Hidden Treasures of North Italy
Family Holiday | Culture Immersion | Small Group JourneyImmerse yourself in the rich history, culture, and culinary delights of Northern Italy with this 8-day journey through Bologna, Verona, and Milan. Begin in Bologna, renowned for its historic charm and vibrant food scene, where you'll explore the city's ancient streets and savor authentic Italian dishes. Travel through the Renaissance splendor of Ferrara and the Byzantine mosaics of Ravenna before heading to Verona, the romantic setting of Romeo and Juliet, and home to the famed Amarone wine. Conclude your trip in the fashion capital, Milan, where you’ll take part in a pizza and gelato-making class, stroll through the city’s iconic landmarks, and experience the unique blend of modern and historical wonders that define Italy’s northern region. This itinerary offers the perfect blend of guided tours, cultural experiences, and time to explore at your own pace, promising an unforgettable Italian adventure.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Bologna
Welcome to Italy! Upon arrival, you'll make your own way to your accommodation in Bologna. The rest of the Day is at your leisure to settle in and perhaps take a stroll around the neighborhood. In the evening, you might want to sample some local cuisine at a nearby restaurant. Overnight in Bologna
Day 2 - Bologna: The City & The Food
Your morning begins with a shared guided tour of Bologna, the capital of Emilia-Romagna and a gastronomic hub of Europe. Discover Bologna's highlights with a local guide on a 2-hour tour. Marvel at its historic squares and elegant porticos. Learn about the city's rich history, culture, and traditions.
For lunch, you're free to choose from Bologna's many excellent eateries. Perhaps try the city's namesake dish, Bolognese, or sample some local cheeses and cured meats.
In the afternoon, you have the option to join a cooking class in a lovely local setting. Here, you'll learn to make traditional dishes like tortellini or tagliatelle al ragù. The class culminates in a wonderful dinner where you'll enjoy the fruits of your labor. If you choose not to take the class, the afternoon is yours to further explore the city. Overnight in Bologna
Day 3 - Optional: Ferrara & Ravenna
Today you have the option of a private tour with a driver escort to explore two unique cities. Your morning will be spent in Ferrara, the "Queen of Renaissance." You'll have time for an independent visit to this enchanting city, shaped by the Estense Family between the 13th and 16th centuries.
Lunch can be enjoyed at your leisure in Ferrara, perhaps trying some local specialties like cappellacci di zucca (pumpkin-filled pasta) or salama da sugo (a local sausage).
In the afternoon, you'll continue to Ravenna, Italy's Byzantine capital. Here you'll see the city's famous colorful mosaics adorning buildings like the Basilica di San Vitale and the Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo. You'll return to Bologna in the late afternoon. Overnight in Bologna
Day 4 - Bologna to Verona
Your morning starts with a train journey from Bologna to Verona. Upon arrival, you'll have time to check into your hotel and perhaps grab a quick lunch at a local trattoria.
In the afternoon, at 2:30 PM, you'll embark on an Amarone Wine-tasting Tour. This will introduce you to one of the region's most celebrated wines and the beautiful Valpolicella area where it's produced. The evening is yours to explore Verona's charming streets and perhaps enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Verona
Day 5 - Verona
Your morning is split between a guided tour of Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, and a visit to the famous Verona Arena with a skip-the-line ticket. You'll explore the romantic streets and historic sites that have made this city a UNESCO World Heritage site, including the remarkably preserved Roman amphitheater that is still used for concerts and operas today.
For lunch, you might want to try some local specialties like risotto all'Amarone or pastissada de caval (horse meat stew, a local delicacy).
The afternoon is at your leisure to further explore Verona or relax at a café in one of its picturesque squares. Overnight in Verona
Day 6 - Verona to Milan
Start your day with a train journey from Verona to Milan. Upon arrival, you'll have time to check into your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring Milan's fashion district or visiting some of its famous sites.
For a late lunch or early dinner, you might want to try Milan's famous risotto alla Milanese or cotoletta alla Milanese. Overnight in Milan
Day 7 - Milan Duomo Roof Top and Cathedral
Join an unforgettable guided tour that takes you to the breathtaking terrace of the Milan Duomo Cathedral, bypassing the line with your exclusive ticket. This unique experience offers not only stunning panoramic views but also quick access to one of Milan's most renowned landmarks. Once on the terrace, you'll witness the captivating blend of the city's lively streets, historic monuments, and modern skyscrapers coming together in a mesmerizing landscape.
After soaking in the views, the tour continues inside the cathedral. Your guide will take you through its rich history, from its centuries-long construction to its modern-day significance, revealing fascinating stories hidden within its walls. Marvel at the harmonious design of the naves, towering columns, and intricate stained glass windows, and discover the stunning details of the interior, a masterpiece that took over 1,000 years to complete. For lunch, you might want to try a traditional Milanese ossobuco or risotto al salto in one of the city's many restaurants.
The afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. You could do some shopping in the fashion capital, visit a museum, or simply relax at a café and people-watch. In the evening, perhaps enjoy an aperitivo, a Milanese tradition, before dinner. Overnight in Milan
Day 8 - Departure
Photo Gallery
Other Information
- Tour Code : SM07.25
- Duration : 7 Nights/8 Days
- Departure City : Bologna, Italy
- Ending City : Milan, Italy
- Type : Private Tour
- Departure : Guaranteed Departure
- Grade/Difficulity : Moderate
- Transport Mode : Car/Minivan
- Children Allowed : Yes
- Max Group Size : 15
- Language Offered : English
- Starting/Meeting Point : Your Hotel
- 3 nights in Bologna
- 2 nights in Verona
- 2 nights in Milan
- Daily breakfast
- Small Group Tour - Best of Bologna Walks (meet the guide at meeting point)
- High Speed Train from Bologna to Verona, reserved tickets
- Small Group Tour - Amarone Wine-tasting Tour from Verona (meet the guide at meeting point)
- Small Group Tour - Verona Walking Tour with Arena (meet the guide at meeting point)
- High Speed Train from Verona to Milan, reserved seats
- Small Group Tour - Milan Rooftop and Cathedral (meet the guide at meeting point)
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Transfers to and from the stations
- Cooking Class in Bologna
- Private Ferrara and Ravenna from Bologna with driver escort / Pick up and drop off at your accommodation
- Meals except the breakfast and the ones included in the cooking classes
- City tax to be paid at hotels
- Everything not mentioned in the inclusions
- Bologna: UNA Hotel, Cavour or similar
- Verona: Indigo or similar
- Milan: UNA Mediterraneo, UNA Scandinavia or similar
- While we strive to provide the specific hotels listed, we reserve the right to substitute properties of equivalent or superior quality to ensure the best possible experience for our guests.