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From Rome’s monumental Colosseum to Florence’s art masterpieces to a Tuscany tour of medieval hill towns, this week in Italy is filled with classic sights. One of the highlights of this one-week Umbria and Tuscany tour is a guided visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, an opportunity to contemplate the inspirational treasures. Art historians and local guides provide the inside story behind Florence’s art masterpieces, notably at the Uffizi Gallery. A high-speed train from Florence to Rome sets the stage for sights such as the Roman Forum, Circus Maximus, and ornate fountains at the center of piazzas. In Tuscany tour the countryside and preserved ancient hill towns like Siena, and in Umbria tour towns such as Orvieto and Todi. In Rome – well, do as the Romans do!

Day 1: Medieval hill towns
Your one-week Umbria and Tuscany tour departs at 9:30 AM from Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino. Travel north to Orvieto, set on a 984-foot plateau overlooking vineyards below. Enjoy lunch at a trattoria. See the Duomo of Orvieto, a notable Romanesque-Gothic cathedral built over a span of 300 years. View the scenic Tiber Valley en route to the medieval hill town of Todi. One of Umbria's most unique hill towns, Todi's commanding position atop its hill demonstrates its positioning as a Roman stronghold – as well as its place in mythology as it was built by Hercules. You will be staying at one of Italy's most charming hotels – and as it's the only hotel in the center of town, you'll feel as if you live there when wandering through the quaint streets. Get to know your fellow travelers at a welcome cocktail reception and dinner.
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Fonte Cesia, Todi, Italy

Day 2: Medieval musings in Assisi
Visit Assisi, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its art and architecture. A highlight is the Basilica di San Francesco, the burial place of St. Francis, the beloved patron saint of animals. A local expert shares insights on the Basilica’s 13th- and 14th-century frescoes, then you'll have some time to stroll the cobblestone lanes on your own. Attend a wine tasting at the osteria of a famed winery before you return to the ancient Etruscan town of Todi later in the day. Todi's piazza is one of the most picturesque in all of Italy, and is often used as a movie set. Enjoy the pleasures of small-town Italian life this evening!
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Hotel Fonte Cesia, Todi, Italy

Day 3: In Tuscany tour Siena, another hill town
Travel to Siena, and visit the Duomo, one of Italy’s great cathedrals, with scenes inlaid in the marble floors and sculpture by Michelangelo. See the Piazza del Campo where the Palio bareback horse race is held. Travel to Florence, where your first stop is at the Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s marble statue of David standing nearly 17 feet tall, a Tuscany tour highlight. In the evening, hear a lecture by a local art historian.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Plaza Hotel Lucchesi, Florence, Italy

Day 4: A local expert talks art and architecture in Florence
A guided walking tour with a local expert takes you to the landmark sights in Florence, and precedes a tour of the Uffizi Gallery, one of Italy’s greatest art museums. Gaze in wonder at works by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Sandro Botticelli, and more. Your afternoon is free in Florence, exploring the Renaissance city as you please.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Plaza Hotel Lucchesi, Florence, Italy

Day 5: Ancient and modern Rome – and a gelato
Travel by high-speed Eurostar train to Rome. A walking tour with a local guide invites you to make a wish at the Trevi Fountain; contemplate the Spanish Steps; admire the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola; and feel like you're once again in ancient Rome when you see the well-preserved Pantheon. You'll feel like you've truly arrived in Rome when you stop for a gelato (Italian ice cream) – the full, rich flavor is sublime!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Hotel Majestic, Rome, Italy

Day 6: A visit to the treasures of Vatican City
Your morning is free to spend as you please before this afternoon's visit to the Vatican. This guided tour explores the rich treasures of the Vatican Museums including the Candelabra Gallery, the Map Gallery, and the Tapestries. A highlight is a visit to the Sistine Chapel where you'll view Michelangelo’s frescoes of The Last Judgement on the altar and Genesis on the ceiling. There's a good chance that today will be one of the most memorable days on this Florence, Rome, Umbria and Tuscany tour.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Hotel Majestic, Rome, Italy

Day 7: A day well-spent in Rome
First up is a view of the Roman Forum (from above), and a tour of the Colosseum, opened in 80 AD for gladiator battles. You'll also view the art and architecture of St. Peter’s Basilica, and visit St. Peter's Square. The remainder of the day is clear to pursue whatever interests you most in Rome. Join us this evening to share favorite moments of the week at a farewell cocktail reception and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Majestic, Rome, Italy

Day 8: Arrivederci Italy
Umbria and Tuscany tour ends at 7:30 AM at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino. If you are departing at other times, you must secure your own transportation to the airport. You should allow 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in.
Meals: Breakfast

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Night 1 & 2: Hotel Fonte Cesia
Todi, Italy

The only hotel set in the heart of medieval Todi, charming Hotel Fonte Cesia is the result of a detailed renovation of a noble palace dating from the 17th century. Its Le Palme restaurant is worthy of special note as the dining rooms are located in elegant rooms featuring the cross and domed vaults of the ancient palace. Parts of the original frescos that decorated this noble home are still seen today. The restaurant’s delightful terrace faces the center of Todi.    

Night 3 & 4: Plaza Hotel Lucchesi
Florence, Italy

Located on the banks for the Arno River in the heart of Florence near Santa Croce, the Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery, the Plaza Hotel Lucchesi is one of the city’s loveliest historic hotels. Completely renovated in 2000, it offers every contemporary comfort and amenity in an atmosphere of classic grace. The well-regarded La Serra restaurant offers a fine Tuscan menu with an emphasis on fresh produce in season. The spacious guest rooms are nicely appointed and comfortable.    

Night 5, 6 & 7: Hotel Majestic, Rome
Rome, Italy

A jewel of neoclassic elegance built in 1889, Hotel Majestic, Rome is set on the renowned Via Veneto within walking distance of the Spanish Steps and the Villa Borghese Gardens. This intriguing hotel was constructed in the shape of a piano to accommodate a bend in the Via Veneto; its distinctive antiques and fresco-adorned ceilings make it a special place to stay. Welcoming guestrooms, with their unique combinations of fabrics used for drapes and bedspreads, feature either queen- or king-size beds, air conditioning, direct dial phone, satellite and cable TV channels, hair dryer, safe, mini-bar and Carrara marble bathroom. The Fitness Center, available to guests 24-hours a day, is equipped with the latest in exercise equipment. La Ninfa restaurant, offering local Roman and Italian and cocktails on the terrace in a cozy, informal atmosphere, is one of Rome’s best-kept secrets. A part of the scenery in Fellini’s Dolce Vita, it has long been a favorite choice of royalty and celebrities.

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