Book Club With a View

Today, you’ll meet up with your group in Florence. After time to check into your accommodations and settle, join the group for an immersive tour of the heart of the Italian Renaissance, where centuries of history overlap and unfold before you with the help of an expert local guide. Visit highlights like the Florence Duomo – with its iconic red dome – and of course, Michelangelo’s masterpiece, The David. In the evening, celebrate the start of this Italian adventure with a welcome dinner at one of our favorite Florentine restaurants.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading into the Tuscan countryside for a day exploring the beautiful scenery and delectable cuisine of Tuscany. Today, you’ll visit the world-renowned Chianti wine region and enjoy a vineyard tour, wine tasting and lunch at a winery, and return to Florence for a little afternoon down time (perfect for shopping or writing practice). In the evening, reconnect with the group for a tour of the charming Oltrarno neighborhood of Florence, ending with an evening aperitivo in a local wine bar.

Check out of your hotel after breakfast and bid arrivederci to Florence, as today the group journeys into the hills of Umbria. On your way, stop in the beautiful hill town of Orvieto for a guided tour of its historic city center, with layers of history stretching from the medieval era all the way back to ancient Etruscan roots. After arrival in Umbria, check into your hotel and settle in at your new home base.

Today, the group will embark on a truly unforgettable experience – a truffle hunt! Led by an expert truffle hunter and his dogs, you’ll explore the forests of Umbria in search of theculinary “black diamond.” Following your hunt, you’ll enjoy lunch together with dishes highlighting this sought-after delicacy. Enjoy the evening and dinner on your own.

After breakfast at your hotel, the group will embark into the Umbrian countryside, visiting the villages that dot the rolling hills and valleys of the landscape, such as Spello and Bevagna. You’ll have time to explore as a group and on your own, and between towns you’ll stop at a winery in the renowned Montefalco wine region for lunch paired with local wine.

Today the group will explore the production of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, with a tour of a modern olive oil producer and tastings of the “liquid gold,” produced in the heart of Umbria for hundreds of years. Next, the group will head to a cooking class featuring typical regional dishes and products, followed by a lunch of your own creation. In the evening, the group will gather for a farewell dinner, toasting to the memories shared together on your tour.

Today, bid farewell to the group as everyone goes their separate ways. Enjoy private car transfer back to Florence to catch your return flight, or continue your exploration of Italy further by adding on additional touring. We wish you buon viaggio!