classical twist, mirroring the enchanting city of Arezzo itself. You can walk to the city's centre in around 15 minutes to explore the many monuments, museums, churches, shops and boutiques.

Day2Pienza & Bagno Vignoni

Today, after breakfast at the hotel, we set off to explore the Val d'Orcia. This stunning region is characterised by rolling hills and cypress trees, and its quaint towns and villages seem to have been frozen in time.

Our first stop is Pienza, the jewel of the Val d'Orcia. This beautiful, atmospheric town is loved for its fifteenth century architecture and its enviable position atop the rolling hills that Tuscany is so famous for. After time to wander and enjoy lunch, we make our way to a local cheese producer just outside the town. The area is renowned for its pecorino, and you will be invited to taste the produce and learn how it is made.

Our final stop of the day is Bagno Vignoni, a beautiful thermal town that has been used as the setting for many films over the years. In its main square you will find a thermal water pool that has served as a healing spot since as far back as Roman times. After time to soak up the atmosphere, we board the coach to return to the hotel.

Day3Day at Leisure

After exploring the beautiful Val d'Orcia, today is yours to spend entirely at leisure. You may wish to stay close to the hotel, make use of its facilities and relax and unwind before the days ahead. Alternatively, if you are still keen to explore, we highly recommend discovering the beautiful city of Arezzo, a magnificent destination that has featured in famous films including Roberto Benigni's 'Life is Beautiful'. Your Tour Manager will be happy to suggest this and other ideas for additional day trips and sights to see.

Day4Perugia & Assisi

Following breakfast at the hotel, we set off by coach for Perugia, the capital of the Umbria region, known for the defensive walls that ring its historic centre. Here you will enjoy a guided tour taking in the medieval streets and historic sites of one of the most beautiful and beloved cities in Italy.

Perugia is also famous for its chocolate, and you will visit an artisan chocolate maker for a hands-on experience, creating your own chocolate bar and two pralines to take away and enjoy. One sweet memory to bring home with you.

In the afternoon we continue to Assisi. Aside from its charming streets and stunning views, churches are the main draw here, the most celebrated being the Basilica of Saint Francis. We take a walking tour of the area, taking in the history and wonderful sights before entering the Basilica. This architectural masterpiece is an outstanding example of a religious building that influenced the development of art and architecture across the city. Its famous ceiling frescoes were painted by Giotto and are sure to leave you feeling truly inspired. Afterwards, we board the coach to return to the hotel.

Day5Montepulciano with Wine Tasting

Today we journey to Montepulciano, a handsome medieval town perched high on a ridge and surrounded by the vineyards that have made it famous. Rich in history, it is known for its churches and the Medici fortress of Sangallo, and its winding lanes have provided the backdrop for several films over the years.

Montepulciano is celebrated above all for its Vino Nobile, long regarded as a wine fit for nobility. You will enjoy a tasting of the local wine accompanied by some regional snacks, a perfect way to discover why this hilltop town is so treasured. A touristic minibus tour offers a relaxed way to take in the town and its glorious surrounding countryside before we return to the hotel.

Day6Departure

You will check out of the hotel after your final breakfast of the stay. Your coach will pick you up at your designated time and transfer you to Pisa airport for your return flight back to Dublin.