The Renaissance & Flavors of Northern Italy

Welcome to Italy! Your adventure begins in the enchanting city of Verona, where romance and history intertwine at every corner. After your private transfer to your carefully selected hotel, take a moment to refresh and settle in. Then, step out into the golden afternoon light for an introductory orientation tour through the captivating historic center. Wander through elegant piazzas adorned with Renaissance palaces, marvel at ancient Roman ruins that have stood for millennia, and feel the romantic atmosphere that inspired Shakespeare's timeless tale of Romeo and Juliet. As the sun sets over the Adige River, gather with your fellow travelers for a delightful welcome dinner featuring authentic Veronese cuisine. This is just the beginning of your unforgettable Northern Italian journey!

Dinner included.

After a delicious breakfast, immerse yourself in the wonders of Verona with a guided walking tour led by a passionate local expert. Stand in awe before the magnificent Roman Arena, one of the best-preserved ancient amphitheaters in the world, where gladiators once battled and opera performances now enchant audiences. Stroll through the vibrant Piazza delle Erbe, where colorful market stalls have been trading since Roman times, and breathe in the intoxicating aroma of fresh produce, flowers, and local delicacies. Visit the famous Juliet's Balcony and leave your own message of love on the walls below. Admire the soaring medieval towers, elegant Gothic churches, and Renaissance palaces that make Verona a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace—perhaps enjoy a leisurely espresso at a riverside café, browse artisan boutiques, or simply lose yourself in the timeless beauty of this romantic city.

Afternoon at leisure to explore, shop, or relax at a café along the Adige River.

Today brings a journey through two magnificent Renaissance cities! This morning, travel to Ferrara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels like stepping into a living museum. Your guided tour reveals the city's extraordinary treasures: the imposing Este Castle with its moat and drawbridges, the stunning Ferrara Cathedral with its intricate façade, and the elegant Renaissance streets that once hosted poets, artists, and nobility. Feel the weight of history as you walk the same cobblestones where the powerful Este family shaped the Italian Renaissance. As evening approaches, continue your journey to Bologna, the vibrant heart of Emilia-Romagna. Check into your comfortable hotel and prepare your taste buds for an authentic Bolognese dinner, where you'll savor the rich flavors that have made this region Italy's undisputed culinary capital. Tonight, you'll understand why Bologna is called 'La Grassa'—the fat one—a loving tribute to its incredible food!

In the evening, continue on to Bologna. Check into your hotel and enjoy dinner included.

Dinner included.

Get ready for an unforgettable day in Bologna, where every street corner tells a story and every meal is a celebration! Your guided walking tour takes you through the beating heart of this magnificent city. Stand in awe at Piazza Maggiore, surrounded by medieval palaces and the unfinished façade of San Petronio Basilica. Crane your neck to admire the iconic Two Towers—Asinelli and Garisenda—leaning sentinels that have watched over Bologna for nearly a millennium. Wander through the historic university district, home to the oldest university in the Western world, where students have studied since 1088. Stroll beneath the city's famous porticoes, which stretch for an incredible 38 kilometers, providing shelter from sun and rain. But the highlight of your day awaits in the afternoon: a hands-on cooking class where you'll roll up your sleeves and learn the art of making fresh pasta from a local chef. Knead dough for tagliatelle, shape tortellini with expert precision, and discover the secrets behind Bologna's legendary ragù sauce. Then sit down to feast on your own creations, paired with local wines, in a convivial atmosphere filled with laughter and the satisfaction of mastering an ancient culinary tradition. Tonight's included dinner celebrates your newfound skills!

Dinner included.

After breakfast, embark on a fascinating day excursion to Modena, a city where elegance, culture, and gastronomy reach extraordinary heights. Your exploration begins in the UNESCO-listed historic center, where you'll discover the magnificent Romanesque cathedral and its soaring Ghirlandina bell tower—symbols of Modena's medieval glory. Stroll through the refined Piazza Grande, where locals gather for their evening passeggiata, and admire the harmonious architecture that has inspired visitors for centuries. But Modena holds a delicious secret: this is the birthplace of traditional balsamic vinegar, the 'black gold' of Emilia-Romagna. Learn about the patient art of creating this precious condiment, aged for years in wooden barrels, transforming simple grape must into liquid luxury. You'll also discover why Modena is home to legendary automotive brands like Ferrari and Maserati—speed and sophistication run through this city's veins! As the afternoon sun casts golden light on ancient stones, return to Bologna with a deeper appreciation for the treasures of Northern Italy. The evening is yours to explore Bologna's vibrant nightlife or simply relax and reflect on the day's discoveries.

Return to Bologna for the evening.

Today marks a thrilling transition as you journey south to Florence, the magnificent cradle of the Renaissance! As your private coach winds through the Tuscan hills, watch the landscape transform into the iconic scenery of cypress-lined roads, rolling vineyards, and medieval hilltop towns. Upon arrival in Florence, feel the electric energy of a city that changed the world forever. Your expert guide leads you on an awe-inspiring walking tour through the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's essentially an open-air museum. Stand before the breathtaking Duomo—Brunelleschi's architectural miracle with its terracotta dome dominating the skyline. Marvel at Giotto's elegant bell tower and the golden doors of the Baptistery, which Michelangelo called the 'Gates of Paradise.' Walk through Piazza della Signoria, an outdoor sculpture gallery where copies of masterpieces stand where the originals once shocked and inspired the world. Cross the medieval Ponte Vecchio, lined with glittering jewelry shops, as the Arno River flows beneath your feet. And finally, come face to face with Michelangelo's David—a moment that will take your breath away as you stand before this perfect embodiment of Renaissance genius. Tonight's included dinner celebrates your arrival in this extraordinary city, where art, history, and beauty converge in perfect harmony.

Dinner included.

Prepare for one of the most magical days of your journey as you venture into the legendary Tuscan countryside! Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through landscapes that have inspired artists and poets for centuries—endless rolling hills painted in shades of green and gold, rows of cypress trees standing like sentinels, and ancient stone farmhouses basking in the warm Italian sun. Your first stop is San Gimignano, the 'Medieval Manhattan,' where fourteen medieval towers pierce the sky, remnants of a time when wealthy families competed to build the tallest structures. Wander through narrow cobblestone streets, browse artisan shops, and sample the town's famous Vernaccia wine and world-class gelato. Next, journey to Siena, one of Italy's most beautiful medieval cities. Stand in the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, where the famous Palio horse race has been run since medieval times, and admire the soaring Torre del Mangia and the stunning striped cathedral. But the best is yet to come! In the afternoon, you'll visit a traditional Tuscan vineyard nestled among the Chianti hills. Tour the cellars where wine ages in oak barrels, learn about centuries-old winemaking traditions, and then settle in for a tasting of exceptional local wines paired with regional delicacies—pecorino cheese, cured meats, and fresh bread drizzled with golden olive oil. As the sun sets over the vineyards, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange, you'll understand why Tuscany is considered paradise on earth. Return to Florence with memories—and perhaps a bottle or two—to treasure forever.

Return to Florence in the evening.

Your final full day in Florence promises to be extraordinary as you dive deeper into the artistic treasures of the Renaissance! Begin your morning at the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery, one of the most important art museums on the planet. Walk through halls lined with masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Caravaggio, and countless other geniuses who revolutionized art. Stand mesmerized before Botticelli's 'Birth of Venus' and 'Primavera,' works of such beauty they seem to glow from within. Your expert guide brings these paintings to life, revealing the stories, scandals, and innovations behind each brushstroke. After this artistic feast, experience another Florentine tradition: the art of leather craftsmanship. Visit a traditional leather workshop where skilled artisans demonstrate techniques passed down through generations. Watch as they transform supple leather into beautiful bags, belts, and accessories, and perhaps create your own unique souvenir to take home. The afternoon is yours to explore Florence at your own rhythm. Perhaps climb to the top of the Duomo for panoramic views, get lost in the charming Oltrarno district, hunt for treasures in the San Lorenzo market, or simply sit in a piazza with a cappuccino and watch Florentine life unfold around you. Tonight, enjoy your final evening in this magical city—perhaps with a sunset stroll along the Arno or a farewell gelato at your favorite gelateria. Florence has captured your heart, and you'll leave a piece of it here.

Evening at leisure.

As the Tuscan sun rises on your final morning, savor one last Italian breakfast at your hotel—perhaps a final cappuccino and cornetto to remember the flavors of Italy. Take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey you've experienced: from Verona's romance to Bologna's culinary delights, from Modena's elegance to Florence's artistic genius, from medieval towers to Renaissance masterpieces, from hands-on cooking classes to sunset wine tastings in the Tuscan hills. You've not just visited Northern Italy—you've lived it, tasted it, and felt its magic in your soul. Your private transfer arrives to whisk you to Florence Airport, but this isn't really goodbye. Italy has a way of calling travelers back, and the memories you've created—the flavors, the art, the laughter, the beauty—will stay with you forever. As you board your flight home, you carry with you not just souvenirs and photographs, but a deeper understanding of Italian culture, new friendships, and perhaps a few extra pounds from all that incredible food! Arrivederci Italia—until we meet again! 🇮🇹✨

Arrivederci Italia! 🇮🇹