Discovery Italy

Day 1: THE OLD MILAN, SFORZESCO CASTLE, BRERA DISTRICT, NAVIGLIO GRANDE
Traditional ice cream tasting
Arrival at the airport and transfer to 3* - 4* Hotel or B & B in air-conditioned buses. Refreshing welcome drink and free time to begin to live the fascinating atmosphere of Milan.

Late afternoon: you start exploring the historical Milan: a tour of Piazza del Duomo, the magnificent gothic-lombard Cathedral with its beautiful terraces, the Baptistery of San Giovanni alla Fonti and the Archaeological site of the Cathedral.
The tour continues with Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery built in an eclectic style typical of the second half of Milan’s nineteenth century, a dear place to all milanese people and where can be found designer shops, bars and restaurants.
A typical macchiato coffee, a delicious cappuccino and a typical milanese cake must definitely be tasted during a stop in the Gallery.
You continue then towards the charming old Piazza Mercanti, the symbol of the city, created in medieval times, recalling the past.

Evening: Dinner at one of the oldest and charming trattoria in the suggestive atmosphere of the ancient vicolo dei Lavandai along Naviglio Grande.
You immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Milan's old canals and the wide variety of ancient Lombard cuisine: you can choose among many delicious dishes such as “risotto alla Milanese”, cottoletta, mozzarella, tomato and basil with a glass of Barbera, Garda Cabernet or Franciacorta.

Day 2: GARDA LAKE
DESENZANO AND THE LAKESIDE
Once arrived in Desenzano you stop for a gastronomic break along the lake and then visit, together with your Tour Leader, the castle and its surroundings, the Roman Villa full of mosaic floors, the church and the cloister of Santa Maria di Senioribus dating back to the fifteenth century, the Cathedral with the painting “Last Supper” by G.B.Tiepolo.

Evening: free to relax and lakeside promenade.
Dinner in local restaurant
Accommodation Hotel ***, B & B or Farm House

Day 3:
DESENZANO – SIRMIONE 9 km of trekking (alternatively you can take the public transport)
SIRIMIONE: THE CASTLE, CATULLO CAVES AND THE SPA BATHS
Your morning starts with an enchanting trek on a flat road that runs along the whole lake to Colombare, where you turn left and walk along a long driveway to get to the Castle of Sirmione.
You visit the Castle and Grotte di Catullo/ Catullo Caves and then from the bridge, located at the entrance in Sirmione, continuing with a slight ups and downs, you arrive at Terme di Sirmione /Sirmione Spa.
Lunch by the Lake and then the rest of the day is going to be dedicated to your well-being and body care at Terme di Sirmione

Evening: Accommodation Hotel ***, B & B or Farm House

Day 4: SIRMIONE – PESCHIERA DEL GARDA 11 km of trekking (alternatively you can take the public transport)
The trek continues to Peschiera del Garda.
Relax and lakeside walks.

Evening: Dinner by the lake and accommodation at Hotel***, B&B or Farm House

Day 5: THE OLD VERONA
Train journey towards the city of the eternal lovers, Romeo and Juliet.
Check-in at 3* Hotel, lunch at “Trattoria Al Solito Posto” where you can enjoy the traditional cuisine. Do not miss as a desert an apple pie, tiramisu or chocolate salami, accompanied by a good wine from the hills of Verona: Pinot, Barbera or Sangiovese are strongly recommended.

Afternoon: Your tour starts in the heart of the ancient Verona: from the roman monuments, medieval castles and mansions to alleys and buildings that recall romantic and charming atmosphere of the two Shakespearian lovers ..but also numerous churches through which emerge the gothic tracks.
You visit the famous Arena Square, its impressive buildings, the heart of the city from Scaligeri period with Castelvecchio and the scenographic bridge. The picturesque Piazza delle Erbe, among towers and ancient buildings, the noble Piazza dei Signori, a symbol of the scaligero period.
Aperitif

Evening: Dinner with traditional dishes such as gnocchi and the famous pastissada de caval at “Hostaria Vecchia Fontanina” in the heart of Verona near Piazza dei Signori and lively and colourful Piazza delle Erbe.
The evening ends with the unforgettable views on the riverside at sunset with the first evening lights and live music in a bar.
Alternatively, you can choose to spend an unforgettable evening at Arena di Verona, the famous ancient theatre, in the magical atmosphere and evocative scenes of an opera performance... for example you can choose Verdi's Aida, Bizet's Carmen, Madame Butterfly by Puccini and many other famous opera works.

Day 6: VERONA´S HISTORICAL CENTRE AND THE PLACES OF THE ETERNAL LOVERS: ROMEO AND JULIET
Wine tasting and gastronomic products
After a rich breakfast you start to discover the old part of Verona.
You visit the old gothic-romanesque cathedral, Tintoretto´s paintings in the ancient Basilica of San Zeno, the church of Verona´s protector Saint and all the places of the legend of Romeo and Juliet.
Lunch in a local trattoria.
Wine tasting at the Enoteca "Al Mascaron Sas" in Piazza San Zeno.

Afternoon: A walk around the city among shopping streets and famous antique markets

Evening: dinner in a historic restaurant to taste traditional dishes and then in a local trendy bar or club.

Day 7: VENICE AND ITS WONDERS
Wine tasting in an old cellar
The tour continues to the city of gondolas and the labyrinths of channels. You discover the magic of Venice.
Check in at Hotel *** and your adventure continues with many beauties:Grand Canal with its magnificent palaces, Rialto Bridge, Piazza San Marco with its magnificent view, the major theatres, antique glass shops, romantic streets, canals and baroque churches
Lunch: traditional and delicious cuisine in the area of Santa Maria del Giglio
Wine tasting in an ancient cellar

Afternoon: you continue beyond Accademia Bridge to visit other famous palaces and churches.
The beautiful palaces on Canal Grande from Ca 'Pesaro a Ca' D'Oro, beautiful museums and churches and Scalzi Bridge… are just some of the wonders that you are going to visit in Venice.

Evening: Dinner filled with Venice´s aromas and flavours and magical atmosphere of Ponte dei Sospiri/ Bridge of Sighs

Day 8: MURANO ISLAND AND HEMINGWAY´S ISLAND: TORCELLO
In the romantic atmosphere of Venice, you begin your day with a trip to the island of Murano with its ancient art of glass working.
Lunch in a local trattoria

Afternoon: visit of Torcello, the oldest island in the venetian lagoon loved by Hemingway

Evening: You can still be guests of Colombo’s cuisine in a restaurant in the historical part of Venice and then you have the chance to admire the beautiful night view from Rialto Bridge.
End of the program dinner