The Heart and Soul of Italy
When we think of Italy many things come to mind, such as food, wine, history, art and friendly people. This tour focuses on those very things that make this country so special. The regions you will visit on this tour are amongst the most beautiful in Italy, featuring rolling hills, olive groves, vineyards, castles, villas, history, and charming historic centers. With the Travel. Your Way! programs, choose your accommodations, choose your transportation, and choose your activities, and we'll piece it all together for an unforgettable, hassle-free vacation.
Select your Own Departure Date
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Assisi: Basilica of St. Francis, Temple of Minerva, Basilica of Saint Clare, Rocca Maggiore, Foro Romano
- Florence: Michelangelo’s David, Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, local markets, viewpoint
- Siena: Piazza del Campo, Torre del Mangia, the frescoes at the Public Palace, the Contrade, the underground aqueducts of Bottini, the Duomo
Itinerary
Day 1
- Arrive Rome Fiumicino Airport.
- Transfer to your hotel.
- After checking into your hotel, you will have time to explore the amazing cultural, religious and historic treasures that a city so enchanting as Rome has to offer.
- Our recommendations for today: The Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine, Vatican City, The Pantheon, the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, The Spanish Steps, and The Catacombs and Via Appia Antica.
Day 2
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Pick up your rental car at the train station.
- Depart for Umbria, where you will spend three marvelous nights.
- Take advantage of your time in Umbria and explore places like Spoleto and Perugia, two towns that have artistic and monumental treasures of a rich past.
Day 3
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Walking tour around the city of Assisi with a local guide that speaks your language. Visit the Basilicas of St. Francis and St. Clare and enjoy the astonishing view of the valley down below.
- We suggest you don't miss the ice-cream at La Vecchia Latteria, which has a rich and intriguing history.
- This afternoon, it's your choice! You may want to visit the towns of Spello, Montefalco or Trevi (all hill-top towns filled with character and charm). Or perhaps stop in at one of the local wineries or quaint wine bars.
- This evening try one of the nearby agriturismo for dinner, or enjoy walking around one of the many charming little towns in Umbria.
Day 4
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Today, take some time for a leisurely morning, or continue exploring one of the many gems this region has to offer.
- Other places not to miss while in Umbria include the ornate Orvieto Cathedral, The hilltowns of Todi and Trevi, or even the Casa Romana in Bevagna, which depicts what a Roman house may have looked like in 1st century BC. Norcia is also not far away, famous for its many salumeria (or cured meats and cheese shops).
Day 5
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Depart for Tuscany this morning.
- En route you may want to stop at Lake Trasimeno, one of Italy's largest lakes and home to several charming islands that can be reached by local ferry. Definitely worth the visit!
- Make sure to head into Cortona's town center today to enjoy the views, the medieval ambiance, and the lovely shops, all the backdrop for the famous novel Under the Tuscan Sun!
- Another option is the lovely towns of Montepulciano or San Gimignano for some great shopping and unforgettable experiences.
- This evening enjoy one of the areas many restaurants where you can sample such Tuscan favorites like Ribollita, Bistecca alla Fiorentina or Tagliatelle al Cinghiale.
Day 6
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Head over to Florence this morning for and start off with a visit to the famous overlook known as Piazzale Michelangelo. Here admire all of the city's monument from up above.
- Next head over to the historic center and meet your local guide that speaks your language for a walking tour around the city of Florence. Visit such places as the Piazza del Duomo with its famous Gilded Baptistry Doors, the Piazza della Signoria housing monumental statues and the Palazzo Vecchio, and the picturesque Ponte Vecchio lined with gold shops and filled with history.
- Ask your guide for suggestions of other places to explore this afternoon.
- You may wish to visit the Uffizi Galleries to marvel at Renaissance paintings by Italian masters or the Accademia Museum to get a close view of Michelangelo's David.
- Stop at the local mercato centrale today to sample delicious specialties carefully prepared by food artisans and local chefs. Learn about the delicious produce, meats, cheeses, pastas, and other specialties while strolling through this colorful market
Day 7
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Today head over Siena.
- Start off with a Walking tour around the city of Siena with a local guide that speaks your language. You'll learn about the city's history and rivalry with Florence, visit such places as the Piazza del Campo and the Piazza del Duomo, and work up an appetite as you peruse its many narrow streets filled with colorful boutiques and typical Tuscan restaurants.
- You may wish to climb up the Torre del Mangia, or visit the impressive cathedral, which rivals any museum in the world for its rich artistic heritage.
- Head back to your hotel, or drive along the Chiantigiana Road (the Chianti Road) past vineyards, villas and castles.
- Make sure to take in your last evening by visiting one of the many special restaurants serving nothing but local favorites and prized wines. Recommendations will be offered.
Day 8
- Breakfast at hotel (time permitting).
- Connecting flight back home.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
TESTIMONIALS
-
"The Sanchez family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to Daiquiri Tours in Miami Springs for organizing and booking an Amazing trip for us to London and Paris. No detail was left undone and we were able to just sit back and enjoy the vacation following their wonderful itinerary!!"
Pauline and family- London and Paris
-
"I had the pleasure of working with on 2 Euro trips. The first one was for our 10 year anniversary. My husband and I went to Italy. made it so easy for us. She made all of our reservations and planned the entire trip. We just had to show up! The next trip… Read more"
Jackie - Europe Trips
-
"The BEST Ever Havana, CUBA Tour. was excellent! She arranged our tour, gave us an excellent itinerary, and they actually over delivered. Our group of 18 was more than satisfied with the historical overview of Old Havana on our walking tour, we had a delicious Cuban meal at a very nice restaurant, and the… Read more"
Carolyn - Cuba
-
"We had a great trip and loved the itinerary you had set up for us. Gaby is fabulous and definitely made our experience way more interesting and special (we got super close with her and are definitely staying in touch). The casa particular was beautiful! The family was super helpful and nice, giving us a… Read more"
Miriam - Cuba