| Combine it all in this tour that takes you off the beaten track to experience just a taste of all that is so essentially Italian in parts of Tuscany and Umbria.
Departing Rome and heading north crossing the Tiber valley, you will reach Cortona. This town has changed little since the Middle Ages and was most recently depicted in the Oscar winning film "La Vita è Bella". It was also described by American novelist Frances Mayes in "Under the Tuscan Sun". As a result, Cortona is enjoying renewed popularity.
Here, you can stroll through the historic center, discovering it's hidden corners and absorbing the atmosphere of this picturesque town.
Drive along the shores of Lake Trasimeno, where there will be a stop to taste, and perhaps purchase, some of the many local products (olive oil, cheeses, salami and ham). Lunch will then be served in a typical countryside restaurant.
In the afternoon, driving through the gentle hills of the Chianti Region, you will reach the hilltop town of Montepulciano. The deep ruby red wine, "Vino Nobile" of this town is famous the world over. Here you will visit one of its oldest wine cellars, carved out of the tufo rock, and discover some of the secrets of the winemakers. Of course, there will be the opportunity to taste the final result! |
