Happy by day two or we'll bring you home with a full refund
Guided tour of historic Rome, home to the Forum, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish steps and more
Guided tour of Siena, one of Europe’s finest medieval cities
Guided tour of Florence, 'Pearl of the Renaissance' with a timed visit to the Uffizi, one of the world’s finest art galleries - entrance fees included
Walking tour of Arezzo, one of Tuscany' most wonderfully unspoilt medieval cities
Enjoy a visit to Assisi (guided tour included for 2024)
A visit to the Renaissance Palace of Villa d'Este
Visit a local winery for a wine tasting (in the Frascati region for 2024)
Experience Tuscany’s stunning countryside
A welcome drink and dinner on the first night to get to know your travelling companions
Inclusions
The price of this holiday is per person, based on one person in a double/twin room for sole occupancy. The price includes:
Scheduled return flights
Seven nights’ accommodation
Daily breakfast
Four dinners
All tours as mentioned
All transfers
All local accommodation taxes
Hotel porterage
The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager
Included excursions are timed entrance to the Uffizi gallery, guided tours of Rome, Sienna, Florence and Arezzo and a visit to Assisi.
1
You’ll be met at the airport by a member of the team for our flight to Rome. On arrival, a coach will transfer us to the delightful medieval city of Arezzo in Tuscany, where we stay at the four-star Minerva Hotel for the next four nights. The hotel started out life as a restaurant fifty years ago, and we will dine there tonight on some traditional Tuscan fare.
2
After breakfast we set off for another of Tuscany’s medieval cities, Siena. Formerly one of the world’s largest cities, Siena still exudes style and class, especially around the crescent-shaped main square. We will have plenty of time to enjoy the many palaces, piazzas and the stunning black-and-white marble cathedral.
Later today we journey past classic, scenic Tuscan landscapes to Arezzo for our evening meal and a chance to share stories of today’s visit with like-minded people also travelling alone.
3
Florence is a city on many people’s ‘must-visit’ list due to its fairy-tale, riverside location, monumental art collections and typical Italian buzz. We’ll enjoy a guided tour of the important sights of the city before our timed entry into the incomparable Uffizi Gallery. Containing works by the likes of Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Caravaggio, Raphael and numerous other artists, it houses one of the best art collections the world has to offer. Away from the gallery are wonderful markets and shops to discover, interspersed with an essential coffee at a pavement café.
4
After breakfast in our hotel, our tour takes you to the main town of Arezzo for a guided walk around this city that boasts a kaleidoscope of architectural styles. The cathedral is home to some of the world’s most detailed and best-preserved tapestries. The main square is a masterpiece, one of Europe’s most stunning. This afternoon we visit a local winery to enjoy a wine tasting. Located in the undulating countryside just outside Arezzo, the winery is surrounded by olive groves and vineyards (2023 only).
5
Today we leave Tuscany after breakfast driving firstly to Assisi. This delightful medieval town, with its flower-hung streets, lovely views over the Umbrian countryside and fountain-splashed piazzas is famous for a single event – the birth of Francis, the most revered saint in Italy. The man himself was one of the most extraordinary figures the Italian church has ever produced. He had a privileged upbringing, leading a very un-Christian lifestyle, but whilst imprisoned, God appeared to him. After release, he renounced his inheritance, living the life of a beggar, and mixed with lepers, but ultimately found his vocation founding the order of monks which bears his name, the Franciscans. Two years after his death, the basilica was built, financed by donations from all over Europe creating one of the most beautiful shrines in the Christian world adorned by arguably its greatest art collection outside an actual gallery. The building today is actually two churches, one on top of the other with St Francis himself lying under the floor in the crypt. The mood inside is most respectful, being in tune with Franciscan principles – silence being the rule, quite plain around the tomb itself and accompanied by brown-robed monks. If you book a tour in 2024, we will include a guided tour of Assisi.
We have ample time to visit the basilica together with the town, arriving in Rome early evening. This evening dinner will be included at a local restaurant (2024 tours only).
6
One of the most captivating cities in the world, Rome is the perfect blend of ancient history and modern times. This morning, we enjoy a guided tour of the city, where we will take in many of the best-known sights, such as the Spanich Steps, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain' and so much more. The beautiful Eternal City owes its majesty to the Roman Empire that commanded much of the world for nigh on 500 years, and also to the Papacy, which for much of its existence, held great political as well as religious influence. This afternoon, you are free to explore as you wish, be it on your own or with new-found friends. May we suggest a visit to the Vatican Museum? Or enjoy a wander through the maze of streets and welcoming piazzas.
7
For 2023 departures
This morning you're free to explore and immerse yourself further in the Eternal City, perhaps viewing the Roman Forum, the Colosseum and the Pantheon. Stroll around the Piazza Navona, Rome's most picturesque square lined with luxurious cafes, and visit the Spanish steps.
For 2024 departures
This morning, we visit the historic town of Tivoli, just outside of Rome, to visit the palace of Villa d’Este. The UNESCO world heritage site was designed on behalf of Cardinal Ippolito d’Este of Ferrara in 1550, who desired a palace signifying his new status as governor of Tivoli. The innovative design and creativity of the architectural component in the gardens make the villa gardens one of the most remarkable and comprehensive illustrations of Renaissance culture. Throughout the gardens, you’ll find Italian cypresses, evergreen jasmines and evergreen magnolias - but the true jewels of the garden are the magnificent water features. As you wander down tree-and hedge-lined avenues, passing sculptures and grottoes, you can hear the steady gush of water from the many fountains and ornamental basins.
This afternoon we’ll spend time in Frascati, famous for its wine production, which typically produces light and dry wines with a distinctive taste that makes them perfect for pairing with food. Here, we’ll visit one of the most historic wine estates in the area to learn about the artisanal winemaking traditions that have been kept alive in this region. We tour a Fascati vineyard producing a selection of Frascati wines, which we will enjoy along with some delicious local delicacies.
8
After breakfast, our coach will return us to Rome airport for our flight home, after an exhilarating journey into the very heart of Italy.
4* Hotel Minerva - Arezzo
Home to both a bar and restaurant serving local cuisine, the four-star Hotel Minerva unites modern comforts with traditional elements for a great stay just outside the historic city walls. All rooms are air conditioned and have a mini bar, telephone, TV, safe and hairdryer.
Please note the use of air-conditioning in hotels in Italy is at the hotel’s discretion and is normally restricted to the summer months (mid-May to mid-September), depending on the temperature.
