The Essence of Italy 

Start your holiday at the Relais Marignolle, immersed in the green hills, in an extremely peaceful and quiet location, far from the traffic but close to Florence’s historic centre.

Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance and is universally recognized as one of the cradles of art and architecture and  as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
    
In fact, thanks to its numerous monuments and museums - including the Duomo, Santa Croce, the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Pitti - is one of the world’s most fascinating destinations. 

In just under two hour drive reach for Montepulciano, one of Tuscany's most precious gems.

This wealthy town is home to some of the finest Renaissance buildings, like the Palazzo Comunale and Palazzo Contucci and to the famous Nobile di Montepulciano wine.

Some of Tuscany’s most attractive towns poke up hereabouts: Montalcino, Siena, Pienza and Cortona

Continue further in to Umbria and end your holiday in the medieval town of Panicale, just a short drive from Lake Trasimeno among rolling hills.

A gem of a medieval hilltown arranged in an interesting oval pattern, Panicale will charm you with its city wall, towers, the church of Saint Michele Arcangelo, the Palazzo Pretorio and the Palazzo del Podesti.

Surrounded by a vineyards and amazing views, the resort is within easy reach of some of Umbria's most important tourist attractions: Perugia, Assisi, Orvieto, Spello and Lake Trasimeno.
 

Florence Highlights

• The Uffizi masterpieces, a visit to the Vasari corridor, the view from "Ponte Vecchio" and the Arno river.
  (We can pre book your visit to the Uffizi gallery so that you don't have to queue)
• See the bistecca alla fiorentina (T-bone steak), alongside other Florentine specialities in the city’s colourful food market, then sample one at Trattoria Mario or Trattoria Angiolino
• Swill and spit some of Italy’s finest wines on a tasting tour through Il Chianti

Montepulciano

• The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, or the Duomo of Montepulciano, constructed between 1594 and 1680, includes a masterpiece from the Sienese School, a massive Assumption of the Virgin triptych painted by Taddeo di Bartolo in 1401
• Enjoy a glass of the finest Montepulciano wine in the many wineries
• Montepulciano's Bravio delle Botti (Barrel Rolling Contest)  August
• Visit the nearby town of Siena, Montalcino and Pienza for “pecorino” cheese, wild-boar salami and other traditional produce

Panicale  Umbria Highlights

• The wine region around Panicale is called "Colli del Trasimeno." The main grapes used in the local red wines are: Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo, Gamay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Grechetto is the big white in the region
• Try Bici with Ragu (meat sauce), wild boar, crostone (big crostino, a toasted slab of bread) with Pheasant sauce, and anything with truffles
• Preserved are the city wall, towers, the church of Saint Michele Arcangelo, the Palazzo Pretorio and the Palazzo del Podesti
• Panicale is central to some pretty impressive tourist destinations, including Perugia, Assisi, Orvieto, Spello and Lake Trasimeno
• The Umbria Jazz Festival is one of the most important jazz festivals in the world and has been held annually since 1973 (First two weeks of July)
• Take in a concert or performance at the Spoleto Festival (July)
• Indulge in a 10 days of chocolate tasting during the annual Eurochocolate (October)

Prices include breakfast and are based on 2 adults sharing a double/twin room.

These prices can change on a daily basis as a result of special offer contracts with our suppliers and continually-fluctuating foreign exchange rates.

For an accurate holiday quote, please call our friendly, tailor-made specialists on 0207 520 3100, or complete our request form.

Itinerary

• Arrive in at the Relais Marignolle in Florence
• 4 nights in a de-luxe Double room with garden view
• Complimentary italian prosecco selection and fresh fruit in room upon arrival
• 2 tickets with entrance reservation to Uffizi gallery
• Make your way to Hotelito Lupaia in Montepulciano (about 2 hours drive)
• 2 nights in a Superior Double room
• Optional full day bike tour Cortona & Montepulciano  160 euros per person 
• Make your way to Villa di Monte Solare in Panicale, Umbria (about 1 hour drive)
• 4 nights in a Classic room
• One 3 course dinner à la carte
• One 4 course seasonal menu including wines
• Two wine tastings with snacks, entrance fee to the Torgiano wine museum and all necessary informational material.
• Fully comprehensive car hire (economy 2 doors a/c)
   

Flights (Optional)
Because we can access every scheduled airline, No Frills and selected charter flights, you can pick and choose the best option to add to your holiday.

When you book flights + accommodation with us, you are covered by our bonding with the CAA (for holidays by air) so your money is fully protected. You are also covered by the ATOL (1249) regulations, which means we take full responsibility for all the elements we have booked for you.