Your personal chauffeur guide picks you up from Milan international airport. Milan is home to 1.3 million people. Fashion, fine automobiles, famous music and book publishers come from here. For many centuries, it has been one of the wealthiest cities on earth. A view of the interior and rooftops of the Duomo (cathedral) is not to be missed. Your private guide will explain the nave, flying buttresses, portals, belfries and other historic, architectural and artistic features. The cathedral can hold 40,000 people. Next door is the Gallery Vittorio Emanuele II. This is a 150-years old luxury shopping center. Its glass top was one of the first of its kind and size. The "La Scala" Opera-House is on the other side of the gallery. This is where operas by Puccini, Verdi, Donizzetti, Bellini and Rossini premiered. Overnight in Milan. LDA*
Before leaving Milan, we have a look at Brera Art Gallery. with its invaluable collection of Italian paintings. Works by Raphael or Tintoretto can be admired here. A walk at the Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle) and the viewing of "The Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci at the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie concludes our Milanese stay. Travel by your choosed car to Stresa. That little town lies by the Maggiore lake, near the Swiss border. It is an aristocrats' retreat. Your guide will point out the panoramic views, and take you to the Piazza Marconi, by the lake. There, you will learn about the features of the Church of San Ambrogio, built at the end of the 18th century. Also, see the Villa Ducale dedicated to philosopher Antonio Rosmini. 3 nights in Stresa area. BLDA*
| Day 3 - Stresa - Orta Lake - Stresa |
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Travel to Lake Orta, and the village of Orta San Giulio. The village is so beautiful that many young couples come here for their wedding. On the San Giulio island, the Benedictine monastery Mater Ecclesiae is still the home to monks who pray from before dawn to sunset. After we leave the boat, your driver takes you for a Scenic drive around the lakes. Lake Maggiore has a tectonic origin (resulting from ancient earthquakes), and its shape has been eroded by glaciers 15,000 years ago. 2nd night in Stresa area. BLDA*
| Day 4 - Stresa - Maggiore Lake - Stresa |
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A gentle day spent on a boat on Lake Maggiore. See Isola Madre, with its lush gardens. The Borromeo palace dates back to the 16th century. Isola Pescatori (Fishermen’s Island) offers the San Vittore church, parts of which had been built in the 9th century. Napoleon, the Princess of Wales, Caroline of Brunswick stayed on Isola Bella ("Beautiful Island"), where your guide will point you the Palazzo Borromeo. It is the Borromeo family that gave their name to the three Borromean Islands. 3rd night in Stresa. BLDA*
| Day 5 - Stresa - Maggiore Lake - Como Lake |
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Travel along the shores of Lago Maggiore. Your tour will include Angera, a small town dating back to Roman times. Discover Angera's Rocca castle, and its wines. Stop at Laveno Mombello lake port town. At Sacro Monte di Ghiffa, one of the nine Sacred Mountains of Piedmont and Lombardy, on the UNESCO World Heritage list, see the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary Crowned, built in 1647. The breathtaking panorama, and the 19th century frescoes, render the place magic. After having traveled to Como, your Your guide will lead you through that town. The cathedral was started in 14th century. The church of San Fedele is even older, as it was built in 1120. And the basilica of Sant'Abbondio, the patron of the town, dates back to 1095; it is in Romanesque style, and houses 11th century paintings. 2 nights in Como. BLDA*
In your tour travel along picturesque Lake Como. In Bellaggio, enjoy a historic walking tour going through Piazza Mazzini, the promontory, a bell tower, and the Villa Melzi gardens. From Bellaggio, catch the ferry to Menaggio - an opportunity for a short lake cruise. Menaggio is a summer resort area. See historic Menaggio: Piazza Garibaldi, San Marta church, Castello views. Explore Tremezzo and the Villa Carlotta - built in 1690, with an Italian garden (rhododendrons and azaleas) and statues of Mars and Venus. Cernobbio town with its tree-lined and flowery waterfront: its 19th century villas are a delight; spot the Villa d'Este, Villa Erba and Villa Pizzo. 2nd night in Como. BLDA*
| Day 7 - Como Lake - Bergamo - Verona |
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Visit Bergamo's upper medieval town with the guidance of your guide. Bergamo's past can be traced back to 49 BC and before. The Piazza Vecchia ("old square" and Piazza del Duomo ("Cathedral Square") are on our route. Travel in comfort to Verona, the city of Antonio Salieri, and also Romeo and Juliet. Your guided tour includes: Piazza delle Erbe (next to the Roman forum), Juliet's house and balcony , Piazza dei Signori (Scaligeri Tombs - Gothic funerary monuments), Arche Scaligere (14th century sculpted arches), and the Piazza Bra (Roman Arena). 2 nights in Verona area. BLDA*
| Day 8 - Verona - Garda Lake - Verona |
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Start the day with a scenic drive around Lake Garda with a visit to Sirmione, located on a delightful peninsula. Travel to Punta di San Vigilio : view over the lake. Picturesque lakeside road to Malcesine (Castello Scaligeri, with its 14th century fortifications), and cable car to Monte Baldo, made of limestone and dolomite. Your chauffeur leads you then to Limone sul Garda (splendid setting: beaches, olive groves, valleys and mountains) and Gardone Riviera (home to Gabriele D'Annunzio; possible walk through botanical garden). Wine tasting in the evening. 2nd night in Verona area. BLDA*
| Day 9 - Verona - Padua - Venice |
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Today, we leave Verona. A walking tour in Padua leads to the Scrovegni chapel (frescoes by Giotto). Padova is the city of St Anthony. It is delightful, with arcaded streets, historic squares and bridges over the Bacchiglione river. Later, as we have traveled to Venice, we start with a short city walk, custom made to get acquainted with the city known as the most serene. St Mark's Basilica has five domes, a balustrade decorated by a group of bronze horses, impressive portals. The Doges Palace and its arcades and the famous Bridge of Sighs. It is said that the bridge gained its name from the prisoners that were taken through it to their cells, and sighed at their last view of beautiful Venice. 2 nights in Venice. BLDA*
This morning, your private guide will organize a private water taxi for a canal tour. Although the canals of Venice are beautiful and full of history, they are not only a tourist attraction: Venice is a city of 300,000 inhabitants, and they all rely on water-based transportation and services, since there are no cars on the island city. A fascinating tour, run at your own pace, with possible stops for photographs. After the boat ride, it's time for a leisurely stroll. Admire the Rialto Bridge. It is a stone bridge, with shops on both sides, built in 1591; in fact, a replica of a previous wooden bridge. Later along our walk, see the Santa Maria dei Frari church, and the Palazzo Querini Stampalia with a fantastic gallery. Experience a vaporetto ride to Murano Island and see how a glass blowing factory operates. To conclude the day, a private gondola ride with music and songs. 2nd night in Venice. BLDA*
| Day 11 - Venice - Ravenna |
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This is the end of our 2-night stay in Venice. Relax and see the passing landscapes as we travel to Ravenna. Visit Romanesque Pomposa Abbey: started in the 9th century, it was home to Guido d’Arezzo, who invented the modern musical notation. Your guide will lead you through Ravenna on a city tour: Basilica of St Vitus (547 AD, Byzantine frescoes), Galla Placidia Tomb (450 AD), Baptistery of Neoni (6th century mosaics) and Tomb of Dante (although he died in 1391, his monument was built in the 18th century). Overnight in Ravenna area. BLDA*
| Day 12 - Ravenna - Bologna - Parma |
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Discover Bologna, the capital of Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Pier Paolo Pasolini, Ottorino Respighi, Umberto Eco and Gioachino Rossini were born or lived in Bologna. With your guide, see the Piazza di Porta Ravegnana and its Renaissance House of cloth manufacturers. There are also leaning towers in Bologna; the tallest one was built for the Asinelli family, dates from 1109 and is almost 300 feet high. Enjoy Italian life at the Piazza Maggiore, the basilica of San Petronio (one of the world's largest), the curiously eclectic Fontana di Nettuno (Neptune's Fountain) made in 1567 by Giambologna (in order for that fountain to be erected, an entire building had to be demolished!). Main Square and Neptune Square (Saint Petrone Cathedral, Fountain of Neptune) in Bologna. 3 nights in Parma area. BLDA*
Discover Parma, starting with a Parmesan cheese factory. In the city center, enjoy the historic knowledge of your guide as you walk to the Romanesque cathedral. The Battistero is an interesting step from Romanesque to Gothic architecture, made in pink marble. Admire the 16th century Church of St John the Evangelist with its baroque facade and frescoes by Parmigianino. Then travel to the Palazzo della Pilotta (possible visit to the National Archaeological Museum or the Academy of Fine Arts). 2nd night in Parma area. BLDA*
| Day 14 - Parma - Modena - Maranello - Parma |
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Traveling from Parma to Modena, we make a detour through Maranello. This is home to the Ferrari factory and Ferrari Gallery. Learn more about these prestigious cars under the expert guidance of a local specialist. Then head to Modena. Some illustrious people from Modena are Luciano Pavarotti and Mirella Freni. Enjoy the Piazza Grande (yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site). Learn about the Cathedral (started in 1099) with its Gothic campanile (Torre della Ghirlandina), and the Cathedral Museum. Stroll to the majestic Palazzo Ducale, started in 1634. 3rd night in Parma. BLDA*
This last day has some free time for you to shop, relax or enjoy more sightseeing. Your driver will make sure you enjoy traveling across Italy to the last minute. If desired, a fascinating visit is that of the National Museum of Science and Technology in Milan (Leonardo da Vinci’s machine models, beautiful setting in a 16th century Olivetan monastery). Drop-off at Milan international airport. This is the end of your tour. BL*
B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner | A = Accommodation
Price |
| Total cost for the hotels choosed |
Depend on your choice |
Lunch and dinner will be paid on the place
|
Depend on your choice |
For a chauffeured tour, you have to add |
| Total cost for the car choosed |
Depend on your choice |
| Total expense for the driver (hotel + meal) |
150 EUR/day |
Total driver's salary (italian/english speaker)
|
150 EUR/day |
| Our service fee for a guided tour (inclusive of motorway's tolls, fuel, parking, etc.) |
100 EUR/day |
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