10-Day Umbria and Tuscany Exploration Tour

The town of Norcia rests between silent green hills that overlook the remote corner of an unspoiled river valley in Umbria. Truffle hunters scour the tree roots in search of black truffles, and the aroma of prosciutto di Norcia fills the small markets scattered around town. Your private transfer will meet you at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport and escort you to your charming hotel in Norcia. You may choose to relax in a welcoming setting of a 16th-century palace where the timeless ambiance derives from the blend of a private garden and modern comforts.

In the morning, you can find the aroma of espresso in the dining room of your hotel. You will explore the medieval cobblestone streets before plunging into the lush valley that stretches across Monti Sibillini National Park, leading to the village of Castelluccio. The landscape bursts with vibrant poppies, daffodils, and violets every summer, upending the lush plain. You will meet a local cheesemaker to learn the art of crafting ricotta cheese, from the heating the milk to separating the rennet. When sampling the cheese, you will taste a slightly sweet flavor that accompanies the soft texture.

You will discover the long history of winemaking and cashmere production in Umbria within the heart of the region's rolling hills. The scenery will take center-stage as you tour an illustrious winery where vines layer the hillside. You can indulge in a tasty picnic while overlooking the vineyard and finding aromas of blackberries, black pepper, and orange peel in the wine. In Bevagna, you will find a preserved Italian town with an enchanting atmosphere in the ancient walls and 16th-century frescos. Your exclusive cashmere workshop will take you beyond the showroom to craft the delicate fabric personally.

You will feel at home inside a traditional Umbrian palace when you meet a local chef for an immersive cooking class. Your chef will bring to light the ingredients and recipes of traditional Umbrian cuisine and showcase how local, seasonal produce has shaped the specific flavors of the region. The aromas of semolina, olive oil, and black truffles will waft through the kitchen as you craft typical dishes like pasta alla Norcina. The rich sauce of sausage, cream, white wine, and Pecorino Romano cheese will coat your taste buds and fade beneath the sweetness of a ricotta and lentil tart.

You will leave the beauty of Norcia behind and stop in the shimmering medieval town of Assisi, the birthplace of renowned St. Francis. The town ascends the slope of Monte Subasio with cobbled lanes crowned by the fort of Rocca Maggiore. You will meet your guide to tour the two separate churches that form the illustrious Assisi basilica. The foundations date back to the 13th century and feature intricate details from Gothic embellishments in the upper basilica to a celebrated fresco cycle crafted by Giotto. The Allegories of the Franciscan Virtues crosses the vaulting and features poverty, chastity, and obedience.

Your accommodations in Montalcino will overlook the sprawling vineyards and broad olive groves for which Tuscany is famous. The morning will fill with the aromas of lush hills, rich soil, and the faint scent of espresso. Iconic rolling hills and rows of cypress trees surround the preserved walls of Montalcino while small wine bars line the medieval streets. In Pienza, you can stroll through the embodiment of Renaissance architecture at Piazza Pio II, which guides visitors to the central travertine cathedral. At lunch, you can indulge in a three-course meal of traditional local dishes paired with celebrated Val d’Orcia wines.

The marvels of preserved medieval architecture will emerge from the hills of Tuscany. Formerly formidable Siena spans three hills and hosts one of Europe’s oldest universities. White, green, red, and black marble stripes adorn the magnificent Duomo while the interior possesses sculptures by artists like Michelangelo and Donatello. Fifty-six intricate mosaic panels decorate the floors and depict historical and biblical stories. The town of San Gimignano soars above the Tuscan hills with 14 of the original 72 towers remaining. Art and antiques decorate the Campatelli House and reflect the aesthetic of a wealthy family.

After checking out of your hotel, you will visit an organic farm before reaching Florence. Your guide will introduce you to the traditions of farming in Italy, focusing on the importance of seasonal, fresh, and local ingredients. The garden will carry the aromas of herbs and edible flowers before you find the scent of cured meats and rich cheeses. Your chef will guide you in picking the best ingredients before exploring the foundations for crafting a five-course meal. The satisfying flavors of Tuscany will emerge through dishes like Panzanella salad, bruschetta, and pappardelle alla lepre.

Florence is famous as the cradle of Renaissance thought, which is featured in the city's art and architecture. Marbled facades line the cobbled lanes, and hidden bakeries provide a sweet scent to the air. Your walking tour of the city will capture Florence’s highlights from Santa Croce to Palazzo Vecchio. The Duomo will tower above the city with its incredible brick dome that stands over 375 feet tall. You will continue to the Accademia, the art school and museum known for housing Michelangelo’s breathtaking David. The statue stands over 17 feet tall and captures the biblical warrior in contemplation before battle.

Florence remains a captivating city where artisan crafts and Renaissance beauty entangle with modern life. In the morning, you will find the aromas of espresso emanating from cafes. The sunlight will wash over the typical rolling hills of Tuscany outside the city visible from Piazzale Michelangelo. Your private transfer will meet you at the hotel when you are ready and escort you to Florence’s Peretola Airport for your flight home, bringing an end to your exploration of Umbria and Tuscany.