Umbria and Tuscany on a Vespa – La Dolce Vita
Footloose- 7 Nights/8 Days
Imagine cruising along winding country roads on a Vespa; picture-postcard vistas of rolling hillsides clad in a multitude of colours, fragrances and emotions. There are endless rows of vineyards bearing some of the world’s finest grapes; green forests of Holm oaks, beech trees, olive groves, parks, gardens, yellow broom, cornflowers, red poppies and the green of the meadows.
The sensory overload continues in every quaint Italian village along the way, where you’ll sip espresso at an outdoor café, sample Umbrian prized wines, or savour a long, leisurely meal bursting with fresh vegetables, homemade pasta, meat from the regions famed charcuterie, local cheese, prized truffles, river fish, lentils. All part of the region’s tradition and warm hospitality that has not succumbed to modernisation or haste. Unlike on any other tour, you’ll do it all in the Italian fashion: riding a Vespa scooter, with the sun on your face and the open road before you, just waiting to be explored. The freedom and laugh-out-loud fun of discovering Umbria and Tuscany by scooter will be an adventure to remember!
Itinerary and Highlights
- Day 1 Perugia – Corte de Poggio.
Arrive Perugia, capital of the Umbria region, in the heart of Italy. Collect your Vespa and ride to the small hamlet of Corte de Poggio - Day 2 Corte de Poggio - Montefalco (55 km).
We are now in the heart of Umbria, the famous ceramic makers and Torgiano, Lungarotti wineries home town of Montefalco, famous for both its excellent Sagrantino wines and its wonderful hilltop position. The town is enclosed in 13th C walls and is dominated by the church of St Augustine. - Day 3 Montefalco – Spello – Assisi - Perugia (60 km).
Ride to the quaint town of Spello, enroute to Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage site noted for the architectural treasures of the Basilica of Santa Chiara, Monastery of San Domenico and the splendid Basilica of St. Francis. End the day in Perugia, which dates back to Etruscan times, where monuments more than 2,000 years old can be found in the cobbled streets and alleyways. - Day 4 Perugia - Cortona (70 km).
Ride to Cortona, the town made famous by Frances Mayes’ book, “Under the Tuscan Sun” passing tranquil Lake Trasimeno, surrounded by gentle hills covered in olives and vines. Weather permitting, take a boat to isola Maggiore. - Day 5 Cortona – Montepulciano (47 km).
This is a day for meandering, enjoying the landscape, taking photos and at the end the beautiful town of Montepulciano, with its renaissance palaces and wine ‘caves’ featuring the characteristic “Nobile” wine. - Day 6 Montalcino – Siena (55km).
The route to Siena is twisting and full of ups and downs, very scenic with little traffic. On arrival relax in the “Piazza del Campo” famous for the annual traditional Palio horse races when residents don ancient costumes for the event. - Day 7 Siena - Trequanda (50 km).
Take some time to visit Siena, one of the best preserved Medieval cities, then ride a rugged, eroded landscape to the imposing Monte Oliveto Maggiore monastery whose beautiful cloister is adorned with frescoes by Signorelli. The road to Trequanda is scenic and almost trafficless. - Day 8 Return of Vespas.
Follow the Trasimeno Lake shores on the southern side of the lake, to reach Agello and the end of your journey. Train connections to Rome or Florence. - Day 9
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La Dolce Vita
Tour with like-minded, fun-loving people