Tuscany & Rome Experience Upgrade
From the countryside to the capital
Experience Italy's most raved-about areas on this once-in-a-lifetime self-drive vacation! Start out in the hills of Tuscany, studded with charming terracotta villas, fragrant cypress trees, and old storybook towns. In-between vineyards and olive groves, spend your days in the Tuscan cities of Florence, Siena, Lucca, and Pisa! Next, drive down to the Eternal City to check iconic sites off your Roman bucket-list. Come face-to-face with the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, St. Peter's Basilica, and more! You'll also enjoy included perks with this upgraded package. Now that's amore.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Rome (FCO)
- Manual shift intermediate car rental for the duration
- 5 nights in Tuscany at the at La Fattoria Degli Usignoli Apartments or similar
- 3 nights near Rome (Frascati) at the Grand Hotel Fleming or similar
PLUS!
- Wine Tasting at Castello di Meleto
- Rome City Sightseeing Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Pass (24 hours)
- La Fattoria Degli Usignoli Pizza Making Class
Great Ways to Explore
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Having your own car allows you to stop whenever and wherever your heart desires. See something cool while driving? Pull on over and check it out!
- Taste the difference between Tuscan and Roman cuisines! From pizza and pasta, to crostini and cannoli, the food in Italy is some of the best in the world.
-
Indulge in tastings at local wineries in Tuscany and Frascati.
-
Compare the Renaissance city of Florence to the "Eternal City" of Rome.
-
Check tons of sites off your bucket-list, like the Colosseum in Rome, the Leaning Tower in Pisa, and the Duomo in Florence!
Get ready to road trip through two of Italy's most sought-after destinations: Rome and Tuscany! Take photos in-front of iconic sites, wind through cypress-lined hills, and indulge in mouthwatering food and wine. On this amazing vacation, you'll experience the very best of Italy, from the vast countryside, to old-world villages, to vibrant cities. What are you waiting for? Rev your engine and get going!
Upon arrival in Italy, collect your rental car and head for the picture-perfect hills of Tuscany. Spend your first five nights exploring historic towns, charming wineries, and postcard-worthy scenery. Surrounded by vineyards and cities alike, feel free to make day trips of your choice. Maybe you'll see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or maybe you'll spend your time in Florence to admire classic art from Picasso and da Vinci. Other must-sees are Lucca, Siena, and San Gimignano! If you're visiting Pisa, you may want to drive a bit farther north to experience Cinque Terre. It's easy to see that the opportunities are endless when staying in Tuscany.
The next leg of your adventure will be spent near Rome, the Eternal City. While staying in the Rome area, be sure to visit all the must-sees, like the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and St. Peter's Basilica! Wander around the charming streets of Trastevere, and treat yourself to a delicious meal in this colorful area. Once you see all of Rome's bucket-list items, explore the countryside like a local. With the freedom of having your own car in Italy, no one's stopping you from roaming far and wide.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Rome (FCO)
- Manual shift intermediate car rental for the duration
- 5 nights in Tuscany at the at La Fattoria Degli Usignoli Apartments or similar
- 3 nights near Rome (Frascati) at the Grand Hotel Fleming or similar
PLUS!
- Wine Tasting at Castello di Meleto
- Rome City Sightseeing Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Pass (24 hours)
- La Fattoria Degli Usignoli Pizza Making Class
-
Having your own car allows you to stop whenever and wherever your heart desires. See something cool while driving? Pull on over and check it out!
- Taste the difference between Tuscan and Roman cuisines! From pizza and pasta, to crostini and cannoli, the food in Italy is some of the best in the world.
-
Indulge in tastings at local wineries in Tuscany and Frascati.
-
Compare the Renaissance city of Florence to the "Eternal City" of Rome.
-
Check tons of sites off your bucket-list, like the Colosseum in Rome, the Leaning Tower in Pisa, and the Duomo in Florence!
Get ready to road trip through two of Italy's most sought-after destinations: Rome and Tuscany! Take photos in-front of iconic sites, wind through cypress-lined hills, and indulge in mouthwatering food and wine. On this amazing vacation, you'll experience the very best of Italy, from the vast countryside, to old-world villages, to vibrant cities. What are you waiting for? Rev your engine and get going!
Upon arrival in Italy, collect your rental car and head for the picture-perfect hills of Tuscany. Spend your first five nights exploring historic towns, charming wineries, and postcard-worthy scenery. Surrounded by vineyards and cities alike, feel free to make day trips of your choice. Maybe you'll see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or maybe you'll spend your time in Florence to admire classic art from Picasso and da Vinci. Other must-sees are Lucca, Siena, and San Gimignano! If you're visiting Pisa, you may want to drive a bit farther north to experience Cinque Terre. It's easy to see that the opportunities are endless when staying in Tuscany.
The next leg of your adventure will be spent near Rome, the Eternal City. While staying in the Rome area, be sure to visit all the must-sees, like the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and St. Peter's Basilica! Wander around the charming streets of Trastevere, and treat yourself to a delicious meal in this colorful area. Once you see all of Rome's bucket-list items, explore the countryside like a local. With the freedom of having your own car in Italy, no one's stopping you from roaming far and wide.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to Tuscany!
Feel yourself flutter with excitement as you land in the Eternal City of Rome. Upon arrival, collect your rental car and head for the hills - literally! Wave goodbye to Rome (for now), and drive north to beautiful Tuscany. As you drive, marvel at scenic winding roads, tall cypress trees, and charming terracotta homes.
Arrive at your accommodation and spend the night settling in. Treat yourself to the first of many delicious Italian dinners!
Fattoria degli Usignoli is surrounded by large olive groves in a resplendent, heart-warming natural setting. Built by the Vallombrosan friars in about 1400, it enjoys a panoramic position at an altitude of 1,300 feet, in San Donato in Fronzano, in the municipality of Reggello. Immersed in the heart of the Tuscan countryside and decorated in classic Tuscan style, it provides the ideal base for visiting nearby cities of art such as Florence, Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano, Volterra, Arezzo, Cortona and the Chianti area. The restaurant combines traditional recipes with inviting and innovative dishes, served in the property’s rustic former winery. While enjoying the delicacies of typical Tuscan cuisine, guests can enjoy the hotel’s own home-grown red and white wines, as well as the top wines from all over Italy. Fattoria degli Usignoli also features three swimming pools (including one for children), tennis, a riding school, two lounges and a wine bar.
Fattoria degli Usignoli is set on an enviable position between the Arno Valley and the Chianti Hills. It is located 180 miles from the Rome Airport, 20 miles from Florence, 65 miles from Siena, 54 miles from San Gimignano, 39 miles from Arezzo and 64 miles from Cortona.
Located in the beautiful town of Montepulciano in southern Tuscany, Montepulciano Country Resort is the perfect place to explore the beautiful surroundings. Nestled in the Tuscan countryside and surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, oak and cypress trees, Montepulciano Country Resort consists of two locations: Borgo delle Mare and Poggio Olivo. Within these two vacation homes, you will find 28 self-catering apartments with kitchenettes, complimentary WiFi, laundry service and more. Outside of your apartment, enjoy gardens, a swimming pool, barbecue area and comfortable outdoor furniture.
Day 2. Tuscany
Another lovely day in Tuscany! You may want to head to Siena, a history-packed city filled with medieval brick buildings, local culture, and charming pastry shops. Be sure to check out the fan-shaped Piazza del Campo, a bustling square known for the annual Palio di Siena horse race.
Tonight, enjoy your included pizza making class at La Fattoria Degli Usignoli.
Day 3. Tuscany
Consider a day trip to Florence. This magical city is filled with Renaissance charm and legendary artwork. From the Duomo to the Ponte Vecchio to the Uffizi Gallery, Florence will sweep you off your feet.
At some point, be sure to visit the breathtaking Castello di Meleto for an included winery visit & tasting! Nestled in the Chianti region, between Florence and Siena, this castle will take you back in time.
Wine Tasting at Castello di Meleto
Experience an authentic tasting of Chianti wines at the enchanting Castello di Meleto, which dates back to the 13th century. Within the original, vast old cellar of the castle at the end of a stone path hollowed through stone and past an original “secret passageway” is the large tasting room, where you'll enjoy a flight of 3 wines produced onsite.
Taste such acclaimed wines as the Meleto Chianti Classico Docg, Vigna Casi Chianti Classico Docg Riserva and Borgaio IGT Toscana Rosso - accompanied by crackers, bread and the organic extra virgin olive oil produced at the Castle.
Day 4. Tuscany
Today, consider a trip to PIsa! Grab your camera and go snap a photo in-front of the infamous Leaning Tower.
After exploring Pisa, you may want to sip local vino at one of the breathtaking wineries in the area. Craving the coast? Venture to Viareggio or Cinque Terre for some seaside scenery!
Day 5. Tuscany
Rise and shine! Today, make the most of your last full day in Tuscany. Consider a drive to the beautiful city of Lucca, known for its postcard-worthy center encircled by Renaissance walls. Relax with an aperitivo in the stunning Piazza dell' Anfiteatro, a buzzing square of shops and cafes surrounded by the elliptical walls of an ancient Roman Amphitheater.
Whatever you decide to do today, be sure to explore Tuscany's famous countryside, filled with vineyards and olive groves!
Day 6. Tuscany - Rome area
Ciao, Tuscany! This morning, hit the road to Rome. After arriving at your Rome area accommodation, drive to the city center and take in the sights. Find a lovely restaurant for dinner, then toss a coin over your shoulders into the Trevi Fountain - a site that must be seen illuminated at night!
Check-in - Grand Hotel Fleming
Located in the vicinity of Ponte Milvio and surrounded by ancient Roman residences, Grand Hotel Fleming it is the perfect place to enjoy the city's wealth in a relaxing environment. Located a 10-minute drive from the Foro Italico, Olympic Stadium and Auditorium, the hotel offers easy access to public transportation or taxis to the city center.
An elegant corner of Rome and a beloved celebrity hideaway, the Grand Hotel Fleming is an ideal location for a romantic weekend in Rome. Each of the 302 rooms are tastefully decorated and feature an en suite bathroom, in-room safe, air-conditioning, minibar and more. Wake up to a delicious buffet breakfast each morning, then relax with an Italian meal at the restaurant in the evening. The hotel's staff is happy to assist with booking tours, taxis and airport transfers.
Rome City Sightseeing Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Pass (24 hours)
Visiting the capital of Italy has never been so easy and exciting! Get on CitySightseeing open top red bus and admire this wonderful city from another “higher” perspective! On board you will find an interesting commentary which will provide you with information about everything around you. Bus Line A gives you the opportunity to explore the main places of interest, like the Colosseum, the Vatican City and the Trevi Fountain.
Day 7. Rome area
This morning, you may want to head back to Rome's historic center. Have fun leisurely exploring! Grab a cone of creamy gelato and stroll along Via del Governo Vecchio. Hit sites like the Spanish Steps and the Pantheon, then relax in Piazza Navona.
Around dinner time, you may want to venture into the colorful neighborhood of Trastevere for an authentic meal.
Day 8. Rome area
Today's the day to check all sites off your Roman bucket-list. When in Rome!
You may want to treat yourself to a tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, then venture to Vatican City and see St. Peter's Basilica. The day is yours to spend however you'd like!
Day 9. Depart Italy
Squeeze all your souvenirs into your luggage and drive to the airport. Return your rental car, then find your departure gate. Spend your flight home dreaming about your next adventure!