Day 1: Venice Day Tour & Traditional Gondola Ride
Starting in one of the most romantic cities in the world, Venice is a truly magical city.
Today we will start off by exploring the city on foot – from the Cannaregio district to Santa Croce & San Marco. After we’ve gotten our bearings, we will enjoy a traditional gondola ride through the canals.
In the afternoon we will explore the Jewish Ghetto area and tour the Museum & synagogue.
Stemming from the 16th century when the Jewish population in Venice was forcefully segregated into the district, touring the area with your private guide today allows you a fascinating insight into the history, architecture, and culture of the place. This is a fascinating trip into an ‘alternative’ Venice and you will really enjoy discovering the unique stories, traditions, and of course the authentic delicious Jewish cuisine available in the neighborhood.
After this tour, we will then be picked up by our luxury water boat and go for a leisurely 1-hour boat ride through some of the lesser-known canals. Aside from the major canal arteries, your expert local guide will delve into the most enchanting minor canals of the city to discover hidden gems like the Doges’ Pantheon, St. Mark’s School, and Madonna dell’Orto church.
We will then stop at a local Venetian bar for a traditional aperitivo with the local specialty snacks ‘Cicchetti’.
Accommodation: Venice
Day 2: Murano & Burano Private Tour – Casanova Tour of Venice
From Venice, we will take a short private water taxi to the exquisite islands of Murano and Burano – known as the islands of glass and lace thanks to their history as the center of the respective art forms.
Artisan culture is the name of the game on both of these islands. You will have the opportunity to view master craftsmen at work and get ‘hands-on’ with a glass-making workshop class and sit with a needlepoint lace master while they hand make the lace in the traditional style.
Then, in the afternoon, we’ll travel back to Venice to learn about one of Venice’s favorite sons: the ‘man about town’ Casanova.
Journey back in time as you stroll by Casanova’s birthplace and the theatre where his parents worked. See the Campo where he played as a child, the house where he spent his early years, the church where he was baptized (and where he was a priest… for only two sermons)!
See the homes of his noble protectors, the scene of his first “love enterprises”, and the setting of his teenage prank. Then, learn the reasons behind his dangerous fascination with magic, and how this led to his imprisonment in the “Piombi”.
Be thrilled by the tale of his jailbreak, as you gaze at the corner of the Doge’s Palace whence he escaped.
Day 3 Morning: St Mark’s Cathedral & Doge’s Palace Tour
Perhaps the most iconic building in Venice, the 11th-century St Mark’s Cathedral is instantly recognizable. On your private tour, your guide will discuss the stunning Renaissance architecture and the innumerable treasures, sculptures, and priceless artworks displayed inside the Cathedral, including the ‘Triumphal Quadriga’ – the famous bronze horses of Saint Mark.
Next to St Mark’s, you’ll find the Doge’s Palace – formerly the seat of power in Venice. You’ll uncover tales of scandal and political intrigue that took place within the Palace’s walls.
Stepping inside, you will be greeted by artworks from world-renowned masters such as Titian, Veronese, and Tiepolo, and at the end of the tour, you will emerge at the famous ‘Bridge of Sighs’.
Day 3 Evening: Venetian Mask Making Workshop
Venice isn’t just famous for its beautiful canals; it’s also famous for the annual Carnevale!
With a long history dating back to the 12th century, the pre-Lent celebrations have become synonymous with beautifully designed masks and elaborate costumes.
This afternoon, you will be taken to the boutique of a local atelier for a private mask-making workshop with Venetian master, Igor. You will use authentic materials and be able to take your beautiful creation home with you.
You will also have the opportunity to visit Igor’s wife’s studio. Giulia is the brains behind some of the most beautiful Venetian costumes created for Venice’s annual Carnevale and will take you ‘backstage’ to see her creations and explain how she makes these magnificent creations.
Accommodation: Venice
Day 4: Veneto Countryside & Venetian Villa
Time to say goodbye to Venice and head back to the mainland. This morning we are going to visit one of the finest examples of a “Villa Veneta,” a Venetian Villa, Villa Pisani at Stra.
Originally built for Doge Alvise Pisani in the 18th century, this beautiful 114 villa houses frescoes by Tiepolo and other important artists of the day, but one of its most striking features is its amazing gardens, including the Labyrinth of Pisani!
After our visit to the villa, you will head to the picturesque City of Padua. Dating back to 1200 BC, this city is now a medieval jewel famous for its patron saint, Saint Anthony.
In the afternoon, you will explore the city and visit the beautiful Duomo as well as the Scrovegni Chapel frescoes by the early Renaissance master Giotto.
Accommodation: Verona
Day 5: Verona Day Tour
“Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?” The words of Shakespeare, which made Verona famous to English-speaking audiences.
The historic city of Verona was founded in the 1st century B.C. It particularly flourished under the rule of the Scaliger family in the 13th and 14th centuries and as part of the Republic of Venice from the 15th to the 18th centuries. It is a beautiful combination of ancient, medieval & modern.
This morning, you will visit Juliet’s famous balcony and explore inside Juliet’s house with your private guide. You will also have the opportunity to stand on the balcony itself!
In the afternoon, you’ll visit a beautiful Roman amphitheater. When we think of Roman amphitheaters, we immediately think of the Colosseum; however, Verona’s amphitheater is not only older, it is also more intact.
The location for many spring & summer concerts, you will have the opportunity to explore its vast networks of tunnels and staircases. Feel like an ancient Roman for a day!
Finally, we’ll finish the day by experiencing an authentic Italian aperitivo with some of Verona’s finest wines like the Valpolicella, Amarone & Soave.
Accommodation: Verona
Day 6: Lago di Garda & Lago di Como
Sirmione
And we’re off to view Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda, and visit one of its most picturesque towns, Sirmione.
Originally a Roman settlement with a history that spans the Middle Ages, the Republic of Venice & the Habsburg rule, today it offers a snapshot of Italy at its best. Famous for the Scagliero Castle & the ancient Roman Grottoes of Catullus, you will love exploring its distinctive streets & fabulous views over the lake.
Lunchtime: You will stop at another one of Lake Garda’s jewels, Desenzano del Garda, for a magical lunch overlooking the lake in one of the area’s finest Michelin-starred restaurants.
Bergamo
Often ignored by visitors to Italy, Bergamo has a rich variety of architecture, history, and shopping culture, which means it would be a mistake not to spend at least an evening here.
The upper town, known as Citta Alta, is encircled by huge defensive Venetian walls that date back to the 16th century and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Also of note, the Piazza Vecchia in the heart of the city has been described as “the most beautiful square in Italy”.
Your guide will take you to the 12th-century bell tower that still rings out one hundred times each night at 10 pm to mark an ancient curfew.
Accommodation: Tremezzo, Lago di Como
Day 7: Lake Como Private Boat Trip
Today, you are going to experience Lake Como as it is supposed to be seen, from the water on a luxury private boat.
You will pass by many of the lake’s famous villages and houses (yes, you will also pass by George Clooney’s villa and stop to explore one of the region’s most famous towns: Bellaggio.
Accommodation: Lake Como
Day 8: Lake Como Villas – Milan
You will visit two of the region’s most famous villas, Villa Carlotta and Villa dei Balbianello.
Villa Carlotta is not only a villa but also a flourishing botanical garden where the flora creates a mesmerizing array of colors in the gentle, sun-kissed ocean breeze. Furthermore, the villa is also an operating museum with works by famed sculptors such as Antonio Canova, Bertel Thorvaldsen, and Giovanni Migliara.
Villa dei Balbianello is famous for its elaborate terraced gardens, and absolutely gorgeous setting atop the Lavedo headland with simply jaw-dropping views of Isola Comacina and overlooking Lake Como.
Indeed, so captivating is the beauty of the villa and its surroundings that it has featured in several Hollywood blockbusters, including two of the biggest franchises of all time, James Bond, Casino Royale, and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.
In the afternoon, it’s time to head to one of the world’s most fashionable cities, Milan.
Accommodation: Milan
Day 9: Milan Duomo Guided Tour – Teatro della Scala & Castello Sforzesco
We start our visit by exploring Milan’s crown jewel: the Duomo (and the Duomo terraces, based on opening). You will skip the lines with your licensed guide and view the Gothic spectacle that is the Duomo.
You will view the special archaeological area of the Baptistery of San Giovanni alle Fonti before heading to the very top of the Duomo: its rooftop, to experience one of the best views of the city.
Following this, you will visit the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele before stopping at an exclusive restaurant for lunch.
Teatro della Scala and Castello Sforzesco
In the afternoon, you will visit two of Milan’s most famous locations: The Teatro della Scala Opera House and the Castello Sforzesco.
We will arrange a completely private tour experience of one of the most famous opera houses in the world, allowing you the time and space to fully appreciate the magic of the theatre.
You will also visit the imposing 15th-century Castello Sforzesco. The fortress has a colorful history over the centuries, and its defenses were designed by Da Vinci before it was partly destroyed by Napoleon!
These days, the castle is famed for housing incredible collections of artwork, including a room decorated by Da Vinci himself, and pieces such as Andrea Mantegna’s Trivulzio Madonna and masterpieces by Canaletto, Tiepolo, Vincenzo Foppa, Titian, and Tintoretto.
Accommodation: Milan
Day 10: Last Supper and Brera Design District Tour
The Church of Holy Mary of Grace or the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie is a 15th-century Dominican Convent and UNESCO World Heritage Site; however, the world will be more familiar with the artwork contained in the refectory walls rather than the church itself, despite its impressive Gothic arch and Titian altarpiece.
That is simply because the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie houses perhaps the most recognizable painting in history, The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci. There’s not much we can say about the masterpiece that hasn’t been said before, given that it has been written about, discussed, and held up as one of the highest achievements in art since it was completed in 1490, other than it would truly be a pity to visit Italy and not gaze upon this masterpiece.
In the afternoon, it’s time to visit one of Milan’s most fashionable districts, Brera, known as the design district.
Brera Artist’s District includes: Fine Arts Academy and its classrooms, the fragrance of oil colors in an ancient stationery shop, a glass of red wine in the bar where once poor artists bartered paintings for a plate of pasta, a glance at the courtyard where Piero Manzoni, famous for his Achrome, kept at the MoMA.
Evening: Aperitivo along the Navigli district. Designed by Da Vinci, it today houses some of Milan’s most fashionable bars & restaurants.
Accommodation: Milan
