Wonders of Tuscany & Umbria: Perugia, San Gimignano and Florence

The 4-star Hotel Dei Mellini is your very own oasis and has a terrace, sunning deck and a gym that guests can use free of charge. Cosmopolitan surroundings and an elegant atmosphere will welcome you to the heart of Rome. Near the Lepanto Metro station at Piazza Cavour, Hotel Dei Mellini is between 10-15 minutes' walk to the Spanish Steps, Via Condotti and Piazza del Popolo. Enjoy the experience of staying in the functional and refined atmosphere of Hotel Dei Mellini, beautifully located in the vibrant heart of Rome.

Depart Rome towards Civita di Bagnoregio, a stunning little hilltop village only accessible by a pedestrian footbridge nearby. Upon entering the village, be enchanted by its timeless appearance, with its medieval structures embraced by the narrow alleys that climb up the hill like a labyrinth. Enjoy the spectacular views of the Badlands Valley that appears at the end of each narrow alley. Continue to Spoleto. Walking through the streets of Spoleto, be amazed by the historical richness and beauty of this well-preserved Umbrian village. Some interesting sights to see: the Arch of Drusus and Germanicus, a Roman arch that once led to the forum, the Roman Theater, the Basilica of San Salvatore (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Duomo, erected in Romanesque forms in the 12th century and a symbol of the city and finally, the Albornoz fortress.

After breakfast, you will discover the most beautiful villages in Umbria. Trevi, known for its rich history and art, lies on sloping hillside with part of its historical centre still surrounded by defensive walls. Churches, towers and noble palaces fill this small town with a network of alleys and narrow streets. Montefalco offers some of the best examples of Medieval and Renaissance art with Romanesque and Gothic churches. It is also surrounded by renowned vineyards where you will have a chance to stop for a tasting of typical products of the area. Continue to Assisi, the city of Saint Francis who revolutionized Christian thought and became a world famous Saint. Assisi, built with the typical pink stone of Subasio and nestled on a hill at the foot of Mount Subasio, lets you live a unique experience for its simple spirituality, in contact with nature and deeply immersed in the contemplation of its landscapes. Continue to Perugia for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, enjoy some free time in Perugia to explore this city. Perugia is a hidden gem filled with remnants of the past that flourishes with modern art and culture. It has one of the oldest universities and the largest university for foreigners in Italy. Famous painters such as Perugino, Pinturicchio and Raffaello have left wonderful traces of their art, with museums and workshops. The city host many festivals and events such as the Umbria Jazz Festival. From Perugia, board a ferry to visit Polvese Island, the largest of the 3 islands in the Trasimeno Lake Natural Park. Take in its magnificent natural landscapes. The island is also home to a 12th century castle, the Piscina del Porcinai, a garden of aquatic plants. From the balcony, admire the whole island and Trasimeno Lake from above. Continue to the Monastery of the Olivetan Monks with its Church of San. Return to Perugia for an overnight stay. Optional experience(s): Gourmet Experience (exclusive dinner in Alcova), Wine tasting, Oil olive tasting, Cooking class on 2 types of fresh pasta from the Umbrian tradition, Walk with a private guide in Perugia (private).

After breakfast, you will depart for Pienza, a Tuscan gem full of charm. Enjoy some free time to discover the city and to taste the famous pecorino cheese.Then, continue to Siena, one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Tuscany. After entering the city, you soon arrive with a short walk in Piazza del Campo, the heart of the city and home to the famous Palio di Siena, a passionate horse race whose origins date back to the seventeenth century. According to legend, Siena was founded by Senio, son of Remo, and in the city there are several statues representing the mythical Romulus and Remus being breastfed by the she-wolf. After leaving Siena in the direction of San Gimignano, a stop at the winery of the Bindi Sergardi family, who have been producing wine here since year 1300, for a tasting of their products. Continue to San Gimignano for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, explore San Gimignano, with its forest of towers that stand out over the horizon, it is one of the most iconic and recognizable destinations in the entire Tuscany. Depart for Florence and have the opportunity to walk through the streets. The capital city of Tuscany, Florence has kept its charm and splendour of the past. Enchanting with its masterpieces of art, the coloured marbles of the churches and the architectures that evoke the splendour of Renaissance culture and art. The heart of Florence is Piazza del Duomo, with the monumental complex of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore, topped by Brunelleschi's majestic dome, the Baptistery of San Giovanni, a magnificent example of Florentine Romanesque architecture, Giotto's bell tower, a true architectural masterpiece Florentine Gothic. Next to the square is the majestic Uffizi Gallery, home to one of the most important museums in the world, which includes works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and many other great artists. Explore this marvellous city by foot until you reach the river Arno and the Ponte Vecchio and perhaps climb uphill to Piazzale Michelangelo and enjoy an incredible view over Florence. Optional experience(s): Florence Walking tour (private); Cooking class & Market tour (private).

After breakfast, depart Florence for a journey across the Chianti wine production area, for a stop with wine tasting at the Brolio Castle, now owned by the Ricasoli family, a major producer in the Chianti Classico district. Enroute back to Rome, visit the ancient village of Cortona, enclosed in its ancient Etruscan walls, built on a hill about 600 meters high overlooking the Valdichiana landscape up to Trasimeno Lake. The symbol of the city is the town hall, characterized by the clock tower with its stone staircase that overlooks Republic Square. Spend some time exploring this charming city and perhaps try some traditional cuisine like the famous Chianina steak. Arrive in Rome in the evening.

The 4-star Hotel Dei Mellini is your very own oasis and has a terrace, sunning deck and a gym that guests can use free of charge. Cosmopolitan surroundings and an elegant atmosphere will welcome you to the heart of Rome. Near the Lepanto Metro station at Piazza Cavour, Hotel Dei Mellini is between 10-15 minutes' walk to the Spanish Steps, Via Condotti and Piazza del Popolo. Enjoy the experience of staying in the functional and refined atmosphere of Hotel Dei Mellini, beautifully located in the vibrant heart of Rome.