Tuscany & Umbria Family Insider
This trip is currently only available as a Private Trip. For a trip like this one, please see Tuscany Biking or call 800-462-2848 to speak with a Trip Consultant.
From Classic Tuscany to the Green Heart of Italy
Ageless scenery, rich history and, of course, stellar wine and cuisine make Tuscany and Umbria ideal destinations for travelers of all ages. This region is a second home for us: Backroads has had an office in Tuscany for 21 years. We've also built relationships with local people who know the area intimately, who can peel back its layers and reveal its passionate heart. We're excited to offer this trip filled with special events and encounters - from a behind-the-scenes exploration of Florence to fun-filled cooking classes - giving you and your family the most in-depth Italian experience possible. You'll meet artists, chefs and residents who are happy to tell you their stories and share their expertise. And when you return home, don't be surprised if you've become part of an extended famiglia internazionale!
- Inside connections and rare cultural experiences
- Meet author Dario Castagno, who shares insight into the Palio bareback horse race
- Exclusive chocolate-making class with Italy's premier chocolatiers
- In-depth visits to Florence and Cortona led by area experts
- Paint ceramics with a local master in Deruta
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Vagliagli
Get an insider's view of Florence from the Middle Ages to today on a guided walking tour 
Join our friends Jacopo and Anna at their apartment for an informal cooking lesson and lunch Meet Dario Castagno, author of Too Much Tuscan Sun, who's brimming with fascinating information about the Chianti region Explore Siena's handsome medieval center with our local guide, learning about its 17 fiercely competitive contrade (districts) A scavenger hunt turns Siena into an outdoor classroom Swirl, sniff and savor fine vintages at a wine tasting.
Cortona
Accompany charming Cortona native Giovanni Adreani through the city's Etruscan tombs, ancient streets, piazze, churches and neighborhoods, gaining insight into its storied past Put your culinary skills to the test as you create (and consume!) piatti tipici Toscani (typical Tuscan dishes) under the tutelage of our good friend Viviana Beccarelli.
Collevalenza
Celebrate your arrival in Umbria with an exclusive chocolate-making lesson with a chef at the Perugina School of Chocolate Stroll through Todi's majestic medieval Piazza del Popolo Discover the atmospheric hill town of Deruta, an ancient ceramic center Unleash your inner artist during a ceramics painting class at the prestigious Scuola d'Arte Ceramica Relax by the pool or venture into Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis, the patron saint of Italy Cap off the trip in Carsulae with a guided visit of one of the most important Roman ruins in Italy.
Jeff Cantarutti, Our Man in Chianti
Jeff draws on a passionate Italian heritage to create unforgettable Insider experiences: "My father was twice knighted by Italy's government for his efforts to promote Italian culture in the U.S. And I can show up at the homes of my Italian cousins anytime." Now our Regional Manager in Italy, Jeff has led Tuscan trips since 1994. "From the first moment, I knew I'd be coming back forever. And thanks to the local friendships I've cultivated over the years, our trips have an authenticity that can't be matched."
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
Tuscany Biking Dolomites Multisport Switzerland MultisportOther Italy Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
Backroads is really excited to add our latest way to explore the world - Insider Trips - to our award-winning biking, hiking and multisport vacations. These are experiences you cannot have behind the wheel of a car, or on a train or a tour bus, or in a few excursions from a cruise ship or a secluded resort.- Backroads President and Founder All Guest Reviews
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. For Insider tours in , trust our in-depth connections. To see all our Insider tours click here. For our selection of award-winning biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.
Tuscany & Umbria Family Insider
ITALIAN GRACE: Premiere Inns
Relais Borgo Scopeto
Vagliagli (2 nights) You'll feel as if you're in a medieval stone village at this elegant welcoming hotel set amid classic Tuscan scenery, and featuring two heated swimming pools, tennis courts, a jogging track, immaculate gardens and superb views of Siena.
Villa di Piazzano
Cortona (1 night) Located just outside of town, this 15th-century manor house offers a swimming pool, beautifully appointed guest rooms and an expansive formal Italian garden.
Relais Todini
Collevalenza (2 nights) Tradition blends beautifully with modern comforts at this stylish hotel, set in a 14th-century manor on a hilltop with sweeping vistas.
Tuscany & Umbria Family Insider
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Kid-Friendly Routes
The route options below are for adults and older kids with more biking experience who are up for longer rides or hikes. For all other kids (and adults who choose), we make it easy to do even less than the shortest option mentioned above, usually by taking a short lift in one of our support vehicles. We are here to make sure everyone has a great time so there's no need for you to worry about whether your child will be able to "keep up."