If you reverse the Italian word for Rome (Roma), you get Amor (love)… and we're all set to fall in love with this ancient Italian capital the moment we set foot in it. ‘Ciao' your new Contiki pals and we'll hop on our coach for a city tour to catch all the classic sights, from the Colosseum to St Peter's Square.
Next we'll cross the River Tiber to taste our way through Trastevere on a guided foodie walking tour, sampling pizza, pasta, wine and more in this bohemian district known for trattorias, pubs and artisan shops. Full of our first introductions to Italian life, we'll join the locals for a passeggiata (promenade) to stroll off a few of the carbs before a satisfied slumber tonight. Stay: Hotel Genova (or similar)
Sorry Rome, we'd love to linger but there are so many more experiences to soak up! En route to Siena, we have time to explore the picturesque hilltop town of Orvieto, followed by an included lunch at Casa Segreta (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® Experience) in the nearby village of Baschi.
We'll join the Polegri family on a short tour of the vineyards and olive orchards that make up their azienda agricola (farm), then enjoy a meal on the veranda overlooking the Tiber Valley. Expect bruschetta with homemade extra virgin olive oil, homemade focaccia with homegrown rosemary and vegetables, alongside a risotto or pasta made with vegetables grown on the farm. All accompanied by a glass of their very own wine and a handmade dessert of the day. Buon appetito!
The day is still unfolding and we've already done so much! After arriving at our accommodation in Siena there'll be time to explore what is possibly Italy's most beautiful medieval city. The historic centre has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site and its heart is the Piazza del Campo, the sweeping central square that hosts the world-famous Palio horse race. We'll settle in here for the night, ready for more adventures tomorrow. This evening we have the chance to savour a dinner of pizza, in a typical Sienese restaurant. (B/L) Stay: La Certosa di Pontignano (or similar)
Bathed in the golden glow of the Tuscan sun, there's no better way to uncover this historical region than by tasting it. Today we'll hop on our bikes to ride from Radda to Gaiole to visit local vineyards and explore Chianti wineries, and discover for ourselves this rich ruby red tipple the locals have been perfecting here for centuries.
Another place famous for its wine, next we head to the enchanting hilltop town of San Gimignano. Known as the Town of Fine Towers, it's yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its medieval architecture & sweeping views of the entire Chianti valley. Once you've stopped staring there'll be free time to explore, have dinner and, hey why not, maybe another glass of wine? (B)
Our destination today is home to red roofs, Renaissance architecture and rustic cuisine. Florence is often referred to as a 'walking museum', and today we'll find out why. With a locally guided walking tour, we'll explore the city on foot, swooning at Giotto's Bell Tower and the remarkable architectural feat that is the Duomo, pausing at the stalls and jewellry shops on the Ponte Vecchio and posing for a selfie with the replica statue of David (fig leaf and all).
This afternoon we'll have the chance to get involved with local handicrafts at a leather craft demonstration, part of Florence's artisan history, learning about this ancient tradition from a master craftsman and using the opportunity to customise your own leather accessory.
Later there'll be free time for more sightseeing, shopping or food, and meat-eaters won't want to miss the chance to sample a Bistecca Fiorentina, a Tuscan speciality. Before we leave the city today don't forget to touch the nose of ‘Il Porcellino', the bronze boar in Piazza del Mercato, the traditional way to make sure you return to Florence! (B)
We can't be in this part of the world without a sneaky visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Depriving you of the chance to perfect the ‘holding-up-the-tower' shot would be criminal. Our visit includes a locally guided tour. We'll stop for lunch in lovely Lucca, with its charming piazzas, Renaissance architecture and historic cafes. You can choose to sample wines at the local vineyards here. Or stroll the well-preserved 16th century walls surround the historic centre and cobbled streets, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a cycle followed by a cheeky gelato.
Further south you can choose to find some dinner in Montalcino, another beautiful historic town known for – you guessed it – the production of delicious red wine. Don't go knocking this one back too easily though, thanks to its individual grape variety, Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy's priciest wines... (B)
Contiki Tours
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