Italy From Tuscany to Umbria

Depart home on your overnight flight to Florence (FLR). You will want to land by early afternoon tomorrow to take part in the first evening of the program (see below). (meals on plane)

The hotel can be reached via a taxi ride from the airport. Check in time is approximately 3PM, relax after the flight. Go on a brief walking tour late this afternoon or early evening with your photo leader. There will be a brief introductory meeting followed by a welcome reception.

The next day explore the heart of Florence with Nancy and your local guide. You may wish to rise early to capture sunrise on Florence’s Duomo. After breakfast meet with your local guide to the famous Ponte Vecchio, the most popular and oldest bridge that spans the Arno River. Florence’s town square, the Piazza della Signoria, has been the heart of political life since the fourteenth century. The Piazza also is home to the Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace), built in the thirteenth century, and the Uffizi Gallery. Later this evening, capture the sunset and the streetlights lining the bridges across the Arno. Overnight Florence (D; B, L)

Please note: The art of enjoying an Italian meal can take time, if you prefer to grab a light bite and meet with the group later, feel free to request time and place to meet with the group.

On your way to Umbria today you will have photo stops outside Pienza for must have photographs of winding Tuscan roads and cypress trees. Move on to Umbria, Italy’s only landlocked region – something of an undiscovered jewel. Because of the Tiber River basin, Umbria is considered the fertile, “green heart of Italy.” The region produces magnificent crops of olives, grapes, and wheat every year. It has a long tradition of print and ceramic creations. Perugia, the capital of the Umbria region, is a lively medieval walled hill town with historic buildings, squares, and modern shops. Staying in the heart of this city allows for early morning and evening exploration on foot to capture the architectural details in soft light.

Day trips by coach, take you to Umbria’s most picturesque towns, such as Assisi, Spello, Orvieto and perhaps Todi or Spoleto. Assisi has several interesting churches and Roman ruins in its walled medieval center. South of Perugia lies Orvieto and Spoleto. Each steeped in history and architecture. Orvieto, sitting precariously on a limestone cliff, offers spectacular views. Its stunning duomo with its mosaic facade is one of the best medieval monuments in Italy. Spoleto has Etruscan, Roman, and medieval sites, including its most famous, Ponte delle Torri or Bridge of Towers.  You will also visit a location where famous Deruta ceramics are produced. Overnight Perugia (B, D; B; B, L; B)

Your last evenings will be spent at a Villa located in the heart of Chianti. Today, more than sixty percent of Chianti remains forested, as there are strict limits on how much land can be cultivated. The hamlet of Monterenaldi is nearby on a quiet country road that winds through vineyards and farms. Day trips allow you to visit a number of Tuscany’s most picturesque towns, such as Radda in Chianti, Volpaia, Montefioralle, Greve in Chianti, Castellina, Monteriggioni, one of the most perfectly preserved fortified villages in all of Italy.  San Gimignano is one of the most picturesque of the Italian hill towns, known as the “city of the beautiful towers”. Fourteen of the seventy original towers remain, giving the town a striking appearance. Enjoy home cooked dinners at your villa each evening, and time for photography and tastings at a local winery for lunch one day. Overnights Tuscany (B & D each day, one L)

Flights typically depart Florence noon or after, therefore you will depart after breakfast for the airport. If your airline schedule of choice departs early in the morning, please contact Strabo Tours for options on additional arrangements. (B)