Italy: Florence to Rome, Walking the Vineyards of Tuscany and Umbria

As the sun sets in Florence, the city centre becomes bathed in a golden hue as the lights come on, welcoming locals and travellers alike to head out into the city, to dine together and celebrate life's simplest pleasures. The birthplace of the renaissance, Florence remains a fashion and culture icon in the modern world. With so much art, history, and architecture to take in, there is no time to waste. Welcome to Florence, and to Italy, and we invite you to explore the old and the new, the grand and the simple, all in one of the world's most beautiful countries.

Standing before the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, the Duomo, is one of those moments in life where you feel truly small. To take in the magnitude of what the cathedral represents is to transport yourself back in time to the 13th century. Could the people who began to build this magnificent structure have ever imagined that 800 years later people would still come to marvel at its beauty. This morning join your expert guide for a walking tour and see the Duomo, Signoria Square and then head over to the Ponte Vecchio, you will only just be scratching the surface of what there is to see.

The Tuscan countryside is calling. Over the course of the next 5 days, move through Tuscany and Umbria by walking from village to village. The pace here is intentional-many stops are made along the way to ensure you see and experience the true essence of these beautiful places. Your first day sees you begin the trek in the village of Strove walking the Via Fancigena until you reach the Elsa River. Cross the river on foot, wading ankle deep in the blue water.

Monteriggioni is your quintessential Tuscan medieval walled village. Follow part of the ancient Francigena way; step back in time as you walk past donkeys in green pastures and lush bushes as the Tuscan countryside unfolds before you.

Chianti, recognized for its namesake red wine, lies between Florence and Siena in the very centre of Tuscany. Begin the trek from Montefioralle- a small town forming the perimeter around an historic castle. Start the day with a scenic walk through the rolling Chianti countryside, soaking in the breathtaking views of vineyards and olive groves. After working up an appetite, enjoy a delicious, rustic lunch at a traditional farmhouse, where you’ll savour local Tuscan flavours in a relaxed setting.

Start the day with a scenic transfer to Siena, one of Tuscany’s most beautiful medieval cities. Upon arrival, join a local guide for a walking tour through its historic streets, exploring highlights like Piazza del Campo and the stunning Duomo. After the tour, sit down for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, enjoying authentic Tuscan flavors. Take some free time to soak in the atmosphere or browse local shops before heading back to your hotel. Tonight enjoy a special wine pairing dinner.

UNESCO World Heritage site Val d'Orcia extends from the provinces of Siena to Grosseto, offering up some of Tuscany's most picturesque vistas. The Pienza loop trail begins in historic Pienza, a Renaissance city commissioned by Pope Pius II. From Pienza, pass the Romanesque parish church of Corsignano as you make your way through the green and gold undulating hillside dotted with cypress trees. After a short time, enter the Strada dei Gladiatori, the exact setting of the panoramic countryside scene from Ridley Scott's film 'Gladiator'.

Walking the Italian countryside is the ultimate gift to yourself. Taking the time to step away from the hustle of your everyday life to intentionally move at a slower pace. Italy is about living and eating well. Speaking of eating, it's time to spend the morning with a local chef learning to prepare some of Italy's most loved dishes. A tagliatelle with ragù perhaps, or a creamy tiramisú. Buon Appetito!

Admittedly, Rome is one of those cities that is pretty OMG worthy on its own. If you have an entire week, its a great city to get lost in, wandering from neighbourhood to neighbourhood. To make the most of your time in Rome, you get to choose between a walking tour or a fully guided Vespa tour. No matter which way you choose to explore Rome, you will experience the very best the city has to offer.

Your adventure has come to an end, and you can depart at any time.