Explore Tuscany and Umbria
JUNE 3-10, 2024
Full Price: 3,995 Euros
Activity Level — Moderate
Travelers should be able to walk quite a bit without assistance.
*This trip is not wheelchair accessible.
Trip Overview
Join us on an eight-day, women only, small group adventure to Tuscany and Umbria. Your dolce vita journey kicks off in Florence, where mopeds buzz and the gelato flows in rainbow hues.
Discover the art, food, and people that put Florence at the top of travelers’ lists. Cross Florence’s bridges and admire the abs on Michelangelo’s David in the Galleria dell’ Accademia as you explore this achingly beautiful city with a group of women who love adventure as much as you do.
Italy is a place to eat well and often, and you will do both in Umbria, land of Orvieto Classico wine, wild boar ragu, and medieval hilltop villages.
Orvieto is your base in Umbria, a walled city perfect for walking, lingering in dreamy cafes, and setting your clock to Italian time. Tour Orvieto’s magnificent Duomo, go underground to some of the 1200 caves beneath the city, and - of course - sample the renowned Orvieto Classico and regional specialties over dinner with your new travel friends.
This journey is about the good things in life: friendship, fun, and food. Leave the logistics to us and prepare to be impressed.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS
Learn to pair wine and cheese with expert foodies
Immerse yourself in the charm of medieval Orvieto, a hilltop village
Follow the passage of centuries in the underground of Sant’Andrea Church
Be amazed by the grandeur of Florence’s Duomo
Discover masterpieces in the Uffizi
Explore the caves of Orvieto
Cook like a local in Umbria
Ride the fast train from Florence like the Italians do
Check out David’s abs at the Accademia
Delight in views over Florence from San Miniato al Monte
Indulge in regional Tuscan recipes
Wander the winding cobblestones of Rome’s lively Trastevere ‘hood
Meet other bold women who love travel as much as you do!
Activity Highlights
Connecting with other Bold Spirit women
Pre-trip planning meetings with your Bold crew
Historical sites
Food tours & classes
Museum visits
Etruscan ruins exploration
Walking tours
Archaeological site visits
Local expert guides
DETAILED Itinerary
Day 1: Your ITALIAN Adventure Begins
You may want to arrive a day early to get over jet lag. You could also consider flying into Rome and taking the train north. Ask us about this.
Arrive at the Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR) in Florence.
Plan to be at the hotel today no later than 3:00PM.
It’s easy to grab a taxi from the airport taxi stand to our centrally located hotel.
If you arrive in Florence early, you could use your free time to check out the Mercato Centrale for lunch. This multistory market houses working food stalls on the first floor and a gourmet food court on the top floor.
Settle into your hotel room and freshen up before meeting the rest of the Bold Spirit Travel crew in the lobby for our orientation in the afternoon.
In the evening, we set out for a walking tour of Florence. Admire the Duomo from the outside, Florence’s stunning and slightly psychedelic cathedral dating back to the 13th century. Covered in white, pink, and green marble, we guarantee you’ve never seen anything quite like it.
Tonight, dig into a welcome dinner at a unique restaurant.
Meals: Orientation, Welcome dinner
Hotel: Hotel Orto de' Medici or similar
Day 2: Say “Ciao” to David
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning.
After breakfast, it’s time to get to know the Uffizi and some of its most important pieces.
Join our local expert to begin to understand Renaissance art in Florence during this fascinating guided visit.
After the Uffizi, we will stop for lunch as a group at an eatery featuring Tuscan fare.
Fortified, we’re off to the Galleria dell’ Accademia where you can spend as much or as little time as you like with breathtaking David and the other museum masterpieces.
The afternoon is yours. Shop for bling on the Ponte Vecchio. Sniff your way through perfume legend Santa Maria Novella. Wander solo or nab a Bold Spirit pal and explore together.
There is plenty of time for sipping icy spritzes and ogling the Arno.
Dinner on your own this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Hotel Orto de' Medici or similar
Day 3: VINE TIME IN CHIANTI
Tuck into cornetti and other breakfast goodies at the hotel this morning before heading out for a road trip.
Today we zip into the Tuscan countryside, making our way through villages and olive groves. We are bound for Chianti Classico country where grape vines and regional dishes await you.
Sip and swirl at Le Cinciole farm before popping over to Castellinuzza e Piuca winery for more tasting and lunch.
Browse shops and enjoy some free time in the village of Greve, and then pause for a brief guided tour of Montefioralle, a hilltop village oozing charm.
In the late afternoon, our private driver takes us back to beautiful Florence.
It’s springtime and evenings are light-filled and long. Take a walk by the river or head uphill to see the city from above at San Miniato al Monte.
Save some time this evening to pack up – we leave Tuscany for Umbria tomorrow.
Dinner is on your own this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Wine Tasting, Lunch
Hotel: Hotel Orto de' Medici or similar
Day 4: WELCOME TO UMBRIA
It’s time to say arrivederci to Florence. Grab a quick cappuccino and breakfast at the hotel, because we are off to the train station.
Our train from Florence to Orvieto is a 2.5-hour ride with lots of dreamy scenery along the way. Settle into your seat and enjoy the best way to travel in Italy.
Once in Orvieto, we’ll transfer to our uber central hotel and check in before strolling to lunch at a local favorite.
After lunch, enjoy some free time. Rest at the hotel and settle in or set out to explore this easy–and mostly pedestrian–village on foot.
In the evening, meet the group for wine and cheese tasting with our local experts. Discover Orvieto Classico and other regional wines and the amazing formaggi from this rich area of Italy.
Dinner is on your own tonight. Orvieto offers up many inviting eateries. Grab a travel buddy and try something new.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Wine & Cheese tasting
Hotel: Hotel Virgilio or similar
Day 5: Discover Orvieto’s Highlights
Buongiorno. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning.
After breakfast, we’ll head to the Duomo for a tour with our local guide. Learn all about this magnificent structure and some of the lesser-known gossip surrounding the painting of San Brizio Chapel inside!
From the Duomo, we head underground to one of the 1200 caves beneath Orvieto. How were they formed? What were they used for? How were they discovered? All of your questions will be answered.
Next up, lunch. Our group will dine in the restaurant above the cave.
Later, explore Orvieto during free time. Enjoy a few hours on your own to shop, wander, and relax at the hotel.
Before our group dinner at a local eatery, you’ll have the chance to visit the mosaic floors of Sant’Andrea Church, and for those who wish, climb the Torre del Morro in the center of town.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Hotel Virgilio or similar
Day 6: COOKING THE ITALIAN WAY
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
We will spend this morning cooking with a local chef. It is a short drive to Casale Polegri where our cooking class takes place. Learn some Italian culinary techniques to take back home with you and try out at your next dinner party.
You’ll have some free time when we return from Casale Polegri to finish up any shopping or start to pack.
Before the day’s end, we will visit the Pozzo della Cava to learn a bit more about the Etruscans who lived in this area. They are ancient pre-Roman people who settled between the Tiber and Arno rivers.
The rest of the evening is yours to grab dinner, and one last gelato in Orvieto, before heading back to the hotel to finish packing for our departure for Roma in the morning.
Meals: Breakfast, Cooking Class Lunch
Hotel: Hotel Virgilio or similar
Day 7: ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME
Have one more yummy breakfast at the hotel this morning before checking out and heading to the train station.
Our next stop is bustling Rome. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and then enjoy some free time.
Lunch is on your own today. Head out for a Roman pranzo (cacio e pepe, anyone?) with a buddy.
The afternoon is yours. Wander cathedrals and museums, do some shopping, or partake in one last scoop of gelato. Or head to the Colosseum or Spanish Steps.
We conclude our Bold Spirit adventure together with a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Hotel: Hotel Ponte Sisto
Day 8: Parting is such sweet sorrow…
To quote one famous fictional Italian, “parting is such sweet sorrow.”
Alas, our adventure has come to an end.
After breakfast at the hotel it’s time to say farewell to all your Bold Spirit pals before heading to the airport.
Our facilitators will help to arrange your taxi with the front desk.
If you have the time, you may want to add a few more nights onto your itinerary and explore Rome on your own. Ask us for recommendations.
Meals: Breakfast
This itinerary can be modified at the discretion of the Bold Spirit Travel facilitator. If part of the trip has to be changed, we will replace the experience with something equally awesome. We promise!
What’s Included:
7 nights at beautiful hotels and hotel-spas in dreamy locations (based on double occupancy – we will pair you with a roommate unless you choose a private upgrade)
An English speaking Bold Spirit facilitator accompanying you every step of the way
All meals as indicated in the detailed itinerary (most meals include wine)
Land transfers in private vans and by train
A small group experience—only 12 Bold Spirit women travelers on each trip
Local expert bilingual guides in each destination
All equipment needed for activities
Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel
A packing list to get you ready for this Bold Spirit adventure
A pre-tour Zoom call to meet other travelers
A WhatsApp group to stay in touch and share photos
What’s Not Included:
Round-trip airfare
Gratuities for drivers and guides
Airport transfers (taxis are plentiful)
Cost for additional activities
Meals not outlined in the detailed itinerary
Alcoholic beverages unless otherwise specified (most meals include wine)
Personal expenses such as souvenirs
Travel insurance
Optional private room upgrade
Early hotel check in
Telephone charges
Room service/minibar
Laundry
What to Bring on This Adventure:
Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
Dressy attire for nights out
Day pack or bag
Reusable water bottle
You will receive a detailed packing list upon registering
Staying in Touch with New Bold Spirit Friends
For each Bold Spirit group we will set up a WhatsApp so you can stay in touch with the inspiring women you meet on your trip and share photos. We also use this group to communicate with you during the trip.
Travel Insurance
Insurance is strongly recommended for your Bold Spirit trip.
We highly recommend that you obtain adequate coverage for cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects.
Your deposit and final trip balance can then be recovered via a claim to your insurance provider in the event that you must cancel your adventure due to unforeseen circumstances.
No refunds are issued 90 days or fewer from departure.
Check out insurance options at Tinleg, Squaremouth, and WorldTrips.
Other Considerations
This journey is a collaboration with Adventures in Italy.
The minimum group number for this trip to run is six participants.
Payment dates:
Deposit: 600 euros upon registering
2 subsequent payments
The trip price is based on a shared room. Some private room upgrades are available for each trip for an additional fee.
Private Rooms: A note about the private upgrade. We know that some women need their own space. We pay the same amount for the room whether there are 2 people in it or just 1. When you get the private upgrade, you are paying for the other 1/2 of that room. This is why it costs more. We are happy to pair guests with a roommate which allows you to save money and make a friend. We have limited private rooms so please select that option when you register. Thanks for understanding.
Refund amounts are determined as follows:
120+ days before trip: Full refund minus non-refundable deposit
120–90 days before trip: 50% of balance minus non-refundable deposit
90 days or fewer before trip: No refund
Our itinerary is subject to change based on availability and unforeseen conditions.
You must abide by Italian rules and COVID protocols. Bold Spirit Travel is not responsible if you cannot enter Italy due to lack of vaccination or other entry requirements.
Your deposit is used to secure your hotel room and guides. This is why it is not refundable.
READY TO BOOK YOUR
bold adventure?
Do you have more questions? Check out our FAQ section