Tuscan & Umbrian Countryside

Rome is the capital of modern Italy and the historical home of one of the great civilizations in history, the Roman Empire. The historical city was founded in 753 BC and has grown to a size of over 3 million inhabitants today. The city is home to major monuments like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and many more. The city was built on the seven ancient hills along the Tiber River. Today it is a collection of neighborhoods with vibrant shops, restaurants and museums just waiting to be explored.

Spoleto dates back to the Roman period when it experienced great wealth as a city on the Via Flaminia. Today visitors can see Roman monuments, like the theatre, intertwined into the fabric of the hill town. The city is dominated by a grand castle perched at the top of the hill and its elegant cathedral, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin. The church houses an original letter from Saint Francis of Assisi. The streets of the city pass grand palaces and hidden piazzas just waiting to be explored.

Join us on a guided walking tour of the town of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Here you'll discover a blend of Roman ruins, winding medieval streets and beautiful churches that make this a must-see destination. Once a pilgrimage site and historical treasure, Assisi offers you the chance to return to another time. With a history that stretches back to 1000 B.C. (predating the Roman Empire), the town rests among the gently rolling hills of Umbria. Marvel at the Basilica of San Francesco, find an out-of-the-way shop, look out at the stunning landscape, or sit and relax at a quiet café.

Come to know daily life in the Italian countryside when visiting a local family’s home in Umbria. The family invites us into their home to share stories of rural life in Italy. During your visit you are treated to a leisurely lunch with an array of regional specialties and local wine. A homemade meal of fresh locally-grown products awaits. Perhaps you will dine on a delightful fresh bruschetta, followed by a traditional pasta course, then feast on a savory main course of roast pork, and cap off your meal with a delectable tiramisu. This is an experience of building new friendships highlighted by the tastes of Mamma’s kitchen.

The city of Siena is a charming hill town in central Tuscany with a city center that has masterfully preserved its medieval architecture. The city radiates out over three hills from its central piazza called Il Campo which is home to Siena’s famous Palio - a horse race and medieval festival that occurs twice a year. Siena strikes the perfect balance as a city that welcomes the students studying at their university, locals conducting their business and tourists taking in the many sights.

Florence is the regional capital of Tuscany and home to countless Renaissance masterpieces. The city developed great wealth during the late Middle Ages and was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance that produced great artists like Michelangelo, Raphael, Brunelleschi and many others. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with numerous museums, stunning architecture and charming piazzas. The city offers something for everyone from culture, to great food and excellent shopping (like their famous gold or leather).

San Gimignano is a picturesque hill town in the central part of Tuscany. The town developed great wealth in the middle ages and was home to 70 plus medieval towers. Today, only a handful of the towers are still intact, but at least one is open to the public. The hilltop location allows for beautiful panoramic views over the Tuscan Countryside. The town is also home to shops that sell a variety of Tuscan goods from pottery to wine, cheese and wild boar salami.