Day 3
Venice - After an early breakfast, we drive to the unique city of Venice, a place rich in history and culture. Once one of the greatest powers in the Mediterranean, Venice flourished through trade and wealth, leaving behind the magnificent buildings that define the city today. St Mark’s Basilica is renowned for its dazzling mosaics and opulent interiors, while the Doge’s Palace showcases the grandeur of Venice’s former rulers.
On a guided walking tour, we’ll see highlights including St Mark’s Square, St Mark’s Basilica, the Campanile and the Doge’s Palace. During the tour, you’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy an authentic Venetian aperitivo experience, sampling traditional cicchetti (Venetian tapas) accompanied by a classic Aperol Spritz found at a local bacaro (2027 onwards).
You’ll then have free time to explore at your own pace, perhaps enjoying a coffee in St Mark’s Square, visiting one of the city’s renowned art galleries, or taking to the water on a gondola ride through the city’s canals.
A visit to Venice is an unforgettable experience and a true highlight of any trip to Italy.
Day 4
Free day - Today is a free day to explore at your leisure. You could choose to stroll along the lakefront promenade from the hotel and pause in a café for a refreshing lunch with stunning views.
Day 5
Mantova - Our journey today takes us west and back in time to the sleepy yet achingly beautiful Mantova, a medieval city often overlooked despite its proximity to Lake Garda. Perhaps the answer lies in the three surrounding lakes, forming a natural fortification and keeping Mantova a secret from the world, one which has remained virtually untouched for centuries. As the dramatic skyline of ancient towers, domes and cupolas comes into view, it’s easy to see why the city features in two well-loved tragedies: it is the setting for Verdi’s Rigoletto and Shakespeare had an impassioned Romeo exiled here.
During our guided tour of the old town, the reasons for its UNESCO World Heritage status become strikingly evident. Although compact in size, Mantova has more than its share of artistic, cultural and architectural treasures. The city reached its zenith in the 14th century when it came under Gonzaga rule, one of the greatest Renaissance families of Italy. Their home was the sumptuous Palazzo Ducale, a highlight of the city and once Europe’s largest palace with around 500 rooms, extravagantly decorated with glorious works of art.
Wander the cobbled streets and relax in the lovely squares, where locals and visitors alike meet for a coffee. Perhaps take a cruise on the River Mincio and admire the city from a different perspective.
Day 6
Free Day - Today you are free to do as you wish, so what is it to be? Take the ferry to Sirmione, set on a narrow peninsula rich in history and famed for its thermal water with healing properties. It’s a pleasure to wander the inviting streets lined by pastel-hued buildings adorned with colourful flowers.
Or you may choose to relax in your hotel, perhaps by the swimming pool located in pretty gardens. For the more adventurous, you may choose to stroll along to a private beach (additional charge), where you can enjoy a dip in the lake itself.
Day 7
Verona - Verona is one of the most pleasing and beautiful cities in Italy and today we have a guided walking tour to appreciate it at its best, discovering its hidden side too.
We approach through the centuries-old city walls and when you enter the old town you cannot help but admire the medieval buildings complete with their contrasting frescoes underneath archways unchanged for centuries. Typical pavement cafés abound, some with violinists serenading their clients whilst they take a refreshing drink, enjoying the shade from the warm sunshine. The tiny narrow streets, complete with tasteful shops, are so typical of Italy and then there is the marketplace, dating from Roman times, replete with interesting reminders of the city’s past.
The tragic story of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is set in Verona and when you experience the atmosphere here you can see why. The two great lovers from rival families have inspired countless films, poems and dramas and you can even see the balcony where the immortal words ‘O Romeo, Romeo’ were reputedly spoken.
The Roman arena is awe-inspiring but there are also countless medieval and Renaissance squares and courtyards to explore, as well as a superb 12th-century cathedral which houses a piece by Titian. The Roman Theatre is a must too, as are the clipped box hedges and dazzling display of colour at one of the Renaissance’s finest gardens. Another interesting site is San Zeno – arguably the finest Romanesque church in northern Italy.
One of the most delightful things about Verona is that despite being close to Venice it receives fewer visitors. This afternoon is free so you can explore the city as you wish or, perhaps, go shopping. Italy is inextricably linked with chic fashion and style and Verona has some lovely shops; prices are not nearly as expensive as you may imagine, with leatherware being particularly good value.