Good introductory cross-section in major cities. Good balance of scheduled vs. free time. Would like a little more emphasis on art--especially Uffizi Gallery and Pisan Camposanto--plus entry into St. Mark's/Doge's Palace and Duomo church (rather than some of the shopping stuff). A little too much commercial, too little history/art. (Some of guides under-informed, including one who said Galileo discovered the "two planets" around Jupiter!).
Discover the Tuscan countryside and culture on this 8-day self-guided walking tour. Through the extensive footpath network of the area, roughly following the traces of the Via Francigena, one of Europe’s most important ‘highways’ in medieval times, you walk from village to village and experience a full immersion in the world-famous Tuscan landscape. The tour is perfect as an introduction to the region and a great choice for people who love museums, galleries and Gothic and Romanesque architecture. You have plenty of time to visit attractions on most of the days.
You will also have time to visit all the beautiful medieval villages and historic towns along the Via Francigena: starting from beautiful Lucca, you’ll pass through Fucecchio, San Miniato, Gambassi Terme, the stunning San Gimignano with its medieval skyscrapers and Monteriggioni, admired by Dante in his Divine Comedy. An optional detour can bring you to beautiful Colle Val d’Elsa and the tour ends in Siena, arguably the most perfectly preserved medieval town in Tuscany. This tour threads together some of the most attractive towns and villages in Tuscany in an eloquent procession.
However, the emphasis of the tour is to enjoy the countryside, the rolling vineyards, the poppies in spring and the wild cyclamen in autumn. The area north of Siena is an amazing landscape of rolling hills, alternating vineyards and forests, while cypresses line the way leading to the distant farmhouses. Walking here is an unforgettable experience and many of the views have barely changed for hundreds of years.
Accommodation and some meals are included. You spend a night in one of the best agriturismos in Tuscany, and the final night in the heart of Siena, in one of the most characteristic little hotels.
This is a moderately easy tour which is suitable for those who have some experience of walking and a good general physical condition.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Hostel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
Siena, Tuscany, Lucca, Altopasci
Siena, Tuscany, Lucca, Altopascio, San Miniato Alto, Gambassi Terme, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni
Every thing was good hotels in Zurich was perfect also in Roma and very very thanks to our tour guide she’s name is Eva she was the best of our trip and I hope I will go all my tours with europmound and with Eva 🤍🌹
The itinerary on The Jewels of Italy Tour is exceptional, not only do you get to see the major attractions in the big cities, but you also get to see the smaller towns of Pisa and Verona. I thought the Coach was very comfortable. Although, I was surprised that there was no bathroom in the back, but there were enough Pitstops made for bathroom breaks, so it was not needed. We thought the Hotels were more than adequate for the paid.
This was a fabulous trip, with a well thought-out itinerary enhanced by a wonderful guide, a great group of people, delicious Italian food and beautiful weather.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Villa
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Catania, Taormina, Sicily, Viagr
Catania, Taormina, Sicily, Viagrande, Noto, Agrigento, Trapani, Palermo
This tour is the BEST way to see all the infamous spots in Italy, plus local hidden gems, at a reasonable cost and if you are short on time (we had a school break time limitation). It covered everything! We budgeted for the add-ons, especially those with meals, but you could choose to have more free time if you wanted. The food was extraordinary, the bus was roomy and immaculately clean, our driver Antonello was superb, and our Travel Director Anneleis was amazing! She was so talented at integrating the tour highlights, guests, keeping it fun even in the rainy weather, knowledgeable, and able to troubleshoot anything to ensure we had the best experience of a lifetime!! I would love to go back and explore Southern Italy next. The hotels were elegant (only one was just "OK" only because it was in need of some renovations) and the service with our luggage, tipping, etc. was seamless. I highly recommend the Italian Intermezzo tour and Insight Vacations. Favoloso!
