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9 Day Italian Farm Stay Itinerary

"Lets get away, far away..."

Enjoy your stay at welcoming and unique Italian farm hotels and beautiful hotels in the center of Rome and Florence!

Day 1: Rome/Assisi/Bettona
Arrive in Rome airport and pick up your car. Drive out of town to the "Autostrada" in the direction of Assisi (approx. 1 hr 55 min.). You will be entering Umbria, the "Green Heart" of Italy and the gentle green land of the Saint Clare (Assisi), Saint Benedict (Norcia) and Saint Rita (Cascia). We suggest a stop in Assisi, built of pink stone and spread in a fan shape of the slopes of Monte Subasio. The streets are lined with old palaces and hanging flower boxes. The town, which is still enclosed by ramparts, has hardly changed since the Middle Ages, and the sound of sandals can still be heard everywhere. St. Francis and St. Clare are ever so present in such a poetic setting and the gentle light, at any hour of the day, gives Assisi and incredible beauty of its own. Continue to Bettona in the Umbrian countryside to arrive at your authentic Italian hotel farmhouse. In the surrounding woods, you can admire and photograph many kinds of animals in their natural environment like fallow deer, wild boars, pheasants, gray partridge and hares. Tonight, you will enjoy a dinner featuring local Umbrian cuisine at the farm. (D)

Day 2: Bettona/Perugia
After breakfast, time to relax or a day to explore Perugia. It has one of the most beautiful squares in Europe where you can admire the Maggiore Fountain, the gothic Basilica of San Lorenzo and the Palazzo dei Priori, home to the Town Hall. Perugia is also home to the famous Perugina chocolate factory and often hosts chocolate festivals where chocolate is sculpted by artists in the streets who then throw leftovers to the crowds. In the afternoon at your farm, you wills ample the wine that they produce on site. Tonight, you will enjoy a dinner featuring local Umbrian cuisine. (B,D)

Day 3: Assisi/Cortona/Colle Val D'Elsa
Breakfast at the farm hotel and departure for Cortona (approximately 1 hr. drive). We suggest a stop in Torgiano and De Ruta to visit the Museum of Wine and shop for famous ceramics. Then, continue along the shores of Lake Trasimeno before arriving in Cortona to discover a splendid town. Cortona allows one to encounter art, history and spirituality together on a human level rarely found. This is the "timeless" city built on a spur of the Monte Sant' Egidio which within it's Etruscan walls preserves the history of the noble civilization. Visitors looking down from the top walls can enjoy one of the most beautiful views in Central Italy: The rich Val Di Chiana, with the Amiata Mountain in the background, seems to languidly meet the wide expanse of Lake Trasimeno. In the afternoon, depart for the Siena area. Arrive at your farm or hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

Day 4: Colle Val D'Elsa/Monteriggioni/Siena
Breakfast at your farm or hotel. Departure for Siena (approximately 20 minute drive from the farm). During your drive, we suggest a short visit of Monterggioni, one of the most classical and best known Italian walled towns. Continue on to Siena for a day dedicated to the discovery of this incredible town. Siena, the city of the Palio, one of Italy's most beautiful cities, situated in the center of Tuscany between the Chianti area and Maremma is rich in history, art and popular traditions. Siena is one of Tuscany's best examples of medieval style. From historical palaces and churches, rich with paintings, to the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, and the surrounding web of medieval streets that are well worth a stroll. A stop at the famous "ENOTEGA ITALIANA" (Siena city center) for a wine tasting. Return to the farm or hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

Day 5: Colle Val D'Elsa/San Gimignano/Florence
Breakfast at the farm or hotel. En route to Florence, we suggest a stop in San Gimignano (approx. 25 minute drive). San Gimignano is a city of beautiful towers, perched on a hill and seemingly plucked from a fairy tale into the rolling Tuscan countryside. Explore the medieval monuments then enjoy an afternoon drive through the famous Chianti wine-producing area. This is a region of hills and valleys, dotted with ancient parish churches, farmhouses and castles. Every way you look you will see olive groves and luscious vineyards, renowned for their wines. Visit to your heart's content, stopping and tasting, on your way to Florence (approximately 1 hr. drive). Arrive in Florence and drop off your car in the rail station office (Note: car must be returned no later than 6:00 pm - as the office closes at that time). We suggest that you take a taxi to your hotel in the city center. Dinner in a typical Trattoia this evening. (B, D)

Day 6: Florence
A day dedicated to the discovery of this beautiful city. Guided sightseeing with a visit to the 15th century "Palazzo Pitti" built for the Pitti family and the last residence of the Medici family. Inside, visit the celebrated "Palatine Gallery," a museum of painting containing some of the most important works of Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, Rubens, Murillo, Velasquez. There is a spectacular panoramic view of the celebrated Boboli Gardens. This itinerary includes a visit to the Cathedral complex: Cathedral with Brunelleschi's grandiose cupola, Giotto's bell tower and the Baptistry with its bronze doors, adorned with the famous Gates of Paradise. Afternoon is free for independent sightseeing and browsing through the shops in Piazza Santa Croce. Florentine leather goods and gold jewelry sold by the ounce are attractive buys. (B)

Day 7: Florence/Rome
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer independently to the rail station for your trip via first class rail to Rome. Upon arrival in Rome, transfer independently to your hotel. In the afternoon explore Rome on your own or join an optional afternoon tour to visit the ancient Monuments of Rome. Pass via Piazza della Republica, Piazza Venezia and the square of the Capitol, where you can see Forum and Palatine Hill with a view of the Coliseum. Walk along the ancient pavement which crosses the ruins of the Roman Forum, the Curia, and the Reggia. Admire the Temple of Vesta, the Arch of Titus and the Arch of Constantine. The tour continues towards Circus Maximum, Aventine Hill and the Pyramid of Caius Cestius, ending with a visit of the Basilica of St. Pauls' Outside the Walls ($38 pp for the tour). (B)

Day 8: Rome
After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of the city. Your morning reveals Rome's infinite aspects and eras. Drive through Via Cavour and see Piazza Della Republica with Najad's Fountain. Continue onto Via Bissolati and Via Veneto (famous for FELLINI'S film LA DOLCE VITA) and see Palazzo Margherita, the Aurelian walls and Piazza Barberini. Pass by the Quirinale Palace. Then a visit to the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. Drive past Piazza Navona, Castel Sant' Angelo and visit St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Balance of the day at leisure or enjoy an optional tour. (B)

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