Provence and Tuscany to Umbria Tour 2012

Tour Overview

A totally unique tour with three and four night stays capturing the essence and vibrancy of four very evocative regions - each one littered with wonderfully preserved cities, hill top villages, culture, food and wine. Cruise the glorious Calanques of the Cote d’Azur, visit chic St Tropez, explore the fairytale ‘town of towers’ San Gimignano and medieval Spoleto.

Tour Highlights

• Capture the essence and vibrancy of four very evocative regions of France and Italy - Provence, the Cote d’Azur, Tuscany and Umbria
• Stay 4 nights in delightful Provence and visit the Pont du Gard, Avignon’s grand Palais des Popes, Aix-en-Provence and the Roman ruins at Arles   
• Visit the wonderful weekly markets at Gordes in the Luberon, explore historical Les Baux, and take a cruise from Marseilles past Chateau d’If to the beautiful Calanques
• Relax over 3 nights in elegant Nice and explore the Cote D’Azur from Bardot’s St Tropez and St Paul de Vence to Cannes and Monte Carlo
• Spend 4 nights in Tuscany in the spa town of Montecatini Terme and visit Florence and the Uffizi Gallery, Pisa, the medieval city of Lucca, glorious Siena and the fairytale ‘town of towers’ San Gimignano
• Explore the scenic villages of the famous Cinque Terre , savour  traditional Tuscan cuisine at Fattoria il Poggio and taste wine and olive oil with Tuscan farmhouse owner, Dante      
• Relax over 3 nights in Spoleto in the Umbrian Hills, visit Assisi and enjoy a special ‘Farewell to Umbria’ dinner
• Visit the ancient Roman Forum and Colosseum in Rome

Tour Inclusions

• All the sightseeing, scenic drives and excursions (as per the itinerary)
• Fully escorted by our experienced Tour Manager
• First class air-conditioned touring coach
• End of tour tips to Tour Manager, drivers and local guides
• 16 nights selected accommodation as described
• Porterage (1 bag per person)
• Buffet breakfasts daily
• 10 dinners including a welcome dinner, restaurant dinners in Avignon, Nice and Tuscany, ‘Farewell to Umbria’ dinner
• TGV train Paris to Avignon (2nd class)
• Local guides – Florence, Assisi, Rome
• Entrances: Papal Palace Avignon, Uffizi Gallery, Roman Forum and Colosseum
• Petit Train ride Avignon, boat ride to the Calanques, Cinque Terre excursion,  food, wine and olive oil tasting at I Cipressini’ farmhouse in Tuscany
• Personal audio system whilst on tour