7 days – ART & FASHION OF NORTHERN ITALY

ART & FASHION OF NORTHERN ITALY

Milano – Bergamo – Mantova – Verona – Venezia

DAY 1 – MILANO

Milano is one of the most important cities in Italy. It is not only the capital of style and fashion and a lively city which several restaurants, pubs and discos for nightlife, but it is also known for its museums and wonderful monuments; for example the main square with the beautiful cathedral (the “Duomo”), the “Castello Sforzesco” with its huge “Parco Sempione”, the church of “Santa Maria delle Grazie” (with Leonardo’s painting “Last Supper”) and the Brera.
This features make Milano a city interested both in past and in the future.

Full day guided tour of Milano (Lunch in a tipical restaurant included) from old town to the skyscrapers.
Duomo, the Cathedral in the Gothic-flowered architecture full of sculptures and stained glass windows, is the symbol of Milano. From its terraces (only Gothic building with accessible roofs!), a wonderful view opens over the city and the PreAlps.

Crossing the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery, you reach PIAZZA DELLA SCALA which overlooks the most famous opera house in the world: La Scala.
Where the greatest composers, the most admired singers and the most famous conductors worked.

Next to the heart of the financial capital Milano, a medieval corner that has kept the charm of the past: PIAZZA DEI MERCANTI with the majestic structure of the Palace of Broletto.

The visit continues with CASTELLO SFORZESCO. This Castle is the symbol of the dukes’ power in Milano throughout two extremely important periods, 14th and 15th century, that saw the turning from the Middle Age to Modern Times. Built as a fortress, only later it would become one of the richest ducal residences of all times. It continues with BASILICA DI S. AMBROGIO, the most beautiful example of Romanesque architecture in northern Italy. Built in brick, according to Milanese tradition, the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio with its sober profile inspires deep serenity.
I NAVIGLI: Milano peculiar water system. The tour proceeds to the discovery of the old Milano and its rhymes marked by the flowing of water along its canals.
A Walk in PORTA GARIBALDI and PORTA NUOVA beetween past and present. An old area renovated with skyscrapers, considered among the most beautiful in the world, for multi-purpose urban planning and sustainable, essential characteristics for the present and the future of the city.
At the end of the tour, free time for individual activities and for dinner.
Overnight in Milano in 5* hotel (as Armani Hotel, Chateaux Monfort or similar)

ARMANI HOTEL ****
Armani Hotel Milano is located in the world famous couture district, known as Quadrilatero della Moda, only a few minutes away from the luxury shopping streets of Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga, the famous La Scala theatre and the spectacular Piazza del Duomo. Milano is not only the World’s Fashion Capital but also a city to be discovered, with its’ little secrets and hidden locations. A unique mix of history, art, culture and design is awaiting you.
The Armani style and philosophy defines every detail of the 95 guestrooms and suites. Each element has been personally designed by Giorgio Armani and chosen for sculptural, aesthetic and sensual qualities.

The package includes:

One luxuriouse couple treatment at the Armani Spa and access to the relaxation area and SPA facilities.
Complimentary late check-out upon availability.

CHATEAUX MONFORT *****
Château Monfort is a five-star luxury hotel located in the heart of Milano. The hotel will enchant you with its beautifully restored and elegantly furnished interiors, with an atmosphere and charm reminiscent of a romantic castle. Totally inspired by the concept of fairy-tale atmospheres, Château Monfort inaugurates a new kind of hotel: that of the Urban Château, a new context distinguished by a strong identity, creativity and immagination .

In an environment place able to arouse emotions, dreams and reality meet in an original reinterpretation of the interiors according to an exquisite neo-Romantic style, made up of enchanted gardens, dungeons and interiors that bring to mind that vast repertoire of fairy tales that everyone remembers as a child.

The package includes:

Delicious dinner at Rubacuori by Venissa Restaurant
Complimentary late check-out upon availability

DAY 2 – MILANO

After breakfast, free time for shopping or other individual activities.
Dinner in a local restaurant and overnight in hotel.

DAY 3 – BERGAMO

City of Bergamo is well known for its suddivision into two different areas: High City, the hystorical part surrounded by walls and, as its name suggests, situated in a higher position, and Low City, which can definied the economic and cultural heart of Bergamo.
The peculiarity of Bergamo is its High City which is mainly a pedestrian area, for structure of its territory and the tight alleys and its squares.

Morning: transfer from Milano to Bergamo [55 km].
Half day guided tour of Bergamo (lunch not included). The low, modern and bright city with its treasures as the Palazzo dell’Accademia Carrara, one of the most important Art Galleries in Italy.
The upper town, ancient, quiet and picturesque protects with sixteenth century walls, bell towers, palaces and churches of great beauty. On the main square, Piazza Vecchia, overlooking the Palazzo della Ragione of the Venetian Podestà and the Civic Tower. Very particular is the religious center with the Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Baptistry and the famous Colleoni Chapel built by Giovanni Antonio Amadeo: important mausoleum of the leader Bartolomeo Colleoni, covered with multicolored marble and elegant sculptures, is one of the masterpieces of the Lombard Renaissance.

After lunch, free time for shopping or individual activities;
Dinner in a local restaurant and overnight in Bergamo Alta in 5* hotel.

RELAIS SAN LORENZO *****
The Relais San Lorenzo is located in one of the oldest cities in Italy and is capable of giving an unparalleled journey into art, culture and time. A dive into the history of the location on which stands the elegant hotel to better understand its uniqueness, charm and importance.

The package includes:

A bottle of Champagne with a tray of fresh fruit in the room at your arrival.
Complimentary late check-out upon availability

DAY 4 – MANTOVA & VERONA

Mantova is a charming city, grown up under the influence of one of the most famous family in Italy, the Gonzaga. It’s well known for its architectural beauties, for example “Palazzo Te”, old dwelling of the master of the city (Gonzaga), the “Reggia di Gonzaga”, “Palazzo della Ragione” and “Palazzo del Podestà”; near these two ancient palaces stay the typical “Torre dell’Orologio”.
In the list of “things to do”, the wonderful Water Lift cannot miss: with a ferry boat we’ll pass from the high flow of Mincio river to the low flow of the Po river, using a system of sluices.

Morning: transfer from Bergamo to Mantova [140 km].
“Water Lift” from 10am to 3pm with lunch on board. At the end of ferry boat tour, free time for individual activities and transfer to Verona (50 km).
Free dinner and overnight in Verona in 5* hotel (as Due Torri Hotel, Relais de Charme il Sogno di Giulietta or similar).

DUE TORRI HOTEL *****
The Due Torri Hotel is situated in the historic centre of Verona near the church of Saint Anastasia, near Juliet’s famous balcony, Piazza Bra and the Arena, known throughout the world. The superb quality of the furnishings and the professional service are highly valued by its illustrious Italian and international clientele, making it the most renowned five-star hotel in Verona. The Hotel – hosted in a XIV century palace, named “Dell’Aquila” – is numbered among the historical dwelling house of the city and it’s member of “The Leading Hotels of The World”.

The package includes:

A bottle of Champagne with a tray of fresh fruit in the room at your arrival.
Complimentary late check-out upon availability.

RELAIS DE CHARME IL SOGNO DI GIULIETTA *****
Il Sogno di Giulietta (Juliet’s Dream) is inside Juliet’s courtyard. At night, closed to public, is possible to stay inside Juliet’s courtyard, leaving its magic atmosphere under the most famous balcony of the world. A worthy work of restoration has returned to the City of sweethearts the pure charme of the most famous love story in the world…..Romeo & Giulietta.
Opposite Juliet’s balcony, in the courtyard of her house, there isn’t a hotel, but an historical house destined to welcome the most romantic couples and to envelope them in a night of dreams.
It is now possible to stay in the kingdom narrated by Shakespeare in one of his most famous works.

The package includes:

Tickets to enter in Juliet’s House and Juliet’s Tomb.
Complimentary late check-out upon availability.

DAY 5 – VERONA & VENEZIA

Verona is often associated to Shakespeare’s tragedy of Romeo and Giulietta, famous literal masterpiece all over the world. It has a charming city centre, a wonderful to see pedestrian area that finds its highest expression in Piazza Bra overawed by well known Arena, a roman amphitheater often used in summer for opera festival and concerts.

After breakfast half day guided tour of Verona (Lunch not included).
Afternoon: free time for shopping, enjoy the city or other individual activities, than transfer to Venezia [120 km].
Dinner and overnight in Venezia in 4* hotel (as Starhotels Splendid Venice or NH Collection Palazzo Barocci).

STARHOTEL SPLENDID VENICE ****
A luxury boutique hotel in Venezia city centre, is elegant as the city itself. Enjoy the best location to experience the Venetian atmosphere.
Located 5-minute walk from Piazza San Marco and the Ponte di Rialto and conveniently connected with Vaporetto water bus stop “Rialto” (a few steps away). After a day exploring, this contemporary hotel is the ideal sanctuary: calm and comfortable, yet infused with Italian hospitality. It’s no wonder the Splendid Venice is often acclaimed as one of the best hotels in Venezia.

The package includes:

1 bottle of champagne in room with strawberries
Gondola tour of 30 min
Complimentary late check-out upon availability

NH COLLECTION PALAZZO BAROCCI ****
The NH Collection Venezia Palazzo Barocci is a historic building in the charming atmosphere. The hotel enjoys a prime location in the city, overlooking the Ponte di Rialto and the Canal Grande. With a Vaporetto water bus stop just a few minutes away, it is the perfect base to discover the city’s charms. Arrive in style by motorboat or gondola at the hotel’s private dock. Shop at exclusive fashion names like Prada, Versace and Ferragamo – they are all within five minutes’ walk of the hotel.
The hotel offers cozy spaces to relax after a day’s sightseeing: unwind in the intimate, sheltered garden, take a rest in the lounge space, with its comfortable seats and big-screen television.
A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts LVX Collection.

The package includes:

1 bottle of champagne in room with strawberries
Gondola tour of 30 min
Complimentary late check-out upon availability

DAY 6 – VENEZIA

City of Venezia has been for over a millenium capital of “Republic of Venice” and it is known for this reason as “La Serenissima” and “La Dominante”.
Venezia is considered one of the most beautiful cities all over the world and it is inserted, togheter with its famous lagoon, in the list of italian sites of Unesco heritage: thanks to the beauty of the city with its typical drains and typical venetian boat called “Gondola”, Venezia is the third most visited city in Italy, after Roma and Milano with a great number of foreign visitors.

After breakfast half day guided tour of Seductive Venezia to discover ancient Venetian vices and secrets (Lunch not included).
Charm and seduction, vices and folk customs, unknown areas and secret spots in Venezia, the millennial city has always been the scene of love affairs, betrayal and debauchery. On this tour you will discover a different Venezia from the purely romantic usual approach, a city of adventurers and courtesans, festivities and extravagant traditions, among which the most emblematic figure we can mention is the famous Giacomo Casanova.
An alternative tour, away from the usual tourist sites to discover a new perspective! One of the most beautiful walking routes in Venezia to show you how to get in touch with the most hidden and secret soul of the city thanks to the narrations of a knowledgeable local guide.
This guided secret tour will begin near the Ponte Rialto, in Campo San Bartolomeo, under the statue of the famous Carlo Goldoni, the playwright who made Venice Theater famous and described the moral decadence of the Republic like no one else.
After crossing the Ponte Rialto, you will reach the Camerlenghi Palace, place of collecting taxes. In the Venezia of the past, sex and money were certainly very close.
The guide will accompany you to Campo San Giacometto, one of the most antique parts of the city. After visiting the Rialto Market, the tour includes a stop at the Cantina ‘Do Spade’ (or another traditional osteria) where you can have a tasty ‘cicchetto’ or enjoy a glass of wine, while the guide will entertain you with anecdotes and other curiosities about libertine Venezia. You will be told that in this very old tavern Casanova, escorted by some friends, seduced a young married lady in a cloudy Carnival night.
After the break at Cantina ‘Do Spade’ you’ll visit the ‘Castelletto‘, the old red light district, a special corners of Venezia which only a brilliant Venetian guide can know!
Then you wil cross a bent bridge, near which you can see the Palace of Bianca Cappello, mistress and later wife of the Grand Duke of Florence Francesco I, who died under mysterious circumstances in 1587.
This itinerary in secret Venezia continues through narrow passages and deserted streets, until you get to Campo San Paolo, where you can admire the Palace of the famous English poet Frederick Rolfe (also known as Baron Corvo), known for his lecherous ways and for leading a somewhat dissolute life.
The last part of this fascinating journey to discover the private vices and debauchery of secret Venezia, could only be dedicated to the event in which transgression reached its highest expression: the Carnival. Nearby the Carlo Goldoni’s birthplace, you will see a store of traditional Venetian masks … there, the guide will narrate a fascinating story dedicated to the crazy things to do in Venezia during the Carnival in the Venetian opinions and the role and use of masks during the wildest dancing and festivities!
Afternoon: free time for shopping, enjoy the city or other individual activities.
Dinner in a local restaurant and overnight in hotel.

DAY 7 – VENEZIA (MURANO & BURANO)

Tour to Murano and Burano, the most famous Venetian islands.
Located on the north of the historic centre of Venezia, Murano and Burano offer beautiful handicrafts that have made them famous worldwide: the first is characterized by the centuries-old glass manufacturing, the second for its sophisticated laces, not to mention the colourful buildings. Visiting Murano and Burano will give you the most authentic and unusual side of Venezia!

After breakfast, departure by boat near Piazza San Marco to Murano. During the first stop, that lasts approximately 1 hour, you will have the opportunity to visit one of the island’s glassmakers and follow an explanation of the art of glass blowing. The next stop will be the island of Burano: lasting approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes, you will have time for lunch at the famous restaurant ‘Al Raspo de Ua’(included). and, according to the remaining available time before returning to Venezia, free time for walking or a bit of shopping in a tipycal island’s shops.
Return to Venezia and free time for individual activities.