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!
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.
ITALIAN GRACE: Premiere Inns
Relais Borgo Scopeto (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 (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 (2 nights): Tradition blends beautifully with modern comforts at this stylish hotel, set in a 14th-century manor on a hilltop with sweeping vistas.
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:
- 12+ cultural appreciation, difficulty of activities
- 9+ difficulty of activities
- 6+ several long adult dinners; there may be multiple activity restrictions
- 3+ activities are suited to young kids; there are few or no activity restrictions; and no long dinners (or we offer alternatives)
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.
Guest Trip Reviews
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