Indulge yourself in the unforgettable flavors and vistas of Italy as you travel through the hilltowns and vineyards of Tuscany and Umbria on this tour. From the Renaissance treasures of Florence to the olive groves of Siena and all the way to Perugia, you’ll discover spectacular scenery and decadent cuisine every step of the way. The highlight of this tour is the nine-day EuroChocolate festival, featuring chocolate sculpting, chocolate art displays and, of course, chocolate tastings.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Overnight Flight

Your trip begins with a regularly scheduled overnight flight to Florence aboard an internationally recognized airline.

Day 2 - Florence

Welcome to Italy! A Go Ahead representative welcomes you at the airport and escorts you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for strolling along the cobbled streets and stone bridges of Florence or just relaxing in your hotel. This evening, become acquainted with your fellow travelers as well as the region’s famed cuisine at this evening’s Welcome Dinner.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner

Day 3 - Florence

Discover the timeless city of Florence, birthplace of opera and the Italian language. Today’s guided tour introduces you to the city’s Renaissance splendor. Marvel at Brunelleschi’s masterpiece— Florence’s massive pink, white and green Duomo. This evening, learn to make cuisine the Italian way at a private Tuscan cooking class. Then enjoy the freshly prepared meal with your fellow chefs.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrances: Tuscan cooking class

Day 4 - Florence

Bask in a free day to explore the Renaissance City on your own. Browse the shops of the Ponte Vecchio or simply people-watch as you sample some tasty gelato. Or opt to join a pastoral excursion to the walled city of Lucca and Colle Verde, a rural farm where olive oil is pressed. Tonight, join an optional dinner at a historic trattoria-style restaurant in the heart of Florence’s old town.
Included meals: breakfast

$99 CAD

Florentine Dinner Sit back as you sip a glass of wine and are charmed by the rustic beauty that is Florence, the Tuscan capital, on this traditional Tuscan dinner. This evening promises to be not only an exceptional dinner, but an authentic Tuscan experience.

$119 CAD

Lucca & Colle Verde Visit the gorgeous Tuscan town of Lucca, famous for its Renaissance-era city walls, medieval churches and awe-inspiring towers. Then travel to Colle Verde, a farm where some of Italy’s highest-quality olive oil is pressed. During your excursion, learn about the process by which olive oil is extracted and refined. Then, enjoy a light lunch and an olive oil tasting session.

Day 5 - Siena

En route to the enchanting city of Siena, stop in San Gimignano, “the city of beautiful towers.” Take in views of glorious scenery before continuing to a local wine tasting, where you’ll have the opportunity to sample some of the region’s fine wines. Arrive in Siena for this evening’s included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrances: Tuscan wine tasting

Day 6 - Siena

This morning, travel through vineyards and olive groves to the hilltop town of Montalcino, famous for its Brunello di Montalcino wine. Enjoy the opportunity to taste this local treasure, as well as an included light lunch. Follow a local expert guide on this afternoon’s tour of Siena, longtime rival of nearby Florence. Visit Siena’s Romanesque Duomo, which houses major works of art by Donatello and Nicola Pisano, along with the famous Piccolomini Library. Walk along medieval streets to the Piazza del Campo. Each summer, daredevils race horses bareback around this main piazza during the famed Palio.
Included meals: breakfast, light lunch
Included entrances: Brunello wine tasting, Siena Cathedral, Piccolomini Library

Day 7 - Perugia

Continue your travels across the Italian landscape to reach Cortona, perched on a Tuscan hillside for panoramic views of the plains below. Meander through the steep, narrow streets and look for the remains of the original city wall before a visit to the Museum of the Etruscan Academy of Cortona, home to an impressive collection of Etruscan artifacts. Cross from Tuscany into the Umbrian region and arrive in Perugia. After checking into your hotel, venture into the Umbrian countryside for a dinner of regional specialties.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch
Included entrances: Museum of the Etruscan Academy

Day 8 - Perugia

On today’s tour of Perugia, a notable artistic center, you will stop at the Cathedral of S. Lorenzo, the Palazzo dei Priori, the Basilica of San Domenico, the Etruscan Arch and the Church of San Severo to see Raphael’s fresco. This afternoon, take part in Perugia’s famed Eurochocolate festival. Savor chocolate delicacies like never before while persuing the many chocolate “exhibits” on display at the festival. It’ll be an experience your sweet tooth will never forget!
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Eurochocolate

Day 9 - Rome

Journey across the Umbrian valleys today en route to Rome. Stop for a guided tour of Assisi, a hilltop medieval town that was the birthplace of Saint Francis. Marvel at the restoration of the Basilica of San Francesco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, after twin earthquakes shook the city in 1997. Next, take the funicular up to Orvieto, to indulge in a wine tasting followed by a light lunch. Arrive in Rome, the Eternal City, in time for this evening’s Farewell Dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, light lunch, dinner
Included entrances: Funicular ride, Orvieto wine tasting

Day 10 - Rome

Linger in Rome for two nights on our tour extension. Otherwise, a Go Ahead representative accompanies you to the airport for your flight home.
Included meals: breakfast
(In the case of early morning departures, breakfast may not be included.)