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ONE WEEK IN ITALY TOUR - Escorted Italy Tours

Rates & Dates    •    Tour Overview    •    Includes    •    Itinerary
Information Request Form   • I Reservation Form

CLICK HERE FOR RATES & DATES » ONE WEEK IN ITALY TOUR  Limited to 14 people. TOURING: LAZIO, TUSCANY, UMBRIA REGIONS  CORTONA, ORVIETO, MONTERIGGIONI, ASSISI, FLORENCE, PIENZA, BAGNO VIGNONI, SIENA, SAN GIMIGNANO, CHIANTI - GREVE & CASTELLINA-IN-CHIANTI, MONTALCINO, CIVITA DI BAGNOREGIO Tour Overview & Highlights: Join Well Arranged Travel on one of our fabulous escorted Italy tours. The best of Italian art, history, architecture and cuisine in one week.  This is a fabulous women only vacation getaway to Italy.  In this small group tour of Italy you will travel to ancient hilltop towns like Cortona and Monteriggioni, UNESCO World Heritage sites like Pienza, picturesque vineyards in Chianti and medieval walled cities like Siena and San Gimignano. You will see Etruscan and Roman ruins in cities like Orvieto and Assisi, and colorful markets and Renaissance churches scattered all over Tuscany and Florence.  You will also see a very unique site, Civita di Bagnoregio, a tiny village in Lazio. You will sample renowned wines and cheeses as you enjoy the Lazio, Tuscan and Umbrian landscapes, especially the vineyards and olive groves. The women's trip to Italy begins and ends in Florence, an important cultural center, where you will have the opportunity to see such famous works of art as Michelangelo’s Statue of David, Masaccio's oil paintings and Giotto's frescoes. Departure & Arrival Airport: Florence airport NOTE: These upscale or luxury Italy tours traveling to Tuscany, Umbria, Lazio and all the tours posted on our web site can be secured as a private tour for your own group.  Travel dates according to your desired dates. NOTE: Pre-tour and post-tour accommodations are available. Arrive early or depart later. We’ll make all the arrangements for you. VIEW Rates & Dates »

Tour Includes: 8 Days of Land Tour Comfortable, Charming and Centrally Located Hotels 3 Dinners and 2 Lunches with Wine Services of Tour Manager Throughout The Tour Licensed Local Guides for Walking Tours of Florence, Assisi, Orvieto Wine Tasting in Montalcino Tour of Accademia Museum Visit to Etruscan Museum Transportation to all Planned Activities Entrance fees to all scheduled museums and sites Airport transfer on Arrival Day Gratuities to all services, except to your tour manager. Not Included: Gratuity to your Tour Manager/Escort Airport transfer on Departure Day in Florence

INFORMATION REQUEST FORM ›        •        RESERVATION FORM ›

ITINERARY
Note:  Activities or order of activities are subject to change due to unforeseen closures, etc.  We reserve the right to replace an activity.
(B = Breakfast, L = Lunch,  D = Dinner)

DAY 1:
Arrival in Florence, Transfer to Siena, Welcome Dinner, Overnight in Siena
You will arrive at the airport in Florence.  Your tour manager will meet you at the airport in Florence and escort you to Siena, where we will be based for the next 2 nights.

A short orientation tour will get you acquainted with this walled city and get you comfortable enough to explore it on your own. Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has one of the most beautiful squares in Italy. The fan-shaped Piazza del Campo has a 14th-century tower and a beautiful cathedral featuring valuable artworks by Donatello, Bernini and Michelangelo. Visit the adjoining Piccolomini library for its stunning colorful frescoes. An orientation stroll is planned late afternoon, followed by our welcome dinner.  (D)

DAY 2:
Castellina in Chianti, Greve, Monteriggioni, Overnight in Siena

Today, we will follow the scenic Chianti road to Greve, another famous wine-producing town. We will stop briefly here to enjoy the town square and wine shop which houses a small wine museum.  You will have opportunity to purchase wine and olive oil if interested.

From here, we will continue our tour of Tuscany and stop in Castellina in Chianti, a town of Etruscan origin that goes back to 7th century B.C.  On the way back to Siena, we will stop and tour sleepy Monteriggioni, once a fortress and now a walled medieval village. (B)

DAY 3:

San Gimignano, Farm Visit With Wine Sampling, Overnight in Pienza

Our day trip today will take us to San Gimignano, one of Italy's most well-preserved medieval towns, known for its beautiful towers and the white wine called Vernaccia.  You will explore this walled hilltop town ahave free time to stroll the medieval streets, shop and photograph the picturesque valley the town overlooks. 

After the visit into the town, we will stop at a family-owned farm where they raise cattle and grow everything from saffron to olives and grapes. Wonderful wine, olive oils, cured meats and honey are produced on the farm, and we'll have lunch on their terrace, accompanied by San Gimignano's great white wine called Vernaccia and a wonderful red produced by the family. The view here is incredible.  You can see the hill-top town of San Gimignano past the valley and beyond. A lunch here is just perfect, an experience not to be missed.  You're on your own for dinner, but as always, your tour manager is happy to join you or make restaurant recommendations. (B, L)

DAY 4:
Montalcino, Wine Tasting, Sant’Antimo Abbey & Monks’ Gregorian Chants, Bagno Vignoni, Overnight in Pienza
This morning we will travel through scenic Tuscan countryside to reach Montalcino, whose acclaimed vineyards produce Brunello di Montalcino. We will tour a winery renowned for this fabulous red wine and sample some of the fruits of the vine.  You will have free time to enjoy this town, enjoy a leisurely lunch on your own and buy some wine to savor later.

In the afternoon, we will continue traveling Tuscany's backroads to reach the Romanesque Abbey of Sant'Antimo, an unforgettable 9th-century Benedictine monastery.  It is a simple yet magnificent stone church, set amongst the field of olive trees.  If we are lucky we will arrive in time to hear the monks, clad in their white robes, chant their prayers in Latin at the altar.

After visiting the abbey, we will head to the little town of Bagno Vignoni, famous for its thermal waters since Roman times. We will return to Pienza, where you will have the evening to explore and have dinner on your own.  As always, your tour manager is available if want company. (B, L)

DAY 5:
Orvieto, Civita di Bagnoregio, Overnight in Pienza

Today, we continue our wanderings to the village of Civita di Bagnoregio in Lazio. We will cross a 300-meter bridge to reach the earthquake-prone village, only accessible by foot.

Our group will also tour Orvieto, an ancient Umbrian hill town dramatically situated atop volcanic tufa rock. Our guided walking tour of this charming medieval town features a beautiful Gothic cathedral and chapel where pilgrims and art lovers alike come to see Luca Signorelli's colorful frescoes vividly depicting the Apocalypse. Orvieto is just as interesting below ground as it is above, with Etruscan and medieval caves, and the underground remains of an old olive press, for example. Orvieto is also famous for its museums, ceramics, and wines (most notably the Orvieto Classico). Enjoy exploring this beautiful town on your own after the tour.  Lunch and dinner on your own.  (B, D)

DAY 6:
Assisi, Cortona, Overnight in Pienza

This morning, our Italy tour will take us to Umbria, to magical Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis, patron saint of the animals. A guided walking tour of this spectacular city of Assisi, built up the steep slopes of Mount Subasio, includes the tomb and Basilica of St. Francis, famous for Giotto's brilliant frescoes depicting the saint's life. Our group will also travel through time through Assisi’s various historical sites, from the Temple of Minerva and Piazza del Comune, both built two millennia ago, to a thirteenth-century church called Chiesa di Santa Chiara. Free time to explore and lunch on your own after the walking tour.

In the afternoon, this Italy small group tour will also visit Cortona, one of the oldest hill towns and best-preserved Etruscan cities in Tuscany. As you follow Cortona’s meandering medieval walls, you will be treated to magnificent views of vineyards, olive groves and Lake Trasimeno. As you explore Cortona’s charming medieval streets, it will be clear why it was chosen as the setting for the movie “Under The Tuscan Sun.”   Free time on your own; group dinner in the evening. (B)

DAY 7:
Walking Tour of Florence, Accademia Museum,
Overnight in Florence

Prepare to leave the countryside of Tuscany for our next destination, Florence.  When we arrive our group will have  a walking tour of Florence with a licensed local guide covering some of the city’s history and architectural treasures including the beautiful Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Santa Croce and more. You will also visit the Accademia museum where you will view some of Michelangelo’s works, including the famous Statue of David.

You are free after our lunch to explore Florence on your own. Visit the Uffizi Gallery, the Bargello or the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens. Your tour manager is available for company to stroll, shop or tour other sights with you.  NOTE: Advanced reservations are needed at the Uffizi Gallery. We are can make reservations for you, if you’re interested.

This is our last night together. A wonderful Farewell Dinner in planned.  (B, D) 

DAY 8:
Departure for Home.
Prepare for your flight home. (B)

NOTE:  Ask us about our 3-day pre and post tours to Rome and Venice.

OPTIONAL 3-DAY TOUR OF Rome

(Pre-Tour Option)

Day 1:

Arrival in Rome, Ancient Rome Tour, Overnight in Rome

Our driver guide will meet you at the airport upon arrival and take you to your fabulous hotel in Rome.  After you check in and have lunch, you will have a guided tour of Rome.  Rome's fascinating history will come alive as our excellent tour guide shows Rome's Colosseum, forum, arch of Constantine and more.  NOTE: If your flight does not allow you do this guided Ancient Rome tour on your arrival day, you can do the tour on Day 2 or early on Day 3.

Day 2:

Private Tour of Vatican With Expert Tour Guide, Overnight in Rome

Our tour guide in Rome will pick you up at the hotel early in the morning for your guided tour of the Vatican museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. 

Day 3:

Last Day in Rome

Explore on your own and prepare to depart for your next destination.

OPTIONAL 3-DAY TOUR OF VENICE

(Post Tour Option)

Day 1:

Arrival in Venice, Venice Walking Tour: St. Mark's Square, The Duomo, Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs and More, Doge's Palace

You will take the train from Florence to Venice.   Our tour escort will meet you at the airport and take you to your charming hotel in Venice via a private boat.  After you check in and lunch, you will have a guided tour of Venice's St. Mark's Square, the Basilica and Doge's Palace.   See the ancient political and administrative center of the Republic of Venice, the Doge's Palace -the seat of the government including the prison and the famous Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark's Basilica with its gold mosaics.

Day 2:  

Leisure Day,  Overnight in Venice

You are free to explore Venice on your own.  We suggest a quick visit to Peggy Guggenheim museum.  The museum is in a mansion, her old home on the Grand Canal.  It is located in a nice and quieter part of Venice away from the busiest part of Venice.   (B)

Day 3:

Last Day in Venice, Prepare for Your Flight Home

Have breakfast and enjoy Venice one last time.  (B)

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