We’ll start our journey in Milan to explore its history and architectural wonders. Then, we’ll head to Lake Garda, visiting Sirmione with its millennia-old history. Finally, we’ll conclude our trip by exploring two romantic cities in the Veneto region, including Venice with its islands of Murano and Burano, as well as Vicenza.
Milan is the city of fashion in Italy and in the world. But before leaving you to go shopping, the guide will lead you to discover the city center, with a visit to the Duomo (outside and inside, optional terraces), the Castle (from outside) and the La Scala theater (from outside). We will visit the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the famous shopping district.
We suggest you to try the typical “risotto alla Milanese” or a delicious “cotoletta”.
Santa Maria delle Grazie is the place where Leonardo painted his masterpiece. Located in the heart of Milan, this church stands as an important testament to Renaissance art in Italy. It is divided into a nave and two aisles, reflecting the style typical of Lombardy at the beginning of the Renaissance period. Moreover, the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is renowned for housing Leonardo Da Vinci‘s magnificent work.
“Il Cenacolo,” also known as “L’Ultima Cena” (The Last Supper), is one of the world’s most famous paintings. It is the only wall painting by Da Vinci that is still visible today.
Sirmione, situated in the southern part of Lake Garda, is a village that exudes ancient charm. It boasts architectural beauty of great value and offers breathtaking views. During our visit, we’ll have the opportunity to admire the splendid Scaligero Castle (entrance ticket included), which serves as the symbol of Sirmione and greets visitors at the entrance of the historical town center. Additionally, we’ll explore the Grottoes of Catullus, preserving the remains of one of the major residential villas in northern Italy.
After lunch, we’ll embark on a boat ride along the shores of Lake Garda exploring some of the most beautiful cities like Desenzano del Garda, Limone and Malcesine.
With the guide, you will begin your exploration at Piazza Bra, which will lead you to the majestic Arena of Verona, a Roman amphitheater still used for hosting opera performances during the summer season.
Verona is renowned for the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet. You’ll also visit the House of Juliet on Via Cappello. Upon entering the courtyard of this fifteenth-century building, you’ll encounter a bronze statue of the Shakespearean heroine. Legend has it that she guards true love, and touching her breasts is believed to bring good luck. To the left of the statue, you’ll find the place where Romeo and Juliet secretly married.
In addition to Shakespearean sites, your tour will include stops at Torre dei Lamberti, Piazza delle Erbe, and the Stone Bridge, the only Roman-era bridge remaining, which will lead us to the Roman theatre. The walking tour will culminate at Piazzale Castel San Pietro, where you can admire the panoramic views encompassing the entire city, including its ancient towers and bridges over the Adige. Plus, your tour will include entrance to the Arena of Verona.
During the summer, the Arena of Verona hosts a diverse program of concerts and events. This optional activity can be selected at the time of booking, offering visitors a chance to experience the magic of live performances in this historic Roman amphitheater.
The guide will show us the beauty of Vicenza, a town in Veneto famous for the work of Palladio. Piazza dei Signori is the center of the city, our attention will be captured by the Palladian Basilica that stands out on the square: the genius of Andrea Palladio succeeded in uniting several existing public buildings and each other in a single project, the Basilica. It will be enough to turn to the other side of the square to find the Loggia del Capitaniato that shows us a different period in the artistic development of Palladio.
After having had an idea of the genius of Palladio in Vicenza, a visit to Villa La Rotonda is a must: the artist’s masterpiece. Perfect and symmetrical in its construction, it was designed in 1566, it looks majestic and exciting thanks to its elevated position.
We will visit the exterior of the villa with a dome vault, 4 facades and 6 columns of the Ionic order. The interiors are equally spectacular and do not forget the remarkable park that opens all around.
The guide will provide a detailed account of maritime Venice’s history while leading you through the cobblestone streets and exploring various neighborhoods, including Cannaregio, as well as the picturesque areas of San Marco and Rialto.
You’ll cross the iconic Rialto Bridge and then leisurely stroll past Marco Polo’s House, believed to be his birthplace. Continuing the walking tour through “Campo San Bartolomeo,” you’ll come across the Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo, where many of the city’s doges are buried. The walking tour concludes at St. Mark’s Square, commonly known as “Piazza San Marco,” which serves as the heart of Venice.
As the largest square in the city, St. Mark’s Square has always played a significant role, hosting important government buildings and other facilities central to Venice’s activities. The key buildings within the square include the Basilica di San Marco (with an interior visit), Palazzo Ducale, and Torre dell’orologio.
Murano and Burano are the most famous islands of the Laguna, the first stop of this visit will be Murano. The village is famous for its glassblower and their glass art. You will learn tricks of the trade, such as how minerals add color to glass sculptures. Afterward, take some time to explore the picturesque island of Murano and visit other workshops in the area.
Hop on board the boat for a ride to nearby Burano, home of traditional lace-making workshops. Your guide will tell you the history of Burano lace and watch local craftswomen weave and stitch finely detailed lace in the local tradition. Enjoy some free time to explore the island and its local shops.
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