Start the day with an orientation walk of the nearby town of Città della Pieve (approximately 20 minutes by foot from the villa). Your trip leader will point out local landmarks, restaurants, cafes, grocery stores as well as the bank, pharmacy, post office and anything else that you might need during your stay. Afterward, we suggest a passeggiata (leisurely stroll) to take in the sights, sounds and smells of the outdoor cafes and local shops sprinkled around this ancient town.

As you explore, you will see why Città della Pieve won the first Pio Alferano Prize as the most perfect city in Italy. The prize judges said this about the town: “Città della Pieve is a perfect city: it offers the ideal condition of being isolated and close. It is at the center of art with the masterpieces of Perugino, but without the anxiety of frenetic tourism. In the sheltered rooms of beautiful houses, villas, hotels, taverns, and restaurants, day and night, a slight euphoria animates the spirit and shakes the body when in this city.”

Later that evening, we suggest dinner together at one of the many restaurants in town.

*There will be a daily shuttle that is included in the trip cost and goes from the villa into town at 7:oo PM.

Included:

• Activities: Citta della Pieve orientation walk; Free time
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Villa

Head to Montepulciano (approximately 1 hour drive from the villa) which is renowned for its Vino Nobile Montepulciano wines. You will get a chance to taste these famous wines at a wine cellar that dates back to the 16th century. A wine connoisseur will guide you through the cellar and teach you all about the history of the cellar and the aging process. After the wine tasting, you will have some free time in Montepulciano to do some shopping or discover it by train as you pass by some unbeatable landscapes.

Next up is Pienza (approximately 20-minute drive from Montepulciano), a beautiful Renaissance town surrounded by panoramic views of Orcia Valley. This town has been defined as the ideal city thanks to Pope Pius II who endeavored to transform his hometown into the "perfect town". You will have some time to wander around Pienza's hidden alleyways and cobblestone streets and enjoy the small shops in the town center. Don't miss out on Pienza's specialty: a pecorino sheep's milk cheese which you can taste and buy at stores in the town.

Included:

• Activities: Montepulciano wine cellar tour & tasting; Montepulciano free time; Pienza free time
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Villa

Make your way to Assisi (approximately one hour drive from the villa) which many of our past travelers have said is their favorite town in all of Italy! Assisi is a hilltop town in the beautiful region of Umbria with charming lanes, massive gates and stone buildings. The town is famous for being the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi, one of Italy’s most venerated saints, and has attracted pilgrims from all over the world for over 700 years. The gigantesque Basilica Saint Francis was built in his honor right after his death and is covered in some of the best preserved and vibrant frescoes in all of Italy. After lunch, enjoy some free time to explore and do some shopping. Be on the lookout for unique jewels inspired by Saint Francis that are only made in Assisi.

Included:

• Activities: Assisi tour; Basilica of Saint Francis; Assisi free time
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Villa

Today is a free day to do as you wish and we highly recommend a hands-on cooking class. Prepare some of Tuscany's most popular dishes at the villa with an Italian chef. Get ready to learn how to make the best tiramisu you've ever had!

Alternatively, you could visit the beautiful town of Orvieto sitting upon a plateau overlooking the valley. The city is filled with a wide variety of museums and monuments that are all located within walking distance from each other and built over a vast honeycomb of caves, tunnels and cellars. Also, don't miss Orvieto's beautiful duomo (cathedral)!

The choice is yours and your trip leader will be there to help with logistics and reservations as well as suggested activities.

Included:

• Activities: Free day (trip leader can recommend activities for you)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Villa

Get ready for an authentic experience far away from the main tourist attractions. Travel along the winding roads of Val d'Orcia where some of Italy's best pecorino cheese is produced. Surrounded by towering cypress trees over softly rolling hills stretching toward the blue sky, Val d'Orcia is right from a postcard.

Spend the day in the heart of the Tuscan countryside with Giancarlo and his brother, the owners of a family sheep and cheese farm. They will welcome you to share their passion for nature and pecorino secrets with you. Learn about how they work the land, raise the animals and produce cheese as you see, smell, feel and taste every step of this family's everyday life over the generations. Not only will you experience one of the best cheese tastings in Italy, but their enthusiasm and infectious smiles will put a smile on your face too! 

Included:

• Activities: Sheep farm tour; Cheese making demonstration; Cheese and wine tasting
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Villa

All remaining days are completely free to do as you wish. You can choose to relax by the veranda with a glass of wine or explore some more.

We recommend a day trip to Maggiore Island (approximately 20-minute drive from the villa followed by a short boat ride), one of three islands on Trasimeno Lake. Visit the church from the 14th century, walk around the narrow village streets, shop in the small craft shops, go for a peaceful walk in the olive groves overlooking the lake and try the fish caught fresh from the lake.

Or you might choose to rub shoulders (literally!) with the locals and visit the famous Saturnia Hot Springs. Bring your water shoes and get ready to relax in thermal waters, cascades and natural pools that remain a toasty 96Fº year-round.

Alternatively, we suggest a day trip to Siena or Florence which are both easily accessible by train. You could also go truffle hunting closer to the villa and try your hand at finding a tasty treat. Or pamper yourself at a thermal water spa with over 20 wellness experiences.

The choice is yours and your trip leader will be there to help with logistics and reservations as well as suggested activities.

Included:

• Activities: Free day (trip leader can recommend activities for you)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Villa

Say farewell to Italy and your new friends. Today is the last day of your slowcation. We hope to see you on one of our next adventures!

Included:

• Activities: Free time
• Meals: Breakfast

*Itinerary is subject to change.