Tuscany & Rome Experience
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! Now that's amore.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Rome (FCO)
- Manual shift intermediate car rental for the duration
- 4 nights in Tuscany at the at La Fattoria Degli Usignoli Apartments or similar
- 2 nights near Rome (Frascati) at the Villa Mercede or similar
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.Â
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Explore Tuscan vineyards. Sip local wine and take in the beauty of the picture-perfect countryside.
-
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 four 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.
Enhance your vacation with:
- Wine Tasting at Castello di Meleto
- Rome City Sightseeing Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Pass (24 hours)
- La Fattoria Degli Usignoli Pizza Making Class
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Rome (FCO)
- Manual shift intermediate car rental for the duration
- 4 nights in Tuscany at the at La Fattoria Degli Usignoli Apartments or similar
- 2 nights near Rome (Frascati) at the Villa Mercede or similar
-
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.Â
-
Explore Tuscan vineyards. Sip local wine and take in the beauty of the picture-perfect countryside.
-
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 four 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.
Enhance your vacation with:
- Wine Tasting at Castello di Meleto
- Rome City Sightseeing Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Pass (24 hours)
- La Fattoria Degli Usignoli Pizza Making Class
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.Â
Arrive at your accommodation and spend the night settling in. Treat yourself to the first of many delicious Italian dinners!Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
You may also want to visit San Gimignano, a storybook old-world town near Siena. Travel back in time and wander stone streets lined with quaint shops and award-winning gelaterias.Â
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.Â
Day 4. 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.Â
Whatever you decide to do today, be sure to explore Tuscany's famous countryside, filled with vineyards and olive groves!Â
Day 5. 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 - Hotel Villa Mercede
Rest and recharge at the Hotel Villa Mercede, a beautiful 3-star hotel in Frascati, located approximately 18 miles from the center of Rome. Thanks to its strategic position, guests may enjoy an oasis of relaxation and entertainment while taking advantage of its proximity to Rome. The Hotel Villa Mercede offers its guests a modern environment of contemporary design. The elegance and the functionality of spaces and furnishings have been conceived for the complete satisfaction of its guests.
Only a quarter mile from the historic center of Frascati, the Hotel Villa Mercede offers enviable panoramic position overlooking the Roman countryside. There are various food shops, craft and jewelry boutiques of the Natural Mall of Frascati just walking distance away, where you can easily find some original souvenirs. In just a short drive you can reach Grottaferrata, Castel Gandolfo, or Ariccia. Point to Rome through the famous consular road, Via Tuscolana. In 30 minutes you will be in front of the Colosseum. Or take the local train to reach the central station of Termini in Rome, the train takes about 35 minutes.
Day 6. Rome area
Today's the day to check all sites off your Roman bucket-list. When in Rome!Â
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 7. 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!Â