Highlights of this 7 day Italian adventure:
- Travel through the rolling vineyards and charming villages of the Tuscan hills
- Enjoy the medieval architecture and narrow streets of Montepulciano and Siena
- Indulge in the Italian gastronomy and local wines
- Explore Florence's cobblestone streets and world-class art galleries
Itinerary
Day 1: Rome Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities until tonight's welcome meeting. We recommend booking pre-tour accommodation to fully explore this magnificent city.
Accommodation: Hotel San Marco Rome (or similar) - Hotel
Today's Activities:Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Optional Activities - Day 1 & 2:
- Sistine Chapel Visit (Vatican City): 20-25 EUR (1h-2h)Although the Sistine Chapel is always very crowded, it is a must-see for any visitor to the Vatican. The magnificent frescoed ceiling of the chapel painted by Michelangelo depicts over 300 figures from the Book of Genesis, the most well-known being "The Creation of Adam," showing God touching the finger of Adam. "The Last Judgment" on the west wall depicts a scene from the Book of Revelations. Art aficionados, get ready to cross one off your list!
- Borghese Gallery (Rome): 25 EUR (1h-2h)Take a visit to the beautiful Borghese Gallery villa to indulge in a rich collection of ancient sculptures, relics, mosaics, and paintings. Pieces from Renaissance masters such as Bellini, Raphael, Bernini can be found here.
- Colosseum Visit (Rome): 24 EUR Enjoy a guided tour of this famous spot, the scene of many bloody gladiator fights for the entertainment of ancient Rome's aristocracy. Learn from your expert guide as you wander the old venue—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and feel free to walk around on your own. No battles, please!
Day 2: Rome
Enjoy a migrant led walk of Rome before enjoying a free day to explore a myriad of options. Opt to tour Vatican City, cross the river to charming Trastevere, eat some gelato in Piazza Navona, or swing by the Colosseum and Forum.
We highly recommend you pre-book your optional activities for today's free time, starting after 12:30 pm.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel San Marco Rome (or similar) - Hotel
Today's Activities: Learn all about a different side of Rome with a newcomer to Italy as your guide with Migrantour, a social enterprise that trains immigrants to give tours of the city - with their own flair. From ancient landmarks to the history of migration to Rome, expect this to be a guided tour like no other.
Day 3: Rome / Montepulciano
Depart Rome by train then transfer to the town of Pienza for a visit and for some free time to explore. Continue on to Montepulciano in the heart of the Tuscan countryside and enjoy the medieval and renaissance hill town with an orientation walk and a local wine tasting.
Montepulciano is famous for producing delectable local pork, cheese, "Pici" pasta, and honey. It is also a major wine producing area. Take in the stunning vistas, wander cobbled lanes, or opt to sample the local delicacies in small, family-run establishments.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Albergo Duomo (or similar) - Hotel
Today's Activities:
- Local Train: Rome to Chiusi (2h, 160km) Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
- Minibus: Chiusi to Pienza (1h, 40km) Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
- Orientation Walk Pienza (Pienza) (30m) Visit Pienza with your CEO, a picturesque town in Tuscany which is a blend of Renaissance architecture and culinary delights. Stroll along Corso Rossellino, the main street, lined with charming shops and cafes.
- Private Vehicle: Pienza to Montepulciano (30m, 15km) Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
- Orientation walk of Montepulciano with Wine Tasting (Montepulciano) Enjoy a walk with your CEO to get your bearings of this idyllic Tuscan town, and awaken your tastebuds with a wine tasting of some of the region's finest.
Optional Activities - Day 3:
- Piazza Grande Visit (Montepulciano)Make your way to the highest point in town to the Piazza Grande, the centre of day to day life in Montepulciano. You'll find some of the town's most impressive architecture, such as the Palazzo Comunale, and Town Hall. Climb to the tower in the Palazzo Comunale for great views of Lake Trasimeno and Val d'Orcia.
- Bike Rental
Day 4: Montepulciano Spend the day in the Italian countryside.
The famous wine-producing region is the perfect place for an optional vineyard tour and wine tasting, or a bike ride in the rolling hills. Opt to travel further afield to the thermal springs of Bagni San Filippo.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Albergo Duomo (or similar) - Hotel
Today's Activities:
- Free Time (Montepulciano) Get out and explore this charming town by foot or bicycle.
Optional Activities - Day 4:
- Montepulciano Wine Tour (Montepulciano)Travel outside of Montepulciano through the rolling vineyards to one of the surrounding wineries, such as the legendary Avignonesi estate or Cantina Fattoria della Talosa. Enjoy strolling through the hectares of greenery, indulging in a sample of local wines, and a guided tour of the cellars.
- Bagni San Filippo Thermal Springs (Bagni San Filippo)The Tuscan region is known for natural thermal springs. Take a 30min ride out of town to Bagni San Filippo and find yourself in a picturesque setting of calciferous formations, waterfalls, and natural pools; this scene is made more spectacular by the vivid colour of the water made bright blue by effect of the hot springs meeting the cool river water. Sit back, relax, and be healed.
- Bike Rental
Day 5: Montepulciano / Florence Travel to picturesque Siena.
After an orientation walk around this medieval city, opt to visit Torre del Mangia, Battistero, Il Campo, or the Duomo or to take a "passeggiata" and meet the Sienese locals. Continue on to Florence and enjoy an evening walk to Piazzale Michelangelo for a fantastic panoramic view of the city.
Arrive to the inimitable Firenze. Walk through the city catching a glimpse of the Duomo, Piazza Indipendenza, Piazza della Signoria, and the Ponte Vecchio. Head to Piazzale Michelangelo with your CEO for the most famous and photographed vista of the city.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Meridiana (or similar) - Hotel
Today's Activities:
- Private Vehicle: Montepulciano to Siena (1h 15m, 65km) Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
- Orientation Walk Siena (Siena) (1h, 2km) Wander through the medieval town of Siena, safely nestled in the heart of Tuscany. Feast your eyes on the gothic architecture while exploring the historic centre, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Private Vehicle: Siena to Florence (1h 30m, 75km) Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
- Piazzale Michelangelo Walk (Florence) Cross through the centre of the city and over the Arno. Climb to the top of the hill and check out the vista over the river from Piazzale Michelangelo. It's worth every step!
Optional Activities - Day 5:
- Ponte Vecchio Visit (Florence) Walk across this medieval bridge and look over the Arno River to feel the romance of this city. Jewelers, art dealers and souvenir shops run the length of the bridge, featured in many master paintings.
- Il Duomo di Firenze Visit (Florence): Free-30 EUR (1h-2h)This green, pink, and white marbled 13th century basilica is one of Italy's largest churches and its brick dome is the largest ever constructed. Wander through the cathedral or choose to climb the 463 steps to the top of the dome and be rewarded with extraordinary views of the city!
Day 6: Florence
Immerse yourself in the splendor of Florence on a guided walking tour this morning. Catch a glimpse of the intricate buildings that make Florence a favourite to travellers the world over, and better understand the rich history and local way of living, then enjoy lunch at the local market. With a free afternoon, the choices are endless. Opt to visit the Duomo, David at the Galleria dell'Accademia, Uffizi Gallery, medieval Ponte Vecchio, or the Medici Chapels, just to name a handful.
The afternoon is yours to explore. Check out the Mercato Centrale or any number of cafés and trattorias. If you came to shop, start at one end of the city and just keep going. There's beautiful architecture, famous museums, Renaissance art pieces, and charming cobblestone streets everywhere. If you wish to go further afield, take a wine tasting bike tour up to Fiesole and the vineyards of Chianti.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Meridiana (or similar) - Hotel
Today's Activities:
- Florence Guided Walking Tour (Florence) (2h) Discover the enchanting beauty and rich history of Florence on a guided tour through its iconic streets and landmarks. This immersive experience, led by a knowledgeable local guide, takes you on a journey through the heart of the Renaissance. Marvel at the architectural splendor of the Duomo, explore the vibrant atmosphere of Piazza della Signoria, and stroll across the historic Ponte Vecchio. Learn about the city's illustrious past, from its Medici rulers to its world-renowned artists.
- Free Time (Florence) There's plenty to see and do in Florence, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like a visit to the Uffizi Gallery to see the works of the Renaissance masters. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 6:
- David (Galleria dell'Accademia) Visit (Florence): 22.50-26.50 EUR Visit Michelangelo's most famous statue, 'David'. Marvel at the artistry on display in the intricately carved piece of marble. Please note that pre-booking your admission online will be 26.50 EUR and booking on site will be 22.50 EUR.
- Pitti Palace - Palatine Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (Florence): 17-25 EUR (1h-2h)Visit the Pitti Palace and learn about history alongside modern art.
- Ponte Vecchio Visit (Florence)
- National Museum of Bargello (Florence): 15.75 EURExplore this museum, housed in one of the earliest buildings in Florence (dating to 1255). Stroll through the corridors to learn about the history of this site and its many uses, and see the fantastic works from master artists such as Donatello and Michelangelo.
- Medici Chapels Visit (Florence): 9-32 EUR (1h-1h15m) Admire the opulence of the two Medici Chapels. The Sagrestia Nuova was designed by Michelangelo and built as a mausoleum for the powerful Medici family.
- Il Duomo di Firenze Visit (Florence): Free-30 EUR (1h-2h)
- Uffizi Gallery Visit (Florence): 25 EUR (1h-2h) Head to the Uffizi Gallery to see spectacular Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci paintings in person.
Day 7: Florence Depart at any time.
Next Steps
Ready to go? Simply request a spot via your MyIVHQ profile, and our team will reach out with availability and seasonal pricing details.
We'll also help you bridge any gaps between your volunteer program, these arrangements are your responsibility and we can provide you with personalized transit and accommodation advice to make your travel straightforward.
Best of all, you’ll be in great hands with our trusted partners who have led sustainable, community-first travel for 30 years. Your adventure makes a real, positive difference every step of the way.
Please note that exact activities and timing can vary depending on the season and availability. Don't worry, your tour provider will share your final, confirmed itinerary once your dates are set!
Let’s get your journey started!
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