8 Days in Italy: Tuscan Treasures

Tour the treasures of Italy's Tuscany region, from Val d'Orcia through Chianti, on this week-long trip to Pienza, Montepulciano, Siena, San Gimignano, and Rome.

Country
Italy
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
From
$3,500 /person
Book this trip

Your trip at a glance

Top Activities

Tasting Montepulciano wines and pecorino cheese samplings on a guided vineyard visit

Truffle hunting in the Tuscan countryside with trained and friendly dogs

Walking in the shoes of gladiators and government officials in ancient Rome's Colosseum and Forum

Visiting the walled city of Siena, whose striped church ranks among Italy's architectural greats

Biking through Tuscan hills and local vineyards on an open-ended day of adventures

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Preview:

Truffle Hunting and Cooking Class

Truffle 3

Overview

By now, you've become acquainted with Tuscany's trademark foods and drinks, from deep red wines to delicious meats and cheeses. Today expands upon those lessons by introducing you to yet another Tuscan claim to fame — truffles. After breakfast this morning, you'll dive into the fascinating world of truffle foraging with the help of an expert local truffle hunter. This professional truffle enthusiast will lead you through the woods, following the expertise — and nose — of a faithful dog. Within the woods, you'll find yourself immersed in nature, learning about this unique local product and, hopefully, stumbling across truffles in the wild. The morning's tour may have whet your appetite, so, at the end of your truffle hunt, you'll join a local chef for a fun, hands-on cooking class, during which you'll learn the secrets of Italian cuisine. As for the nature of the day's menu? Think: truffles, truffles, and more truffles, which, in Tuscany, are as much of a mainstay as salt and pepper. When your cooking workshop concludes, you'll sit down for a taste, savoring the lunch you've just prepared. The afternoon and evening are wide open, so you can follow this duo of activities with anything else that appeals to you. Whether you're up for a village stroll, some scenery sightseeing, or a dip in your hotel's pool, Tuscany lets you have it all. (Breakfast)

Highlights

Truffle Hunt

Whoever seeks a truffle, finds a treasure — and during today's guided truffle hunt, that person will be you. Appreciated all around the world, truffles grow in abundance throughout Tuscany, thanks to generations of skilled truffle hunters. This morning, you'll meet one of those expert truffle finders and their trusty dog to witness the art of truffle hunting in action. By the hike's end, you'll not only be amazed by the dog's sense of smell but also by the amount of heart and handiwork that goes into collecting this essential ingredient.

Cooking Class and Lunch

Food forms an integral component of Italian culture, so after today's guided truffle scavenging, you'll learn how to prepare said truffles in the kitchen of a local chef. Together with your chef guide, you'll employ traditional Tuscan techniques and recipes to turn seasonal, locally sourced ingredients into a delectable lunch. You'll gain newfound insights into Tuscan cuisine, all the while satiating your taste buds with flavors of — what else? — the region's beloved truffles.

Accommodations

Hotel San Gregorio (or similar)

Hotel San Gregorio greets guests with a resounding welcome, set in the heart of Tuscany's Val d'Orcia. From the property's wonderful garden, you can set off to discover the surrounding landscapes, where rolling hills blur with the historic center of nearby Pienza. In your room, you'll find a home away from home, imbued with a sense of warmth, passion, and Tuscany's trademark charm.

Location:

Via Della Madonnina, 4 - Pienza

Phone:

+390578748059

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How it works

01

Fill out request form

Provide your ideal trip dates and details to be matched with one of our local planning experts.

02

Meet your expert

Schedule a call with your expert to confirm dates, pricing and any recommended edits to the itinerary.

03

Book your trip

Once your itinerary is set, it’s time to pay the deposit to secure your trip.

04

Take-off

Let the journey begin! Your expert will offer real-time support and concierge service while traveling.

Ready to Go?

Let our local experts plan your dream trip.

What's included

Included in the final price

  • Roadbook with local tips and expert recommendations
  • On-the-ground support
  • On-trip concierge service
  • Personalized trip crafting
  • Accommodations for seven nights, with daily breakfast included
  • All meals and culinary experiences mentioned in the itinerary
  • All activities, guided tours, and excursions mentioned in the itinerary
  • Airport transfer mentioned in the itinerary
  • Everything else listed as included in the itinerary
  • Rental car from Days 1-7 with automatic or manual transmission, depending on your preferences

Not included in the final price

  • International arrival and departure flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
  • Anything not mentioned or listed as optional in the itinerary
  • Daily city taxes

Ready to see the full itinerary?

Submit a free request to talk with our local experts.

Let's Go
Day 1:
Benvenuti in Italia!
Day 2:
Val d'Orcia Wine, Pecorino Cheese, and Montepulciano's Majesty
Day 3:
Truffle Hunting and Cooking Class
Day 4:
Val d'Orcia to Chianti and Siena
Day 5:
Tuscan Countryside at Your Leisure
Day 6:
Chianti Wines and the San Gimignano Skyscape
Day 7:
Entering the Eternal City: Relics of the Roman Empire
Day 8:
Alla Prossima!