WALKING & HIKING TUSCANY & UMBRIA PREMIERE INNS

Tuscany must be experienced up close. Taste the Brunello. See the bread toasted in a stone fireplace, glistening with freshly pressed olive oil. Stroll through vineyards and hilltop towns. Let your eyes linger on ancient villas. Imagine the possibilities. There is no better— or closer—way to experience Tuscany.

17WTSIR1i 1/4/2017 NEVER SUBCONTRACTED We operate our own trips around the globe. That way we control the quality—and we're fully responsible for your great experience. TWO SUPPORT VANS We provide two support vans on all of our trips* so you can count on One of the very best trips my wife and I us to be there when you need us, regardless of the route you take. have ever taken. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to THREE LEADERS see the Tuscany region in a wonderful Our trips have three leaders*, for an average 6:1 guest-to-leader ratio. active way. Guests consistently score our leaders 9.7 out of 10, telling us they make William Miller ‐ Fort Collins, CO all the difference.

Click HERE to read more guest reviews THOUGHTFUL TRIP DESIGN We know how to create exceptional travel experiences, ensuring that you get the most from your trip as it unfolds. MULTIPLE DAILY ROUTES Being able to choose among several expertly designed routes each day gives you the freedom to enjoy the best of a region at your own pace. WE CELEBRATE MIXED ABILITIES To accommodate varied activity levels, you need three leaders, two vans, multiple route options, detailed directions, a rating system showing if shuttles are required, and plenty of well-matched riding/hiking companions.

*Over 95% of Backroads guests on scheduled trips travel with three Backroads trip leaders or support staff, and two or more vehicles. We even add a fourth leader for meet and move days on some of our most logistically complex trips with the most guests to ensure everyone enjoys the best possible support. On less than 5% of scheduled trips, the number of guests is small enough that we can maintain our trademark high service standards with just two leaders and one van. 6 DAYS, 5 NIGHTS Click HERE to learn more about the Backroads Quality Guide Click HERE for departure dates and pricing details

ROUTE RATING LEVELS 1–4 See below for details

TO RESERVE YOUR TRIP Sign up online HERE or call 800‐GO‐ACTIVE (462‐2848) or 510‐527‐1555

Open daily 6 a.m.–6 p.m. Pacific time Day 1 On the first day of the trip, meet your Backroads Trip Leaders (the folks in Backroads T‐shirts) at 9:30 a.m. in front of the Arezzo train station in Tuscany, Italy. Please arrive dressed in your hiking clothes and bring your luggage and a daypack with your rain gear and anything else you may want for today's hike (your luggage will be transported to our first night's accommodations). If you choose to change into your gear following our shuttle, please be aware that a proper changing area may not be available.

Shuttle to Bevagna 1¾ Hours

Walking & Hiking Options: Sagrantino Route: 3.1 Miles* (500' elevation gain) Montefalco Route: 5.3 Miles (900') Day 2 Shuttle to Eremo delle Carceri 45 Minutes *with shuttle Walking & Hiking Options: Benvenuti in Italia! After meeting, our journey begins Assisi Direct Route: 3 Miles (200' elevation gain) with a shuttle to the expansive Topino river valley at Subasio Route: 5.5 Miles (2,500') the base of Assisi and Mount Subasio. Before we head out on foot, explore medieval Bevagna, a perfectly Shuttle to Cortona 1 Hour preserved Umbrian village. Be sure to check out the main piazza which features a central fountain with This morning we shuttle to the Camino di Assisi trail potable water—a perfect spot to cool down on a hot on the flanks of Monte Subasio. We set out from 13th‐ summer day. Following valley paths among vineyards, century Eremo delle Caceri, originally a remote we stop for a picnic lunch at a in the heart of the hermitage that St. Francis of Assisi regularly visited Sagrantino wine region en route to the town of during his lifetime to pray and meditate. Other friars Montefalco, easily identified by its solitary hilltop eventually joined him and over time the site grew to position in the valley. include other buildings and eventually became the larger complex that exists today. Our hike ends in the Piazza del Comune in the heart of Montefalco where you can explore the charming town Emerging from the oak grove that shrouds the center, where medieval architecture mixes with chic hermitage, we follow the trail downhill, walking in restaurants and wine‐tasting rooms. In addition to the the footsteps of St. Francis toward the World Heritage stunning panoramic views of the countryside from its city of Assisi. Hillside churches make up the hilltop setting, this sleepy yet stylish hamlet is also impressive Basilica Papale di San Francesco, which famous today for the production of Sagrantino wine. was built in honor of St. Francis, Assisi local, soon after Once a grape used for sacramental wines, the varietal he was canonized in 1228. Take some time to explore is now used to produce Umbria's finest vino rosso. this lovely Gothic and Romanesque town, stopping for lunch on your own at one of Assisi's excellent A short transfer away, we are welcome at the family‐ restaurants. owned Villa Zuccari. This evening we gather for a welcome reception and aperitivo (cocktail) before Later this afternoon we say arrivederci to Umbria as we heading to an unforgettable dinner at another shuttle to neighboring Tuscany and to our next hotel, fantastic nearby agriturismo (country retreat and Relais La Corte dei Papi, a superbly renovated working farm). Lodging: Villa Zuccari farmhouse situated in the tranquil foothills outside of Cortona. You may want to join us for a guided tour of Cortona before a decadent dinner in town. Lodging: Relais La Corte dei Papi A night in Tuscany wouldn't be complete without a Tuscan wine tasting! Then we sit down for a superb meal at Corte dei Papi's gourmet restaurant. Lodging: Relais La Corte dei Papi Day 4 Shuttle to Monticchiello 1½ Hours

Walking & Hiking Options: Il Rigo Route: 4 Miles (200' elevation gain) Pienza Route: 7.3 Miles (1,300')

Shuttle to Castelnuovo dell'Abate 40 Minutes

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then hop on the shuttle Day 3 for a ride to quaint Montichiello. Arriving in town, we Walking & Hiking Options: enjoy a caffè at Osteria della Porta, taking in views of Le Celle Route: 2.5 Miles* (500' elevation gain) the Val d'Orcia and the Rocca d'Orcia above Bagno Cortona Route: 4.3 Miles* (900') Vignoni. Monte Amiata—Tuscany's highest point and a Old Roman Basolata Route: 5.7 Miles* (1,200') once‐active volcano responsible for the many curative Pergo Route: 8.4 Miles (1,200') thermal waters in the area—crowns the skyline and provides a picture‐perfect backdrop. *with shuttle Caffeinated and ready to go, we leave Montichiello, After restful sleep and a hearty breakfast at Corte dei descending from one hilltop town and climbing to Papi, we return to ancient Cortona where there's time reach another: Pienza. The way there offers to explore the town and learn of its storied past outstanding 360‐degree views of classic Tuscan before hitting the trail. After the Etruscans, the scenery: standalone stone farmhouses crown sparse Romans thrived here until the Goths destroyed the hilltops and cypress trees line undulating ridges. In settlement. In later years the town lay under the the springtime poppies abound while sunflowers patronage of Siena, then Naples and finally Florence. blanket the fields in fall. Today Cortona is a fascinating place to explore, rich in art and history. You may even recognize the 19th‐ We enter Pienza through its southern gate. The town century theater, Teatro Signorelli—named for painter is a World Heritage site and one of the region's Luca Signorelli—which appeared in Roberto Benigni's architectural gems, thanks to 15th‐century Florentine film La Vita è Bella (Life is Beautiful). architect Bernardo Rossellino, who was chosen by Pope Pius II to transform his birthplace into a town With your legs warmed up, we begin our hike through exemplifying Renaissance ideals. His masterpiece is the hills around Cortona making our way to Eremo Le the Piazza Pio II, with a classically inspired duomo and Celle, where Saint Francis was known to take respite. the Palazzo Piccolomini. (Allegedly Rossellino Along with a few of his followers, he is said to have embezzled the pope's funds during construction and built this hermitage in 1211, starting with nine small spent three times his original budget. The pope, rooms, or cells, giving the spiritual center its name. however, forgave the architect in gratitude for "these Take in the history of the complex before continuing glorious structures which are praised by all except up to the Basilica of Santa Maria, perched above those consumed by envy.") There's time to peruse the Cortona where we'll gather for a picnic lunch. shop‐lined cobblestone streets or do some people‐ watching while enjoying lunch on your own. The afternoon is yours to explore Cortona further or head back to our hotel where you can spend the Continue hiking after lunch to Agriturismo Il Rigo or afternoon poolside or relaxing in the property's rest your legs and hop on the shuttle instead. We beautifully manicured gardens. If you're up for more travel from here to Castello di Velona, our walking, stroll back to the hotel at your leisure.

4 extraordinary hotel for the next two nights. Originally enjoy a delectable lunch spread alla Toscana. an 11th‐century fortress, this hilltop property overlooks the Val d'Ombrone and the summit of In Montalcino, take time to explore its many enoteche Monte Amiata, Tuscany's highest mountain. Settle (wine shops) in search of the perfect glass of Brunello. into your room, take in the views from the pool's Back at the hotel, there's time to unwind under the terrace or unwind at the spa. (Spa treatments are not Tuscan sun, head to the spa or relax. included in the trip price. Advance reservations are recommended.) This evening a quick shuttle takes us to a nearby agriturismo where we are treated like family at a A quick shuttle away, there are many restaurants to farm‐to‐table dinner set among the vineyards—raise a choose from in charming Montalcino for dinner on toast to an incredible week in Tuscany. Salute! your own tonight. Of course, you may wish to dine at Lodging: Castello di Velona Castello di Velona's gourmet restaurant (reservations recommended). Haven't had enough Tuscan red? It's recommended that you order a bicchiere di vino rosso Day 6 with your meal. Lodging: La Castello di Velona Castello di Velona Loop 4 Miles (500' elevation gain)

Shuttle to Florence 2 Hours

Enjoy a light breakfast at the hotel before an early morning hike in the countryside surrounding Castello di Velona, a perfect way to complete the week. Afterward, bid farewell to your Trip Leaders before shuttling to the Florence train station, where our trip ends. Please see "Arriving & Departing" for end‐of‐ trip logistics.

KEEPING YOU UP TO DATE We are always seeking opportunities to enhance this itinerary. We’ll be certain to notify you of any important changes prior to departure; other changes Day 5 may be communicated on trip by your leaders. Walking & Hiking Options: Le Ragnaie Route: 3 Miles* (300' elevation gain) Velona Route: 6.7 Miles* (1,300')

*with shuttle

This morning we hike through the beautiful Tuscan countryside, passing rows of neatly manicured grapevines and small villages. Our destination is Montalcino, passing the Abbey of Sant'Antimo, where you might encounter Benedictine monks chanting their vespers in Latin. Although the origins of the abbey are up for debate, some say the building's foundation dates back to the time of Charlemagne.

Continue walking through the rolling landscape, taking in more classic scenery as we make our way to our lunch stop. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, relax at a beautiful stone farmhouse and

5 Trip Accommodations

At Backroads we understand that you have your own PREMIERE INNS idea of the "perfect" trip—the right mix of being active, discovering new cultures and natural wonders, and having time to relax. Our trips are designed to be flexible, giving you the freedom to experience the best of the region the way YOU want. Feel like you're ready to go, go, go? We can show you the way! Want some downtime or prefer to head out on your own? No problem! Your Trip Leaders will make sure to tell you the best days to take time for yourself (if you want it) without feeling like you're missing out. So feel free to shift gears and make it your day! 1 Night Villa Zuccari Surrounded by manicured gardens and vineyards, this spacious pink hotel offers unique styling in each bedroom and maintains its character as a 16th‐century villa. (pool) | Montefalco | ​www.villazuccari.com | +39‐0742‐399402

2 Nights Relais La Corte dei Papi Feel welcomed like family by owner David Papi at this elegant and superbly appointed 18th‐century country home, rated one of the top hotels in Italy and a Backroads‐exclusive property. (pool) | Cortona | www.lacortedeipapi.com | +39‐0575‐614109

2 Nights (above) Castello di Velona Soak up superb hilltop views at this elegant 11th‐ century fortress featuring a magnificent vantage point above the Val d'Orcia. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member. (pool, spa) | Castelnuovo dell'Abate | www.castellodivelona.it | +39‐0577‐835553

6 Backroads trip, please work with your own travel Arriving & Departing agent or you may choose to work with the Backroads After reviewing the following information, please Travel Desk at Dimensions in Travel. Their expert inform us of your arrival and departure plans on your travel advisors are ready to share their insiders' Personal Information Form. knowledge of Backroads and our worldwide destinations. These professional agents are available Depending on train schedules, you may need to spend to assist you with any of your travel needs. Call 800‐ the night before your trip in our meeting town or wait GO‐ACTIVE (462‐2848) to be connected with an at the train station between your arrival and the start advisor. Please note that consulting or ticketing fees of your Backroads trip. may apply, depending on the services requested. The Backroads Travel Desk at Dimensions in Travel is open All prices are in US dollars and subject to change. Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Pacific time. The standard unit of currency in Italy is the euro (EUR). PRIVATE TRANSFERS AROUND TUSCANY At the time of printing, 0.90 EUR = 1 USD. For the most For private car service in the Tuscany area, we up‐to‐date exchange rate, visit www.xe.com recommend Ricci Bus (www.riccibus.com; +39‐0577‐ (Universal Currency Converter). 226068). Ricci Bus serves the Florence and Rome MEETING TIME & LOCATION airports and can provide transportation to and from our pick‐up and drop‐off locations for competitive On the first day of the trip, meet your Backroads Trip rates. Let them know you’re a Backroads guest. Keep Leaders (the folks in Backroads T‐shirts) at 9:30 a.m. in Ricci Bus in mind for transportation if you plan to front of the Arezzo train station in Tuscany, Italy. extend your stay in Tuscany before or after your Please arrive dressed in your hiking clothes and bring Backroads trip. your luggage and a daypack with your rain gear and anything else you may want for today's hike (your luggage will be transported to our first night's TAKING THE TRAIN TO AREZZO accommodations). If you choose to change into your From Florence gear following our shuttle, please be aware that a From the airport, it's a short bus or taxi ride into town proper changing area may not be available. or to the train station. Trains run frequently between Florence and Arezzo. The journey takes 1–1½ hours CONCLUSION OF THE TRIP and ticket prices start around $15. On the last day of the trip, Backroads provides From Rome transportation to Florence's Santa Maria Novella train Getting from Rome's airport to Rome's train station: If station (not the Campo Marte station), arriving at you fly into Rome's Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino) approximately 2 p.m. From here you can take an airport, you can take the Leonardo Express commuter afternoon train to Rome, Milan or other destinations. train directly from the airport to the Roma Termini Please do not book a train departing before 3 p.m. If train station. The train runs every 30 minutes, 6:38 you're flying out of Florence, do not book your a.m.–11:38 p.m.; travel time is 30 minutes and the fare departure flight prior to 6 p.m. See the following is about $19. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket sections for information on train travel between counter or automated machines. Be sure to validate Florence and other cities in Italy. Taxis are available at your ticket in one of the yellow stamping machines on the station's main entrance. the platform before boarding the train. You can also FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS take a taxi to Roma Termini for about $60–$65. Supplements may be charged for excess luggage, and This trip starts in Arezzo and ends in Florence. We late‐night and holiday trips. suggest flying into Rome (airport code: FCO; www.adr.it) and out of Florence's Peretola Airport Trains from Rome to Arezzo run frequently. The trip (FLR; www.aeroporto.firenze.it), which is located a takes 1½–3 hours and costs $20–$55, depending on the few miles northwest of the city. From either airport, type of train you take. it's a short bus trip (around $6–17) or taxi ride ($50– $75) to the train station where you can catch a train to From Milan Arezzo. Getting from Milan’s Malpensa or Linate airports to Milan’s train station: The Malpensa Express train runs For help arranging air transport to and from your

7 between Malpensa airport and Milano Centrale train station approximately every 30 minutes, 4:30 a.m.– Destination Details 12:30 a.m. Tickets cost around $13 and travel time is about 45 minutes. The train stops at basement level in CLIMATE Terminal 1 at the airport. For more information, visit Summertime in Tuscany and Umbria is typically hot. www.malpensaexpress.it. A taxi between Malpensa Temperatures are generally a bit cooler in early May airport and the train station costs around $90–$120 and and late October. Rain is possible year‐round—don't travel time is about 45 minutes. (Note that traffic can forget to bring waterproof, breathable rain gear. be heavy and may significantly increase travel time.) Florence Buses depart from Linate airport to Milano Centrale Average: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun every 30 minutes, 6:30 a.m.–11:30 p.m. Tickets cost around $6 and travel time is 25 minutes, depending on High °F 50 53 59 66 74 81 traffic. If you plan to travel by taxi between Linate Low °F 35 37 41 46 52 59 airport and the train station, expect to pay $25–$40. Precip. inches 2.5 2.4 2.7 2.8 2.9 2.2 Trains from Milan to Arezzo run frequently. Travel Average: Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec time is 3–4½ hours and tickets start around $55. High °F 87 86 79 69 58 51 From Pisa Low °F 62 62 57 50 43 37 There's a direct shuttle bus running between Pisa's Galileo Galilei airport and Pisa Central Train Station Precip. inches 1.3 1.8 3.3 3.9 4.1 3.1 from which you can connect to Florence and onward to Arezzo. The bus ride takes about 1 hour and tickets cost around $7. Visit www.terravision.eu/florence_pisa.html for more information.

PRICES & SCHEDULES All prices and schedules were current at the time of printing, but are subject to change at any time.

8 CONDITIONING TIPS Getting Active for Your Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your Trip pace may vary from one day to the next—and your traveling companions' may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you NAVIGATION OPTIONS ON THIS TRIP want to do. Turn‐by‐turn paper directions included. Before your trip, we suggest walking and hiking Downloadable GPS files available for use on your regularly and hitting a few hills whenever you can. own device—log into your account at MyBackroads Review the route options in the daily itinerary for the for more details. range of mileages offered on this trip. But mostly, just show up and have fun!

The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1–4.

Review the "Route Rating" section on the web for more details on daily route options.

9 AREZZO Where to Stay Before & Hotel map: bit.ly/ArezzoHotels After Your Trip Hotel Badia di Pomaio For help making hotel reservations for before and Built as a monastery in 1644 and splendidly after your Backroads trip: restored, this hotel is a lovely country retreat outside of Arezzo. (pool) | Località Pomaio 4 • Work with your own professional travel agent. | www.badiadipomaio.it | +39‐057‐5371407 | 17 rooms & suites | Rates: ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ • Contact the Backroads Travel Desk at Dimensions in Travel by calling 800‐GO‐ACTIVE (462‐2848), Graziella Patio Hotel Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Pacific time. Please This four‐star hotel, housed in a palace with 15th‐ note that consulting or ticketing fees may apply, century rooms, is located in the medieval center of depending on the services requested. town. (spa) | Via Cavour 23 | www.hotelpatio.it | +39‐ 057‐5401962 | 9 rooms & suites | Rates: ✦ ✦ ✦ • Book directly with the hotel or through a discount website. Villa Cilnia A renovated 14th‐century farmhouse, hotel and If you plan on extending your stay at our first night's winery, Villa Cilnia is a proud "zero waste" company hotel before the trip starts or our last night's hotel that exists in harmony with its natural when the trip ends, let the hotel reservations agent surroundings. (pool, spa) | Località Montoncello 27 know that you're traveling with Backroads; that way | www.villacilnia.it | +39‐057‐5365606 | 13 rooms & you may be able to avoid changing rooms. suites | Rates: ✦ ✦ ✦ The following is a selection of recommended Hotel Continentale properties that span a range of prices, amenities and Ideally situated on Guido Monaco Square, a few steps locations, and are listed by price in descending order. from the old town and near the train station, the Refer to the Hotel Room Rate Guide for the starting recently renovated Hotel Continentale offers class, double‐occupancy rates, which were accurate at time comfort and modern amenities. | Piazza Guido of printing. Note that rates are subject to change and Monaco 7 | www.hotelcontinentale.com | +39‐057‐ some hotels may require a minimum stay. Book early, 520251 | 77 rooms & suites| Rates: ✦ ✦ especially during peak travel season! Vogue Hotel Arezzo This one‐of‐a‐kind hotel, designed by local architect Monia Allegretti, can be found in Arezzo’s center, within walking distance of the train station and main attractions. | Via Guido Monaco 54 | www.voguehotel.it | +39‐057‐524361 | 26 rooms | Rates: ✦ ✦ ROME Hotel map: bit.ly/RomePPH

Hotel de Russie Set on Piazza del Popolo, this Leading Hotels of the World member feels more like an elegant private home than a hotel. Every detail has been thoughtfully For more detailed reviews of some of the following considered, from the divine Italian linens to the properties and additional hotel suggestions (mostly in magnificent gardens. Travel + Leisure World's the four‐ and five‐star price range), we recommend Best. (pool, spa) | Via del Babuino | visiting www.indagare.com. www.roccofortehotels.com | 888 667‐9477 (from the US) or +39‐063‐28881 | 129 rooms & suites | Rates: ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

10 Hotel Eden This hotel benefits from a great location just steps This Leading Hotels of the World member has been from the Colosseum, between the Forum and Domus welcoming royalty and dignitaries since 1889. Request Aurea palace. | Via Capo d'Africa 54 | a room on the fourth floor to take in the vistas from www.hotelcapodafrica.com | +39‐067‐72801 | 65 the privacy of your own geranium‐filled balcony. | Via rooms & suites | Rates: ✦ ✦ Ludovisi 49 | www.edenroma.com | 800‐543‐4300 (from the US) or +39‐064‐78121 | 121 rooms & suites | Hotel Alimandi Tunisi Rates: ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ If you’d like to stay close to the Vatican Museums, an Alimandi brothers’ hotel may be the perfect choice. Hotel Hassler Roma Take in the spectacular view of St. Peter’s Basilica You’ll find the hotel atop the Spanish Steps, just a while enjoying breakfast on the hotel’s veranda. | Via stone’s throw from the stunning Borghese Gardens. Tunisi 8 | www.alimanditunisi.com | +39‐063‐9723941 With a state‐of‐the‐art fitness facility and Michelin‐ | 35 rooms | Rates: ✦ ✦ starred Imágo restaurant, it’s no wonder that it’s considered one of the world’s finest hotels by Hotel Santa Maria industry mavens. Travel + Leisure World’s Best. (spa) | Set in the Trastevere quarter, this former 16th‐century Piazza Trinità dei Monti 6 | convent is within walking distance of Campo de’ Fiori www.hotelhasslerroma.com | +39‐066‐9934755 | 95 and Piazza Navona. Few tourists venture to the rooms & suites | Rates: ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ Trastevere, a wonderful neighborhood with a bohemian spirit, tiny streets, artisan shops, great Hotel Splendide Royal restaurants and an active nightlife. | Vicolo del Piede This boutique hotel housed in a 19th‐century palace is 2 | www.htlsantamaria.com | +39‐065‐894626 | 19 situated near Villa Borghese, three blocks from the rooms | Rates: ✦ ✦ Spanish Steps. Don’t miss dining at the rooftop restaurant, Mirabelle. A Small Luxury Hotels of the Hotel Teatro di Pompeo World Member. | Via di Porta Pinciana 14 | This quaint property was constructed over the ruins of www.splendideroyal.com | +39‐064‐21689 | 69 rooms the Theatre of Pompey, the site on which Julius & suites | Rates: ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC. Guest rooms are spacious, pleasant and quiet. | Largo del Pallaro 8 | Hotel Alimandi Vaticano www.hotelteatrodipompeo.it | +39‐066‐8300170 | 16 Located across from the Tunisi is the luxurious Hotel rooms | Rates: ✦ ✦ Alimandi Vaticano, whose spacious Liberty‐style guest rooms face the Vatican Museums’ entrance. A rooftop Mecenate Palace Hotel terrace offers views over the Vatican walls. | Viale A few blocks from the Termini train station, this 19th‐ Vaticano 99 | www.alimandivaticanohotel.com | +39‐ century home offers modern rooms and fantastic 063‐9745562 | 25 rooms & suites | Rates: ✦ ✦ ✦ views of the Colosseum and Santa Maria Basilica from the rooftop garden terrace. | Via Carlo Alberto 3 | Hotel Sole al Pantheon www.mecenatepalace.com | +39‐064‐4702024 | 74 Best known for its outstanding view of the Pantheon, rooms & suites | Rates: ✦ ✦ Hotel Sole is one of Rome’s oldest hotels, in operation since 1467. Ask for a room away from the piazza if FLORENCE you’re sensitive to noise. (spa) | Piazza della Rotonda Hotel map: bit.ly/FlorenceHotels 63 | www.hotelsolealpantheon.com | +39‐066‐780441 | 31 rooms & suites | Rates: ✦ ✦ ✦ St. Regis Florence One of Europe's finest hotels, the historic Grand Hotel Best Western Hotel Canada reopened as St. Regis Florence after a complete Built in 1870 to house the officials of Castro Pretorio renovation in 2011. For an even more special stay, and conveniently situated near the Termini train request a room with a view of the Arno River. Travel + station, this Best Western offers air‐conditioned guest Leisure World's Best. (spa) | Piazza Ognissanti 1 | rooms and breakfast with your stay. | Via Vicenza 58 | www.stregisflorence.com | +39‐055‐27161 | 100 rooms www.bestwestern.com | 800‐780‐7234 (from the US) & suites | Rates: ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ or +39‐064‐457770 | 73 rooms | Rates: ✦ ✦ Hotel Helvetia & Bristol Capo d’Africa Considered by many to be the quintessential

11 Florentine hotel, this Leading Hotels of the World collection of 14th‐century houses near Piazza del member offers timeless sophistication. Guests love Duomo into this lavish palazzo. Its prime centro storico the ideal location between Piazza della Repubblica address is another plus: the Duomo can be seen from and Via de’ Tornabuoni. | Via dei Pescioni 2 | many of the hotel windows. | Via dei Servi 2 | www.hotelhelvetiabristolflorence.com | +39‐055‐ www.niccolinidomepalace.com | +39‐055‐282412 | 10 2665555 | 21 rooms & suites | Rates: ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ rooms & suites | Rates: ✦ ✦ ✦

Hotel Savoy Room Mate Isabella With one of Florence's most enviable addresses on A former gathering place for European literati, this Piazza della Repubblica, just steps from the Duomo, delightful hotel is in a recently renovated classic 19th‐ Hotel Savoy wins over guests with its outstanding century building with a superb location on the location and superior service. Request a room at the fashionable Via de' Tornabuoni overlooking the corner or on the top floor for spectacular city magnificent Palazzo Strozzi. | Via Tornabuoni 13 | views. Travel + Leisure World's Best. | Piazza della www.isabella.room‐matehotels.com | +39‐055‐ Repubblica 7 | www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels‐ 2396464 | 23 rooms & suites | Rates: ✦ ✦ ✦ and‐resorts/hotel‐savoy | 888‐667‐9477 (from the US) or +39‐055‐27351 | 102 rooms & suites | Rates: ✦ ✦ Hotel Il Guelfo Bianco ✦ ✦ If you’re looking for pleasant no‐frills accommodations in the heart of Florence, the Guelfo J.K. Place Bianco—just 200 yards from the Duomo—is hard to This Leading Hotels of the World member is beat. | Via Cavour 29 | www.ilguelfobianco.it | +39‐ an unexpected find, situated in the heart of 055‐288330 | 10 rooms | Rates: ✦ ✦ Florence and ready to treat you with “precious details and impeccable service.” A Small Luxury Hotels of the Johanna & Johlea World member. Condé Nast Traveler Gold List. | Piazza While Florence has no shortage of outstanding hotels, Santa Maria Novella 7 | www.jkplace.com | +39‐055‐ it’s also full of charming and elegant residence inns. 2645181 | 20 rooms & suites | Rates: ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ We recommend any of the Johanna & Johlea properties. All offer superb locations in unique Palazzo Magnani Feroni buildings (a 19th‐century villa, for instance, or a 1920s For more than 500 years this regal residence has been garden townhouse), attentive staff, lovely furnishings at the center of Florence’s aristocratic life. Just a 5‐ and a warm ambience. Please note that credit cards minute walk from the Ponte Vecchio, Magnani Feroni are not accepted at any of the Johanna & Johlea is perfectly situated for exploring San Frediano, one of residences listed below. The properties are not the city’s most historic neighborhoods. | Borgo San staffed overnight, so you must check in by 7 p.m. Frediano 5 | www.palazzomagnaniferoni.com | +39‐ Because Johanna & Johlea are such great finds in the 055‐2399544 | 12 suites | Rates: ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ city center, advance booking is key to securing a reservation; visit www.johanna.it for more Davanzati Hotel information. The three‐star Davanzati is a wonderful family‐run hotel earning accolades for its attentive helpful Antica Dimora Firenze staff. | Via Porta Rossa 5 | www.hoteldavanzati.it | Via San Gallo 72 | +39‐055‐4627296 | 6 rooms | +39‐055‐286666 | 21 rooms & suites | Rates: ✦ ✦ ✦ Rates: ✦ ✦

Hotel Regency Residenza Johlea & Antica Dimora Johlea This hotel has the feel of an exclusive private villa, Via San Gallo 76 & 80 | +39‐055‐4633292 | 12 rooms | with luxury accommodations and a tranquil Rates: ✦ ✦ setting. The Regency serves as a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle. A Small Luxury Hotels of Residenza Johanna I the World member. | Piazza Massimo d'Azeglio 3 | Via Bonifacio Lupi 14 | +39‐055‐481896 | 11 rooms | www.regency‐hotel.com | +39‐055‐245247 | 35 rooms Rates: ✦ ✦ & suites | Rates: ✦ ✦ ✦ Residenza Johanna II Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo Via Cinque Giornate 12 | +39‐055‐473377 | 7 rooms | In 1532 the Naldini family began transforming a Rates: ✦ ✦

12 Relais Uffizi This inn offers modest rooms, a friendly atmosphere Extending Your Vacation and an unbeatable location. Stumble out of bed and Florence Cooking Classes you’re in the beautiful Piazza della Signoria, within Learn the secrets to fine Florentine cooking at the easy walking distance of museums and other points of Apicius International School of Hospitality in Florence. interest. Street noise is to be expected in such a prime Apicius offers everything from wine appreciation and spot, so keep this in mind if you’re a light sleeper. | cooking classes, to tours of cooking supply shops, Chiasso del Buco 16 | www.relaisuffizi.it | +39‐055‐ dinners in private Tuscan homes and gastronomic 2676239 | 13 rooms | Rates: ✦ ✦ walking tours. Opt for a group or individual lesson, or customize your own program. Visit amateur.apicius.it for more information. The Florence Chefs (Barbara and Silvia) cooking school and Olio, The Florence School of Olive Oil, offer a wide range of classes and services, including sessions on olive oil and food tours. Learn to make pizza and focaccia, homemade pasta or traditional pastries like cannoli and tiramisu. For a more intimate experience, book a class at Silvia’s apartment or Barbara’s country home, which start with a visit to the local market then a hands‐on experience in preparing a complete meal: one starter, one pasta dish, a meat or fish dish, a side dish, dessert and matching wines. Visit www.theflorencechefs.it and www.florenceoliveoilschool.com for more information.

Florence Walking Tours Florence is brimming with so many artistic, historic and cultural sights, you could spend weeks exploring it. If you don't have that much time, however, you may want to organize a special outing. Lise Apatoff ([email protected]; +39‐333‐4433509), a longtime Backroads friend and licensed city guide, is happy to customize walking tours to your interests. A Florence resident since 1978, Lise specializes in art, architecture, food and culture. The cost is approximately $65 per hour.

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