« Return to Normal Layout
Tuscany & Umbria Family Insider

Tuscany & Umbria Family Insider

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 20 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 historians 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!

Timeless Hill Towns

Within their stone ramparts, the proud hill towns of Tuscany and Umbria offer a blissful escape from the 21st century. With local expert Giovanni Adreani, explore Cortona from its Etruscan tombs to its historic neighborhoods. In Todi, linger in the Piazza del Popolo, one of the prettiest squares in Italy. And uncover Assisi with guide Rosella Fiorucci, who knows Saint Francis' hometown come la sua tasca (like her own pocket).

Buon appetito!

Something about Italian cuisine appeals to the soul. Straightforward and honest, it celebrates fresh ingredients prepared with minimal manipulation – proud but not boastful. A glass of red wine, thinly sliced prosciutto, warm bruschetta, some aged parmigiano reggiano splashed with balsamic vinegar – it's habit forming! Discover the joys of the Italian table in true Backroads style, with a cooking demonstration and hands-on lesson, an exclusive chocolate factory tour, a kids-only gelato tasting, superb picnics and unforgettable dinners.

Sensational Siena

Fall in love with Siena as you explore the city's handsome medieval center with local guide Laura Antoni. Learn about its 17 fiercely competitive contrade (districts). Admire the black-and-white striped façade and exuberant ornamentation of the Duomo. Linger at the Piazza del Campo and imagine how it looks twice a year – filled with dirt, galloping horses and frenzied spectators – during the city's famous Palio bareback race.

"The Sun of Italy in a Bottle"

Even if you're new to the pleasures of the vine, this trip is sure to unleash your inner oenophile. Enjoy a private tasting of Chianti Classico produced on the vineyard-covered estate of Borgo Scopeto, just outside of Siena. Down south on a lofty Umbrian hilltop is Orvieto, where you can try the fine white wines that have been praised by artists, poets and nobles since the Middle Ages. Though the dry version predominates, also be sure to taste the semisweet abboccato variety. Cin cin!

Umbrian Eye Candy

The origin of Italian ceramics dates back to the Etruscans, but it was not until the Renaissance that the art of majolica reached its full splendor, with brilliant colors and refined decorations. In Deruta, one of the world's oldest ceramics centers, you and the kids can paint your own pieces during our private class at a prestigious regional pottery producer.

big map Tuscany & Umbria Family Insider

ITALIAN GRACE : Premiere Inns

Relais Borgo Scopeto (2 nights): You'll feel as if you're in a medieval stone village during your stay at this elegant and welcoming hotel, set amid classic Tuscan scenery and featuring two heated swimming pools, tennis courts, a jogging track, immaculate gardens and superb views of nearby Siena.

Villa di Piazzano (1 night): Sitting just outside of town, this 15th-century manor house features a swimming pool, beautifully appointed guest rooms and an expansive formal Italian garden.

Relais Todini (2 nights): Tradition blends beautifully with modern comforts at this elegant hotel, set in a 14th-century castle on a hilltop with sweeping views.

2008 DATES
FAMILY TRIPS

Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.

Recommended Kids Ages

Minimum Ages:

Recommended minimum age for the trip: 9 years

General Info on Minimum Ages:

We strongly encourage families to join our Family Trips, designed with kid- and adult-friendly features. Please note that we have a minimum age requirement of 1 year for all Inn trips and 2 years for all Camping trips. Other than that, we do not restrict trips to a minimum age except in the rare case of a hotel age restriction. We do, however, recommend minimum ages based on the following criteria:

Please note that a trip may feature an activity with an older age requirement than the minimum age recommendation for the trip. Younger kids are still welcome on the trip and while they will not be able to participate in the activity, the leaders will suggest an alternate activity. For safety reasons, children under 7 may not ride their own bikes and are required to ride on a Piccolo or in a Burley. For certain destinations, children must be 9 or older to ride their own bikes.

Trip praise

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.
Tom Hale - Backroads President and Founder