North Italy Tour 8 Days And 7 Nights
Departure from Rome, 3 meals
Day 01 - ROME / Assisi / Siena / Florence
Departure at 07.15 from the hotel Diana by a deluxe coach we'll arrive to Assisi. Arrival and free time at disposal to visit this tiny town, surrounded by ancient Middle Ages walls. We suggest the visit of the Basilica of St. Francesco with its masterpieces of Giotto and Cimabue. Lunch break (not included). By the motorway we'll arrive to Siena. This medieval town surrounded by ancient walls and known for the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, the town square, famous for hosting the Palio horse race. Then we'll reach our destination: Florence. Dinner and overnight
Day 02 - Florence
Breakfast. Visit of this beautiful city where the Italian genius for art reached its pinnacle. City of Etruscan- Roman origins, it flourished in the Middle Ages as a free commune. Furtherly refined by Renaissance, Florence is known as the "craddle of Renaissance" (la culla del Rinascimento) for its monumenights, churches and buildings.The best-known site and crowning architectural jewel of Florence is the domed cathedral of the city, Santa Maria del Fiore known as The Duomo that we will visit. The magnificent dome was built by Filippo Brunelleschi. We will then proceed to the nearby Campanile tower (partly designed by Giotto) and the Baptistery with the golden bronze doors (they were so beautiful that they were called the "Gates of Paradise" by Michelangelo himself. In the heart of the city there is Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo della Signoria (also known as Palazzo Vecchio), gothic building, and the Santa Croce Basilica. Afternoon at leisure, possibility to visit Pisa (optional). The power of Pisa as a mighty maritime nation began to grow on and reached its apex in the 11th century when it acquired traditional fame as one of the four main historical Marine Republics of Italy. Then we will admire the Square of Miracles where we find the Duomo, the Leaning Tower and the Baptistery. Return to Florence. Dinner and overnight.
Day 03 - Florence / Bologna / Padova / Venice
Breakfast. In the morning departure to Bologna. The cityscape is further enriched by elegant and extensive arcades (or porticos), which the city is famous for. In total, there are about 38 kilometres of arcades in the city historical center for its 40 km of high system of fortifications and defensive towers. From there Via dell'Indipendenza, we will proceed to Piazza del Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore in the heart of the city. The central streets of Bologna today are largely pedestrianized. Here we'll be fascinated by the Piazza del Nettuno, King Renzo's Palace, the Podestà Palace and the Basilica of San Petronio, one of the biggest in the world (during its construction it was intended to be bigger than St. Peter's in Rome. In the afternoon we will continue towards Padova, with its original Sant' Antonio Basilica. In the evening, arrival in Venice, world-famous for its gondola (classic venetian boat) and for its elegant and refined art. Dinner and overnight.
Day 04 - Venice / Milan
Breakfast at Hotel and trf to Milan. Arrival in Milan. Day at leasure. Overnight.
Day 05 - Milan / Stresa / Lugano / Como
Departure at 08.30 am from hotel Jolly Hotel Machiavelli in Milan to the Maggiore Lake, one of the largest Italian Lakes. Wedged between the pre-alps, Lake Maggiore, of clear glacial origin, is framed in its lower section by the soft hills of the "Novarese" region, and in the upper section, by high mountain peeks, some of which with perennial snow. These features make it possible that in the costal areas the climate is temperate, milder in winter than in the inner areas and cooled down in summer by the breezes that blow on the water's surface changing its colour. Thanks to its mild climate it was possible for many species of flowers and planights typical to the sub-tropical climate to adapt in the costal areas. Arrival in Stresa, an international tourist resort situated in a central but also panoramic and picturesque position along the lakeside roadway, stands just in front of the Borromee islands.Tour of the Pescatori island by boat. The island, is named after the main activity which over the centuries has characterized this fishermen town. Although only few families still go on with the original activity, the identity of the small community appears still intact. Tourists are fascinated by its simple houses, the narrow lanes, the stone portals and the attractive underpasses. We will continue to the Bella Island, where it is possible to visit the Borromeo Palace with its magnificent gardens. Return to Stresa. (free time for lunch , not included). In the afternoon, after a Panoramic tour around the lake, we reach Lugano (Switzerland frontier).A very nice city, rich of shops and art galleries (Swiss shops offer the best luxury goods to be purchased), art galleries. At the end of the visit departure to Como .Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 06 - Como / Bellagio /Varenna / Bergamo / Brescia
Breakfast at the hotel. Short visit of Como. An amazing small province rich of atmospheres, panoramas, and human takeovers. In little kilometres it is passed from the high mountain to the lago, from the wild alpine valley to the industrialized brianzola hill, from the city area of Como to the villages of little houses, from the fanatical oasis to north to the tracks from ski to south.Como lake, It has long been famous for its setting at the intersection of the three branches of the Y-shaped lake, which is also known as Lario. Board the boat we reach Bellagio, situated at the tip of the peninsula separating the lake's two southern arms, with the Alps visible across the lake to the north. Divided in three branches, is situated on the most renowned beach on the Italian landscape.It is a picturesque village with small streets, luxury hotels and villas and gardens. Visit. Time free for lunch. In the afternoon departure by boat to Varenna. Panoramic tour and departure to Bergamo. City characterized by a division of the urban structure on two levels, the "Lower town" (Città bassa), modern and dynamic and the famous " Upper town" (Città alta), a truly historic and artistic jewel. After a Small walking tour of in the city centre, departure to Brescia. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 07 - Brescia /Sirmione / Riva Del Garda / Verona
Breakfast at the hotel, departure for the Garda Lake, the largest Italian lake. Panoramic tour on the West Coast. Lake Garda offers the visitor a splendid natural scenery, full of colours, surrounded by the Dolomites of Brenta in the north and the gentle slopes of the morainic hills in the south. A rich vegetation flourishes thanks to the Mediterranean climate: lemon trees, oleanders, magnolias and bouganville. The cultivation of vineyards and olive groves produces good wines and olive oil. Arrival in Sirmione. Here the lake offers its best panorama, really sunny with the blue of its waters and the green of its trees. Boat tour to have a nice view of the Sirmione Cape, the castle and the Catullo's ruins. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon departure to Riva del Garda on the North side of the Lake. Its historic centre shows the signs of the Venetian domain. Leave to Verona. Overnight stay at the hotel
Day 08 -Verona / Milan
hotel and visit of famous city Verona. It is a work of art in itself: a fascinating cross-roads of historical periods and cultures (both classical and Germanic), a blend of both Nordic and "Mediterranean" influences; the city is at the same time both ancient and modern. A walk through its narrow streets allows we to get in touch with its varied and fascinating past: traces of its splendid Roman origins, its prevailing medieval structure dating back to the time of knights and castles, its magnificent Renaissance palaces as well as the impressive fortifications which protect it. A suggestive blend of art and history which continuously fascinates the onlooker
Free time for lunch. In the afternoon departure to Milan. End of services.
NOTE: Entrance fees not included
* During Milan Festival dates, passengers will stay in another city like Bergamo
or similar. It requires at additional cost supplement per person.
Rate and comment
