Itinerary - Italy: Tuscany, Rome and Florence

Round trip flights are not included in the package, so you can choose from where and when you want to fly. This is to give you maximum freedom of choice!

Upon arrival at our Rome accommodation, we'll have a welcome meeting. Once settled, let's dive straight into the vibrant Roman nightlife. What shall we choose for our inaugural Capitoline aperitif: a refreshing Spritz or a timeless glass of wine?

Rome, with its blend of ancient marvels and modern delights, offers a diverse and stunning experience. Today, we'll embark on a 4-hour guided tour, delving into the city's rich history. We'll marvel at iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, the Imperial Forums, the Pantheon, the renowned Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps, culminating in Piazza del Popolo.

The afternoon is yours to explore as you wish, but we highly recommend a visit to the Vatican City, the world's smallest state, for an unforgettable experience.

How about a little excursion abroad? Vatican City, one of Italy's two independent states, offers a chance to step beyond Italian borders. A stroll in St. Peter's Square is a must, and for those interested, weather permitting, the Vatican Museums await (ranked in the top 10 most visited museums globally!). Should we decide to explore, prepare to crane our necks in awe at the stunning Sistine Chapel.

Afterward, a delightful reward awaits us: a refreshing dinner in a traditional Roman restaurant. Shall we indulge in the classic pasta carbonara or opt for the tantalizing cacio e pepe?

Today, we'll uncover the authentic essence of Rome, away from the tourist hubs, delving into the local neighbourhoods. We'll begin our journey in Trastevere, meaning "beyond the Tiber" in Latin, a district pulsating with the true spirit of the city. Here, amidst its labyrinthine alleys, artisans, small traders, and traditional trattorias coexist with trendy venues and foreign artists' workshops.

Three iconic squares await our exploration: Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, Piazza Trilussa, and Piazza Sant'Egidio. Nearby lies the historic Jewish Ghetto of Rome, one of the oldest in the world. We'll indulge in the flavors of Judeo-Roman and kosher cuisine, sampling delicacies like artichokes alla giudia, cherry jam tart with ricotta, and anchovy and endive pie. It's essential to savor these culinary delights before continuing our Roman adventure.

To shake off the lunchtime indulgence, let's embark on a leisurely stroll to Garbatella! Here, we'll momentarily escape the bustling city and immerse ourselves in a genuine, unfiltered Rome. We'll encounter the voices of elders in historic bars and the echoes of mothers and grandmothers calling out to their children. It's the Rome of the locals, captivating us with its authenticity and making us yearn to linger.

However, our journey continues tomorrow, so let's relish this evening to the fullest.

Good morning, WeRoaders! As the first rays of sunlight beckon, it's time to rise, enjoy breakfast, and make our way to the car rental. Today, we bid farewell to Rome and set our course for Tuscany. Our journey along the motorway leads us to our initial destination: Val D'Orcia. Here, in the province of Siena, we're greeted by the quintessential Tuscan landscape—rolling hills, expansive vineyards, rows of cypress trees, and charming farmhouses. This picturesque region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, epitomises the postcard-perfect image of Tuscany found in souvenir shops.

As we pass through San Quirico D'Orcia, let's seize the moment to capture the iconic cypress trees in more than one photograph, even if our time is brief. Continuing our journey, we make our way to the Chianti area, where a stop for a delectable meal paired with fine wine, or perhaps a wine and charcuterie tasting, is a must. Later in the afternoon, we head towards our final destination: Montecatini Terme.

Welcome to the city of Humanism! Florence, a place where the brilliance of Dante Alighieri, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Michelangelo Buonarroti shone, alongside countless other artists, writers, and scientists fostered by one of Italy's greatest patrons, Lorenzo de Medici, the Magnificent. A guided stroll through the historic center immerses us in an era where the clash of lords was intertwined with monumental artistic and engineering endeavors.

Our journey begins at Piazza del Duomo, dominated by the awe-inspiring Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto's Bell Tower, and the intricately adorned Baptistery of San Giovanni. The murmur of the Arno River leads us to Ponte Vecchio, still home to jewelers and goldsmiths' shops. On the opposite bank, the grand Pitti Palace and enchanting Boboli Gardens await.

After the tour, as hunger beckons, let's savour the quintessential Tuscan lampredotto sandwich, a quick and delightful street food option. In the afternoon, enjoy the freedom to explore Florence at your leisure, with markets, shopping, and cultural delights aplenty!

Today, we venture beyond the noble Tuscan landscapes of Florence to explore the captivating cities of Pisa, famed for its leaning tower, and Lucca, embraced by medieval walls. Yet, no Italian journey is complete without indulging in the gastronomic wonders that define the nation's culinary legacy.

As we ponder the secrets behind perfect pasta, the nuances of exceptional pizza, and the revered "tricks" employed by Italian mothers for a flawless tiramisu, we'll immerse ourselves in a cooking class. Here, we'll unravel the mysteries of Italian cuisine, striving to master its artistry, knowing that our efforts will culminate in a delightful dinner featuring our own creations!

As we journey back to where it all began in Rome, our final stop awaits us in the enchanting city of Siena. Renowned worldwide for its iconic Piazza del Campo, with its distinctive shell shape and architectural splendour, Siena captivates visitors with its unique charm and hosts the traditional Palio di Siena twice a year.

A brief pause in Siena allows us to savour its delights, indulging in Sienese delicacies like ribollita, tomato soup, panforte, and ricciarelli—culinary treasures not to be missed. With hearts and bellies full, we bid farewell to Siena and make our way back to Rome, ready to conclude our journey through the Bel Paese with fond memories of our Italian adventure.

Check-out and goodbye – until your next WeRoad adventure!