Italy is meant to be experienced as you savor the layered flavors of a perfected regional dish and bask in the charming glow of the marbled villas that overlook the quiet canals. Your custom tailored tour will take you on an engaging cultural excursion from Venice to Bologna and back again as you are immersed in the art and architecture of the past, along with the cuisine and daily life of contemporary towns and cities. Witness the frescoes that first humanized biblical figures, and then indulge...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Venice – Arrive in Venice and Delight in an Introductory Tour of the Canals
The Venetian Republic was the power of the Adriatic Sea and Veneto for centuries and shaped art, architecture, and cuisine. Your flight will arrive at Marco Polo International Airport where your private transfer will greet you at baggage claim. You will venture to the shores of the Grand Canal, famous for the endless network of narrow waterways that turn what many believe to be a single city into its actual figure of a series of islands connected by arching bridges. You will board a private vaporetto with a knowledgeable guide eager to introduce you to the splendor of the once great Republic.
The waterway creates a winding shape along an ancient riverbed that reaches a length of two and a half miles. Iconic gondoliers paddle past as you are along the wide-open space near Piazzale Roma. The canal takes you beneath the three bridges, the most famous of which is the Rialto Bridge. The stone structure was erected in the 16th-century and spans 72 feet across the water supported by approximately 6,000 timber piles on either side.
Historic palaces that date from the 12th to the 18th-century line the waterway, including the Palazzo Grassi, an 18th-century edifice with a formal palatial façade of white marble. The structure now contains exhibitions of contemporary and postmodern art and connects the classic appearance with everyday life. After you explore the canal, your vaporetto will moor at the private dock of your hotel and allow you to disembark directly into the lobby. The lavish décor harkens back to the last days of the Republic’s opulence, and once more welcomes you to the city and its cultural grandeur.
What's Included:
Day 2
Venice – Enjoy a Half-Day Tour of St. Mark’s Square and Venice’s Splendor
Day 3
Bologna – Transfer to Medieval Bologna to Tour the Monuments and Food
Day 4
Bologna – Relish a Full Day Historical and Artistic Tour of Nearby Florence
Day 5
Verona – Venture to the Gorgeous City of Verona to Explore the Culture
Day 6
Venice – Visit the Wonders of Padua before Returning to Grand Venice
Day 7
Venice – Discover the Treasures of the Islands in the Venetian Lagoon
Day 8
Venice – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Witness the delicate artwork of the glassblowers on the historical island of Murano in the Venetian lagoon
- Cruise the Grand Canal with an introductory tour of Venice, which takes you to the palaces, museums, and monuments that overlook the waterway
- Bask in the golden glow of St. Mark’s Basilica during a private tour of St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace
- Indulge in the essence of Italian cuisine in the foodie capital of the country referred to by locals as the “Fat One,” in medieval Bologna
- Visit an artisan jewelry maker in Florence who uses traditional techniques to craft masterful, contemporary designs
- Stroll through the historical grounds of a medieval castle that guard the borders of Verona, a city famous for its charm based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
- Wander through the enchanting cobbled street of Padua to experience the history of the University where Galileo once taught science
- Delight in the unique artistic experience of witnessing the masterworks of Giotto in the Chapel of the Madonna dell'Arena
Detailed Description
Savor the culture of Italy on an in-depth tour of the north that takes you from Venice to Bologna and back again. Your 8-day excursion will combine luxury with culture and highlight the magnificence of the artisanal crafts passed down through generations, whether in the art of cooking, jewelry making, or glassblowing. The regions of Veneto and Emilia Romagna embody the splendor of Italy with Renaissance palaces that exhibit preserved works of master painters with medieval walls and gondolas that sweep beneath the soaring church spires. Your exciting adventure will begin with your arrival at Marco Polo Airport in Venice. Your private transfer will escort you to the edge of the Grand Canal for a tour of the waterway that traverses the city’s island design and offers you your first view of the city’s grandeur.
Wake the next day for your private half-day tour of the majestic ambiance of St. Mark’s Square that begins with the gilded frame of St. Mark’s Basilica and the lavish décor of the Doge’s Palace. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to wander the maze-like streets of the city. Travel next to Bologna by private transfer the next day to discover the blend of cultural heritage and cuisine. The medieval architecture and streets give way to a food-centric philosophy, and you will stroll through the historical lanes before you enjoy an unforgettable meal at the center of Italy’s vibrant food scene.
Move next to the Renaissance city of Florence for an excursion into living history. Wander amongst palaces, castles, and artwork as you visit the museums of your choice before you explore the artisan craft shops in the historical artistic district of the Oltrarno. Your private transfer will then leads you back into the Veneto region at Verona where you will explore the splendid city and enjoy the rich culture that dates back to the Roman Empire. Tour the castles, bridges, and ruins, along with the letter-lined archway of the home of Shakespeare’s Juliet Capulet. In the evening, bask in the traditional passeggiata, your after dinner stroll, where you can connect with the locals and other travelers alike.
Venture next to Padua for an immersive look at the architecture and art of a city that once went against Venice for power in the region. You will see Giotto’s stunning work in the Chapel of the Madonna dell'Arena before you return to Venice for the night. The next day takes you to the celebrated islands around the Venetian lagoon, including the glassblowing island of Murano. Stroll along the quiet streets for an introduction to the glorious mosaics and the tradition of glassblowing. Conclude as your private transfer will escort you from your hotel to Marco Polo Airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$3,600 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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