Itinerary

Journey to Orvieto

There's something to be said about the energy and passion of Rome, but today we leave it behind for the heart and beauty of greater Italy. We head north, through Italy's Lazio and Umbria regions, an urban metropolis blending into rural charm. Don't be lulled into dozing, otherwise you might miss the verdant countryside, from olive groves to vineyards.

Free time in Orvieto

As we approach our first stop of the day, you might just start to believe in magic. Perched dramatically atop a volcanic tuff cliff is the city of Orvieto. It's a city known for its unfathomably beautiful duomo, the limestone rock its perched on, and the cave system that makes up its roots. It's the perfect place to explore and feel like a true adventurer. As you wander its shop-and-restaurant-filled streets, its medieval architecture stems out from the masterful Gothic cathedral. And, as a region known for its wine, now might be the perfect time to sit and take in the sights with a refreshing local grape.

Parco Naturale Le Balze, lunch in Piantravigne, and journey to Bologna

Your journey leads you through the Parco Naturale Le Balze, a landscape studded with balze rock peaks, sulphite streams, and gorgeous vistas that inspired Leonardo da Vinci. Your lunch stop is in the tiny hamlet of Piantravigne, the perfect spot to sample some truly authentic Italian cuisine. From here, you travel to Bologna, the city famous for the oldest university in Europe and culinary delights.

Free evening in Bologna

You've got a free evening in this atmospheric city so you can explore to your heart's content. You can begin with a leisurely walk through the Piazza Maggiore, where the historic buildings glow in the soft light, or explore the medieval streets lined with charming cafés and boutique shops. For dinner, indulge in Bologna's famous tagliatelle al ragù or other local specialties at a cosy trattoria.

Optional half-day trip to Ravenna

Today, you can join a half-day trip to Ravenna in the morning or spend the whole day in Bologna. Ravenna is a maze of mosaic masterpieces, a unique blend of early Christian and Byzantine architecture with eight sites on the UNESCO list. This unforgettable North Italian destination is also the town where Dante Alighieri is buried.

Free time in Ravenna

Explore this captivating treasure trove of art and history, where the intricate mosaic masterpieces will leave you in awe. After immersing yourself in the beauty of Ravenna's artistic heritage, unwind by strolling through the city's charming streets, lined with lively squares, quaint cafés, and historic buildings. It's the perfect setting to relax and enjoy a leisurely lunch, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this timeless city.

Free afternoon in Bologna

We leave Ravenna in the early afternoon and return from your half-day trip to have the rest of the day to explore Bologna your way. During the Renaissance, this fascinating city was blooming with art and was a centre for intellectual innovation. Its famous university is the oldest in the western world and saw great minds like Petrarch, Dante Alighieri, and Copernicus. There's plenty to do here. You can stroll through the beautiful, kilometres-long UNESCO porticos, unravel the mysteries of the university, or climb the iconic Asinelli Tower, for stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Emilia-Romagna region.

Free evening in Bologna

It's your last evening in stunning Bologna, so make sure to savour every moment. As the evening unfolds, relax with a gelato in hand, soaking in the lively atmosphere and reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of your time in this charming city.

Journey to Porto Tolle

It's time to slap on some sunscreen, charge up your camera, and head deep into nature. Your adventure begins in Porto Tolle, a tranquil town located at the heart of the Po Delta, one of the most biodiverse regions in Italy.

Free time at Porto Tolle, optional boat trip

Here, you can join an optional boat trip that takes you through the serene wetlands of the Po River. As you glide along the winding waterways, you'll be surrounded by lush vegetation, salt marshes, and hidden channels. The Po Delta is home to a rich variety of wildlife, and it's the perfect place to spot rare migratory birds, including flamingos and herons. Alternatively, you can choose to follow one of the walking trails to immerse yourself in its untouched beauty.

Lunch at Porto Tolle and Este

After your lunch and free time in Porto Tolle, we continue our journey to Este, a charming town with a rich history that dates back over 3,000 years. During your free time, you can take a leisurely walk along the well-preserved city walls, offering lovely views of the surrounding countryside and the town's quaint streets. Another highlight is the Medieval Castle, set within a peaceful moat, where you can explore the ancient fortress and imagine life during the Middle Ages.

Free evening in Venice

You then venture to the floating city of Venice, one of the most striking destinations in Italy and your home for the next two nights. There's something unique about Venice at night. The island clears, the hubbub settles, and Venice's ghost stories whisper along the canal's streets.

Guided Tour of Venice

With its wealth, trade, and power; Venice has always been bold. Trust us, you'll need at least a full day in Venice. We wish we could give you more, and, as there will be so much for you to choose from, we recommend making a list before you go. You enjoy an included two-hour guided walking tour of the city and then it's up to you what you explore next. From people-watching in Piazza San Marco to frequenting the famous galleries, you have the whole day and night in Venice.

Free time in Venice

177 canals, 350 gondoliers, and the most idiosyncratic cityscapes in the world: Venice, ‘the Floating City', is your home for the day. It's been built on over 118 islands and hosts one of the most famous festivals in the world. Why not try a gondola ride yourself, gliding along the serene canals as you take in the stunning views of the Grand Canal and picturesque bridges?

Free time in Venice

The labyrinth of Venice is part of its charm. Never knowing where you might end up or how many bridges are between you and your destination, but what's certain is that every turn, every nook and cranny, every cracked facade holds surprises and stories and memories you will remember for a long time. The magic of Venice lies in never knowing what's around the corner. Maybe you'll stumble into a restaurant for one of the best Italian meals you've had. Perhaps you'll step back in the refurbished 17th century pharmacy that now sells luxury perfumes. Maybe you'll stand quietly in the crypt of a humble Venetian church, hugged by the cool air as you ponder its history.

Free evening in Venice

As the day comes to an end, the day travellers depart the city, clearing out its streets and restaurants, leaving you to savour the eerie beauty of The Floating City.

Villa Pisani

Say goodbye to Venice because it's the traditional flavours of Italy for you to explore today. First, you go to Villa Pisani. This included attraction boasts awesome art exhibitions and is the epitome of late baroque architecture. Napoleon once owned this huge holiday home and presented it to his stepson as a gift.

Journey to Valdobbiadene

You say farewell to the excesses of the aristocracy and venture to Valdobbiadene for a chance to indulge in something a little sweeter.

Free time in Valdobbiadene or a prosecco tasting, Bassano del Grappa

Visiting Valdobbiadene is like stepping into a living postcard, where the rolling hills and vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see. This land is home to the best prosecco and belongs to a UNESCO World Heritage landscape, recognized for its centuries-old winemaking tradition. You have the option of an exclusive tasting here. Alternatively, you can explore the town and wander through charming streets and quaint squares. The indulgence continues as you travel to Bassano del Grappa, where you have the chance to sample sweet and intoxicating Grappa. If you've had enough tipple for the day, you can spend time admiring the castle and the town's famous old bridge instead.

Free evening in Padua

You then venture to Padua, allegedly the oldest city in Italy and your home for tonight. This fascinating place sits at the crossroads of science and religion. This is where venerated St Anthony is buried, and where the ground-breaking scientific discoveries were made at the height of the Renaissance.

Journey to Verona

Say ‘ciao!' to the romance of Italy, because we head to the setting of Romeo and Juliet, Verona.

Free time in Verona

You have free time here to reminisce about past lovers at the famous Juliet's Balcony, where the timeless tale of Romeo and Juliet comes alive, admire the grandeur of the Arena di Verona, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters still in use today, and leisurely wander through the ancient piazzas, each offering its own unique charm and history.

Lunch and free time in Peschiera del Garda, Lake Garda

We then travel to Lake Garda, where the crystal-clear waters shimmer against the backdrop of the majestic Dolomites, creating a picture-perfect landscape that has captivated artists, poets, and travelers since Roman times. We stop at the charming town of Peschiera del Garda, with its cobblestone streets, scenic canals, and historical fortifications. Nestled at the southern tip of the lake, this picturesque town invites you to explore its ancient walls, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, or an exciting boat ride. You'll also have time to try some local specialties its quaint cafes, all while soaking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lake.

Return to Milan

After six memorable days, you return to Milan with one thought: art, food, scenery: Italians do everything a little better. And nowhere is this more apparent than in the Renaissance cities of Northern Italy.