Tuscan Escape (7 Days)

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. Next we’ll cross the River Tiber to taste our way through Trastevere on a guided foodie walking tour, sampling pizza, gelato, 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.

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.

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 Gaiole to a local vineyard where we'll discover for ourselves this rich ruby red tipple the locals have been perfecting here for centuries followed by a visit to a local butchers to sample meat and cheeses. 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?