Timeless Hill Towns
Within their stone ramparts, the proud hill towns of
Tuscany and Umbria offer a blissful escape from the 21st
century. With local expert Giovanni Adreani, explore
Cortona from its Etruscan tombs to its historic
neighborhoods. In Todi, linger in the Piazza del Popolo,
one of the prettiest squares in Italy. And uncover
Assisi with guide Rosella Fiorucci, who knows Saint
Francis' hometown come la sua tasca (like her own
pocket).
Buon appetito!
Something about Italian cuisine appeals to the soul.
Straightforward and honest, it celebrates fresh
ingredients prepared with minimal manipulation proud
but not boastful. A glass of red wine, thinly sliced
prosciutto, warm bruschetta, some aged parmigiano
reggiano splashed with balsamic vinegar it's habit
forming! Discover the joys of the Italian table in true
Backroads style, with a cooking demonstration and
hands-on lesson, an exclusive chocolate factory tour, a
kids-only gelato tasting, superb picnics and
unforgettable dinners.
Sensational Siena
Fall in love with Siena as you explore the city's
handsome medieval center with local guide Laura Antoni.
Learn about its 17 fiercely competitive contrade
(districts). Admire the black-and-white striped façade
and exuberant ornamentation of the Duomo. Linger at the
Piazza del Campo and imagine how it looks twice a year
filled with dirt, galloping horses and frenzied
spectators during the city's famous Palio bareback
race.
"The Sun of Italy in a Bottle"
Even if you're new to the pleasures of the vine, this
trip is sure to unleash your inner oenophile. Enjoy a
private tasting of Chianti Classico produced on the
vineyard-covered estate of Borgo Scopeto, just outside
of Siena. Down south on a lofty Umbrian hilltop is
Orvieto, where you can try the fine white wines that
have been praised by artists, poets and nobles since the
Middle Ages. Though the dry version predominates, also
be sure to taste the semisweet abboccato variety. Cin
cin!
Umbrian Eye Candy
The origin of Italian ceramics dates back to the
Etruscans, but it was not until the Renaissance that the
art of majolica reached its full splendor, with
brilliant colors and refined decorations. In Deruta, one
of the world's oldest ceramics centers, you and the kids
can paint your own pieces during our private class at a
prestigious regional pottery producer.
ITALIAN GRACE : Premiere Inns
Relais Borgo Scopeto (2 nights): You'll feel as if
you're in a medieval stone village during your stay at this
elegant and welcoming hotel, set amid classic Tuscan scenery and
featuring two heated swimming pools, tennis courts, a jogging
track, immaculate gardens and superb views of nearby Siena.
Villa di Piazzano (1 night): Sitting just
outside of town, this 15th-century manor house features a
swimming pool, beautifully appointed guest rooms and an
expansive formal Italian garden.
Relais Todini (2 nights): Tradition blends
beautifully with modern comforts at this elegant hotel, set in a
14th-century castle on a hilltop with sweeping views.
FAMILY TRIPS
- 6/22-27Price: $4598 pp dbl.
occ., (+ $1160 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/10-15Price: $4798 pp dbl.
occ., (+ $1160 for sgl. occ.)
The trip you have selected is different from the one
displayed. Here's how:
Hotel variation: On Night 3 we stay at Borgo Il Melone,
which features a swimming pool, a restaurant, wine bar and
cellar, and cheerful gardens.
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices
may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the
best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your
price is guaranteed.
General Info on Minimum Ages:
We strongly encourage families to join our Family Trips,
designed with kid- and adult-friendly features. Please note that
we have a minimum age requirement of 1 year for all Inn trips
and 2 years for all Camping trips. Other than that, we do not
restrict trips to a minimum age except in the rare case of a
hotel age restriction. We do, however, recommend minimum
ages based on the following criteria:
- 12+ cultural appreciation, difficulty of activities and
route
- 9+ difficulty of activities and route
- 6+ several long adult dinners; parent may not be able to
pull a Burley and/or there may be multiple activity
restrictions
- 3+ riding is on bike paths, making it great for young
kids; Burley and Piccolos are available; there are few or no
activity restrictions; and no long dinners (or we offer
alternatives)
Please note that a trip may feature an activity with an older
age requirement than the minimum age recommendation for the
trip. Younger kids are still welcome on the trip and while they
will not be able to participate in the activity, the leaders
will suggest an alternate activity. For safety reasons, children
under 7 may not ride their own bikes and are required to ride on
a Piccolo or in a Burley. For certain destinations, children
must be 9 or older to ride their own bikes.
