Northern Italy and the Lakes Sample Itinerary
Day 1: : Venice
Upon arrival in Venice our representative will be waiting to escort
you to your private
transfer via watertaxi to your hotel. In the afternnon your guide will
meet
you
at your hotel
to take you on a walking tour of Venice's top sights.
The best approach to Venice if you are there for the first time is
an introductory tour to get you oriented to this mysterious and labyrinthine
city. The tour starts with a visit to St. Mark's Square, the former
political center
of the Venetian Republic, and St. Mark's Basilica, a must for anyone
visting Venice. Afterward take a walk "backstage" to discover
the urban development of the city: bridges, narrow alleyways, large
and small squares. Passing imposing churches and ancient palaces the
tour ends in the busy area of the Rialto. See the bustling market and
finish up with a drink and appetizer and learn about the Venetian tradition
of cicheti.
This evening take a gondola ride to explore the the canals from your
own private boat.
Day 2: Venice
Today you'll tour some of the "real" Venice: the Dorsoduro "sestiere" or
neighborhood.
Starting from the small campo of Santa Maria del Giglio we'll catch
a gondola across the Grand Canal in order to visit the Dorsoduro district.
This is the edge of it and it is shaped like the prow of a boat and
offers vistas on Giudecca and Grand Canal as they merge into St.Mark
Basin . There we visit the most famous Baroque church of Venice: Santa
Maria della Salute that houses the paintings of Titian, Salviati and
Tintoretto. Passing the house of Peggy Guggenheim, today a world class
modern art museum, we continue in the direction of the Zattere, the
most popoular place for a promenade in Venice . From there we'll reach
an ancient gondola workshop. On the lively campo of Santa Margherita
stands the Medieval church of the Carmelites that preserves a couple
of Venetian masterpieces by Lorenzo Lotto and Cima da Conegliano. A
few steps away we'll visit the church of San Sebastiano , decorated
entirely with frescoes by Paolo Veronese, where the tour will end.
Tonight enjoy one of our gourmet restaurant selections or just relax with a pizza as you watch the boats go by on the Grand Canal.
Day 3: Venice
This morning meet your guide to learn about a fascinating aspect of
Venice which is quickly disappearing: the handicrafts of the woodworkers,
glass
blowers,
lace
makers, guilders,
textile specialists, shoe makers, and many other artisans who make
their wares as their masters taught them.
You will see traditional boat building and also a musical instrument
maker, a wood sculptor, and any of many other craftsmen who work in
Venice.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity,
because these craftsmen are getting older, and there are almost no
young people taking their places.
An exception to this is the art of glass blowing. This is a thriving
field which dominates the island of Murano. Visitors learn about the
oldest glass factory on the island where you will see the craftsmen
at work and have an expert on hand to describe the process of blowing
glass. Murano is famous around the world for its glass, but you can
see it from behind the scenes, and if you are interested in taking
some glass home with you, we can find you the best prices on the highest
quality work.
As Murano is for Glass, the island of Burano is for Lace. You'll see
not only the most beautiful lace, and lots of it, but you will see
the most beautiful island of the lagoon, with it's brightly colored
houses and relaxed island atmosphere.
In this itinerary, which forms a real course about our traditions,
you will understand why Venice thrived as a mercantile city, which
not only resold the wares it imported from around the world, but exported
its own goods, which were highly sought after, and still are.
Day 4: The Veneto
Today, your watertaxi driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the car rental agency. Pick up your rental car and drive to the area of Valdobbiadene - home of Prosecco! Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. Your hotel can arrange a romantic dinner of local delicacies.
Day 5: The Veneto
Today, spend the day relaxing by the pool, or going to one of the many nearby wineries for a prosecco tasting or exploring nearby towns. Have a wonderful dinner on your terrace or head into town for a nice meal at one of the local restaurants .
Day 6: Padova
This morning hit the open road on your way to Lake Como. Spend the day exploring Padova's most important sites. We recommend Giotto's magnificent, not-to-be-missed frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel (fully restored between 1999 and 2001) and the revered pilgrimage site of the eight-domed Basilica of Sant'Antonio di Padova, whose important equestrian statue by Donatello stands in the piazza before it.
Enjoy a dinner of local specialties at La Vecchia Enoteca.
Day 7: Verona
This morning drive on to Verona. You must visit the best-preserved Roman amphitheater in the world and the best known in Italy after Rome's Colosseum. Relax over lunch at the Antica Bottega del Vino where you can try some of Verona's own wonderful wines. In the summertime we can arrange for you to attend an evening performance in the ancient amphitheater. An experience of a lifetime. This evening stroll Verona's streets and get caught up in the romantic atmosphere. Spend the night at a quaint local hotel dreaming of Romeo and Juliet.
Day 8: Into the Mountains
Today, make the final leg of the journey which takes you to Bellagio on stunning Lake Como and your lovely lakeside retreat. Relax and enjoy the gorgeous views. Bellagio is often called one of the most beautiful towns in Italy. Nestled amid cypress groves and verdant gardens, its earth-toned old buildings climb from the lakefront promenade along stepped cobbled lanes.
Day 9: Lake Como
This morning your guide will meet you at the hotel to take you on a full day tour on the lake. Traveling by boat, you will get a chance to see the lavish villas that dot the shoreline of the lake; holiday homes to the Italian nobility of the past as well as the wealthy socialites of the present. In the afternoon, you will cross the lake to Tremezzo, where you will visit the Villa Carlotta (entrance fees included). The Villa was completed in the 18th century by the Marquis Clerici and contains masterpieces by such artists as Canova and Hayez. It is also surrounded by one of the most unique and beautiful landscaped gardens in the lake area. You will return to Bellagio by hydrofoil.
Day 10: Lake Como
Today get some fresh air and exercise! W can arrange mountain bike treks, horseback rides through panoramic mountain passes, kayak excursions around the lake, canyoning (a combination of hiking, swimming, rappelling, and, well, jumping up and down a river gorge), and tandem paragliding. Each of these activities offers a unique perspective on the area.
Day 11: Lake Como
Today visit the town of Como. Take the slow ferry or the faster hydrofoil. Your guide will meet you when you get off the boat and take you on a walking tour of Como's most interesting sights. You will visit the Duomo and the church of San Fedele among other highlights. Your guide will suggest a wonderful lunch spot. In the late afternoon return to Bellagio for a final evening of relaxation by the lake and farewell dinner.
Day 12: Departure
Drive to the airport or train station in Milan and drop off your rental car before heading home or on to your next destination.