Tuscany and Umbria self-drive

Collect your car from Pisa International Airport and embark on the first leg of your multi centre holiday – the historic city of Pisa. Visit its iconic Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli before driving on towards your chosen area of Tuscany and checking in to one of our broad range of hotels in the Tuscan countryside. On your first evening, enjoy a delicious alfresco evening meal in a piazza nearest to your hotel and begin to experience la dolce vita.

Discover the secrets of the Chianti wine region which extends over the provinces of Florence and Siena. Drive through the rugged landscape and take in the magnificent panoramas, stopping along the way to sample some local Chianti wine. You might just discover some of the region’s famous hilltop towns along the way.

Head into the heart of Tuscany, in search of the town of San Gimignano. This most magnificent of medieval hill towns is renowned for its 14 soaring towers – once used as symbols of power between warring families. After exploring its time-worn streets and craft shops, carry on to the nearby city of Siena (approx. 45 minutes), a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to countless Gothic and medieval sights.

No stay in Tuscany would be complete without a trip to Florence – the region’s Renaissance capital. Pre-book an afternoon walking tour excursion to experience the city's main attractions on foot; visit the jaw-dropping cathedral, see Michelangelo's David and of course the renowned Uffizi gallery, where you can view the largest collection of renaissance masterpieces in the world. After the tour, complete your day by shopping for some great bargains on leather goods before enjoying a traditional Tuscan meal close to the beautiful River Arno.

Today we recommend heading out into the hills again to visit the pretty town of Montepulciano, where exquisite wines and spectacular hilltop views combine. In the afternoon, cross the border into Umbria and make your way to your hotel.

Today is your first full day in stunning Umbria, so we suggest heading to the breathtaking hill town of Perugia – one of the most historic cities in Italy. Take the escalators from the lower town that lead up through the remains of the Rocca Paolina 16th century fortress, and climb through the historic streets of the city’s remarkable Old Town. Those travelling to the city in July will enjoy the Umbria Jazz Festival and, in October, the Eurochocolate festival, but there’s plenty to do and see throughout the year, too. We highly recommend staying until sunset, when the dying sun lights the city’s piazzas and streets the most extraordinary, fiery colours.

In your last full day in Italy, head to Lake Trasimeno; Italy's fourth largest lake. This extraordinarily shallow lake is fringed by a mesmerising array of medieval fortresses and quaint towns, although the main attractions are perhaps the three intriguing islands set at the lake’s heart – and easily accessible by ferry. 

Wave goodbye to Umbria as you drive to Rome (approx. 2-3 hours). Try and squeeze in some time to see the ancient Colosseum before flying back to the UK via Roma Fiumicino Airport.