Discovery Italy

Day 1: THE OLD MILAN, SFORZESCO CASTLE, BRERA QUARTER, NAVIGLIO GRANDE
Traditional ice cream tasting
Arrival at the airport and transfer to 3* - 4*Hotel or B & B in air-conditioned buses. Refreshing welcome drink and free time to begin to immerse yourself in the fascinating atmosphere of Milan.
Late afternoon: you start exploring the historical Milan: a tour of Piazza del Duomo, the magnificent gothic-lombard Cathedral and a visit to its terraces, the Baptistery of San Giovanni alla Fonti and visit of the Archaeological site of the Dome Cathedral. You are going to be told the history of the visited monuments.You continue visiting Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery built in an eclectic style typical of the second half of Milan’s nineteenth century, a dear place to all Milanese people and where can be found designer shops, bars and restaurants. A typical macchiato coffee, a delicious cappuccino and a typical Milanese cake must definitely be tasted during a stop in the Gallery.
You continue then towards the charming old Piazza Mercanti, the symbol of the city, created in medieval times, recalling the past.
An ice cream tasting in a famous old gelateria in Milan is also on the schedule.
You also visit Sforzesco Castle and the old Brera district, populated by artists and celebrities.

Evening: Dinner at one of the oldest and charming trattoria in the suggestive atmosphere of the ancient vicolo dei Lavandai along Naviglio Grande. You live the enchanting atmosphere of the old canals of Milan and the wide variety of ancient Lombard cuisine: you can choose among many delicious dishes such as “risotto alla Milanese”, cottoletta, mozzarella, tomato and basil with a glass of Barbera, Garda Cabernet or Franciacorta.

Day 2: THE OLD VERONA
Train journey towards the city of the eternal lovers, Romeo and Juliet.
Chech-in at 3*Hotel, lunch at “Trattoria Al Solito Posto” where you can enjoy the traditional cuisine. Do not miss as a desert an apple pie, tiramisu or chocolate salami, accompanied by a good wine from the hills of Verona: Pinot, Barbera or Sangiovese are strongly recommended.

Afternoon: Your tour starts in the heart of the ancient Verona: from roman monuments, medieval castles and mansions to alleys and buildings that recall romantic and charming atmosphere of the two Shakespearian lovers and numerous churches through which emerge the gothic tracks.You visit the famous Arena Square, its impressive buildings, the heart of the city from Scaligeri period with Castelvecchio and the scenographic bridge. The picturesque Piazza delle Erbe, among towers and ancient buildings, the noble Piazza dei Signori, a symbol of the scaligero period.
Wine tasting

Evening: Dinner with traditional dishes such as gnocchi and the famous pastissada de caval at “Hostaria Vecchia Fontanina” in the heart of Verona near Piazza dei Signori and lively and colourful Piazza delle Erbe.
The evening ends with unforgettable views on the riverside at sunset with the first evening lights and live music in a bar.
Alternatively, you can choose to spend an unforgettable evening at Arena di Verona, the famous ancient theatre, in the magical atmosphere and evocative scenes of an opera performance... for example you can choose Verdi's Aida, Bizet's Carmen, Madame Butterfly by Puccini and many other famous opera performances.

Day 3: VERONA´S HISTORICAL TOWN AND THE PLACES OF THE ETERNAL LOVERS: ROMEO AND JULIET
Wine tasting and gastronomic products
After a rich breakfast you start to discover the old part of Verona.You visit the old Gothic-Romanesque cathedral, Tintoretto´s paintings in the ancient Basilica of San Zeno, the church of Verona´s protector Saint and all the places of the legend of Romeo and JulietLunch in a local trattoriaWine tasting at “Enoteca Al Mascaron” Piazza San Zeno.

Afternoon: A walk around the city among shopping streets and famous antique markets

Evening: dinner in a historic restaurant to taste traditional dishes and then in a local trendy bar or a club

Day 4: VICENZA AND ITS PALLADIAN VILLAS
Wine tasting and local gastronomic products

Train journey to Vicenza.Check-in at Hotel *** and you start discovering the old city of the beautiful Palladian villas.
We recommend you to visit the Cathedral, Basilica and the Palladian Olympic Theatre as well as the beautiful Palladian villas.
You can also visit Piazza Castello and Giardini Salvi close to the city walls of Piazza Castello.

Afternoon: Wine tasting and local products at the farm “Pieriboni” in Montebello Vicentino to be reached by train.
This is an exciting opportunity to “immerse yourself” in rolling hills and vineyards around Vicenza and live an unforgettable experience of gourmet local products and local wines.

Evening: Accommodation at B&B “Dolci Risvegli”, Hotel “Mary” or Hotel “Aries”.

Day 5: PADUA, THE CITY OF SAINT ANTONIO
Your morning starts with a train journey towards the beautiful city of Saint Antonio, Padua’ s protector Saint.
Chech-in at 3*Hotel and you start discovering the old Padua:

Duomo Cathedral, Palazzo della Ragione, Loggia del Consiglio, Palazzo del Capitano...are just a few of the monuments you are going to discover in PaduaLunch in the historic town of Padova

Afternoon: you visit Basilica of San Antonio and Scrovegni Chapel to admire Giotto´s frescoes and then you can join a walk in the Botanical Garden with its thousand varieties of plants and exotic curiosities

Evening: Dinner at “La Cantina del Guffo” in the historical town of Padua, where can be tasted for dinner a delicious “bruschetta”, cold cuts and cheeses, craft beers and wines from the hills of Padua.

Day 6: VENICE AND ITS WONDERS
Wine tasting in an old cellar
The tour continues to the city of gondolas and the labyrinths of channels. You discover the magic of Venice.
Check in at Hotel *** and your adventure continues with many beauties: Grand Canal with its magnificent palaces, Rialto Bridge, Piazza San Marco with its magnificent view, the major theatres, antique glass shops, romantic streets, canals and baroque churchesLunch: traditional and delicious cuisine in the area of Santa Maria del Giglio.
Wine tasting in an ancient cellar.

Afternoon: you continue beyond Accademia Bridge to visit other famous palaces and churches. The beautiful palaces on Canal Grande from Ca 'Pesaro a Ca' D'Oro, beautiful museums and churches and Scalzi Bridge… are just some of the wonders that you are going to visit in Venice.

Evening: Dinner filled with Venice´s aromas and flavours and magical atmosphere of Ponte dei Sospiri/ Bridge of Sighs.

Day 7: THE MURANO ISLAND AND HEMINGWAY´S ISLAND: TORCELLO
In the romantic atmosphere of Venice, you begin your day with a trip to the island of Murano with its ancient art of glass working.
Lunch in a local trattoria
Afternoon: visit of Torcello, the oldest island in the venetian lagoon loved by Hemingway.

Evening: You can still be guests of Colombo’s cuisine in a restaurant in the historical part of Venice and then you have the chance to admire the beautiful night view from Rialto Bridge.
End of the program dinner