Two of the most photographed and requested regions of Italy are Tuscany and Umbria. In 2021, we have designed for your pleasure a 7 night vacation featuring the ancient hamlet of Cetona, the fortified medieval borgo Citta' della Pieve, and the Etermal City, Rome. Explore the verdant Chianti countryside where the Crete Senesi and Val d'Orcia give birth to majestic cypress trees, fragrant olive groves, vineyards, and breathtaking views. These spectacular vistas are the inspiration for the background scenes in numerous Renaissance paintings by great masters such as Leonardo da Vinci. Explore Umbria, the green heart of Italy, characterized by rolling hills, quaint medieval hilltop towns, natural wonders and historic landmarks. Umbria is also known for its wines, charcuterie, tasty truffles and wild mushrooms.
Included Features
- Pick up and drop off in Rome your self-drive car rental, including unlimited free mileage and all taxes and insurance. (Category CDMR FIAT 500X for 1 or 2 guests, Category CWMR PEUGEOT 308 Station Wagon for 3 to 5 guests, Category FVMR Volkswagen Caravelle Comfortline Van for 6 to 8 guests)
- Three nights in the medieval hamlet of Cetona at the boutique country inn Locanda di Cetona
- Two nights in the medieval borgo of Citta’ della Pieve at the boutique villa Hotel Vannucci
- Two nights in the Eternal City, Rome at the Hotel Centrale or Columbia
- Welcome Aperitivo in Cetona
- Daily buffet breakfast, hotel taxes, and service charges
- One two hour “hands on” cooking demonstration with Celebrity Chef Nilo at the Michelin-starred Osteria Vecchia in Cetona, followed by lunch with wine
- Visit the Fratteria di Padre Eligio, a former Franciscan Monastery from 1212, for a visit followed by lunch
- One hour guided visit of the Anthropological Museum in Cetona
- Eco Tour, wine, EVO olive oil tasting at the Castello di Montevibiano Vecchio
- One two hour culinary lesson in the Zafferano Restaurant of the Hotel Vannucci followed by lunch with wine
- Wine tasting at the historic underground Vittoria Wine Cellar in Citta’ della Pieve
- Private two hour guided walking tour of Assisi
- Small group walking tour of the Colosseum and Forum with skip the line access
- Private car, van transfer Rome hotel/Rome Fiumicino Airport
Itinerary
DAY 1 – ROME/CETONA
Welcome Cocktail
Independent arrival in Rome’s Leonardo Da Vinci Airport, Rome Termini Rail Station. Pick up your selected car or van rental and self-drive to the verdant Valdichiana. Check in and room assignment at the boutique Locanda di Cetona. Time to relax before enjoying a Welcome Cocktail at the panoramic bar overlooking the piazza. Overnight.
DAY 2 – CETONA
Breakfast/Cooking Class/Lunch
Buffet breakfast at the inn before strolling to the nearby Anthropological Museum of Cetona for a guided visit of the fascinating prehistoric collection of artifacts. Continue to the Michelin starred Osteria Vecchia, a beautiful rustic 17th century restaurant where celebrities and royalty choose to dine. Enjoy a private two hour cooking demonstration with the owner chef, Nilo, followed by lunch with wine.
DAY 3 - CETONA
Breakfast/Lunch at Padre Egidio’s Fratteria
Buffet breakfast at hotel and stroll or self-drive to the Mondo X Community. After a zealous and detailed restoration inspired by Padre Eligio, inside the wonderful convent of Saint Francis, La Frateria was created to offer moments of tranquility, reflection and peace to those who feel the need.
Padre Eligio’s “La Frateria” has been created in one of the most beautiful monuments made by man, the convent of Saint Francis, founded by the Saint in 1212, an example of late middle ages convent life, still intact. All the great Saints, disciples of Saint Francis, have passed through this place, remarkable for its peacefulness, the marvels of the woods, fields and valleys of ancient Tuscany. After 17 years of extremely careful restoration, carried out by young volunteers and convent residents, its beauty and vocation has returned to the convent. Today, it is home to a community of young people, one of 40 that Mondo X has realized in 40 years of tenacious labor. Enjoy lunch prepared by the community residents with wine.
DAY 4 – CETONA/MONTEVIBIANO VECCHIO/CITTA’ DELLA PIEVE
Breakfast/Eco Tour/Wine & Olive Oil Tasting
Buffet breakfast at the country inn and check out. Self-drive to neighboring Umbria, the region lovingly referred to as the “Green Heart” of Italy. Stop at the Castello di MontevibianoVecchio for a fascinating Eco Tour of the estate by electric jeep. Your visit starts with a warm welcome by your hosts, Daisy and Cristiano. After a brief explanation, drive over to the vineyard and take in the history and landscape. Return to the wine cellar and proceed on a guided walking tour of the cellars and ancient barrels. Following the visit, indulge in a rustic
wine-and olive oil tasting in a fantastic setting. Proceed to nearby Citta’ della Pieve for check in and room assignment at the boutique Hotel Vanucci, recently restored by expertly crafted by local artisans.
DAY 5 – CITTA’ DELLA PIEVE
Breakfast/Cooking Class/Lunch
Buffet breakfast at hotel and join Chef Vito Quarto the hotel’s Zafferano Restaurant for a hands on cooking class with English instruction followed by lunch with wine with your creations. The cooking class will be tailored for those who wish to broaden their knowledge of local Umbrian culinary traditions. Balance of the day at leisure.
DAY 6 – CITTA’ DELLA PIEVE/ASSISI/ROME
Breakfast/Wine Tasting
Buffet breakfast at hotel and stroll over to the Cantina Vittoria situated in the basement of the hotel. Enjoy an informative wine tasting at the hotel’s exclusive cellar featuring the best Umbrian wines. Check out and self-drive to the City of St. Francis, Assisi. Stop for a guided
DAY 7 – CITTA’ DELLA PIEVE/ASSISI/ROME
Breakfast/Wine Tasting
Buffet breakfast at hotel and stroll over to the Cantina Vittoria situated in the basement of the hotel. Enjoy an informative wine tasting at the hotel’s exclusive cellar featuring the best Umbrian wines. Check out and self-drive to the City of St. Francis, Assisi. Stop for a guided walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site before continuing to the Eternal City, Rome. Return your self-drive car and check in at the selected hotel.
DAY 7 – ROME
Breakfast
Buffet breakfast at hotel and depart for a small group walking tour of Ancient Imperial Rome, highlighting the Circus Maximus, the Arch of Constantine, Trajan’s Column, the Roman and Imperial Forums and an interior visit to the Colosseum with skip the line access. Balance of the day is at leisure. Overnight.
DAY 8 – DEPARTURE
Breakfast
Buffet breakfast at hotel and check out. Private car transfer to Rome’s Leonardo Da Vinci Airport for your return flight home, or extend your stay!
Accommodation, Departure Dates and Prices
PREMIUM PACKAGE
Locanda di Cetona in Cetona
Vanucci Hotel in Citta' della Pieve
Centrale, Columbia Hotel in Rome
Or Similar
PRICING PER PERSON
VALID FOR TRAVEL MARCH 1, 2021- JUNE 30, 2021 & SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 - OCTOBER 31, 2021
PARTY SIZE PREMIUM PACKAGE
2 Participants $1,749.00
3 Participants $1,699.00
4 Participants $1,669.00
6 Participants $1,649.00
8 Participants $1,599.00
Single Supplement $ 800.00
VALID FOR TRAVEL JULY 1, 2021 - AUGUST 31, 2021
PARTY SIZE PREMIUM PACKAGE
2 Participants $1,699.00
3 Participants $1,659.00
4 Participants $1,599.00
6 Participants $1,549.00
8 Participants $1,499.00
Single Supplement $ 800.00
Extra nights at any of the included hotels are available upon request at a supplementary cost bnased on travel dates. Vacation may be personalized to suit. Larger parties welcome. Please contact us for a price quote and details.