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Tauck, a renowned global travel company, is planning a captivating trip through the idyllic landscapes of Tuscany and Umbria, with bestselling author Frances Mayes playing a pivotal role. Mayes, renowned for her memoir “Under the Tuscan Sun,” will offer unique insights into her 30-year experience living in Italy on select tours in 2023 and 2024.

Tauck Park Hotel ai Cappuccini Gubbio

This novel venture takes place on Tauck’s “A Week In… Tuscany and Umbria” itinerary, aimed at small groups. Visitors will join Mayes in the charming Tuscan town of Cortona, the setting of her bestselling memoir and its Hollywood adaptation, which topped the New York Times Bestseller list for over two and a half years. A guided tour and an exquisite lunch curated by a Michelin-starred chef will also form part of this enriching Cortona visit.

The tour offers much more than this encounter with a literary icon. Tauck guests will lodge at the opulent Villa La Massa in Candeli for the first two nights, followed by stays at the historic Park Hotel ai Cappuccini in Gubbio, the strategically placed Sina Brufani in Perugia, and finally, the chic Hotel Indigo Rome – St. George.

Not only will they immerse themselves in Italian culture and history with guided walking tours in the medieval towns of Gubbio, Assisi, and Perugia, but guests will also indulge in a hands-on cooking class followed by a lunch and wine-tasting session at the Fonte de’ Medici agriturismo, overseen by the famed Antinori winemaking family. Additionally, they will learn about truffle hunting dogs on a farm visit in Umbria and unearth historical secrets in the subterranean ruins of Narni.

The tour’s appeal doesn’t end there, however. With a growing trend for small-group travel, Tauck plans to boost its small-group land tour departures by 35% compared to pre-pandemic levels. These trips, catering to an average of 24 guests, will now include over 75 journeys across North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand.

Mayes joins an illustrious list of special guests who have lent their unique perspectives to Tauck’s travellers. Ken Burns, an award-winning filmmaker, Celia Sandys, granddaughter of Winston Churchill, Carolyn Robb, former royal chef to Prince Charles and Lady Diana, Elisabeth von Trapp of The Sound of Music’s von Trapp family, and William Lobkowicz, have all delighted guests with their insights on past trips.

Interested travellers can explore upcoming 2023 and 2024 departure dates featuring Frances Mayes on Tauck’s website. Alternatively, they can connect with local travel professionals or call Tauck at 800 468 2825.

This venture is a splendid opportunity to discover Italy’s rich history and culture, enriched by Frances Mayes’ intimate knowledge of her adopted homeland. It is a rare chance for travel enthusiasts and literary buffs to blend their passions and embark on a memorable journey.