zHeart of Italy

You’ll be met upon arrival in Rome and escorted to the Rose Garden Palace Hotel, ideally located in the heart of the Eternal City just off the Via Veneto. Our local Roman host will be on hand to provide some informative information to enhance your stay in the Eternal City.

Join your experienced Roman guide this morning for a tour of the Vatican Museums, home to one of the world’s greatest collections of art and antiquity. Ascend the beautiful Spiral Staircase and marvel at the Gallery of the Tapestries. You’ll also visit the fascinating Gallery of Geographical Maps and, of course, the famous Sistine Chapel with its magnificent fresco of the Last Judgment by Michelangelo. Your sightseeing ends with a guided visit of St. Peter’s Basilica. Begun in the middle of the 15th century, the world’s largest church was built over a span of more than 100 years by the greatest architects of the time. After your guided tour, you can linger on to explore more of the area at your own pace or make your way back to the Rose Garden Palace Hotel where the rest of your afternoon is free to do as you wish. This evening, experience a genuine slice of Roman life when you dine in the home of a local family.  Meals B+D

After breakfast, you’ll set out along the historic Via Dei Laghi (Road of Lakes). Traveling through the lovely countryside, you’ll come to Castelgandolfo, the Pope’s summer residence since the 17th century. Here in this lovely village, we’ve made arrangement for a very special culinary experience at Pagnanelli, an enchanting lakeside restaurant that has been welcoming distinguished guests since 1882. Your visit begins as the owner guides you through his wine cellar, where you’ll see thousands of bottles of the world’s finest wines and vintages. Then join the chef in his kitchen for a hands-on cooking class featuring classic Roman dishes.  Lunch will be accompanied by a wine tasting guided by Pagnanelli’s knowledgeable sommelier. Return to Rome where the rest of your day will be free to enjoy at you wish.  Meals B+L

Journey into Umbria and check in to the wonderful Borgobrufa Spa Resort, surrounded by rolling hills of ancient vineyards and olive groves. Your destination is the medieval town of Torgiano. After time to refresh, visit the unusual Wine and Olive Oil Museum to learn about the region’s ancient wine culture. Tonight, you’ll sample the fine cuisine of your hotel’s celebrated kitchen.  Meals B+D

Your guided exploration of the region begins in the nearby town of Assisi, hailed for splendid examples of medieval architecture like the Basilica of St. Francis – embellished with marvelous frescoes by Giotto. In Perugia, you’ll wander with your guide along cobblestone streets graced with the medieval homes of noble families. Today, historic Perugia is also a friendly university town filled with the energy of its younger residents. Before returning to Torgiano, you’ll also discover the evocative charms and fine architecture of two more Umbrian towns: Spello, with its ancient stone houses and small-town charm, and Todi, perched on a two-crested hill overlooking the Tiber River. This evening, you’ll sit down to another elegant dinner with wine.  Meals B+D

Travel to the nearby town of Montefalco to visit the Arnaldo Caprai Winery, one of Italy’s finest. Enjoy a tour of this lovely vineyard estate and sample some of the fine wines including its esteemed Montefalco Sagrantino, the perfect complement to a delightful lunch featuring fresh countryside fare. This afternoon, you’ll have ample time to enjoy the historic ambience of Torgiano and your hotel.  Meals B+L+D

After breakfast, you’ll depart Torgiano for a scenic drive into the Val D’Orcia. Regarded as one of Tuscany’s most picturesque valleys, this is a region of rolling hills, medieval hilltop towns, avenues of Cypress trees, olive groves and vineyards. Arriving in Siena, you’ll enjoy a guided walking tour including the Piazza del Camp; built on the site of an ancient Roman market, this impressive town square has been the heart of Siena’s social and civic life since the 12th century. You’ll also visit the Siena Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece built of gleaming white marble in the 13th and 14th centuries. Continue to Florence and check in to the Hotel Santa Maria Novella in the heart of this historic city. Later this evening, our engaging Florentine guide will take you to dinner at one of his favorite local restaurants.  Meals B+D

Today’s guided excursion showcases the wines and culinary delights of Italy’s beautiful and world famous Chianti region. In the historic town of Greve, you’ll be treated to a sampling of the traditional salamis and cheeses of Antica Macelleria Falorni, founded in 1729. You’ll also stop at an historic vineyard estate for a cellar tour, wine tasting and lunch. Back in Florence, our experienced host will be happy to offer personal recommendations for your final dinner in this wonderful city.  Meals B+L

This morning’s walking tour with our native-born Florentine expert reveals the Renaissance glory of this beloved city. Walk through the lovely Piazza della Signoria and marvel at the historic Duomo complex including the gilded bronze doors of the Baptistery and the spectacular dome designed by Brunelleschi. In the famed Accademia Gallery, you’ll see famous Renaissance masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David.  Meals B

You’ll be escorted to the airport or rail station for your onward journey.  Meals B