Tuscany, Umbria & Amalfi self-drive

Fly to Pisa, and upon arrival collect your hire car. Begin the journey to San Gimignano, located approximately 90km from Pisa, stopping off at the Leaning Tower of Pisa first. Continue the short drive, arriving at the beautiful hill town of San Gimignano west of Siena. San Gimignano is the perfect base to explore the wine region of Chianti, and the rest of the day is at your leisure to do so.

Stay: Hotel La Cisterna, San Gimignano (Superior)

Head to Volterra, located on a steep hill and founded by the Etruscans 2,700 years ago, this precious town is well known for the production of alabaster. While here, visit the majestic, protective walls built centuries ago, the city gates, remains of ancient temples, the Medicean Fortress and the Roman theatre. If not, drive to Colle Val d'Elsa, famed in ancient times for the production of wool, paper and ceramics, known today as the largest producers of fine glass and crystal in Italy. If you have chosen to venture to Colle, be sure not to miss Monteriggioni, a tiny fortified village located 30 minutes away.

Stay: Hotel La Cisterna, San Gimignano (Superior)

Spend the day at your leisure, exploring and discovering the highlights of San Gimignano and its neighbours. Perhaps begin in the Piazza, admiring the town hall and the town museums, home to a prestigious collection of frescoes and important works of art, dating back to the 13th and 17th centuries. Spend the afternoon climbing the town's highest tower, basking in the view from the Torre Grossa. End your last day in Sam Gimignano with either an evening of wine tasting, or visit open air museum Certaldo Alto, home of Giovanni Boccaccio, author of the Decameron.

Stay: Hotel La Cisterna, San Gimignano (Superior)

After an early breakfast, depart from San Gimignano and begin the drive to Siena. Upon arrival, you will be met by an official guide for a three hour guided walking tour, visiting some of the attractions of one of Tuscany's most beautiful cities, including Piazza del Campo, Palazzo Pubblico, the Duomo and the Baptistery. Spend the afternoon as you wish, before continuing the drive to near Cortona for a two-night stay.  Here, the main attraction is the wine, and a visit to a local vineyard, and the Tuscan menu using the best local ingredients.

This morning, check out of the hotel after breakfast and set off for Pienza, the birthplace of Pope Pius II. A legacy of Pius, the small village was transformed into a Renaissance city building, of palaces, houses and squares. After lunch, drive south to the outskirts of Todi for an overnight stay.

Stay: Fonte Cesia, Todi (Superior)

After breakfast, take a wander around the Orvieto Cathedral, bult in the 14th century the Gothic cathedral is one of Italy's most celebrated. Begin the drive to Castellamarem a small commune on route to Sorrento, passing through Rome and Naples along the way. The next day is free to explore Sorrento and its Amalfi Coast surrounds, perhaps driving the iconic Blue Ribbon Road past pretty lemon groves and cliff-hugging villages, taking the ferry across to glamorous Capri, or heading for Mt. Vesuvius and the ruins of Pompeii. Return your hire car on day nine.

After a leisurely breakfast, an included transfer will bring you to Naples Airport in time for your flight home.