 ITINERARY
Day 1 - Milan/Verona/Padua
At 8:30am, depart from Hotel Jolly Machiavelli for Verona, a city universally known for the Arena, its coliseum, and as the setting for the classic Romeo and Juliet. Start in Castelvecchio, an old castle on the banks of the Adige River. After crossing a small bridge, you can admire the rest of the town: Piazza Brà, which houses the Roman amphitheatre; Piazza dei Signori, with City Hall and Palazzo dei Tribunali; and Juliet’s house with her famous balcony. After lunch, leave for Padova, home to one of the oldest Italian universities. Start at the Basilica in the main square, built in the first half of the 13th Century and dedicated to Saint Anthony, who spent most of his life here. Nearby, see the charming Prato della Valle, one of the largest and most unique squares in Europe with its elliptical shape and island in the middle. Next, visit the cathedral; Caffé Pedrocchi, a symbol of 19th Century Padova; and Piazza dei Signori. Overnight.
Day 2 - Padua/Brenta Tour
After breakfast, board a river ferry boat to navigate the old merchant’s passage on the Brenta River, passing Villa Giovanelli, a symbol of 17th Century Veneto architecture. Disembark in Strà, a small town that houses Villa Pisani, a modern art museum. Next, on to Dolo, visit the town’s mills that date back to the 16th Century. After lunch at your leisure, board the boat and enter the Lock of Dolo. Enjoy the views of the villages, villas, and bridges along your trip to Mira. There, Villa Widmann and Villa Foscari (optional visit). The boat tour will end in Malcontenta, board a minibus back to hotel in Padova.
Day 3 - Padua/Trieste/Padua
Breakfast. Depart for Trieste, a multi-ethnic town once belonging to the Austrian-Hungarian Empire. Visit some of the most important places in town: Castle Miramare; Piazza Italia on the Adriatic Sea; the Amphitheatre, the so-called Red Palace; City Hall; and Victory Lighthouse. Free time in the old town center, where you should stop in at one of the many cafés for lunch. Back to Padova for overnight.
Day 4 - Padua/Vicenza/ Valpolicella/Milan
After breakfast, morning dedicated to Vicenza, home of architect Andrea Palladio, who created some of the masterpieces: the Basilica, Piazza dei Signori, Palazzo Chericati, and Villa Capra. Walk through the old town on Corso Palladio, then depart to the agricultural region of Valpolicella, famous for its wine production, marble manufacturing, and the charm of its villas. Taste local wines, like Valpolicella and Amarone, at a typical wine cellar. Pass through the town of Negrar en route to Fumane, a small town of Roman origin. There, have lunch and enjoy the unique architecture of its five churches and four villas. Then to Milan via Sant’Ambrogio, a utopia for food and wine lovers. End of tour in Milan. |
